SAN ANTONIO – In an effort to address the overcrowding problem at the Bexar County Jail and district courtrooms, two Felony Impact Courts are set to begin operating in two empty courtrooms in the Bexar County Courthouse.
Establishment of the courts is a joint project of the criminal justice system, according to District Court Judge Ron Rangel, who serves as administrative judge.
"The Commissioners Court approved the money and they're going to fund that," Rangel said. "The judicial branch is going to fund a judge to take that impact court, and the sheriff has agreed to fund some bailiffs."
Rangel said the premise of the impact courts is to handle district court case overflow.
"These are not the kinds of cases that can move through easily," Rangel said. "There's a lot involved to try these types of cases that we're sending."
Prosecutors and defenses attorneys agree that the need for the impact courts exists.
"If you're someone charged with a crime, you don't want that hanging over your head forever," said Bexar County District Attorney Office prosecutor Scott Simpson. "If you've been victimized, you want to make sure that you get your day in court."
The problem mirrors the city's growth, according to defense attorney Jim Oltersdorf.
"San Antonio is getting bigger and the courthouse system hasn't grown with it," Oltersdorf said.
Target date for the courts to begin operation is the first week in May.