Gov. Perry Appoints Alcala as Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals

Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Elsa Alcala of Houston as judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals for a term to expire at the next general election.

Alcala is a justice of the First Court of Appeals in Harris County, and former judge of the 338th District Court in Harris County. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Houston Bar Association Appellate Section, Fort Bend County Bar Association, and Mexican American Bar Association of Houston, and a fellow of the College of the State Bar of Texas. She is also vice chair of the State Bar of Texas Criminal Pattern Jury Charge Committee, board secretary of the Reed Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization, and a troop leader for the San Jacinto Council Girl Scouts.

Alcala received a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University at Kingsville and a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law, and is board certified in criminal law.

This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.