Hilary Unger has a bachelor s degree from the University of Texas and a law degree from the University of Florida. She has lived in Texas for 58 years.

248th District Court | Texas Judges

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Hilary Unger earned a bachelor' s degree from the University of Texas and a law degree from the University of Florida. She is a mother.

Hilary is a judge for Texas District Court, District 248. Before taking the bench, she worked as an assistant district attorney, a public defender, and a private attorney in both New York and Texas. She has also taught legal topics at the Houston Police Academy.

Judicial Q&A: Judge Hilary Unger | Off the Kuff

Hilary previously worked as an assistant district attorney, a public defender, and a private attorney.

Hilary is currently a state district judge for the 248th District Court. She was first elected in 2018.

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The Honorable Hilary Unger - Texas State Directory Online

Hilary is currently a state district judge for the 248th District Court in Texas. She was first elected in 2018.

Judicial Candidate Resource Guide

Has 25 years of experience as an assistant district attorney, public defender, and private attorney in New York and Texas.

As a state district court judge, she oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

- Has 25 years of experience as an assistant district attorney, public defender, and private attorney in New York and Texas.
- As a state district court judge, she oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Legal Experience

Supports working with social workers, organizations, and community leaders to find alternatives to incarceration.

Wants to expand partnerships with organizations that work with defendants pretrial, including psychiatric medication providers, substance abuse treatment providers, and counseling providers.

Thinks bond decisions should "balance public safety with fairness and justice."

- Supports working with social workers, organizations, and community leaders to find alternatives to incarceration.
- Wants to expand partnerships with organizations that work with defendants pretrial, including psychiatric medication providers, substance abuse treatment providers, and counseling providers.
- Thinks bond decisions should "balance public safety with fairness and justice."

Judicial Administration

Claims to believe everyone should be treated fairly and have a chance to be heard.

Promises to try to make Harris County a "safer, more just place for all."

- Claims to believe everyone should be treated fairly and have a chance to be heard.
- Promises to try to make Harris County a "safer, more just place for all."

Judicial Philosophy

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

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Hilary Unger

Stresses the importance of education and trade certificates to probationers.

Plans to work with community organizations and leaders to provide support for young adults who appear in court.

- 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.