Harris County Criminal Justice System About To Collapse: Reform Advocates Solution is to Dismiss 12,000 to 18,000 Felony Cases



A group advocating for criminal justice system reform is urging the Harris County Commissioners Court to dismiss “non-violent” felonies as a means to reduce both the jail population and a backlog of criminal cases in the county.

“The criminal justice system is at a very dangerous point and requires immediate action by elected officials and justice system leaders,” said Eberly. 

Eberly said his dire predictions were partially based on the jail population, which had been steadily increasing from a low of about 7,500 inmates in May, but could swell to 10,000 by Labor Day.

He expressed alarm about the possible spread of coronavirus, and lamented that 87 percent of inmates were coming from district courts under pre-trial detention and had “not been convicted of any crime yet.”

“Therein lies the problem with your criminal justice system, the district court is collapsing under the enormous volume.”

They also suggested that in addition to a purge of older felony cases, the county should establish a new group consisting of judges who would be tasked with quickly moving all backlogged cases to disposition quickly, and that a similar procedure should be applied to county courts.

Finally, JMI advocated for expanding the kinds of offenses eligible for diversion programs but did not specify which criminal activities.

Eberly estimated that somewhere between 30 and 50 percent of the pending “non-violent” felony cases could be dismissed.

“I know it’s uncomfortable, but you’ve got to cut your losses and deal with the backlog of cases,” said Eberly.

“So, we’re talking about 12,000 to 18,000…criminal cases that we’ve not defined yet what non-violent is,” asked Cagle. “And then you’re anticipating that they would be dismissed not by the commissioners court but by prosecutors, and defense counsel, and the judges working together?”

“Correct,” answered Eberly.

To see more CLICK HERE (subscription may be required). 

Commentary-

The Harris County Commissioners Court does not have the authority to dismiss felony cases pending before district courts in Harris County.

The problem is not any hurricane.  The problem is Harris County has set up a system that is set up to implode.  Criminals see this as a green light to commit more crime.

No one is looking after victims.  The criminals are in charge of the hen house.

If this is the solution that these elected officials want to propose to the courts, then they need to resign from office or be removed.  

These same elected officials have already shown that they are unwilling to defend their own tax base during the protests allowing vandals to destroy property without penalty.  This will have a negative impact on an already dwindling revenue.  


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