Just a quick reminder that the Investiture for Judge Kristin Guiney will be on Thursday, February 21st at 12:00 in the Ceremonial Courtroom on the 20th Floor.
There will be a reception following the ceremony in the 179th District Courtroom.
All are invited to attend!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The DAO vs. Defense Bar Softball Game
When Mike Anderson came on Reasonable Doubt shortly after winning the election in November, one of the things he stated he would like to do was to boost the spirit of collegiality between the prosecutors of his Office and the Defense Bar. One of his ideas was to get a softball game going between prosecutors and defense attorneys.
HCCLA has responded to the challenge and a DA vs. Defense Attorney softball game is now being planned under the supervision of Rick Detoto.
The time and place of the game has yet to be determined, but Rick is starting to get a roster together. All interested members of the Defense Bar should contact him at rickdetoto@aol.com.
I haven't heard who is handling the recruiting on the D.A. side, but I will let you know as soon as I hear.
HCCLA has responded to the challenge and a DA vs. Defense Attorney softball game is now being planned under the supervision of Rick Detoto.
The time and place of the game has yet to be determined, but Rick is starting to get a roster together. All interested members of the Defense Bar should contact him at rickdetoto@aol.com.
I haven't heard who is handling the recruiting on the D.A. side, but I will let you know as soon as I hear.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Mark Your Calendars
There are a couple of upcoming social events coming up from within the D.A.'s Office that I've been asked to make you guys aware of.
On Thursday, February, February 21st at 5:01 p.m., there will be a D.A. Office Reunion Happy Hour for current and former Harris County Prosecutors on the second floor of Treebeard's on Market Square.
The following week, on Thursday, February 28th at 5:01 p.m., there will be a Retirement/Going-Away Party for the legendary Loretta Smith. Momma Lo' is retiring after 17.5 years at the District Attorney's Office, where she has been the Administrative Assistant for the 209th District Court prosecutors ever since I can remember. I'll be writing more about her later!
Loretta's party will be at Gloria's (formerly Ruby Tequila's) located at 2616 Louisiana, Houston, TX 77006. Those interested in making a donation/contribution to party expenses can contact Tammy Ratley.
On Thursday, February, February 21st at 5:01 p.m., there will be a D.A. Office Reunion Happy Hour for current and former Harris County Prosecutors on the second floor of Treebeard's on Market Square.
The following week, on Thursday, February 28th at 5:01 p.m., there will be a Retirement/Going-Away Party for the legendary Loretta Smith. Momma Lo' is retiring after 17.5 years at the District Attorney's Office, where she has been the Administrative Assistant for the 209th District Court prosecutors ever since I can remember. I'll be writing more about her later!
Loretta's party will be at Gloria's (formerly Ruby Tequila's) located at 2616 Louisiana, Houston, TX 77006. Those interested in making a donation/contribution to party expenses can contact Tammy Ratley.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Katherine Cabaniss named 248th District Court Judge
I was excited to hear yesterday afternoon that my friend and former chief Katherine Cabaniss has been named by Governor Perry to replace Joan Campbell as the new Judge of the 248th District Court.
I had the opportunity to work for Katherine when she was my chief in the 174th District Court under Judge George Godwin. Those were some of my favorite days of my career at the D.A.'s Office. Of all the chiefs I worked for, she was one of my favorites (if not THE favorite).
Katherine was always the picture of poise and professionalism as a prosecutor. She fought fiercely for her cases, but would look into any claim a defense attorney brought to her attention. She was compassionate and kind when the case called for it, but could be tougher than nails when that was called for as well. Regardless of the case she was handling, she treated everyone that she talked to with respect.
On a personal note, Katherine was my chief when I was expecting the birth of my son. She was like having a big sister during that time. She was so supportive and excited for everything going on in my personal life. When she moved out of the court we remained good friends, and I was sad when she told me she was leaving the Office for CrimeStoppers.
Over the past several years, Katherine has worked tirelessly at Crime Stoppers -- coordinating events and raising money for that organization. I have no doubt that they will miss her very much over there.
But Katherine never got so busy that she wouldn't make time for an old friend.
I had no idea that Katherine was in the running for the 248th Bench, so I was just as shocked as I was happy when I heard the good news yesterday.
She's going to make a fantastic judge who will rule fairly, compassionately, and intelligently.
And hopefully, she'll still have time for lunch with an old friend from time to time, too.
I had the opportunity to work for Katherine when she was my chief in the 174th District Court under Judge George Godwin. Those were some of my favorite days of my career at the D.A.'s Office. Of all the chiefs I worked for, she was one of my favorites (if not THE favorite).
Katherine was always the picture of poise and professionalism as a prosecutor. She fought fiercely for her cases, but would look into any claim a defense attorney brought to her attention. She was compassionate and kind when the case called for it, but could be tougher than nails when that was called for as well. Regardless of the case she was handling, she treated everyone that she talked to with respect.
On a personal note, Katherine was my chief when I was expecting the birth of my son. She was like having a big sister during that time. She was so supportive and excited for everything going on in my personal life. When she moved out of the court we remained good friends, and I was sad when she told me she was leaving the Office for CrimeStoppers.
Over the past several years, Katherine has worked tirelessly at Crime Stoppers -- coordinating events and raising money for that organization. I have no doubt that they will miss her very much over there.
But Katherine never got so busy that she wouldn't make time for an old friend.
I had no idea that Katherine was in the running for the 248th Bench, so I was just as shocked as I was happy when I heard the good news yesterday.
She's going to make a fantastic judge who will rule fairly, compassionately, and intelligently.
And hopefully, she'll still have time for lunch with an old friend from time to time, too.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Signs Your Old Division Chief Doesn't Want to Be Seen with You
I decided this week to invite my old Division Chief to lunch. I've mentioned him on the blog before but to protect his identity, I've given him the codename of Greg Couldhart. I referenced him here back in 2008 as the "Play It Off Guy" in an addendum to my all-time favorite post: Stupid Elevator People.
So, I shoot him a text message, inviting him to lunch. He accepts and we decide on a place to meet the following day after I get out of court. NOTE: If it isn't already apparent, my writing is in blue andGoodhart's Couldhart's is in white.
Finally, I just give up.
I did have to fire off one last parting shot to him, however, when it came time to meet ON ONE.
So, I shoot him a text message, inviting him to lunch. He accepts and we decide on a place to meet the following day after I get out of court. NOTE: If it isn't already apparent, my writing is in blue and
Please note the meeting point that he suggests.
The following morning, I confirm lunch plans with him.
To which he replies:
I'm starting to think he doesn't want me to swing by his office.
I decide to firm up the time, and he replies with:
At this point, I've begun to develop a complex, so I decide to mess with him. This attempt goes right over his head.
Finally, I just give up.
I did have to fire off one last parting shot to him, however, when it came time to meet ON ONE.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Back in the Saddle Again
I got a phone call from a friend of mine last night who asked me if the FCC had shut down my blog yet for being too boring. I can't say that I fault him much for his question.
I was in trial for the better part of last week, and we had picked a jury the Thursday before that. I'm not saying that being in trial monopolizes all of my time, but it does seem to quash any desire that I have to write anything on the blog.
As it always seems, whenever I don't have the ability to write something, a ton of stories that I want to write about pop up.
I was in the middle of jury selection when I was informed about the murder of Kaufman County prosecutor Mark Hasse. I got several text messages and e-mails asking me why I hadn't posted anything on him. Please know that it wasn't indifference. I honestly don't know what to say.
Obviously any time a public servant is killed in the line of duty -- whether it be a police officer, a fireman, a prosecutor or a teacher -- it sends shockwaves through the community. When you happen to hold the same occupation as the person killed, it becomes all the more sobering. I didn't know Mark Hasse, but he sounded like a brave prosecutor. It becomes a very frightening world when public servants aren't killed just in the line of duty, but because of the line of duty that they have chosen as a profession.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and those who knew Mr. Hasse from the Dallas County District Attorney's Office and the Kaufman County District Attorney's Office. I hope those responsible for his death are brought to Justice.
The other topics that I've been wanting to write about can wait. I will get to them soon, hopefully.
If the FCC doesn't shut me down first . . .
I was in trial for the better part of last week, and we had picked a jury the Thursday before that. I'm not saying that being in trial monopolizes all of my time, but it does seem to quash any desire that I have to write anything on the blog.
As it always seems, whenever I don't have the ability to write something, a ton of stories that I want to write about pop up.
I was in the middle of jury selection when I was informed about the murder of Kaufman County prosecutor Mark Hasse. I got several text messages and e-mails asking me why I hadn't posted anything on him. Please know that it wasn't indifference. I honestly don't know what to say.
Obviously any time a public servant is killed in the line of duty -- whether it be a police officer, a fireman, a prosecutor or a teacher -- it sends shockwaves through the community. When you happen to hold the same occupation as the person killed, it becomes all the more sobering. I didn't know Mark Hasse, but he sounded like a brave prosecutor. It becomes a very frightening world when public servants aren't killed just in the line of duty, but because of the line of duty that they have chosen as a profession.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and those who knew Mr. Hasse from the Dallas County District Attorney's Office and the Kaufman County District Attorney's Office. I hope those responsible for his death are brought to Justice.
The other topics that I've been wanting to write about can wait. I will get to them soon, hopefully.
If the FCC doesn't shut me down first . . .
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Tonight's Reasonable Doubt (2/7/13)
Please join me and our host Todd Dupont for tonight's Reasonable Doubt with special guest Carmen Roe. Carmen was scheduled to be on a few weeks ago but we had a last minute change of plans, so please tune in tonight at 8:00 p.m.
As always, you can catch us live streaming by clicking here.
As always, you can catch us live streaming by clicking here.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Memorial Plaque Ceremony
Tomorrow (Thursday, Ferbruary 7th) there will be a ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on the 7th Floor Trial Ready Room of the CJC honoring those members of the Harris County Defense Bar who have passed away over the past year.
Those who will be remembered with a ceremonial plaque are Michael Barrow, Rayford Carter, Suzie Chambliss, Fred Heacock, Claude Hippard, Bennie House, Travis Johnson, Jim Lindeman, Michael Mapes, Ray Montgomery, John V. O'Sullivan, Charlie Portz, Thomas Preston and Jim Steele.
HCCLA President Chris Tritico and President-Elect Todd Dupont will be speaking, along Robb Fickman and the Honorable Jay Karahan. Refreshments will be served afterwards and all are invited to attend.
Those who will be remembered with a ceremonial plaque are Michael Barrow, Rayford Carter, Suzie Chambliss, Fred Heacock, Claude Hippard, Bennie House, Travis Johnson, Jim Lindeman, Michael Mapes, Ray Montgomery, John V. O'Sullivan, Charlie Portz, Thomas Preston and Jim Steele.
HCCLA President Chris Tritico and President-Elect Todd Dupont will be speaking, along Robb Fickman and the Honorable Jay Karahan. Refreshments will be served afterwards and all are invited to attend.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
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The Truth About Prosecuting Domestic Violence Cases
When I was in college at A&M, I worked as an intern at the Brazos County District Attorney's Office for two and a half years. It wa...
