African-American women are running for judicial positions in Harris County, Texas. They first met at a Democratic Party gathering on January 18. They decided to run if given the chance. While their candidacies may shock you, they are all capable. Here's why they make the perfect candidates to fill the Harris County court vacancies. You must first understand the characteristics of these women.
Women judges
Harris County voters elected 19 African American women to judicial positions in 2018. Many of these judges met their first time at a Democratic Party party. The women hope that their presence at the courtroom will reduce racial inequalities. Women judges have an unique opportunity to improve the lives of people of colour. They are the judges who set the tone and make the hearings fair.
The Connecticut Trans-Advocacy Coalition praised the election of 19 black women into Harris County's Criminal Court at Law No. 12. The campaign was called "Black Girl Magic". All the women featured in the ad campaign were Harris County judges. Two of them lost their bids for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. While both women were able to retain their jobs as judges, they also made sure that their campaigns included the voices of their peers.
Pandemic-induced frustrations
Harris County has a long list of inmates who are currently facing criminal proceedings. Most of them face violent charges. In some cases, the county placed a hold and has been unable to release the inmates. Nonetheless, the state and county elected officials were considering releasing the inmates as a way to control the spread of the pandemic virus. Virtual court hearings revealed that only seven out of 60 inmates were released.
In addition, the backlog in criminal cases has soared due to COVID era practices and the recent pandemic. County courts were forced to figure out safe ways to conduct trials, and many criminal cases were halted for months during the pandemic. The pandemic saw an increase in COVID cases by 35% in Harris County, which caused even more delays.
Backlog of incoming felonies
According to the District Attorney's Office of Harris County, a backlog of incoming felonies has accumulated in Harris County. The backlog is almost five years long and has reached 135,000 cases. This figure is significantly higher than one would expect given the impact of Hurricane Harvey as well as the COVID-19 epidemic. The backlog will decrease in the future, but The Forward Times will continue to examine how law enforcement agencies cooperate with the courts and what resources are being used to close the gap.
Harris County leaders passed a resolution calling for the Texas Legislature's creation of another district criminal courts to reduce the backlog. Local prosecutors have been stretched by the backlog. District Attorney Kim Ogg said her office was prioritizing cases involving violent crimes. Jose Hidalgo said that the backlog was an emergency situation.
Education of judges
Despite the recent rise in homicides, there has not been much change in the criminal justice system. Harris County judges are trying to improve the system for its residents. In January, Judge Holly Williamson was elected the county's Justice of Peace. She had previously practiced law in the federal, state, and JP courts. She oversees more than 20,000 cases annually, including criminal and civil matters, bench and juries trials, hot check hearings and probable cause hearings, as well as truancy court.
Among her many commitments, Judge Jackson has been a mentor for at-risk youths, and she is active in several community service organizations. She is a Houston Chapter of Links, Inc., where her Services to Youth program chair, and a Houston Livestock Show Rodeo member for over 40 years. She is also a member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Lakewood Church.
FAQ
How do lawyers make their money?
Lawyers are paid hourly for the time spent on legal matter. Hourly rates vary depending upon the complexity of the matter and the amount of experience a lawyer has.
Because they have gained expertise over many years, experienced lawyers are more likely to charge hourly fees.
A less experienced lawyer might be able to charge lower hourly rates, as he/she is able to efficiently handle cases.
Many lawyers receive additional compensation for handling specific types of cases in addition to their hourly rates. Lawyers who represent criminal defendants may receive bonuses if they obtain acquittals.
Which law firm is the most lucrative?
Firms that have been around for decades are more likely to be successful and well-respected in their respective fields. Their excellent service and affordable rates have helped them build a strong client base. These firms offer excellent benefits such as retirement plans or health insurance.
What is the difference between paralegals and legal assistants?
Paralegals are trained to perform certain tasks like filing, typing, researching, and filing. Legal assistants may assist attorneys in preparing pleadings, drafting motions, or researching. Both types of professionals can help attorneys finish their work.
Statistics
- According to a 2019 Robert Half Legal Consulting Solutions survey, 54% of law firms were planning to expand their legal teams. (stfrancislaw.com)
- Just 59.2 percent of 2015 law school grads held full-time, long-term jobs as lawyers 10 months after graduation, according to data from the American Bar Association (ABA). (rasmussen.edu)
- The median annual salary for lawyers in 2016 was $118,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (rasmussen.edu)
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for lawyers in 2020 was $126,930. (stfrancislaw.com)
- According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average annual wage of a lawyer is $144,230. (legal.io)
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How To
How do I find free legal help?
Because there are many lawyers who want your business, it can be very difficult to find a pro-bono lawyer. There are several ways you can go about finding a pro bono attorney. You can contact your local bar association for information, search online to find a list, or consult your state's bar association. Local law schools can help you find a probono attorney. Many law schools offer opportunities for their students to assist low-income clients and provide access to justice. If none of the above options sound appealing to you, you may want to contact a nonprofit organization like Legal Services Corporation. LSC supports nonprofit organizations throughout the country that provide civil legal help to people living below poverty lines. It helps low-income families with housing matters, child support enforcement issues, family law matters, consumer protections, bankruptcy, immigration, public benefits, and other legal assistance. LSC provides financial assistance as well as guidance and advice to grantees about how to best serve their clients. For example, some of the services provided include:
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Financial counseling
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Assistance with filing bankruptcy
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Helping families deal with domestic violence
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Representation before the administrative agencies
These are some points to remember if you're trying to find a pro-bono attorney but don't know where to begin.
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Don't waste your time trying to find a lawyer who specializes in your case type. Pro bono lawyers may represent many types of clients. They will likely not have any experience dealing with your specific issue.
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You should look for a lawyer with experience representing low-income clients. This means the lawyer is familiar with how to effectively communicate with this population.
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Ask if the lawyer is certified in your specific area. You should ensure that the lawyer you choose handles landlord/tenant disputes.
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Find out if the lawyer accepts new clients. You might not find a lawyer who only takes on certain types cases.
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Avoid lawyers who claim they are experts in one particular area of law. Many lawyers state that they have specialized in other areas but are not knowledgeable about the subject.
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A strong reputation is essential. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Also, search online for reviews from other clients.