tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post1211078317714787335..comments2024-03-28T00:50:16.901-05:00Comments on Life at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center: Two Good MenMurray Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662196272138109874noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-53579380777191665612009-04-01T09:59:00.000-05:002009-04-01T09:59:00.000-05:00Because there are a zillion comments - maybe I mis...Because there are a zillion comments - maybe I missed this. How did Lykow find out about this? Hmm - have any of you wondered? <BR/>I heard Judge Barr called her . . .Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11353924149320749484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-53978742194213935052009-03-31T13:51:00.000-05:002009-03-31T13:51:00.000-05:00Dear Anon 7:08,The only thing more useless than yo...Dear Anon 7:08,<BR/><BR/>The only thing more useless than your remedial use of language is your piss-poor argument. There's a big difference between "criticism" and being slandered on the front page of The Houston Chronicle. <BR/><BR/>Voters smart? Right. It's obvious that the general population remains uninformed on most issues. You being one of them. I hope the good guys can run a more effective campaign next time around.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-49906928063376212382009-03-31T09:58:00.000-05:002009-03-31T09:58:00.000-05:00Hey 7:08, Mark and Riffi take criticism just fine....Hey 7:08, <BR/>Mark and Riffi take criticism just fine...this blog represents the legion of supporters who find Lykos' arbitrary self serving incompetence offensive and reprehensible. To equate the protest of the intentional baseless destruction of the character and integrity of two (2) human beings for a disingenuous headline to that of "spoiled kids who can't take criticism" is ludicrous. Joseph Stalin might have agreed with your opinion of the boss/employee relationship but I think you, Lykos and Leitner are full of shit. <BR/>As for the voters' being smart....if only that were so.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-11237176673845576762009-03-30T21:17:00.000-05:002009-03-30T21:17:00.000-05:00I recently read about this, and was completely sho...I recently read about this, and was completely shocked. What kind of a message is Lykos sending to her staff. Is she going to call the media every single time someone loses a case, and tell the Chronicle they're incompetent? I can't see how anyone would want to continue working under her administration if she's willing to throw her people under the bus. I can only imagine how everyone over there feels. It's apparent she's never tried a criminal case. Almost every other occupation has some sort of tenure. You have to work as a teacher for several years before making your way up to principal, but apparently anyone off the street with a law degree can be the District Attorney of Harris County.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-92090296388329726942009-03-30T20:55:00.000-05:002009-03-30T20:55:00.000-05:00To those who want to discuss potential candidates ...To those who want to discuss potential candidates who can beat Pat in the primary, (9:58 from March 28, 5:01 and 5:52 from March 29, and 9:21 from today, and all others who may be interested), send an e-mail to:<BR/><BR/> Von.Stauffenberg2012@gmail.com<BR/><BR/>We can start getting together a plan on finding a viable candidate who:<BR/><BR/>1. can get law enforcement personnel support;<BR/><BR/>2. can raise money; and, most importantly<BR/><BR/>3. can beat Pat.Operation Valkyriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03193506343113790242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-40892721304776138592009-03-30T20:05:00.000-05:002009-03-30T20:05:00.000-05:00Prior to the witch coming into office, I heard hor...Prior to the witch coming into office, I heard horror stories concerning her and her selfish actions.<BR/><BR/>I heard first-hand stories from former prominent distrct court judges....stories from former prominent assistant district attorneys and even one former District Attorney.<BR/><BR/>I thought to myself....no way can one person be that bad.<BR/><BR/>Well....lo and behold, I suppose I should have listened to my elders. They called it.<BR/><BR/>I, for one, was happy to see how pissed off most (ie: ALL) of the office remained several days removed from her bush move.<BR/><BR/>Today, however, provided an opportunity for dykos to stand up for her prosectors and officially apologize for what she has done.<BR/><BR/>Did she do it: Hell No!!! Her quote: "The issue has been addressed and no further action is necessary" (khou.com) <BR/><BR/>What a crock!! <BR/><BR/>On a side note, there was an email sent out today looking for someone to try an aggravated robbery tomorrow in 182nd. I say let our fearless leader try it and show all of us peasants how to try a case. I bet she'd wet her girdle if she ever had to stand in front of a panel on behalf of the State of Texas.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-39533948861218410362009-03-30T20:02:00.000-05:002009-03-30T20:02:00.000-05:00I heard that you were quoted on the Michael Berry ...I heard that you were quoted on the Michael Berry show tonight about this topic. I also heard that the show was quite interesting and that a former prosecutor and a member of the venire defended Riffi and Mark.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-1115540596050178602009-03-30T19:08:00.000-05:002009-03-30T19:08:00.000-05:00These two good men are in the wrong profession if ...These two good men are in the wrong profession if they can't take criticism. The boss may not always be right ,but she is always the boss. The voters chose Lykos rather than Kelly or Bradford because they were smart enough to know things were bad at the Harris County District Attorney Office. Those that are there are not being held prisoners. Let them leave and quit complaining like a bunch of spoiled kids. Murray did a good job ,but Murray did not know what some of his co-workers were doing that was wrong.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-45821871227833313252009-03-30T18:42:00.000-05:002009-03-30T18:42:00.000-05:00Then Lykos needs to be canned. End of story.Then Lykos needs to be canned. <BR/><BR/>End of story.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-34543759887775521722009-03-30T15:04:00.000-05:002009-03-30T15:04:00.000-05:00The latest copy of Texas Super Lawyers "Rising Sta...The latest copy of Texas Super Lawyers "Rising Stars" just came out.<BR/><BR/>Page 35 - Criminal Prosecution...... Mark Donnelly. 1 of 11 lawyers chosen for that section. At least someone got it right. Go Mark.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-75590035402831831592009-03-30T09:21:00.000-05:002009-03-30T09:21:00.000-05:00It was terrific to see Kelly at Holland's retireme...It was terrific to see Kelly at Holland's retirement party last Friday. I haven't seen her in awhile. She looked great---relaxed and all smiles. Kelly still has that signature charisma that lights up a room. She downplayed a couple of plaintiff cases she's handling and when we picked on her for probably becoming a defense attorney down the road she smiled and said "you know better than that". <BR/>Several of us asked her if she'd run again and she smiled with a small tear and said "we'll see" which is a Kelly way of saying no. <BR/>If someone can get Kelly to run again in 2012 I will guarantee:<BR/>1. all the law enforcement walkers and signage personnel needed to blanket Harris County; <BR/>2. a coordinated fund raising drive with our "extra job" contacts that will fill the campaign coffers;<BR/>3. high volume law enforcement voter turnout for the runoff.<BR/><BR/>Nothing will be taken for granted this time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-16466524760780512952009-03-30T08:44:00.000-05:002009-03-30T08:44:00.000-05:00This whole affair leaves everyone with a stake in ...This whole affair leaves everyone with a stake in the office sick at heart. Lykos can fool herself all she wants with claims of an investigation and deliberation but the truth is her mind was made up before any facts were known. The suspensions were bad, the demotions unconscionable, and the totally inappropriate “incompetent” statement was unforgiveable.<BR/><BR/>The only “good” to come out of this is the office is more of a family than in months, it’s a stark “us” versus “them” with some unexpected “us”. <BR/><BR/>Is there any way the administration could correct this? If they were big they would rescend the demotions and publicly and privately apologize for the press statements. That may limit some damage. Jim showed how aware they are of morale (or how little they care) at Friday’s meetings. <BR/><BR/>What can “us” do? Do your jobs, for all the administration bull hooey this is a job that most ADAs do out of love, it’s a career based on feeling you’re doing good for the community and the victims you represent. Say yes sir and no maam. Give them nothing else, when they’re on an elevator nod hello and stay silent. In the military it’s called silent insubordination. Give them nothing to criticize you about but give them nothing of yourself. The bow tie idea is also priceless.<BR/><BR/>We expected things like this from Pat, but Jim is a huge disappointment. What words best describe the attitude toward you--disrespect, disgust, pity? Did Lykos offer you something worth your manhood and self respect?<BR/><BR/>Mark and Raffi. If you didn’t know before, your fellow ADAs love and respect you. Everyone on both sides of the aisle are pulling for you.worldisgrayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16495543522227142245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-86450467653790800792009-03-30T07:31:00.000-05:002009-03-30T07:31:00.000-05:00Alright Arthur and Rage,Remember this is a CJC web...Alright Arthur and Rage,<BR/>Remember this is a CJC website and not a WWF one. Y'all have more animosity towards each other than me and Snookems. Let's try to keep the threats of violence to a minimum.<BR/>No more posts challenging each other to a duel.Murray Newmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00662196272138109874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-32064993001343995822009-03-30T07:25:00.000-05:002009-03-30T07:25:00.000-05:00"And I'd pay for the chance for that match up. But..."And I'd pay for the chance for that match up. But I just don't think your office can do without another offense report redacter, so he better sit it out."<BR/><BR/>I'd watch your mouth, if I were you. I ain't playing.Scott C. Popehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15307985210183952341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-6062186309514635532009-03-30T06:44:00.000-05:002009-03-30T06:44:00.000-05:00I suspect Lykos will be a one term District Attorn...I suspect Lykos will be a one term District Attorney.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-52172531636368330312009-03-30T00:37:00.000-05:002009-03-30T00:37:00.000-05:00March 29, 2009 5:52 PM, I sure hope you wrote that...March 29, 2009 5:52 PM, I sure hope you wrote that comment on your own computer instead of one at the office.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-36630690925417921512009-03-29T23:02:00.000-05:002009-03-29T23:02:00.000-05:00Anon 9:38,I'm not lying to about my assessment of ...Anon 9:38,<BR/>I'm not lying to about my assessment of the jury selection process. Would the State love to have 12 cops on the jury? Sure. Would the Defense love to have 12 mothers that feel their children had been wrongfully convicted of something in the past? You bet.<BR/>But my view of jury selection was what I always called "rooting out the time bombs". The reality of any good trial attorney isn't to try to get the jurors that are giving your side warm fuzzies. It's to get the ones that are going to kill you in the jury room as far away from the box as possible.<BR/>In doing so, each side is doing their own part to ensure at a minimum neutrality towards their side. I don't have the power to ensure that any given venire-member is on the jury. I just have the power to make sure of some who can't be.<BR/>I think you are just arguing over semantics.Murray Newmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00662196272138109874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-72305129194603239412009-03-29T22:30:00.000-05:002009-03-29T22:30:00.000-05:00What some people are missing is this: Nobody, no ...What some people are missing is this: Nobody, no race, has the RIGHT to be on a jury if they cannot be a fair and impartial juror. I have tried over a hundred jury trials. Some were all white juries, some had minorities. It all depended on the panel who was seated. If minorities or non-minorities could be fair and impartial, they made the jury. But if they came to court with bias or prejudice that would not allow them to be fair, then they were struck. That is the law. <BR/><BR/>So, it doesn't matter that Mark and Rifi struck 7 minorities if those 7 minorities could not be fair. <BR/><BR/>If the judge found that there were race-neutral reasons for the strikes, then Mark and Rifi followed the law. The judge's reason to dismiss the panel because "it looked bad" means that the judge was not following the law. <BR/><BR/>PL jumped on this opportunity to get herself in the media and to gain the support of Quanell X and associates. Her motives were purely selfish and political. The fact that 2 outstanding and ethical (non-racist) ADAs like Mark and Rifi were publicly humiliated is horrifying. <BR/><BR/>My heart just breaks for them, and for the office that once was such a place of pride and honor. Now, it has become a joke and the good people who work there are getting run out. <BR/><BR/>Jig - apparently, they are not following the operations manual regarding a disciplinary committee. There is no due process at the HCDAO right now. PL can do what she wants. There was no committee that reviewed these allegations. Criminal defendants have more rights and more due process than the hard working ADAs do at that office.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-91685646173920119502009-03-29T21:38:00.000-05:002009-03-29T21:38:00.000-05:00"For those of you who read this and are not trial ..."For those of you who read this and are not trial attorneys, explaining the process of selecting a jury (aka voir dire) is a bit difficult. The short synopsis is that 65 members of the Harris County community are brought over and listen to the Judge, the prosecutors, and the defense talk and ask questions, all in the effort of finding twelve neutral jurors who can listen to a case without bias and ultimately determine the results of the case."<BR/><BR/>Are you lying to yourself, or to your readers?<BR/><BR/>The Defense wants a jury biased towards the Defense. The State wants a jury biased towards the State.<BR/><BR/>The Judge wants a jury that will show up on time from lunch, come to a verdict quickly (for most judges, preferably a conviction) and won't ask questions.<BR/><BR/>Nobody wants an impartial jury. That's hype the bar puts out for PR purposes, and a sixth grader can see through it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-24971382878972517382009-03-29T20:38:00.000-05:002009-03-29T20:38:00.000-05:00Jig,You and I know each other well and trust me wh...Jig,<BR/><BR/>You and I know each other well and trust me when I say that Jim has all of the authority he wants. He has way more than a title.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-48564003433954178952009-03-29T18:50:00.001-05:002009-03-29T18:50:00.001-05:00This is 9:58 (I will soon enough come up with a "h...This is 9:58 (I will soon enough come up with a "handle" so I don't have to continue to use times).<BR/><BR/>5:01 and 5:52. I agree with both of you. <BR/><BR/>Our candidate also needs to have a lot of support from law enforcement. Walking neighborhoods is an unfortunate necessity. It was hard enough gathering enough prosecutors to walk during Kelly's campaign, and it will be even harder when all every ADA knows that (s)he will be fired for doing so. Thus, we need someone that is tight enough with the cops who might be willing to sacrifice their free time to walk neighborhoods. Someone who would be tight with some of our constables' "sign brigades" would be a benefit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-22020201386366609052009-03-29T18:50:00.000-05:002009-03-29T18:50:00.000-05:00I knew it was pretty much a non-secret, my point w...I knew it was pretty much a non-secret, my point was pretty much the same as yours. There will be no anonymity in the future even if they try. Hell, I bet even ol' Seaton is starting to look over his shoulder. <BR/><BR/>I also know the higher ups don't care. I'm a bit shocked that they haven't started hiring some replacements yet. I think her mandate from the start was to get rid of people. Whether they are good prosecutors or not, she wants a raft of new people. <BR/><BR/>It's the same as many law firms where morale is in the gutter. Thbey clean out the ones they consider toxic, and anyone who expresses sympathy gets cut in the second round if they don't leave on their own. <BR/><BR/>In other words, the beatings will continue until morale improves. <BR/><BR/>Also, I once said that I was going to ignore all of the name calling, but I'm afraid I've back-tracked on that. I'll limit it in the future.Rage Judicatahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04765188025349228048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-55642187420870258262009-03-29T18:36:00.000-05:002009-03-29T18:36:00.000-05:00Rage,Let's not forget that as a VMI graduate witho...Rage,<BR/>Let's not forget that as a VMI graduate without distinction you are merely a 1/2 step above the troll's bitch who served as a Coast Guard desk duty blowhard. <BR/>Big talk little dick.<BR/>Let's mix it up punk. Name a Gym and a time. I'm sure you had "Smokers" at VMI like we did at the Academy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-47566842572124613042009-03-29T18:22:00.000-05:002009-03-29T18:22:00.000-05:00Rage,I actually had let everyone know it was me lo...Rage,<BR/>I actually had let everyone know it was me long before I announced my identity on the blog. I started letting the majority of people know after the night of the run-off.<BR/>That being said, I don't think that there would be too much luck in keeping any type of secret society all that "secret" in the Office.<BR/>I think that you can look at how many commnents this particular post and you can clearly see how the prosecutors at the Office feel. The sad thing is that nobody in upper Admin gives a crap.Murray Newmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00662196272138109874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-51008928601582527792009-03-29T18:10:00.000-05:002009-03-29T18:10:00.000-05:005:01,I agree with everything you said except that ...5:01,<BR/>I agree with everything you said except that Magidson did not put in to be appointed Attorney General. Rather, he is sucking up to be appointed the US Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. And yes, he is now apparantly a Democrat; but if he doesn't get the appointment I'm sure he could always become a Republican.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com