Michele Oncken has dedicated 30 years to public service as a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Growing up in northwest Harris County, she attended Westfield High School in Spring ISD before earning her undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University and her law degree from Baylor Law School in 1994. Shortly after, Michele joined the Harris County DA’s office, where she has committed her career to seeking justice.

Michele’s extensive experience covers nearly every type of criminal offense, from burglary and robbery to the physical and sexual abuse of children and capital murder. Over her career, she has tried over 90 jury trials, including a death penalty case. Michele is currently serving as a Division Chief in the Felony Trial Bureau, where she oversees prosecutors and cases in four felony criminal courts. Her expertise extends into mental health law, homicide prosecution, public corruption, juvenile law, and post-conviction writs of habeas corpus, among other areas.

In addition to her current role, Michele has served in multiple high-level supervisory positions, including Chief of the Mental Health and Child Fatality Division, the Child Abuse Division, and the Misdemeanor Division.

Outside of the courtroom, Michele and her husband, Kirk, a criminal defense attorney, are proud parents and active members of the Trinity Downtown Lutheran Church. Together, they are raising a teenage daughter, with Michele also being a loving stepmom to three adult children and “Mimi” to two grandbabies.

Michele’s deep roots in Harris County give her a personal stake in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. As a judge, she will bring her decades of experience and common-sense approach to protect the rights and safety of all citizens.