Judge Trejo Visits Noemi Dominguez School

5th Graders Learn Respect for the Law

Judge Mike Trejo doffed his customary judicial robes last week and spoke to the 5th grade students at Noemi Dominguez Elementary School. He was the invited guest of the Assistant Principal, Mary Sanchez, in a series of lectures by local leaders. She explained that these regular presentations are to broaden their knowledge, and for them to get to know first-hand outstanding leaders in various professions.

In his presentation, the judge told the students that he was honored to be able to talk to them about respect for the law, and all the things that come to his office, and that he must be prepared to handle all manner of infractions of the law as Justice of the Peace.

The kids were amazed at the things involved in his office. The JP holds court for various violations of the law, such as theft and traffic violations–even truancy. He issues warrants for arrest in other cases, and presides in small claims court. For more serious crimes, the case may be transferred to the County Judge or District Court. In his administration of justice, the judge works closely with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Constables office, the local police force, U.S. Border Patrol, the State Troopers, and even the F.B.I. and Home Security in certain cases.

After describing his duties as Justice of the Peace, Trejo shared his personal values with the students and urged them to set high goals for themselves and work to achieve them.

“Have a dream and work for it,” he said. adding, “a dream without hard work is nothing but a wish–and the key to that success is a good education.”
The judge asked the students to answer this question: “How do you see yourself in five years?” Hands shot up immediately from the students. Some wanted to be football professionals, others nurses, Air Force pilots, veterinarians, doctors, soldiers and teachers–they all had something in mind.

Trejo said, ”these are great answers because they show you have a goal in life. In this country you can be anything you want. There are no limits–you could even be the President of the United States. “My advice to you is to study hard in school and take the college courses so that you can achieve your goals–one more suggestion: learn to be a leader in whatever you do, not a follower–be positive and lead by example, and you‘ll succeed. “

The students wanted to know how the judge got to where he is today. “Well,” the judge started, “after graduating from high school, I went to work in the Cameron County Sheriff’s department. I became a Criminal Investigator where I investigated all kinds of crimes, such as: theft, larceny, burglary, murder. After several years with the Sheriff’s department, I went into business for myself. All of that experience helps me now to carry out my duties as judge.”

Trejo is in his second year as elected judge, and said that because of his life’s experience, he administers the law in a balanced way. “I believe in firm, strict enforcement of the law, “but, I’m fair in my judgments,” the judge said.

Assistant Principal Mary Sanchez spoke with praise for the judge. She said, “He has been a Godsend to the school district because of his willingness to work with the schools and make presentations to classes. He gives the kids encouragement and opportunity.”

The school district always welcomes volunteer speakers in various fields of activity who wish to volunteer to speak to the students about their profession or business. Mary Sanchez can be reached at (956) 797-8430.