---
title: "Emmanuel Espinoza | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/emmanuel-espinoza"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-27"
---

# Emmanuel Espinoza

Weslaco Municipal Court · Municipal Judge

## Profile

- Court: Weslaco Municipal Court
- State: Texas
- Role: Municipal Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-27

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### limited criminal remote appearance

Scope: statewide

For the specific fine-and-cost hearings governed by Articles 45A.258 and 45A.259, a justice or municipal judge may allow a defendant to appear by telephone or videoconference when an in-person appearance would impose undue hardship.

Evidence excerpt: If the justice or judge determines that requiring a defendant to appear before the justice or judge in person for a hearing under Article 45A.258 or 45A.259 would impose an undue hardship on the defendant, the justice or judge may allow the defendant to appear by telephone or videoconference.

[Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 45A.260, Appearance by Telephone or Videoconference](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/pdf/CR.45A.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://card.txcourts.gov/directorysearch.aspx)
- [Official roster](https://card.txcourts.gov/directorysearch.aspx)
- [Texas Office of Court Administration official judicial roster](https://card.txcourts.gov/directorysearch.aspx)
- [Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 45A.260, Appearance by Telephone or Videoconference](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/pdf/CR.45A.pdf)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- The Associate Judge of the Weslaco Municipal Court in Hidalgo County, Texas, appointed in December 2024 for a two‐year term ending December 3, 2026
- Under the Weslaco Municipal Court, Judge Espinoza serves as an associate judge alongside Presiding Judge Samuel Sanchez

### Education


### Additional information

- Agreement: Two‐year employment contract, expiring December 3, 2026
- Date appointed: December 17, 2024
- Associate judges handle cases assigned to them, contribute to court proceedings, and assist in adjudicating matters within the municipal court’s jurisdiction.
- The court meets Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m., and parties with scheduled appearances can contact the court at (956) 968‐6123 for assistance.
- Process: Approved unanimously by the Weslaco City Commission after an interview process
- Mayor Gonzales administered the oath of office
- Espinoza’s statement: He emphasized that the role “means a commitment to integrity, fairness, and justice” and that he will approach every case with compassion, dignity, and respect for those before the court.
- While the official court and commission records confirm his judicial role, no public biographical details about his prior legal or professional background are provided in the available sources.
- His appointment follows the precedent of the previous associate judge’s contract terms.



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 45A.260, Appearance by Telephone or Videoconference](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-7a6578736340dbebb75e89c7) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/pdf/CR.45A.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.
- [Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 45A.260, Appearance by Telephone or Videoconference](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-0fa5a7f51969f3609de00053) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/pdf/CR.45A.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.