Before joining Third Chair Investigations LLC, Mike Bateman served over twelve years as the elected Justice of the Peace / Precinct 5 for Denton County.  As JP, Mike had jurisdiction over traffic and other Class C misdemeanor cases, civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $10,000, landlord / tenant disputes and truancy cases.  Mike was also responsible for managing an office staff of seven employees.

Before taking the bench, Mike served the city of Denton as a police officer for over twenty years.  At the city of Denton, Mike began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer and then quickly advanced to the detective ranks.  While a detective, Mike worked a wide range of general and complex investigations; including crimes against persons.  Mike additionally served for a period as a narcotics and undercover officer.  Mike holds a master peace officer’s license.

While on the police force, Mike mentored students through the Denton ISD C.O.M.E.T program.  He was selected Police Officer of the Year in 1998 by the I.O.O.F. #82.

Mike has a wealth of investigative and courtroom experience to bring to your important investigations case.

Mike and his wife, Donna, live in Denton.  They have three grand-kids who keep Mike busy when he is not golfing, hunting or fishing.