Backlog
How will you address the case backlog in your court to ensure timely resolution for all parties?
We have a Scheduling Order in place for each case that both the State and Defense follow. Certain actions and decisions are expected to happen by each of the settings in the Order. The parties can and do approach when issues arise regarding discovery and evidence and the need for additional time or for the Court to intervene and set an additional hearing date for any third party in possession of evidence not timely turned over to either turn over the evidence necessary for the case to move forward or to come to court and show cause as to why they have failed to comply with requests that it be turned over.
Efficiency/accessibility
How will you ensure efficient and equitable resolution of matters that come before your court, and that all residents — regardless of their financial means — have meaningful access to legal resources?
Every person that finds themself charged with an offense in Criminal Court No. 6 is treated as an individual with respect, dignity and granted equal access to the court and services that they are directed to by the court. Should a person be unable to afford an attorney, an attorney is appointed to them for the entirety of their case. Reasonable bonds are set, including personal bonds, to ensure that no person ever feels forced to enter a plea of guilty only so that they can be released from custody. The United States and Texas Constitutions apply equally to all persons regardless of their financial positions and no one is afforded a better or worse legal remedy on the basis of economic status.
