Case Backlog in County Court 7
“As of July 5, there were 5,639 family violence cases pending in the courts.”
Problems and Solutions
Family Violence Case Backlog
Between 2015 and 2020, Bexar County has seen a 78% rise in domestic violence cases. Currently, over 5,500 cases are pending and causing a major backlog for the county courts. A backlog of this size means unnecessary pre-trial expenses are rising, longer incarceration times are endured, and families continue to go without closure. The pandemic only exacerbated these effects, compounding hardships on an already vulnerable and fragile community.
Now is the time to get innovative and systematic in addressing the backlog of misdemeanor domestic violence cases. Let’s bring resolution to thousands of Bexar County residents.
Effects of a Backlog
Inability to Provide Aid
Courts cannot offer aid until a case reaches a resolution. Therefore, individuals in need of resources must wait until the court is able to hear and adjudicate the allegations.
Lack of Resolutions
For the parties involved in family violence cases, a case backlog leaves them a senseless judicial purgatory. Both the accused and the victim suffer from a lack of resolution.
Unnecessary Incarceration
This backlog has an unintended consequence on those who cannot afford bail - indefinite incarceration. We should punish people based on guilt, not socio-economic status.
What Can We Do Now
CREATE STABILITY: Priority number one must be to hold stable and consistent dockets. Consistent dockets allows the parties to negotiate and find resolutions.
ADDRESS ROOT CAUSES: Addressing root causes of family violence allows everyone involved to receive assistance.
ACCOUNTABILITY: The justice system cannot work if both the State and Defense are not held accountable.