Maria Aceves is from Mexico City. She has a bachelor's degree in international studies from Southern Methodist University and a law degree from Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law. She lives with her family in Dallas.

Maria Aceves - Ballotpedia

192nd Civil District Court | Judges Bio

Maria is from Mexico City. She has a bachelor's degree in international studies from Southern Methodist University and a law degree from Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law. She lives with her family in Dallas.

Maria is a judge for the 192nd Civil District Court in Dallas County. She is also an adjunct professor at SMU Dedman School of Law. Before taking the bench, Maria was a civil litigation attorney, focusing on personal injury cases. She also handled guardian ad litem appointments, representing minor children's interests in civil cases. Maria previously practiced civil litigation at a prominent defense firm and worked at a boutique catastrophic injury firm. She also interned for a civil district court judge in Dallas County. 

Maria is an adjunct professor at SMU Dedman School of Law. Before taking the bench, Maria was a civil litigation attorney, focusing on personal injury cases. She also handled guardian ad litem appointments, representing minor children's interests in civil cases. Maria previously practiced civil litigation at a prominent defense firm and worked at a boutique catastrophic injury firm. She also interned for a civil district court judge in Dallas County. 

Maria is currently a judge of the Texas 192nd District Court. She was elected in 2022 and her current term ends in 2026.

Maria Aceves is currently a judge of the Texas 192nd District Court. She was elected in 2022 and her current term ends in 2026.

As an attorney, specialized in personal injury cases.

As an attorney, handled guardian ad litem appointments representing minor children's interests in civil cases.

As a legal associate at a prominent defense firm, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in civil litigation.

As an attorney, worked as both a plaintiff's attorney and defense attorney.

- As an attorney, specialized in personal injury cases.
- As an attorney, handled guardian ad litem appointments representing minor children's interests in civil cases.
- As a legal associate at a prominent defense firm, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in civil litigation.
- As an attorney, worked as both a plaintiff's attorney and defense attorney.

Legal Experience

As of January 22, 2026, Maria Aceves’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Believes fairness is the most important goal in the courtroom. She believes a good judge must be independent, objective, and focused strictly on the facts and the law.

Wants everyone in her court to feel they have been heard and had a chance to tell their side of the story.

- Believes fairness is the most important goal in the courtroom. She believes a good judge must be independent, objective, and focused strictly on the facts and the law.
- Wants everyone in her court to feel they have been heard and had a chance to tell their side of the story.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Previously served on the board of Avance North Texas, the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association, the Dallas Bar Association (“DBA”) ABE Diversity Survey Task Force Update, DBA Mock Trial Committee, Chair of the DBA Mock Voir Dire program, Chair of the DBA Law in Schools Committee, and Chair of the Mentoring Committee for the Mac Taylor Inn of Court.

Has participated in numerous mentoring programs.

- Previously served on the board of Avance North Texas, the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association, the Dallas Bar Association (“DBA”) ABE Diversity Survey Task Force Update, DBA Mock Trial Committee, Chair of the DBA Mock Voir Dire program, Chair of the DBA Law in Schools Committee, and Chair of the Mentoring Committee for the Mac Taylor Inn of Court.
- Has participated in numerous mentoring programs.

Community Involvement

LinkedIn

Maria Aceves

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- District judges manage Texas district courts, which are trial courts with general jurisdiction, and have exclusive authority over felony cases. A judge may be presiding over a civil, criminal, juvenile, or special court. They also share jurisdiction with Texas county courts.
- Texas has over 470 district courts, each presided over by a single judge. Some courts cover multiple counties, while others are assigned to single counties based on population size.
- District judges are elected through partisan elections for four-year terms. Candidates must be between 25 and 75 years old, have lived in the district for at least 2 years, and be licensed lawyers with at least 4 years' experience.
- The annual salary for district judges ranges from $175,000 to $245,500, depending on years of service.