District Attorney
James Montoya
34th Judicial District
Contact Information
500 E. San Antonio
2nd Floor
El Paso, Texas 79901
[view map]
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Phone: (915) 273-3542
Fax: (915) 273-3561
Email ElPasoDA@epcounty.com
Due to the sensitivity of all cases, we ask that you do not email any information or questions regarding a case. Please contact a Victim Advocate directly.
For Victims Assistance needs, please send your inquiries here:
DAVictimsassistance@epcounty.com
For all PIA requests, please email: DAPIARequests.gem@epcounty.com
About District Attorney James Montoya
James Montoya was elected by the people of the 34th Judicial District and took office on January 1, 2025. He is only the 11th District Attorney in the history of the 34th Judicial District.
As District Attorney, Montoya oversees the prosecution of state cases in El Paso, Culberson, and Hudspeth counties. He prioritizes prosecuting crimes that endanger community safety, including driving under the influence, violent crimes, and firearm-related offenses. Additionally, he stresses the need to divert cases arising from substance abuse or mental health challenges to reduce recidivism.
Born and raised in El Paso, Montoya graduated from Americas High School before earning his undergraduate and law degree from George Washington University Law School in 2013. His professional journey began in his hometown of El Paso, where he served as an Assistant District Attorney under District Attorney Jaime Esparza. From 2014 to 2020, he was assigned to the Special Crimes Unit, prosecuting homicides and major violent crimes. He later worked as an Assistant United States Attorney in Oklahoma, handling violent felony cases on Native American reservations. From 2022 to 2024, he served as a Deputy Public Defender in El Paso County, representing indigent clients.
Throughout his legal career, Montoya personally tried over 65 jury trials, more than half of which were for murder or capital murder.
Montoya is dedicated to holding law enforcement agencies to the highest standards of conduct. He plans to establish a dedicated Public Integrity and Civil Rights section to review and investigate use-of-force incidents and other allegations of official misconduct.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Montoya has volunteered as a board member of the Horizon City Economic Development Corporation, El Paso County Emergency Services District #1, the City of El Paso Charter Advisory Committee, and the Yucca Council of Boy Scouts of America. He and his partner, Ameli, welcomed their first child, Thomas, in July 2024.
His current term runs through 2028.
