We Can Do Better

by: CharlieBaird

Thu Nov 03, 2011 at 09:50 PM CDT

Today, my campaign released a new video entitled, "We Can Do Better." In the video, which you can watch below, I discuss reforming the criminal justice system in Travis County to better reflect our values and beliefs.

If you are like most people, the thought of someone spending the night--or a week or a month--in jail for a crime they did not commit is abhorrent to you. It certainly is to me.  

Last week, I released the first of several policy proposals that will help make the criminal justice system in Travis County work better for everyone.

This proposal, "Justice That Works Around The Clock," highlights my vision for a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week intake system which will directly involve the District Attorney's office with the arrest review and arraignment process. Under this plan, the DA's office will be able to decline to file charges against someone when there is insufficient evidence to charge them with a crime--and do so quickly. This plan will help reduce lengthy jail stays, and certainly help eliminate wrongful incarcerations.

Such a plan will also ensure that non-violent, lower-level offenders with ties to our community aren't incarcerated with unconstitutionally high bonds awaiting court dates. This will not only ensure that the administration of justice is swift and fair, but save Travis County taxpayers money.  

This is just one of the ways we can do better in Travis County when it comes to our criminal justice system.

Throughout the course of this campaign, you have probably heard me heard me use the phrase "Justice That Works." To me, "justice that works," is more than just a catchy slogan for my campaign. It is a lofty goal that every individual working in the criminal justice system must strive to achieve.

You can't say that justice "works" when non-violent, low-level offenders are stuck in jail for weeks on end because they can't afford to make bail and those individuals loose their jobs or their housing. We can do better.

You can't say that justice "works" when the overwhelming majority of participants in our county's felony diversion program are white when African Americans and Hispanics make up a much larger share of felony offenders in Travis County. We can do better.

The criminal justice system in Travis County is not working as it should. This is why I am running for District Attorney--because we can do better.