Dimple Malhotra

Professional career

• Judge Dimple Malhotra has held the role of the presiding judge of Travis County Court at Law #4 since her appointment in October 2019 by the Travis County Commissioners following the retirement of Judge Mike Denton
• The first South Asian and first female Asian American elected judge in Travis County history, bringing a unique perspective to the judiciary that reflects the county’s diverse AAPI population

Education

Additional information

• Her current term ends on December 31, 2026, and she is running for re-election in the November 3, 2026 general election.
• She was subsequently elected by voters in 2020 to complete the unexpired term and re-elected in 2022 to a full four-year term.
• Began her career in 1999 at non-profit agencies in California and Texas, providing legal representation for survivors seeking protective orders, custody, and child support.
• Judge Malhotra has over 25 years of experience in addressing domestic violence and family violence issues.
• Recognized for her dedication to domestic violence prevention and rehabilitation.
• She subsequently served in the County Attorney’s office as Assistant County Attorney, Court Chief, and Chief of the Protective Orders Division, and in the District Attorney’s office as Assistant District Attorney and Chief of the Family Violence Unit.
• Her extensive experience includes first-chair criminal trial work and leadership of teams handling family violence cases.
• She advocates for programs that help offenders unlearn abusive behaviors through counseling, mental health services, and diversion programs.
• She has also testified before the Texas Senate to support legislation educating children and teens about healthy relationships and family violence.
• Her personal experiences as a witness to domestic violence and as an immigrant from an Indian-American family inform her compassionate approach on the bench.
• Her work emphasizes equal protection under the law, balancing the safety of alleged victims with the rights of defendants.
• Judge Malhotra has established programs to increase privacy for sexual assault protective orders, created diversion programs for first-time offenders, and worked to educate youth on healthy relationships.
• She treats all court participants with kindness, compassion, and respect, aiming to break cycles of domestic violence and support rehabilitation.