---
title: "Toria J. Finch | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/toria-j-finch"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Toria J. Finch

Texas County Criminal Court at Law No. 9 · Statutory County Court Judge

## Profile

- Court: Texas County Criminal Court at Law No. 9
- State: Texas
- Role: Statutory County Court Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-25

## 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

### civil remote appearances

Scope: statewide

In civil district and county court proceedings, the court may permit or require electronic participation after appropriate notice; compelled electronic participation for oral-testimony proceedings requires good cause or party agreement, and a jury trial requires party agreement.

Evidence excerpt: Upon appropriate notice by a party or the court, a court may allow or require a participant to appear at a court proceeding by videoconference, teleconference, or other available electronic means, except as otherwise provided in (2).

[Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### civil recording and broadcasting

Scope: statewide

Civil district and county trial courts may permit courtroom recording or broadcasting only under Supreme Court guidelines, with the required party and witness consent, or for ceremonial proceedings.

Evidence excerpt: A trial court may permit broadcasting, televising, recording, or photographing of proceedings in the courtroom only in the following circumstances:

[Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 18c, Recording and Broadcasting of Court Proceedings](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.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 Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.pdf)
- [Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 18c, Recording and Broadcasting of Court Proceedings](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.pdf)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- She made history as the first African American woman to serve as Presiding Judge of this court
- Finch has also held the role of the Presiding Judge of the sixteen Harris County Criminal Courts at Law and as the Local Administrative Judge of the twenty civil and criminal Harris County Courts at Law
- She is recognized for her historic achievements, her role in advancing African American women in the judiciary, and her efforts to implement programs that support restorative justice and community engagement

### Education


### Additional information

- Her current term ends on December 31, 2026.
- Judge Finch is a member of the Democratic Party and is running for re-election in the general election on November 3, 2026.
- She previously defeated Sartaj Bal in the 2022 general election and has advanced from Democratic primaries in both 2022 and 2026.
- Elected to the bench of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 9 on November 6, 2018, and assumed office on January 1, 2019.
- She is a member of the historic “Houston 19,” a group of 19 African American women who won judicial elections in Harris County during the 2018 midterms.
- First-generation attorney who credits her upbringing in a faith- and community-centered family for shaping her dedication to public service and justice.
- Judge Finch’s career reflects a dedication to equity, leadership, and mentorship.
- Judge Finch was born in Nashville, Tennessee, as the youngest of three siblings to Pastor Harold W. Finch, Sr. and Dr. Janet M. Finch.
- As a child, she was active in sports, excelling in basketball, softball, volleyball, and track, and often traveled with her parents to small churches, which helped develop her public presence.
- Her life story emphasizes lifting others as she ascends, combining professional excellence with a commitment to service.

