What Yesterday’s Tragedy Tells Us About the Justice System Shooting Suspect and former TCSO Detective Stephen Broderick Yesterday, a tragedy in Northwest Austin caught media attention as there were reports of an active shooter at large and 3 fatalities. Unfortunately, these reports were correct, and three people were found dead of gunshot wounds. Suspect Stephen …
When respected defense attorney and former ADA Steve Brand speaks, people listen. Below is a letter he sent regarding the Travis County Court 4 race, reprinted with permission. Get out and vote. I believe who to vote for is something very personal and hopefully is a decision in each individual election contest which is educated, …
Malhotra is backed by the police union and other law enforcement organizations. On July 14th, Margaret Kercher and Dimple Malhotra are squaring off for a seat as judge in Travis County Court #4, which exclusively handles domestic violence misdemeanors. Those who know me are aware that I mostly avoid politics. However, since I have met …
Change is needed in Travis County Court 4. An Endorsement of Margaret Kercher for Judge Read More »
A simple change in the law could prevent tragedies like George Floyd. You may not know what it means right now, but the legal term “Qualified Immunity” is about to become a household term. It is a big reason why police are able to get away with so much brazen misconduct with so little oversight. …
How Qualified Immunity is Enabling Police Brutality Read More »
Like most of America, I was outraged when I heard about the Ahmaud Arbery murder. The horrific facts of the shooting – Arbery was simply running down the street, bothering no one when he was chased and gunned down – are matched by the equally horrifying response of Waycross District Attorney, George Barnhill. I do …
Travis County Criminal Courts slated to reopen June 1, but face tough decisions over jury trials Chief Judge Brenda Kennedy has signed an order that will allow courts to “reopen” on June 1. I put that in quotes, because the court has of course remained open for essential settings such as determining bond for newly …
With all the news lately surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic, you can be forgiven for not paying attention to a recent order by Governor Abbott to release more folks who are arrested, and inmates whose cases are pending. Criminal defense lawyers did notice, though, and maybe not for the reasons you might expect. Usually, an …
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every facet of our lives, and court is not immune. Jury trials in all local jurisdictions have been cancelled. After all, you can’t sit a jury without gathering people together and increasing risk of infection. In Travis, Hays, and Williamson counties, all non-essential hearings are being cancelled. Courts are …
DWIs in Texas Just Got a Whole Lot More Expensive … Maybe In September 2019, The Texas Legislature finally axed the Surcharges Program that caused so many problems for the less wealthy Texans that were caught in that trap. But this came with a big caveat for those now charged with DWI. DWI final convictions …
“Dick Pics” now illegal in Texas This photo of an eggplant would not result in a $500 fine. Because I was already married when apps like Tinder began taking over the dating scene – And also because I’m a guy – I’ve never had to deal with an unsolicited dick pic. Of course they happen …
