Dec. 6, 2005 -- Incumbent Hopkins County Court-at-Law Judge Amy Smith Tuesday announced her candidacy for re-election to the office she has held since 1996.

Smith, a fourth generation Hopkins County resident, said the county court-at-law is a vital part of the judicial process in the county, giving an accessible forum to county residents.

"It is my goal to continue providing judicial integrity for Hopkins County," Smith said. "I can think of no better way to give back to a community that has given so much to me."

Smith holds a doctor of jurisprudence degree from Texas Tech School of Law. She has a background in criminal and civil law with special emphasis on family law.

The County Court-At-Law exercises concurrent jurisdiction with the county court in all civil and criminal cases, both original and appellate. The court also hears family law cases and handles probate proceedings and mental illness matters.