Plumbing 
Justin Wolbert
Justin Wolbert is running on the Republican ticket in the March 5 primary election, seeking the office of Uvalde County attorney.
He believes the county needs a representative rooted in the community, and he sees a need for more effective and timely prosecution in domestic abuse and trespassing cases.
“What I saw happening is that there’s a lot of decisions that are not really explained to the community. And there’s just a lot of inaction, quite frankly. I thought, someone has to step up and change this,” Wolbert said.
Wolbert believes that lack of public participation in meetings leads to a disconnect between the community and those in government.
He said, if elected, he plans to attend all meetings to be on hand to offer legal advice or explain complex matters, something he says is not currently happening. (While there is a seat at the dais for the county attorney during commissioners court meetings, attendance is not required.)
He identified key points he wants to focus on, including stopping illegal trespassing in the county and establishing mental health courts.
Seeing ongoing issues with immigrants trespassing as a public safety matter, Wolbert believes in accepting and utilizing what can be millions of dollars grant funding from the governor’s office.
“Operation Lone Star (OLS) is actually directed to the county attorneys and the current county attorney has not done any OLS cases in the past two years. He declined, the funding was declined and it’s just not being done at all,” Wolbert said.
He is frustrated by the lack of proactive future planning by agencies.
“You can change departments with millions of dollars. I think my job is to earn my income. If in the position of county attorney, you can. I can show how you can tie in revenue. Instead of generating income right now, I think there are a lot of problems, problems aren’t being addressed, and it seems to be a sinkhole of money.”
As owner of a law firm, Wolbert works for 38th Judicial District Attorney Christina Mitchell, handling misdemeanor Operation Lone Star cases. With experience in criminal prosecution and defense, Wolbert said he has worked on 300 to 400 OLS cases.
He believes establishing mental health courts could reduce recidivism and provide necessary resources. He also stresses appreciating and listening to employees to reduce turnover.
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Wolbert graduated from Central Michigan University. He obtained his juris doctor degree from the University of Tennessee in May of 2012 and passed the Texas bar exam in 2018.
He and his wife, Shawna, a sixth- through eighth-grade math teacher at Batesville School, have two children, Ruth and Oliver. The college sweethearts who met on the debate team moved to Texas to be closer to family.
“We wanted to start a family. We thought, no better place than Texas. And fortunately for us, our family was here, Tom and Jill Nordwick,” Wolbert said, referring to his wife’s parents.
He worked for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, administering state welfare programs for about a year. He also worked for the Attorney General’s office in Texas for about two years, handling child enforcement dockets.
He then worked at the Muñoz Law Firm for about three years, practicing criminal and civil law. Approximately 1.5 years ago he opened his own law firm, sharing office space on South Getty Street with his friend and mentor, Rogelio M. Muñoz.
Wolbert has been a member of the Uvalde County Child Welfare Board since 2018. He coached youth soccer and volunteers in schools.
Wolbert and his family attend the Uvalde Methodist Church.
