Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
During a beautiful ceremony with family and friends, Renee Rodriguez- Betancourt became the Judge for District Court 449 in Hidalgo County.
On Sunday, January 1, 2017, State Rep. Terry Canales, who acted as the master of ceremonies said, “Today is a special day for Hidalgo County, the Betancourt-Rodriguez families and the children of Hidalgo County.” He continued, “today, we are swearing the new judge for the 449th District Court Renee Rodriguez- Betancourt.”
He also said that her families are great pillars of this community and public servants that the City of Edinburg and Hidalgo County have ever seen. He also said that the new judge would continue to serve in the spirit that her parents taught her.
It was mentioned, that when Renee Rodriguez- Betancourt learn that she had been elected, she immersed herself in the issues of juvenile justice and became someone that relentlessly pursued how was she going to run her court.
Judge Mario Ramirez who presides over the 332nd District Court in charge of administering the oath said, “What a privilege it is for me to be here with you and give you the oath of office.” He continued, “I always feel very close to you and your family for you all have done for me and this community.”
Judge Ramirez’ career has been in the juvenile field. He said, “I took my cue from Judge Joe B. Evans a long time ago who always stated that the juveniles are our future.”
The new Judge Renee Rodriguez- Betancourt said, “Wow, the day is finally here.” “as I look at the crowd and I see everyone out here, I want to say thank you for taking the time on this New Year’s Day to come a celebrate with my family.” She continued, “But before, I want to say thank you to the All-Mighty up above that has given us all that we have today, and that’s our Lord and Savior. Without him, nothing is possible, and without Him, I wouldn’t have some of my best blessings, and I am grateful to Him.”
The newly created District Court, located at the Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center, became the 449th State District Court during the 80th Legislative session. The concept of this Court is to specialize in the processing of juvenile cases. The Court became fully operational with a State District Judge and court staff in January of 2008.
The 449th District Court is designed to accommodate all participants directly involved in the judicial process of juvenile cases. Incorporating the location of a district court to operate within the Juvenile Justice Center, embodies the opportunity to expedite the hearing of cases and affords the prospect of utilizing resources efficiently for youth and their families including all personnel involved in juvenile court proceedings.
Judge Renee Rodriguez- Betancourt was born in Edinburg, Texas, and graduated from Edinburg High School in 1999. In just 2 1/2 years, she completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas-Pan American before earning her law degree from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law.
In 2016, after a decade working in a variety of legal areas, she was elected Judge of the 449th District Court of Texas. According to the Texas Judicial Branch, Rodriguez-Betancourt is the youngest district judge in Texas. She and her husband J.R. Betancourt are the proud parents of three young daughters.
