Judicial District Candidates Bexar | Face to Face Project

William "Cruz" Shaw graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio and the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law He is married.

Cruz is an associate judge for Bexar County's juvenile district court. He previously served as an attorney for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Before becoming an attorney, he served in the U.S. Army.

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Cruz previously served as an attorney for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Before becoming an attorney, he served in the U.S. Navy.

William is currently a Bexar County District Judge.

Texas agencies report slight decrease in juvenile crime

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William is currently a District Judge in Judicial District 436 in Texas. He was previously a District 2 San Antonio City Council member.

Judicial Candidate Resource Guide

As a juvenile court judge, he oversees all cases involving individuals under 18 who are abused, neglected, or parentless, as well as the emancipation process, and sentencing for certain violent felonies committed by individuals ages 13 to 17.

- As a juvenile court judge, he oversees all cases involving individuals under 18 who are abused, neglected, or parentless, as well as the emancipation process, and sentencing for certain violent felonies committed by individuals ages 13 to 17.

Legal Experience

As of January 22, 2026, William "Cruz" Shaw did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Claims to be the "the kind of judge who can hold juveniles accountable, relate to them and change lives."

- Claims to be the "the kind of judge who can hold juveniles accountable, relate to them and change lives."

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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William "Cruz" Shaw

Said, "Sometimes you give them the option, zero tolerance. You come back here on a positive drug test; I will remove you from your home and let them know that."

Said, "Sometimes you give them the option, zero tolerance. You come back here on a positive drug test; I will remove you from your home and let them know."

As of January 22, 2026, William "Cruz" Shaw’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- 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.