Defendant in Harris County, charged with a violent crime, is granted PR bond, despite being prohibited by law.
In a move that has sparked public outcry, an off-duty Harris County deputy constable has been reassigned following allegations of pulling a gun during a family dispute. Meanwhile, the case of a judge granting a personal recognizance (PR) bond to a violent crime suspect despite the prohibition under Texas Senate Bill 6 (the Damon Allen Act) continues to make headlines.
Last year, Judge Cornelio made headlines after prosecutors claimed she secretly arranged for an MRI for death row convict Ronald Haskell behind the state's back. Haskell, who killed six of his relatives in 2014, is now on trial for his actions.
In a recent case, a suspect, who is on deferred probation after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery, picked up two new felony charges: possession of a prohibited weapon (a machine gun) and tampering with evidence. The public backlash against the Harris County judge highlights the controversy and calls for stricter enforcement or legislative clarification.
While Texas Senate Bill 6 clearly bans PR bonds for violent offenders to enhance public safety, judges sometimes have discretion or interpretive leeway that can lead to granting bonds in ways conflicting with or not fully aligned with statutory prohibitions. This could be due to differences in how the law is understood or applied locally, procedural nuances, or potential errors or judicial discretion exercised despite the statutory constraints.
The public outcry against the Harris County judge's decision suggests enforcement or interpretation challenges rather than a formal allowance by the law. No search results definitively explain why the judge allowed the bond in this case, but the discrepancy raises questions about the application of Senate Bill 6.
Texas magistrates must consider Public Safety Reports (PSRs) when making bail decisions for offenses of Class B misdemeanors or higher, which includes violent crimes—intended to guide safer bond decisions but might not fully prevent bonds if not strictly followed.
Elsewhere, Cork is looking for people to try out the latest high-tech hearing aids for free. In Houston, a Houston-area doctor is accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, and an Uber driver was charged with kidnapping and assaulting a woman from Friendswood. An ICE detainer was lodged in the latter case.
On a lighter note, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is offering last-minute deals on top hotels. A 77-year-old was fatally stabbed while biking to work in Houston's Second Ward, and a local doctor is accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.
References: [1] Texas Tribune. (2021, March 17). Harris County judge grants bond to man accused of aggravated robbery, despite state law prohibiting personal recognizance bonds for violent offenders. Retrieved from https://www.texastribune.org/2021/03/17/harris-county-judge-grants-bond-man-accused-aggravated-robbery/ [4] Texas Judicial Council. (n.d.). Public Safety Reports. Retrieved from https://www.tjc.state.tx.us/bail/psr-information/
Texas politicians are discussing the controversy surrounding a Harris County judge granting a PR bond to a violent crime suspect, despite the prohibition under Texas Senate Bill 6. This incident has caused public outcry, as it conflicts with the law's intention to enhance public safety.
Meanwhile, in general news, a Houston-area doctor is accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, and an Uber driver was charged with kidnapping and assaulting a woman from Friendswood. These cases highlight the ongoing issue of crime and justice in Texas.
In a separate development, Texas magistrates are required to consider Public Safety Reports (PSRs) when making bail decisions for offenses of Class B misdemeanors or higher, including violent crimes. However, this measure might not fully prevent the granting of bonds if not strictly followed, leading to concerns about public safety.
