Terry County Justice of the Peace Jerry Johnson (seated) along with his staff, which includes (from left) Victoria Martinez, Angie Garza and Chief Clerk Linda McWilliams.

 By MITCH WORD

NOTE: This is the sixth in a series outlining the functions of the various county offices.

There is perhaps no office with a wider variety of duties than the office of the Justice of the Peace. He or she is part law enforcement officer, part truant officer, part medical examiner and part judge.

The current Justice of the Peace is Jerry Johnson, the former longtime County Sheriff who spent 37 years in law enforcement. After spending two years in retirement, he decided he wanted to go back to work.

“I was interested in the Justice of the Peace office because, in a roundabout way, it still keeps me involved in law enforcement. It’s a different role, however, one that involves more judgment than enforcement.”

Johnson’s staff includes Chief Clerk Linda McWilliams as well as Angie Garza and Victoria Martinez.

Johnson’s duties include handling all citations issued by the Department of Public Safety troopers. The range of fees charged for such a violation is set according to state guidelines.

He also handles the issuing of felony warrants filed by the District Attorney. In addition, Johnson is in charge of enforcement of punishment for Class C Misdemeanors. Those convicted of a Class C Misdemeanor can pay fines up to $500.

The Justice of the Peace also is in charge of enforcing truancy laws. Parents of children under the age of 17 can be fined, ordered to take part in community service and even jailed if they don’t keep their children in school. Children 17 and over can face the same types of punishment if they are found to be truant.

People wishing to settle disputes in Small Claims Court will find themselves in front of the Justice of the Peace. The disputes are typically of a financial nature and cannot exceed $10,000.

Finally, the Justice of the Peace is responsible for holding inquests involving deaths of a questionable nature as well as those killed in vehicle accidents. An inquest is also ordered when a death takes place in a home where there is no hospice provider.

Johnson said that, just as in law enforcement, he and his staff take part in training classes and seminars regularly.

As for the future, Johnson said he enjoys his job and doesn’t envision stopping anytime soon.

“I wouldn’t mind sticking with this for awhile,” he said. “I don’t have any thoughts of retiring. I had two years of that and it’s no fun. I want to keep staying busy.”

The Justice of the Peace Office is located in the Terry County Annex at 507W. Main.