Legislation Details

File #: 26-1501    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Position Status: Passed
File created: 2/18/2026 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 2/26/2026 Final action: 2/26/2026
Title: Request by County Courts for approval of the creation and funding for six (6) staff attorney positions to support identification of GOB eligible and carve-out misdemeanor defendants and otherwise ensure County compliance with Local Rule 9 and the ODonnell Consent Decree.
Primary Department: County Courts
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Ed Wells

Secondary Department: Choose an item.
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:

Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA

Type of Request: Position

Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A

MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request

Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item

Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by County Courts for approval of the creation and funding for six (6) staff attorney positions to support identification of GOB eligible and carve-out misdemeanor defendants and otherwise ensure County compliance with Local Rule 9 and the ODonnell Consent Decree.
end

Background and Discussion:
The ODonnell Consent Decree and Local Rule 9 of the County Criminal Courts at Law require all misdemeanor detainees to be released on a General Order Bond (unsecured $100 bail) unless they fall into one of six carve-out categories requiring the detainee to appear before a judicial officer for review of probable cause, setting of bail, consideration of a personal bond (unsecured bail), and any non-monetary conditions of release. A looming change in the procedures supporting this requirement necessitates the creation of these positions to ensure Consent Decree compliance with the efficient issuance of GOB's, the timely release of those GOB eligible detainees, and identification of carve-outs that protect public safety and the safety of victims.


Expected Impact:
The staff attorney positions are necessary to review and identify GOB and carve-out individuals in a timely manner to ensure the expedited release of all GOB eligible detainees. In addition to GOB/carve-out identification, the requested staff att...

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