Thousands of Texans are at risk of being arrested at any given moment for not paying fines often related to traffic offenses or other city ordinance violations, according to a recent report.
Johnathan Silver
Johnathan Silver reported on the state’s criminal justice system for the Tribune from 2015 to 2017. Previously, Johnathan was a Texas Associated Press Managing Editors Buster Haas intern and staff reporter at the Victoria Advocate. A Fort Worth native, Johnathan graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington with bachelor’s degrees in political science and criminal justice – and a graduation mug from The Shorthorn, the campus student newspaper.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas Senate to vote only on law enforcement-related bills Monday
Only bills related to law enforcement will be considered in the Senate on Monday, the first day of the legislative session when the House and Senate are allowed to pass non-emergency legislation.
Posted in
Health care
Health care sets tone for Texas congressman’s contentious town hall
In a rare congressional town hall in North Texas, U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville, withstood two hours of booing from hundreds of angry constituents at a local high school. Few of his colleagues have hosted such forums lately.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Civil asset forfeiture debate pits property rights advocates against law enforcement
Critics say the procedure deprives citizens of property without due process. Law enforcement officials say they are stopping crime.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Sandra Bland Act would change processes for law enforcement, jails
The bill’s proposals include limiting police searches during stops, adding reporting requirements for racial profiling and creating an independent ombudsman to monitor inmates’ rights and services.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Juvenile justice agency pushes back on claims of ineffectiveness
A Senate Finance committee workgroup has been tasked with exploring ways to improve the Texas Juvenile Justice Department as the agency defends itself from claims of inefficiency.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas House committee report lays foundation for ‘Sandra Bland Act’
The Sandra Bland Act would address race, poverty, mental health and accountability in law enforcement and corrections, its author says.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Legislature should prioritize judicial security, Texas Supreme Court chief justice says
In his State of the Judiciary address Wednesday, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht discussed bail reform, the cost of legal expenses, mental health issues and a host of other topics.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Juvenile justice advocates look to raise age of criminal responsibility to 18
Seventeen-year-olds can’t vote, join the military or buy cigarettes or alcohol, but they’re treated as adults in criminal cases in Texas. About 200 people rallied at the Capitol on Monday to change that.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Here are four key criminal justice issues in the Texas Legislature
Texas lawmakers are likely to take a close look this legislative session at how law enforcement and civilians interact with each other.