Gov. Abbott Appoints Fonseca To New Hidalgo County 476th District Court

Edinburg, Texas, March 15, 2023

Ysmael D. Fonseca, Jr., Governor Abbott’s former appointee to the 464th District Court, has been recently appointed to serve as the presiding judge of the 476th District Court in Hidalgo County.

Not new to the bench, Fonseca has managed and presided over thousands of criminal, family and civil cases. Hidalgo County is a growing community and the new court will address the increase in cases to be heard. The 476th District Court was created on September 1, 2022.

“I am honored and humbled to have received Governor Abbott’s confidence to serve as the presiding Judge for the 476th District Court. I am looking forward to working for the State of Texas again and serving in the fair and impartial administration of justice,” said Fonseca.

The 476th District Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It oversees civil and criminal matters including, but not limited to: divorce and custody disputes, contract disputes, personal injury cases, medical malpractice suits, and felony criminal offenses ranging from capital murder, aggravated assault, and sexual assault of adults and minors to robbery, intoxication and drug possession.

Fonseca is a partner at Guerra & Sabo, PLLC in McAllen where he specializes in civil defense, municipal and governmental law, and small business and non-profit representation. His service to the Court goes beyond the bench through his work on community boards that advocate for student success after graduation and into the workforce. Fonseca lives in McAllen with his wife Alejandra and their three children: Ana Maria, Juan Pablo, and Josemaria.