Tag Archives: District Attorney
A new Texas law could get prosecutors fired for not pursuing charges. Here’s how it works.
A new state law could lead to the firing of elected prosecutors who refuse to take on certain crimes like low-level pot offenses. Supporters of the law say these “rogue” prosecutors should be thrown out of office. Opponents say the…
Courts • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Oct 11, 2023
Hays County district clerk sues district attorney for 'neglect of his duties'
The Hays County district clerk is suing District Attorney Kelly Higgins and asking that he be removed from office. Avrey Anderson claims Higgins demonstrated “intentional, corrupt failure and neglect of his duties” by refusing to prosecute cases of simple drug possession and low-level…
Courts • By Maya Fawaz, KUT • Sep 18, 2023
Travis County launched a program to provide lawyers at the county jail. It lasted nine days.
A pilot program to provide legal representation to people in custody at the Travis County Jail had to be put on hold after just nine days because of staffing shortages. The grant-funded program was part of a Texas A&M study to…
Travis County • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Apr 27, 2022
How the Travis County DA’s race could affect police use-of-force cases
One race tucked into the crowded ballots that Travis County voters are seeing this election could have a substantial effect on police use-of-force cases. From the death of Eric Garner in New York to the death of David Joseph here…
Police • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Oct 31, 2016
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Democratic DA pick talks cross-party maneuver
The Democratic nominee for Travis County district attorney is vigorously defending her decision to offer a Republican judge potential control of the office’s embattled Public Integrity Unit. Margaret Moore told the Austin Monitor that she is convinced that 450th District…
Local Politics • By Caleb Pritchard • Aug 26, 2016
Commissioners keep parking garage plans alive
Travis County Commissioners voted Tuesday to keep the three new levels of underground parking that had been designed to accompany the planned district attorney’s office in downtown Austin. The decision to approve the proposed $3.05 million garage beneath the future Ronnie Earle Building…
Development • By Caleb Pritchard • Mar 25, 2015
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Travis Commissioners settle DA building drama
Travis County Commissioners Court settled the final act Tuesday in a lengthy drama surrounding a proposed new district attorney’s office building. In a 3-2 vote, the commissioners gave the green light to a moderately revised version of the Ronnie Earle…
Local Government • By Caleb Pritchard • Mar 11, 2015
Commissioners nearly boot plans for DA's office
Travis County Commissioners came dangerously close Tuesday to scrapping plans to build a new office tower for the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. The clash between two county agencies over cost almost ended the project when Commissioner Gerald Daugherty seconded…
Courts • By Caleb Pritchard • Mar 4, 2015
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Prosecutors ask for extra staff to meet regulations
Told by the County Attorney David Escamilla and District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg that Travis County’s judicial system is in a crisis, County Commissioners Tuesday approved advertising for additional paralegals to help prosecutors comply with the Michael Morton Act. The Michael…
