‘This idea of total incarceration just isn’t working.’—Justice Anthony Kennedy Justice Kennedy and Justice Breyer speak out against a broken system. I agree! Incarceration is expensive. Recidivism rates are higher following incarceration because those offenders can no longer get jobs. They didn’t get “help” in prison. They are left without sufficient resources following long periods […]
One of those Facebook “challenges” that made its rounds a while back asked you to name ten things that most people may not know about you. I was only able to list 7, but number 1 on the list was: I always wanted to be a teacher. Combine that with being a lawyer, and I
It is difficult enough to find work. Saddle a person with a “conviction” or even a “probation” and employers will quickly pass on that applicant. Our “tough on crime” mentality over the past 20-30 years has created an environment where 17 year olds (treated as adults for even minor offenses) with a first possession of
Jobs after Conviction: Not likely! Read More »
In my spare time, I volunteer as editor of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association publication The Defender. I have served as editor since 2009. We publish 4 issues a year. It’s a lot of work but is very rewarding. If you are interested in legal articles and procedures in Texas, this publication provides legal
The historic 1910 Courthouse in Harris County boldly displays the scales of justice above its entry; however, until recent years the courthouses of Harris County were devoid of our founding principles: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. These idocuments are the foundation and backbone of our system of Justice yet
For decades now, Texas and in particular Harris County has held the mantra “tough on crime”. Political candidates have built their foundation on being tough on crime. It even sounds good to most voters. Who doesn’t want murderers and rapists in prison? But what has it gotten us? At what cost? No, this is not
Tough Justice vs Right to be Let Alone Read More »
