County Court at Law Judge Irene Rios recently announced her intention to run for a place on the 4th Court of Appeals. Upon her announcement, some claimed the judge must step down immediately.
The judge appeared before Bexar County Commissioners Court Tuesday to assure them that she has resigned. However, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said Rios may continue to hear cases until a replacement is found.
"In her interpretation of the law, even though she stated that she would be resigning, she can hold over until a replacement is appointed," Wolff said. "She asked us to begin the process, which we are doing, and we hope to appoint that person within the next 30 to 60 days."
Commissioners created a process to accept applications from attorneys wishing to be considered to serve out the rest of Rios’ term. Applicants must be a two-year resident of Bexar County and a U.S. citizen, a minimum 25 years of age, and have four years’ experience as a practicing lawyer or judge.
