Judge Thomas Pfeiffer is a proven conservative Republican who is seeking to continue his career in public service as Judge of Brazoria County Court at Law No. 2. Judge Pfeiffer's career reflects extensive and balanced experience as a former Prosecutor, Military Defense Attorney and Judge.
In 1995, Thomas graduated from Calhoun High School in Port Lavaca, Texas. He went on to graduate from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas in 2000, obtaining a degree in criminal justice. He received his law degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston in 2003.
Brazoria County has been home to Thomas, his wife, Carolina, and their two daughters since 2006. Thomas is a Christian and faithful member of his church where he has served as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, and in numerous other ways.
Thomas’ career is deeply marked with public service in our local courts as well as our military. Thomas is asking each voter to place their continued confidence in his extensive and balanced experience, proven competence, and willingness to continue his service to Brazoria County as Judge of Brazoria County Court at Law No. 2.
“I have known Thomas for many years and I recently tried a capital murder case where the State sought the death penalty and Thomas was the lead prosecutor. I have always known Thomas to be a firm, reasonable, and fair-dealing prosecutor that is willing to listen and consider all aspects of a case. He represents professionalism and integrity in all respects.”
– Criminal Defense Attorney Cary Faden
Licensed for 31 years
Before his election as Judge in 2022, Judge Thomas Pfeiffer was an Assistant District Attorney, having served in this role for over 18 years. During his career as a prosecutor, Judge Pfeiffer prosecuted multiple capital murder cases against some of the worst adult offenders. Judge Pfeiffer has been endorsed by numerous law enforcement associations and past elected District Attorneys, all who have been able to observe his career and willingness to tirelessly fight for justice.
One of the responsibilities of County Court Judge is to preside over juvenile cases. During Thomas’ past career as a prosecutor, he prosecuted juvenile cases, including adult certification hearings, juvenile transfers, and juvenile determinate sentencing. As to juvenile prosecution, the Texas Family Code commands that there are two goals: punishment and rehabilitation of the juvenile offender. These goals are to be balanced as they are applied. Judge Pfeiffer firmly believes that both goals are well-placed in our law. Application of this balance requires understanding and experience, which he has.
Also during Judge Pfeiffer’s career, he has served as Defense Counsel in the U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps. He served on active duty (2006) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, achieved the rank of Captain, and defended Soldiers charged with felony military offenses at courts-martial.
As a former Defense Attorney, Judge Pfeiffer understands the tension and pressure of representing clients and the impact an accused person faces when their future is largely dependent on the decisions being made by Judges. As such, Judge Pfeiffer always strives to judge with compassion and fairness in applying the law while adhering firmly to the rule of law.
Judge Pfeiffer firmly believes that a Judge’s duty is to ensure that all receive a fair trial and that we strictly adhere to the laws of the State of Texas and the United States. Judges plays an active role in the management of caseloads to ensure that backlogs of cases do not occur. Since taking office in January 2023, Judge Pfeiffer has attained a case clearance rate of 114% while balancing lawyer’s need for adequate and reasonable time to conduct business, advise clients and prepare for trial.
As to bail, our law provides that Judges set reasonable bail and that bail not be used as an instrument of oppression against the accused, but at the same time commands that Judges shall give due regard to and consider the “future safety of the victim of the alleged offense and the safety of the community. ” The law’s use of the word “shall” is not a suggestion, it is a command. Harris County news sources have no shortage of articles highlighting how Harris County Judges have routinely set unreasonably low bail on violent offenders. Harris County residents have paid the price and seen the terrible results when violent offenders re-offend while on bond. In contrast, Brazoria County is a great place to work, raise a family and live in relative safety. This is true not by accident. Elections matter and Judge Pfeiffer pledges to never “Harris County” our Brazoria County.