About Judge Phillips
Judge John Phillips is a native Houstonian. He is married to Celeste Phillips and has two children Sam and Jacqueline. He is a 1981 graduate of South Texas College of Law, and a former Assistant District Attorney (1981 – 1985). John had a private law practice from 1985 – 2002, until he was elected to the 314th District Court in 2002. Judge Phillips was re-elected to the bench in 2006, and currently serves as Administrative Judge of the juvenile division. He is also co-chair of the Harris County Juvenile Board and chair of the Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative Management Oversight Committee.
Improvements in Harris County Juvenile Justice from 2007 to 2009
22% Drop in Detention Admissions. 6,168 youth admitted in 2007 and 4,790 admitted in 2009. In 2009 the average daily detention population never exceeded state mandate of 250 for the first time since opening the Juvenile Justice Center.
23% Drop in Petitions Filed by the District Attorney’s Office. In 2007, 14,332 petitions files, in 2009, 11,043 petitions filed.
43% Drop in Out-of-Home Placements. More post-adjudicated youth are remaining in their homes with individualized and stringent community supervision. This will save approximately $500,000 per month. In 2007, 4,170 youth were placed outside their homes at the county expense – in 2009, 2,392 youth.
67% Drop in Commitments to the Texas Youth Commission (TYC). Due to problems with the Texas Youth Commission providing adequate services to youth, there has been a concerted effort by the Harris County Juvenile District Courts to commit less youth to TYC and using local resources to provide services. In 2007, 543 youth were committed to TYC – 198 in 2009.
63% Drop in Youth Transferred to Adult Court (Certifications). In 2007, 78 – in 2009, 48.
Judge John Phillips of the 314th District Court has been awarded and endorsed by:
| 2009 Public Policy & Law Center Award from Children at Risk |
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| 2010 Judge of the Year Award | |
| Houston Police Officers Union |  |
| National Latino Peace Officers Association |  |
| Pasadena Police Officers Union |  |
| C-Club of Houston |  |