Bench trials an option to address case backlog in Bexar County courts
Bench trials used frequently as pandemic continues, primarily used for misdemeanor cases
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SAN ANTONIO – As the COVID-19 pandemic approaches one year, the resulting backlog of cases in the Bexar County Criminal Justice System continues to grow since an emergency order from the Texas Supreme Court prohibits in-person jury trials.
One option available to both the state and the defense to resolve cases is a bench trial in which a judge serves as both the judge and jury.
“It’s a daunting proposition,” Local Administrative Judge Ron Rangel said Monday.
Jan 26, 2021
The backlog of cases in the Bexar County Criminal Justice System may be partially relieved by the use of bench trials. In-person jury trials are called off until further notice because of the pandemic, resulting in the backlog. A bench trial is a court proceeding in which the judge serves as both the judge and jury. Local Administrative Judge Ron Rangel said on Monday that it s an efficient procedure, and he believes most judges would welcome it during the pandemic. A bench trial requires an agreement from the state and the defense.
Summonses for civil jury trials in Bexar County are on the way for some residents
The entire jury process will be conducted remotely
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SAN ANTONIO – Though the moratorium on jury service that was ordered last spring amid fears of spreading the coronavirus remains in place in Bexar County, it has been modified to allow for social distancing. On Monday, the first jury summonses for virtual civil jury trials were mailed to prospective jurors.
The summonses include instructions on how the new jury process works, informing jurors on where to report virtually, as well as the date and time.
“Jurors can register online, and we can actually send them emails because one of the things they’ll have to do is give us an email address or phone number,” said Julieta Schulze, chief central jury bailiff, on Tuesday.
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SAN ANTONIO – The jury selection process had qualified eight jurors in the capital murder trial of Otis McKane when it was temporarily suspended Friday by Bexar County District Judge Ron Rangel.
The judge cited concerns over the growing number of positive COVID-19 cases in Bexar County as reason for halting the proceedings.
”I’m going to evaluate the situation every week,” Rangel said. “Because of the spikes that we’ve seen, there’s been an indication by the lawyers that they’re starting to feel a bit uncomfortable.”
Defense attorney Raymond Fuchs said Friday that attorneys were not the only ones feeling uncomfortable.