Judge Kristin Melissa Guiney

Kristin grew up in Friendswood, Texas, and graduated from Clear Brook High School in 1993. She earned her undergraduate degree from Emory University in 1997 and her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 2001. Between college and law school Kristin worked as a foster parent for Case De Esperanza, which is a charity that takes care of foster children.

Kristin devoted much of her life to the law and to the Harris County criminal justice system. She began her career as a prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, where she tried more than 100 jury trials. She later entered private practice as a criminal defense attorney.

In 2012, Kristin was elected judge of the 179th Criminal District Court. She later presided over the 232nd and 183rd Criminal District Courts and, over the course of her judicial career, presided over more than 120 jury trials. In 2024, she was elected Justice of the Texas First Court of Appeals, where she served until her death. She also returned to the University of Houston Law Center in the fall of 2026 as an adjunct professor of trial advocacy.

Kristin believed deeply in redemption and fundamental fairness. She earned the respect of prosecutors and defense lawyers alike and cared about the people affected by the criminal justice system. Her commitment extended beyond the courtroom through her work with STAR Court and Angela House, helping people struggling with addiction and women rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

But Kristin was far more than her considerable professional accomplishments. She was exceptionally intelligent, determined, funny, outspoken, and fiercely loyal. Kristin is survived by her daughters, Catherine and Abby and their father, Ed McClees; her parents, Ed and Glynda Guiney; her sister, Sheryl Forbes, and Sheryl’s husband, Scott Forbes; and her nephews, Ethan and Isaac Forbes.

Kristin accomplished an extraordinary amount during a lifetime that ended too soon. She was a prosecutor, defense attorney, trial judge, appellate justice, teacher, mentor, advocate, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and, above all, a mother.

Those who knew Kristin will remember her intelligence and determination, but also her laughter, loyalty, generosity, and unmistakable spirit. Her life was far too short, but the impact she had on her family, her friends, and the legal community she served will endure.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.