tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post262883709171178906..comments2024-03-28T00:50:16.901-05:00Comments on Life at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center: The 0800 RuleMurray Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662196272138109874noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-6163518916747889412009-02-17T18:19:00.000-06:002009-02-17T18:19:00.000-06:00You bust your ass in the criminal justice system b...You bust your ass in the criminal justice system because you couldn't get a different job out of law school Seaton, be honest.Rage Judicatahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04765188025349228048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-71501587243526464752009-02-17T14:46:00.000-06:002009-02-17T14:46:00.000-06:00"In addition to being so amazingly wrong, it is ap..."In addition to being so amazingly wrong, it is apparent that you just don't care. "<BR/><BR/>Amazingly wrong? Out of the 8 people I sawy in court today who took please, how many do you think were actually innocent? I know how many were--ZERO. The last three trials I watched that were guilty--guess how many were guilty? All of them. <BR/><BR/>Do wrongful convictions happen? Sure they do, and they are tragic. What's even more sickening than that though is agenda driven bullshit masquerading as actually caring about the process and the people in it, and that's what you are spewing. <BR/><BR/>I care so much about the criminal justice system that I bust my ass in it every single day. You damn sure don't.Scott C. Popehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15307985210183952341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-7288261788600035092009-02-16T14:15:00.000-06:002009-02-16T14:15:00.000-06:00Good God Arthur, you are a hack.It happens all too...Good God Arthur, you are a hack.<BR/><BR/>It happens all too often. And to the extent that we can continue to try to improve, we should.<BR/><BR/>A DA's assertion that "we're as good as we can be" is probably in the top three threats to our liberty as American Citizens.<BR/><BR/>In addition to being so amazingly wrong, it is apparent that you just don't care. <BR/><BR/>There's a special place in Hell for people like you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-32481819070043162692009-02-16T07:35:00.000-06:002009-02-16T07:35:00.000-06:00"How about making policies that prevent any of the..."How about making policies that prevent any of the multiple wrongful convictions? "<BR/><BR/>Sigh. You and I have had this conversation before. At least your stupidity is coupled with tenacity.<BR/><BR/>We can never, ever, ever eliminate wrongful convictions. The best the system can do is make sure they happen in the rarest of instances, as they do now.Scott C. Popehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15307985210183952341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-30670718728770490632009-02-14T19:43:00.000-06:002009-02-14T19:43:00.000-06:00Seaton:How about making policies that prevent any ...Seaton:<BR/><BR/>How about making policies that prevent any of the multiple wrongful convictions? I can live with leaving the types of policies up to the supposed experts, such as you claim to be, since you're right I don't practice criminal law.<BR/><BR/>Or maybe I shouldn't, seeing what a piss poor job you folks have done so far...<BR/><BR/>http://ragejudicata.blogspot.com/2009/02/ricardo-rachell-update.html#linksRage Judicatahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04765188025349228048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-66685951434898815092009-02-14T13:39:00.000-06:002009-02-14T13:39:00.000-06:00RageThanks for the info and YOUR service.I am sorr...Rage<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the info and YOUR service.<BR/><BR/>I am sorry for my misunderstanding.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-56514912248036499582009-02-14T13:14:00.000-06:002009-02-14T13:14:00.000-06:00Murray--I was asking our resident jackass Rage wha...Murray--I was asking our resident jackass Rage what his birrliant ideas for the ""change" needed at the DA's office, what with his vast criminal law experience and all. The ideas you list are common sense--and thus will be ignored most likely. :)Scott C. Popehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15307985210183952341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-38890205218383678162009-02-14T10:03:00.000-06:002009-02-14T10:03:00.000-06:004:04, I think we're on the same side on this one--...4:04, I think we're on the same side on this one--I was criticizing the guy who was criticizing Leitner. I had no idea Leitner had served in any branch of any service, and was quoting someone else.<BR/><BR/>But if you must know, I'm a VMI grad and a former company commander in the US 3rd Armored Division. Lawyer is my second career.Rage Judicatahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04765188025349228048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-86410272095378429782009-02-13T16:04:00.000-06:002009-02-13T16:04:00.000-06:00RageGet your facts straight!!Jim Leitner served in...Rage<BR/>Get your facts straight!!<BR/><BR/>Jim Leitner served in the U.S. Coast Guard and retired after serving 20 years. (Active and reserve) I think the rank he left with was Admiral.<BR/><BR/>Not bad. What is your military record???Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-90654878186957678292009-02-13T14:56:00.000-06:002009-02-13T14:56:00.000-06:00Anon Feb 12, 2:00,yes, thank you for correcting me...Anon Feb 12, 2:00,<BR/>yes, thank you for correcting me. I'm not good at military time. I meant 5:00pm = 1700 hrs. <BR/><BR/>Anon 10:27Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-41411124017536525722009-02-13T14:54:00.000-06:002009-02-13T14:54:00.000-06:00Does anyone know if these strict rules against tar...Does anyone know if these strict rules against tardiness apply to the bigwig lateral hires? Didn't one of the new bureau/division chiefs recently miss an intake shift? I wonder if that person was reprimanded and removed from the intake schedule.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-36038901485232012092009-02-13T09:01:00.000-06:002009-02-13T09:01:00.000-06:00Rage,My point exactly!!!! Look what a stellar job...Rage,<BR/>My point exactly!!!! Look what a stellar job of leadership W displayed. NOT!!! We can only hope your boy Leitner fares a tad bit better. But logic would dictate otherwise.<BR/>BTW, I sure am impressed with O Man's leadership as well....just goes to show: "who the fuck needs experience in leadership anyway"?<BR/>Now get back to your crack pipe.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-78095203402068072972009-02-12T19:44:00.000-06:002009-02-12T19:44:00.000-06:00All I'm sure of is that he skirted any possibility...<I>All I'm sure of is that he skirted any possibility of active combat duty and did not serve in the United States Navy during the Viet Nam War Era.</I><BR/><BR/>I bet you voted for Bush anyway though...Rage Judicatahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04765188025349228048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-50589909605323473662009-02-12T14:54:00.000-06:002009-02-12T14:54:00.000-06:00Anon 12Feb2009 @ 1400hrs:Wasn't Jimmy "Loser" Leit...Anon 12Feb2009 @ 1400hrs:<BR/>Wasn't Jimmy "Loser" Leitner in the Merchant Marines? <BR/>All I'm sure of is that he skirted any possibility of active combat duty and did not serve in the United States Navy during the Viet Nam War Era. <BR/>Regardless, it's time to shove off.<BR/>Anchors Away my friend.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-91490149531461222852009-02-12T14:00:00.000-06:002009-02-12T14:00:00.000-06:00Anon 11:27 said: "I think these rules will make t...Anon 11:27 said: "I think these rules will make the lawyers want to leave at 0500 every day."<BR/><BR/>I'm pretty sure you were trying to say people would want to leave at 5:00 pm daily. In coast guard time 5:00 pm is 1700. So, in Jim's ideal world, all ADA's should work from 0800-1700 and put down one hour for lunch, even if they don't take it, earning no comp time in a day and not finishing any of the work they need to do.<BR/><BR/>I spend all day trying to call victim's and witnesses. Guess what, they're at work. Do you know when they answer? 6:30 pm (that's 1830). Do you know when they call back, even though the voicemail I left said to call between 2-5pm (that's 1400-1700? 6 or 7pm. <BR/><BR/>So, I'll come in a 0800. Sit around for 45 minutes with nothing to do and then I'll leave at 1700 and never have any of my work done. I wonder how the Judges are going to feel about all those resets for RIPs. <BR/><BR/>Oh, I forgot about the officers who work night shift...that's a whole can of worms on its own.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-91636683769720313632009-02-12T07:48:00.000-06:002009-02-12T07:48:00.000-06:00ANON 10:27,Well stated. The future HCDA work prod...ANON 10:27,<BR/>Well stated. <BR/>The future HCDA work product will reflect this new mindset.<BR/>Let's see how many high profile non-whales are actually tried and how many tough cases are, as I suspect, plead out.<BR/>When the citizens of Harris County realize their criminal justice system has been politicized down the crapper they just might be a little peeved. <BR/>Got to go, time to punch in.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-91003502238474902772009-02-11T22:27:00.000-06:002009-02-11T22:27:00.000-06:00Anon 454, and others,Please remember that when ADA...Anon 454, and others,<BR/>Please remember that when ADAs show up after 8:00 they do not clock in at 8:00. They use comp time they have earned (by working late) or they use vacation time. Some make up the time by working late and/or weekends, unlike secretaries or investigators. Secretaries never work more than 40 hours a week. And investigators who have to much overtime are forced to take days off, UNLIKE attorneys who are expected to work for free after they "max out" at 240 hours of comp time earned. Nobody works harder at that office than the ADAs. So, if they want to make it a rule that everyone works strictly from 8-5 then fine. I think these rules will make the lawyers want to leave at 0500 every day. Lawyers know what they need to do to get things done, and they often work at home in the wee hours of the morning to do so. It seems this administration wants to micromanage people; treating lawyers like children instead of professionals. I fear that the office will lose some great talents because they don't know how to manage people and they haven't a clue about how to keep morale up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-85545363366276442192009-02-10T22:09:00.000-06:002009-02-10T22:09:00.000-06:00I betcha there are some sore asses doing a very lo...I betcha there are some sore asses doing a very long commute from adjacent counties amongst those with seniority.<BR/><BR/>What time do the bigwigs have to be there?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-66338031780021387432009-02-10T22:02:00.000-06:002009-02-10T22:02:00.000-06:00To the secretary:You leave at five everyday. Then...To the secretary:<BR/><BR/>You leave at five everyday. Then I should leave at five everyday right? You guys don't get comp, I understand. But we do because we don't have a choice. That said, let me ask you this, do you think we should be expected to leave a five everyday? If so, then I agree with you. That is what are little dictator Jim is creating.<BR/><BR/>I also know where you are coming from about the specialized divisions. Asset Vould't Cut it in the Trial Bureau forfeiture? True. <BR/><BR/>PIG, well Ed Porter was there for years, point taken. Oh and Clint Greenwood now heads it up, point further taken. He hasn't worked a full day in twenty years. <BR/><BR/>That said, what about those of us who are not Chiefs in the Trial Bureau- Leave at 5 when you do? I don't think so, so put it in perspective. We are lawyers and we have more responsibility.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-20988248145795155462009-02-10T16:54:00.000-06:002009-02-10T16:54:00.000-06:00Sorry, but I agree that if your day begins at 8a, ...Sorry, but I agree that if your day begins at 8a, then be there at 8a. If the secretaries, who have to be there at 8a to answer the phones for the lawyers who AREN'T there have to be there, then the lawyers should be there. Enough of the special treatment just because you're a lawyer.<BR/><BR/>And don't say anything about family obligations or where you live. That's idiotic, to say the least! Every other person who is required to be there, investigators, secretaries, receptionists, etc has some other obligation or excuse not to show up on time, but they do, or they're in trouble if they don't!!<BR/><BR/>Keep in mind, Murray, that it was because of the abuses of this that Leitner put this email out. If people came in at 8:15 or 8:30 every once in a while then it probably wouldn't be an issue, however, Asset Forfeiture and PIG folks, just to name a few, were coming in at 9a or 9:30a just because it was more convenient...FOR THEM!! They work for the people and have chosen to work for the people. So be there on time to start work FOR THE PEOPLE!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-81351647588867857892009-02-10T11:32:00.000-06:002009-02-10T11:32:00.000-06:00I see that Joseph Stalin and Idi Amin have both po...I see that Joseph Stalin and Idi Amin have both posthumously weighed in for "the Judge" to have her toke room.<BR/>Now we're up to 9 crackheads in support of county sponsored substance abuse facilitation.<BR/>However, the little people will still have to smoke on the loading docks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-33954238932182923352009-02-10T07:49:00.000-06:002009-02-10T07:49:00.000-06:00AHCL:Hugo Chavez is undoubtedly numero sieteAHCL:<BR/>Hugo Chavez is undoubtedly numero sieteAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-36678338851825268742009-02-09T21:39:00.000-06:002009-02-09T21:39:00.000-06:00Arthur,Let's see, Lykos campaigned on "restoring" ...Arthur,<BR/>Let's see, Lykos campaigned on "restoring" the Office to being the best in the Nation. She has failed to realize to do anything other than attempting to break the spirit of those under her. You want real suggestions on what she should be doing?<BR/>Here's a few:<BR/>1. Spend some money on some technology to help prosecutors in presenting their cases.<BR/>2. Start organizing some more actual training on how to try cases on specific cases.<BR/>3. Enhance a mentoring system that encourages prosecutors rather than scaring the piss out of them.<BR/>4. Walk the halls every once in a while to let her employees know that they are all on the same team.<BR/>5. Meet with the heads of HCCLA and give them an update on the new policy of offense report copies. Listen for some input.<BR/>6. Start calling up prosecutors who get a good verdict up to her office and congratulating them.<BR/>7. Um, try a case. (Yeah right)<BR/>8. Start visiting courts while docket is going on and seeing what her prosecutors do on a daily basis.<BR/><BR/>That's just a start.<BR/><BR/>And as for the 7th person? I'm doubting Jesus would be up for sponsoring a smoking porch, although Samuel J. may very well be up for it. Is Salinger still alive? Who knows?Murray Newmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00662196272138109874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-34034242419728639772009-02-09T21:26:00.000-06:002009-02-09T21:26:00.000-06:00"At last count there were seven people who thought..."At last count there were seven people who thought that Lykos' smoking porch was reasonable. By my count, that would be:<BR/><BR/>1. Lykos<BR/>2. Leitner<BR/>3. Greenwood<BR/>4. Bridgwater<BR/>5. Goode<BR/>6. McAnulty<BR/><BR/>Who is the 7th?"<BR/><BR/>Jesus? Samuel Jackson? J.D. Salinger?Scott C. Popehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15307985210183952341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-89493765237200524112009-02-09T21:24:00.000-06:002009-02-09T21:24:00.000-06:00" The petty schedule and "reply-all" e-mail BS is ..." The petty schedule and "reply-all" e-mail BS is nothing compared to the changes that need to happen in that office. "<BR/><BR/>Like what exactly? Be specific, and do use examples of your criminal law experience.Scott C. Popehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15307985210183952341noreply@blogger.com