Associate Circuit Judge

Douglas Gaston

The Associate Division of the Circuit Court in Texas County serves the people by hearing and resolving a wide variety of civil and criminal cases.
 

Texas County is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit, which is composed of Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Texas Counties.  Two Circuit Judges are elected for six year terms to serve in the 25th Judicial Circuit.  By law there must be at least one Associate Circuit Judge in each Missouri County.  Associate Circuit Judges are elected for four year terms.  There is one Associate Circuit Judge in Maries County, two in Phelps County, two in Pulaski county and one in Texas County.

Citizens are often confused as to the differences between the Circuit and Associate Circuit Judges and what jurisdiction each has.  Associate Circuit Judges in the 25th Judicial Circuit may, by law, local court rules, or by assignment from the Presiding Judge hear all kinds and types of cases.  The first question a Judge asks him or herself is, Do I have Jurisdiction (authority) to hear this case between these parties?  He or she tries to state for the parties and the record the nature and the source of my jurisdiction at the very beginning of the case.

Each person who comes to court is entitled to have their case heard fairly and impartially.  Whenever any conflicts of interest may arise, a Judge from another county will be assigned to hear the case.  By serving all counties of the Judicial Circuit each Judge does his or her part to keep the judicial system working.

519 North Grand Avenue

Houston, MO  65483

Phone:  417-967-3663