Experienced: Meet Judge Hilary Unger — A Fair and Compassionate Judge for Harris County

What Does It Mean to Be an Experienced Judge?

When we say a judge is experienced, we describe someone who has spent many years learning how the law works for both the people who bring cases and those who defend themselves. Judge Hilary Unger is exactly that kind of judge.

This page is for Harris County voters who want to know what makes a judge truly experienced and how that experience helps keep our community safe and fair. The meaning of being experienced in this context is having the depth of knowledge and judgment necessary to ensure fairness and justice for all. An experienced judge has worked in many legal roles, handled lots of trials, and shown a strong record of making fair decisions.

Here, you’ll learn about Judge Unger’s background, her work as a judge, and how she serves the community. At present, Judge Unger continues to play a vital role in upholding the standards of the justice system. Experience, fairness, and safety all go hand in hand—Judge Unger uses her knowledge to apply the law fairly and protect everyone.

The goal of an experienced judge is to uphold justice and ensure that every decision aligns with the principles of the law. It is essential for a judge to avoid any conflict of interest to maintain impartiality. Every decision should be free from bias, ensuring fairness for all parties involved.

Serious About Safety - Serious About Solutions

Keeping our neighborhoods safe requires serious solutions, not sound bites. Judge Unger is committed to addressing safety concerns thoughtfully and responsibly, focusing on effective actions rather than quick slogans.

In 2024, Judge Unger handled 19 criminal jury trials—the most among felony judges in Harris County. In 2025, she handled 15 trials, tied for 4th place. These numbers show that she doesn’t just let cases slide; she ensures that serious cases go to trial when they are ready to be tried.

Bond Decisions

Texas law guides how judges decide bond, also known as bail. Judge Unger follows the law and, when setting the bond amount, considers several important factors:

The circumstances of the offense
The Public Safety Report and the defendant's criminal history
Citizenship status
The safety of the victim, police, and community
The defendant's ability to pay

By carefully weighing these elements, Judge Unger ensures that bond decisions balance public safety with fairness and justice.

A Family History of Standing Up for the Community and Individual Rights

Judge Unger grew up in Miami Beach, Florida, in a family that cared deeply about workers’ rights and voting. Her family's tradition of advocacy began generations ago, setting the foundation for their commitment to justice. Her dad was member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and her grandmother was a Democratic party chair who helped register voters and organize local politics.

Her grandfather worked as a union organizer in the South, fighting for fair treatment in tough times. These family stories taught her early on what justice really means.

Judge Unger has been active in her community in several specific ways:

She was a member of the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (UAW Local 2325) from 1989 to 1992, during which time she walked picket lines in support of union members.
She served as a legal observer for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), helping to monitor and protect civil rights during demonstrations.
She has been involved with numerous Democratic organizations, contributing to local political engagement.
She was a Volunteer Deputy Registrar, assisting in voter registration efforts.
She actively participated in canvassing, phone banks, and other volunteer activities for political campaigns, demonstrating her commitment to community involvement and civic participation.

She believes everyone—victims, defendants, police, and families—should be treated fairly and have a chance to be heard. Judge Unger found her passion for justice and fairness through these lifelong experiences and family influences.

Teaching the Next Generation About Public Service

Judge Unger’s kids often join her at community events like marches, neighborhood gatherings, and school meetings. She shows them that being involved means more than talking—it means taking action.

From Miami Beach to NYC to Houston: A Life Devoted to Public Service

In 2007, Judge Unger moved to Houston to be closer to family and to continue her legal career in a growing city. Houston’s busy courts needed lawyers who understood all sides, and her background in fairness and justice fit perfectly.

Learning the Law and Working Both Sides of the Courtroom

Judge Unger earned her law degree from the University of Florida. She worked in New York as both a prosecutor and a public defender, giving her a rare view from both sides of the courtroom.

She learned how important it is to prepare cases carefully and treat everyone fairly. This experience helped her build a strong foundation for her work in Harris County.

This hands-on experience helps her understand how crime, addiction, and poverty affect people’s lives.

Types of Crimes

Violent crimes
Drug offenses
Theft and property crimes
Probation violations

Experience

Extensive trial and negotiation work
Worked as both prosecutor and defense attorney
Understands supervision systems

How Judge Unger Makes Decisions

She knows what helps keep communities safe: looking closely at the facts, following the law, and offering treatment options when needed. Experienced judges don’t guess—they review the evidence, apply the law fairly and are Serious About Solutions.

On the Bench: Focusing on Fairness and Safety

Judge Unger has been a judge in Harris County’s 248th Criminal District Court since 2019. She’s now in her second term.

Trial Record

She ensures that cases go to trial so juries can decide outcomes.

YEAR	NUMBER OF TRIALS	RANKING AMONG FELONY DISTRICT COURTS
2024	19	1^st (most felony trials)
2025	15	Tied for 4^th Place

Working to Improve Legal Help for Those Who Need It

As a former chair of the Fair Defense Act Management System (FDAMS) Committee, Judge Unger has led efforts to improve legal representation for people who can’t afford a lawyer by implementing standards for court-appointed lawyers and helping to get public defenders involved earlier. These efforts have enhanced the quality and accessibility of legal services for those in need.

These improvements mean:

Cases are investigated better
Weak cases get resolved faster
Strong cases are ready for trial or plea deals
Court delays are reduced

Helping People Recover Through Specialty Courts

Judge Unger volunteers with the STAR Drug Court, which helps people with addiction through treatment and strict supervision instead of jail.

Participants must:

Meet strict rules
Attend court regularly
Take drug tests
Show progress in recovery

This program helps reduce repeat offenses and keeps communities safer.

Fairness, Freedom, and Safety All Matter

Serious About Safety and Serious About Solutions. Judge Unger understands that justice isn’t about the labels of “tough” or “soft.” Every case is unique, and she makes decisions based on careful consideration of the facts and the law.

Judge Hilary Unger is deeply committed to fair, impartial, and balanced decision-making in the 248th Criminal District Court, delivering unbiased justice for all. She champions rehabilitation through education, job training, and treatment programs to effectively reduce recidivism and crime, believing that a strong, accountable criminal justice system paired with robust community support creates safer neighborhoods across Harris County.

Why Judge Hilary Unger is the Right Choice for Harris County

Harris County needs judges who are experienced, fair, and focused on justice and safety. Judge Unger’s record shows she is that judge.

Here are some key facts:

Category	Details
Years of Experience	Over 25
Roles Held	Prosecutor, Public Defender, Private Lawyer
Trials in 2024	19 (most of all felony courts)
Trials in 2025	15 (tied for 4th)
Committee Leadership	Chair of Fair Defense Management Committee, co-chair of Community Supervision Committee
Specialty court Judge	Presides over the Young Women’s Docket

She follows the law, respects both victims’ and defendants’ rights, and believes in accountability and rehabilitation.

In an era filled with political talk, Judge Hilary Unger’s proven experience and commitment to justice stand out. She is dedicated to delivering fair, balanced decisions. Judge Unger is truly Serious About Safety and Serious About Solutions.

With a strong foundation of experience, fairness, and compassion, Judge Unger ensures that the people of Harris County receive the justice they deserve.