Since 1995 Judge Jan Krocker has served the people of Harris County as Presiding Judge of the 184th District Court, a court with jurisdiction in felony cases. Prior to her election, Judge Krocker was an experienced trial lawyer. From 1981 to 1990 she worked as an Assistant DA in Harris County, where she successfully prosecuted major cases. She was well known for her work in difficult trials involving the death of abused children. Judge Krocker was in private practice as a criminal defense attorney from 1990 to 1994. During that period she also served as Special Prosecutor in a high profile case with the Texas Rangers. Judge Krocker is a graduate of the University of Texas Law School and is Board Certified in criminal law.In 2010 Judge Krocker was recognized with two major awards. She was the recipient of the 2010 Harvey Houck, Jr., Award from Justice for Children, a national child advocacy organization. She received the Judge of the Year Award, a law enforcement and mental health award, presented at the International Crisis Intervention Team Conference.
In addition to her regular duties, Judge Krocker volunteered in 2009 to serve as Judge of a Felony Mental Health Court. The court has been approved and is now seeking funding. Judge Krocker has been appointed by Governor Rick Perry to two terms on an advisory committee on mentally ill offenders.
Judge Krocker has long been active in legal and community organizations. She has served as a Chair of the Grievance Committee, worked extensively with law students, and participated in many legal education programs. She is a member of the College of the State Bar. In 2009 Judge Krocker was President of the Houston City Breakfast Club. She and her husband Dan enjoy their two grown sons and are active in the Study Class at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Judge Krocker is a frequent speaker—sometimes with considerable humor--on a variety of topics. She has been asked to judge outside the courtroom, including a ruling on which of the thousands of rubber ducks won a charity race down Buffalo Bayou.