Hon. Joe Benavides

Judge Joe Benavides is known for his efforts in addressing vaping issues among youth in Nueces County. He has handled over 500 vaping-related cases since the start of a school year and averages 30 to 40 cases weekly. He partners with local schools and organizations to educate students about the dangers of vaping. Benavides also works with at-risk youth through various community programs.

Experience:
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1-1, Nueces County, Texas, since 2013.- GED Instructor for at-risk students, Corpus Christi Independent School District, 2005-2010.- Centene Corporation, 2010-2013.- United States Marine Corps, retired combat veteran, 1980-2000.

Education:
- W.B. Ray High School, 1980.- Associate of Science, Park University, 2002.- Bachelor of Science, Park University, 2004.- Judicial Education, Texas State University, 2013.

Professional Affiliations:
- American Heart Association of the Coastal Bend, Board of Directors.- Nueces County Community Action Agency, Board of Directors.- Educating Our Children's Future Community Center, Board of Directors.- Instituto De Cultura Hispanica De Corpus Christi, Board of Directors.- Children's Advocacy Center of the Coastal Bend, Former President/Chairman.- Hispanic Heritage Association, Former President/Chairman.- Crosstown Kiwanas, Former President/Chairman.- Joe A. Gonzalez EIOF, Former President/Chairman.- Corpus Christi Concert Ballet, Former Board of Directors.- Court Appointed Special Advocates, Former Board of Directors.- Westside Business Association, Former Board of Directors.- Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Former Board of Directors.- Regional Transportation Authority, Former Board of Directors.- Marine Corps League of the Coastal Bend, Former Board of Directors.- Texas Justices Court Judges, Member.- South Texas Justice of the Peace and Constable Association, Member.- Nueces County, Texas Bail Bond Board, Member.- Fraternal Order of Police, Member.- American Legion, Member.- Veterans of Foreign Wars, Member.- Disabled American Veterans, Member.- Corpus Christi Police Explorers, Member.- Operation K.E.Y.S., Member.- Lions Club, Member.- Corpus Christi Youth Football League, Former Member.- Gear-Up and Texas Scholar Program, Former Member.- Dress for Success, Former Member.- Boys and Girls Club, Former Member.