Monthly Archives - April 2020

2020 Criminal Case Outcome Trends in Houston

2020 Criminal Case Outcome Trends in Houston

It’s not a secret that the city of Houston, Texas, has one of the strictest approaches towards crime. This perspective isn’t limited to felony cases, but also primarily applies to misdemeanors. The notion of actions having consequences is perhaps most relevant when it comes to criminal justice cases in the Space City. 

But the times are now changing. With a call for more effective handling of criminal cases, the tide is turning towards leniency in criminal justice. If you or your loved one is about to face a criminal case, then knowing about these trends can help. You need to learn how they might relate to your specific situation and how your legal representation may use them in your favor. 

Are you interested to learn more about this topic? Think it can help you in the near future? Without further ado, here are the top criminal case outcome trends in Houston for 2020.

Misdemeanor Arrests Aren’t Dependent on Cash Bail

One of the biggest trends in criminal justice is the change in handling misdemeanor bails. After a lengthy legal battle, a landmark decision in November 2019 finally declared that Harris County misdemeanor arrests would not have to be subject to cash bails

This means that in 2020, you will see more progressive handling towards misdemeanor cases in Houston. Gone are the days when misdemeanor defendants had to spend time behind bars just due to being short on cash. Now, they can get a chance to rebuild their lives and be productive members of society.

If you or a loved one is currently going through the case of a misdemeanor, then discussing this trend with your attorney will be a beneficial decision.  

Criminal Justice Reform Will Take Center Stage

The above decision is part of a recently stirred movement for criminal justice reform. The latest trends in Houston of not shackling juveniles and fining prosecutors for withholding evidence stem from this approach. But while those are significant changes, they are just starting steps to modifying Houston’s overall outlook towards penalization. 

In 2020, criminal cases are likely to see more arguments that speak for more substantial reform. This means that case defenses may depend on a big picture approach rather than exclusively zeroing down on your specific issue. 

If your criminal defense attorney thinks that taking this route may help, then they may most likely take this approach to improve your chances at defense. This doesn’t mean that it will throw the facts regarding your case out of court entirely. Further, this approach can still help by pointing out issues in the systemic handling of your case.

Focus on Improvement Than Penalization

It is also an increasing trend in criminal case outcomes to look at the social background of a defendant instead of reducing them to their most recent crime. This way, lawmakers and judges make decisions that are helping the defendant rather than throwing them behind bars for the sake of it.

With this in mind, 2020 may be full of cases where a criminal case defense is based upon the defendant’s social background or circumstances. While this may not grant everyone immunity, it is more likely to open up a broader perspective to judgment and a better chance at a lenient sentence.

If you or a loved one got involved in a criminal case due to issues such as poverty, then your criminal defense attorney may take this route to defend and present your case. 

Learn More About How These Trends Can Help

Criminal defense is a vast subject where legal advice needs to be highly specific and exclusively personalized. This is why we make sure that we can provide you with the counsel you need to present your case effectively. 

To learn how our team of experienced defense attorneys at the Martinez Law Firm can help your case, don’t hesitate to give us a call today. We specialize in DWI defense cases and can help you with an ALR hearing, court probation, and more. We will be happy to discuss your cases’ details and help you in any way we can. In the meantime, learn more about DWI cases in Houston

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