Stupid Criminals

Geez - we were supposed to have a trial today, but the Defendant took a plea.  The reason: the bozo got arrested last night on new charges.  Most likely those new charges wouldn't have been allowed/mentioned during the trial, but things aren't looking good for him.  Not the sharpest tool in the shed for sure!

LC

Ouch!

Found out about a clerical mistake today: in a sentencing order, a clerk put a 3 year minimum mandatory sentence for a vehicular homicide when it should have been 4.  I'm not a lawyer, but the term of double-jeopardy came up and that the court couldn't amend the sentencing order since too much time has passed.  Argh - I feel so sorry for the victim's family.  I just hope this defendant realizes how lucky he is and turns his life around.

LC

Going to Work Tomorrow

I'm going to work tomorrow.  And it almost didn't happen.  The Governor finally signed a bill for additional funding for the State Courts, so we could stay open.  That's right: we ran out of money.  Only the third branch government, that is.  Our funding comes from fees and costs and since foreclosure filings are down... well, we ran out of money.  Crazy.

At least we're good for the next two months.  We'll just have to wait and see how much of a hit we take during the legislative session for the fiscal year.  Six years of this crisis and still no end in sight.  But at least I have a job to go to tomorrow.

LC

Court Funding

Rumors have been flying this week regarding funding to the court system.  The judiciary received .07 funding from the State.  Our budget comes from court fees which have fallen off dramatically the past few months.  There's a strong possibility of furloughs for April through May.  Not good.

For myself as an employee facing a paycut and for the public, as well.  If the state doesn't have the money for judges, state attorneys, public defenders and jail staff, then a lot of bad folks will be out on the streets.

LC