119 trials in a day – Douglas Huff Quoted on Judge’s Docket
Mar 21, 2024 – The Dallas Morning News:
A judge in Dallas County is endeavoring to bolster efficiency and expedite criminal cases through the courthouse by compelling plea bargains or trials. However, this approach has led to a congested docket, with more than 100 trials slated for a single day, as reported by approximately a dozen attorneys to The Dallas Morning News.
Judge Amber Givens, presiding over felony cases in the 282nd District Court, including those carrying punishments up to the death penalty, is slated to oversee 119 jury trials on April 1, as per court records from Thursday morning.
Attorney Douglas Huff was interviewed saying: “A judge’s job is not to force the process”. “A judge’s job is to call balls and strikes, a judge’s job is to be the umpire.” “A hastily thrown together case could result in a wrongful conviction“, said Douglas Huff, of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Which county your case is filed in changes how it is charged, who prosecutes it, and which court hears it.
Deandra M. Grant, JD, GC, MS, ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist
She holds a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Science and a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Toxicology, both from the University of Florida. She is the author of The Texas DWI Manual and has defended Texas DWI cases since 1994.
Charged With a Crime?
Whatever you're facing, a DWI or any criminal charge, the sooner you have a forensic-trained team on it the more we can do. Tell us what happened and we'll review your options, at no cost and no obligation. We're available 24/7 across all six Texas offices.
Request a Free Case Evaluation
Tell us what happened. We'll respond as soon as possible.