tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post4851160655405503587..comments2024-03-09T19:08:04.758-06:00Comments on Life at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center: A Troubling MemoMurray Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662196272138109874noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-27895259095119592022010-07-20T20:17:03.569-05:002010-07-20T20:17:03.569-05:00I had the opportunity to work in as a prosecutor i...I had the opportunity to work in as a prosecutor in municipal court, and I think this policy may have arisen b/c of problems in municipal court. In municipal court, several defense attorneys work deals with officers in which the officers conveniently forget any detail related to a case or agree not to appear to testify in exchange for who knows what (very suspicious). I witnessed this myself. Defense attorneys would basically bargain for dismissals with the officers (what the officers got in the bargain, I don't know). Apparently, at one point, a municipal court attorney attempted to address this corrupt practice. One of the officers threatened the attorney, and as a result, municipal court attorneys have been instructed not to get in the way of these deals.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-80494604714671678842010-07-12T11:50:54.419-05:002010-07-12T11:50:54.419-05:00I am Rage Judicata's lack of surprise.
Y'...I am Rage Judicata's lack of surprise. <br /><br />Y'all wonder why many of us don't trust those in the system? This is a great example. <br /><br />RageAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-52508641877583368502010-07-11T20:46:19.197-05:002010-07-11T20:46:19.197-05:00Judge Stricklin's last day on the bench will b...Judge Stricklin's last day on the bench will be Friday.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-74789875980384625372010-07-10T21:50:14.387-05:002010-07-10T21:50:14.387-05:00we believe the rumor is true. The hangup is Gov. G...we believe the rumor is true. The hangup is Gov. Goodhair wants to place one of his top contributors in the job for his political reasons.Not a good reason for the criminal justice system,but he is not well known for worrying about what happens there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-29552199468402234502010-07-10T15:45:46.249-05:002010-07-10T15:45:46.249-05:00The real reason for the chief's letter is muni...The real reason for the chief's letter is municipal court. It has become a joke. The new presiding judge was walking through the building and heard officers and defense atty's not only talking about cases, but coming up with deals for the defendants. Officers have no business making deals or any arrangements on any case but it has been done there for quite a while. I have no issues talking to def atty's and do it often, but I won't discuss the case and I won't be the one who decides what happens to a case. That's not my job as a cop...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-65526864064529326842010-07-10T12:01:33.838-05:002010-07-10T12:01:33.838-05:00I have heard the rumor that Judge Stricklin was re...I have heard the rumor that Judge Stricklin was retiring early, but I don't know whether or not they are true.Murray Newmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00662196272138109874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-13406809596679250782010-07-10T10:43:17.268-05:002010-07-10T10:43:17.268-05:00Somewhat off topic, but can you or any of your rea...Somewhat off topic, but can you or any of your readers confirm that Judge Stricklin turned in a letter of resignation to the governor? If that's the case, will Marc Brown be appointed judge?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-63663201976663050052010-07-09T22:15:04.173-05:002010-07-09T22:15:04.173-05:00Hardworking, diligent citizens of Harris County an...Hardworking, diligent citizens of Harris County and the surrounding areas applaud you, Murray. A prosecutor's duty is to uphold the law in good faith through their best efforts. A prosecutor's job similarly represents that of an officer on the street except in the court room, and thereby, respecting the victims demands by seeing a case to their full potential. I think there are some Harris County employees that sit on their laurels meandering around in their inner circle to bring home the hefty benefits along with the pay. Maybe some of those employees should go muster some courage and try a case once in a while. If they don't like the office then leave, and I'm sure they are all well-suited for private practice. Prosecutors and judges are the last line of justice and if people cannot depend on them, then who exactly can we depend on?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-57971089568827740352010-07-09T09:19:39.251-05:002010-07-09T09:19:39.251-05:00It is great to see that Brian is looking at both s...It is great to see that Brian is looking at both sides of the story. I am glad to know that he reads this blog. You do a great service for many who are not involved in the court system. You allow us an insider peek into what was previously kept behind closed doors. It is good to see someone stand against the stupidity that walked into the office in the form of Lycos. Thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-24335912784567873002010-07-08T21:30:11.735-05:002010-07-08T21:30:11.735-05:00Murray---Thank you very much. You are a good man. ...Murray---Thank you very much. You are a good man. A FriendAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-54823154791787426412010-07-08T21:20:21.378-05:002010-07-08T21:20:21.378-05:00I'll try to post to the listserve now.I'll try to post to the listserve now.Murray Newmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00662196272138109874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-82589473657900884692010-07-08T21:16:54.147-05:002010-07-08T21:16:54.147-05:00Murray---could you please post this letter on HCCL...Murray---could you please post this letter on HCCLA LISTSERVE----the copy here is hard to read and copy. Thanks. A FRIENDAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-41188790772969487112010-07-08T20:50:48.969-05:002010-07-08T20:50:48.969-05:00I just read the Houston Chronicle article. I am g...I just read the Houston Chronicle article. I am glad you are pointing out stories for them to write. I read Lykos' response and was so disappointed. Lykos should have repudiated the policy and instructed her ADA's not to be involved in deciding if any officer should talk to a defense attorney. I strongly suspect Holmes would have issued any immediate email to the entire office instructing his ADA's not to be involved as required by the HPD memo. But then Holmes was a true prosecutor and dedicated to seeing that justice was done.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-40831807751033294422010-07-08T07:37:21.323-05:002010-07-08T07:37:21.323-05:00Anon 10:54 p.m.,
I do agree. And I was.Anon 10:54 p.m.,<br /><br />I do agree. And I was.Murray Newmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00662196272138109874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-57678155318656155882010-07-07T22:54:38.884-05:002010-07-07T22:54:38.884-05:00"...theoretically, the police are there to se..."...theoretically, the police are there to serve the PUBLIC and sort out the truth of the matter. Having an open mind and being able to look at different angles makes for a better police officer (at least on the witness stand)."<br /><br />You just described the "theoretical" job of a prosecutor. And if you were worth your salt as a prosecutor, you'd agree.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-3737847335197347892010-07-07T06:51:44.783-05:002010-07-07T06:51:44.783-05:00Well spoken, Murray.
(from a police officer who r...Well spoken, Murray.<br /><br />(from a police officer who reads your blog)<br /><br />..By the way, sometime sit can be helpful to speak with the defense. Nothing wrong with developing a rapport and getting to see where he/she is coming from. COMMON SENSE should dictate here folks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-55764134921362611862010-07-05T12:58:29.756-05:002010-07-05T12:58:29.756-05:00Anon 11:54 a.m. & 11:58 p.m.
On behalf of all ...Anon 11:54 a.m. & 11:58 p.m.<br />On behalf of all of us "slimy" defense attorneys, thank you for providing an illustration of the type of attitude we get to deal with from people who only believe there is one side of the story to everything.<br /><br />And seriously, we are equating my blogging to the job that police officers do when it comes to censoring? Are you kidding?<br /><br />First of all, I have certain guidelines on what I will censor. I don't put up personal issues (especially not of the sexual nature). And I don't put up stuff that could be deemed libel (if untrue) unless I know for a fact that it IS true. <br /><br />Second of all, NOBODY GOES TO JAIL BECAUSE OF WHAT IS WRITTEN ON THIS BLOG!!<br /><br />Third, if a police officer doesn't want to talk to a defense attorney (or the press), that's his business. I've never said differently. I did point out that if his case is so fragile that it would fall apart during a phone conversation then he has a problem.<br /><br />I am keenly aware of the fact that prosecutors and police officers view themselves as being on the "same side", and that's fine. But theoretically, the police are there to serve the PUBLIC and sort out the truth of the matter. Having an open mind and being able to look at different angles makes for a better police officer (at least on the witness stand). <br /><br />I always appreciated the Officer that talked to the defense attorneys and didn't have anything to hide on the stand, back when I was a prosecutor. They looked professional and in charge of their business. They had also gotten an idea of where the DEFENSE ATTORNEY was going to be going with his cross when they had spoken.<br /><br />My problem with the memo is that the Chief has just ORDERED all police not to speak to the defense attorney. Even the slightest illusion of neutrality has gone away and that makes them appear to be nothing more than part of a convicting machine. Most cops I know aren't like that and aren't scared to talk to defense attorneys.<br /><br />And don't even get me started on how sometimes these conversations with the police officers can actually help resolve cases without trials. Can you really argue that there isn't some value in THAT?Murray Newmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00662196272138109874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-80897236039525777492010-07-05T11:58:58.613-05:002010-07-05T11:58:58.613-05:00In all seriousness, Murray, you think that the off...In all seriousness, Murray, you think that the officers should be able to speak with the defense yet you censor your blog. I guess you don't want people putting out "inappropriate" comments, no matter how "appropriate" the writer believes they are. I guess that might be what the memo is about as well. Your thoughts?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-26529733230250420242010-07-05T11:54:47.771-05:002010-07-05T11:54:47.771-05:00The cops should no more speak with the defense tha...The cops should no more speak with the defense than they should talk with the press. Both are slimy and pretend to be your friend. Just say NO!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-91492033981081847882010-07-04T22:10:00.957-05:002010-07-04T22:10:00.957-05:00Wanna bet it was the cops talking to the Union Att...Wanna bet it was the cops talking to the Union Attorneys about the alleged beating by the other cops.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-65711022173461371922010-07-04T00:05:23.073-05:002010-07-04T00:05:23.073-05:00The police work for the people and as such, should...The police work for the people and as such, should not have to worry about their chief punishing them because an ADA was handed his hat in court. A properly prepared ADA is not going to worry about his police witnesses talking to the other side but in case you haven't noticed, Harris County is really starting to feel the pinch on those that have been dismissed or left out of disgust.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-74402157484179102002010-07-03T23:02:44.406-05:002010-07-03T23:02:44.406-05:00Why are you assuming just because the memo directs...Why are you assuming just because the memo directs officers to seek permission from a prosecutor first before speaking with defense counsel that the prosecutor is either going to tell the officer to not speak with opposing counsel or the officer will, on his/her own accord, refuse to speak with opposing counsel? The bigger picture is really just notice to the prosecutor that his/her witness has been approached by the defense to talk to him or her. There's nothing wrong with that. There's nothing unethical about telling your witnesses to please refrain from speaking to defense counsel until you tell me he/she has requested to speak to you. No prosecutor with an ounce of common sense should ever tell their witness to refuse to speak to opposing counsel, that would obviously be unethical. Any smart prosecutor should tell all of their witnesses, "I want to be there or on the phone when you speak to defense counsel, not because I'm afraid of what you'll tell him/her, but because I want to know exactly what you tell him/her." There's a difference.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-59964539509146857172010-07-03T22:36:44.046-05:002010-07-03T22:36:44.046-05:00AS A PERSON ON THE INSIDE WILL CLEAR THIS MISUNDER...AS A PERSON ON THE INSIDE WILL CLEAR THIS MISUNDERSTANDING UP.THIS MEMO WAS CREATED BY DA EMPLOYEE HANNAH CHOW WHATEVER HER TITLE IS. WITH STRINGS ATTACHED FROM A CERTAIN UNITED HOUSE REP IN ACRES HOME,AND 2 CITY COUNSEL MEMBERS ONE BEING BRAFORD. THIS ALL CAME ABOUT WHEN SOME OFFICERS TALKING ABOUT A CASE IN PRESENCE OF A GRAND JURY. YOU WILL HAVE TO FILL IN THE BLANKS CONCERNING CERTAIN NAMES. NOW BACK TO THIS MEMO WHICH TO ME AS NO MERIT NOR IS LEGAL TO THE WORDING OR FACE VALUE OF IT. IF I STAND TO BE CORRECTED PLEASE CORRECT ME.THE LONE RANGERnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-63676878742442234222010-07-03T19:37:28.942-05:002010-07-03T19:37:28.942-05:00I could see consulting with the DA if an officer f...I could see consulting with the DA if an officer feels nervous. But - as long as we are on this subject - how about defense attorneys who tamper with witnesses in domestic violence cases - you know - write out their affidavits for them? How can a defense attorney claim to represent the interest of the defendant and the complainant at the same time?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-10282929791885165222010-07-03T17:59:33.002-05:002010-07-03T17:59:33.002-05:00This is completely retarded! The police should NEV...This is completely retarded! The police should NEVER discuss their case with the defense. There's no reason. If the defense has questions, they should ask the prosecutor. The cops don't work for the defense and have no ethical, moral, or any other reason for letting them know any more about their case than is in the report. The only problem I have with it is that the memo had to be issued in the first place. I put it up there with a memo from the Chief saying, "Always tell the truth when you're testifying." It shouldn't need to be said (or maybe it should).<br /><br />The officer doesn't have anything to hide but by giving information to the defense it could give his client an excuse, not a true defense. Even the DA's have "work product" that they don't turn over! What's the difference?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com