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William Waggoner for JP logo

My Record:
results you can measure

Since taking office in July 2022, I’ve led the Conroe Municipal Court to be faster, fairer, and safer.


Every number below comes from the Texas Office of Court Administration.

clearing the backlog 

When I started on the bench, the court had over 41,000 cases log-jammed on the docket.


In my first term, we:

  • Reduced inactive backlog by roughly 28%

  • Reduced active caseload by 12%

  • Kept pace with every new filing

 

Result: The court is caught up, and we are operating on a clean, healthy docket instead of pushing cases into the future.

Data:
Active Cases: 19,759 → 17,554
Inactive Cases: 21,751 → 15,871

Graph of pending caseload over time

Faster case processing

Graph of new filings vs dispositions

A court should move cases, not sit on them.
Every month, my court has either matched or exceeded the number of new cases coming in.

That means:

  • No new backlog

  • Faster closure

  • Real accountability

 

Average Monthly Activity

  • 1,200+ new filings

  • 1,200–1,300+ dispositions

Changing Behavior 
Not Just Collecting Fines

Each month, a significant share of case resolutions were compliance-based dismissals

"Correct the issue.. Change the behavior"

That’s why we’ve prioritized:

  • Driver Safety Courses

  • Deferred Disposition

  • Proof of Insurance

  • Other Transportation Code compliance dismissals

 

On average, there were approximately 344 compliance dismissals per month during this period. These outcomes emphasize correction and public safety rather than simple revenue collection. Sustained use of these remedies shows a consistent judicial philosophy focused on behavior change and safe driving rather than maximizing fine revenue.

Graph of compliance based dismissals

Fair and firm
without criminalizing poverty

People should be held accountable, but not crushed if they truly can’t pay.
State law gives judges tools to protect people in hardship  and we use them:

  • Community service

  • Jail credit

  • Indigency waivers

 

Hundreds of cases resolved without debt traps
People stay working, licensed, and part of their community

That’s justice, not “fines first.”

warrants:
a tool not a threat

Graph of class c warrants over time

When I took the bench, the court had years of failures to appear stuck in the system. I used high warrant volume early to clean up the backlog.

Once the backlog was cleared:

  • Warrant usage normalized

  • Voluntary compliance improved

  • Warrants became the exception, not the rule

 

Peak Backlog Cleanup: 1,552 warrants
Recent Months: ~60–70 warrants

The trend in Class C warrants issued over time supports a narrative of early, targeted cleanup followed by normalized, sustainable use of warrants rather than routine overuse.

strong financial management

Fairness and fiscal responsibility can coexist.
Even while prioritizing compliance dismissals and indigency protections, we maintained stable revenue for both the City of Conroe and the State of Texas.

Average monthly collections: $150,000+ (City + State combined)

No “ticket mill.”
No pressure to pay instead of fix.
Just responsible court operations.

Graph of monthly collections for city and state

my Key issues

Graphic of juvenile diversion and intervention

Juvenile intervention

At the City of Conroe Municipal Court, we’ve taken important steps to meet the new state requirement for youth diversion programs but more importantly, we’ve done so because it works. Our court has focused on giving young people a second chance through education, counseling, community service, and mentorship, rather than punishment alone. By partnering with local schools, service organizations, and mental-health providers, we’ve been able to guide youth toward accountability while keeping them out of the criminal system.

If elected Justice of the Peace, I will continue and expand this approach. Juvenile intervention programs don’t just change lives. They strengthen families, reduce repeat offenses, and create safer, more stable communities. By addressing the root causes of behavior and providing early guidance, we keep young people on track and protect the future of Montgomery County. I will ensure our court remains a place of fairness, compassion, and opportunity . Where accountability is balanced with the belief that every young person deserves a path forward.

mental health

Mental health isn’t just a personal issue. It’s a community priority. Through my work on the bench and with local partners, I have supported the services offered by Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare (the local mental-health authority serving Montgomery, Liberty, and Walker Counties)  The agency provides crisis intervention, substance-use services, youth and adult counseling, psychiatric care, and long-term support for families in our area.

 

If elected Justice of the Peace, I will continue and expand those partnerships, working closely with Tri-County, local nonprofits, school-based counselors, and law-enforcement agencies to ensure help is available when neighbors need it most.

 

I will support a local “co-responder” model, pairing mental health professionals with law enforcement when crises arise, to de-escalate situations, connect people to treatment, and keep our community safe. My goal is simple: build a court and a county where mental health is treated with urgency and compassion, not neglect, ensuring recovery, prevention, and justice go hand in hand.

Mental Health flowchart showing how mental health affects the community
graphic showing how many cases are public safety matters

Public safety

Enforcing Class C misdemeanor tickets plays an essential role in protecting public safety and preserving the quality of life in Montgomery County. These citations — for offenses like speeding, reckless driving, or public intoxication — hold individuals accountable and deter dangerous behavior before it leads to more serious crimes or harm. I stand firmly with the men and women of our police and fire departments who serve on the front lines every day to keep our community safe. By supporting our first responders and maintaining consistent, fair enforcement, we can prevent problems before they grow, strengthen respect for the law, and ensure Montgomery County remains a safe and secure place for every family.

stability in the court

I will bring stability to the Justice Court by applying my judicial experience and the strong relationships I’ve built with local officials, law enforcement, and community leaders. Through open communication and collaboration, I will streamline court processes, reduce delays, and ensure consistent, fair outcomes. By setting clear expectations, improving coordination between agencies, and maintaining accountability, I will create a court that operates with efficiency and integrity—one the people of Montgomery County can rely on every day.

William Waggoner for JP logo

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