On Tuesday, Bexar County commissioners approved over $3.3 million in funding for the courts to handle a spike in domestic violence cases that has caused a significant backlog.

Money was awarded to both criminal and civil courts, but the majority went to the criminal courts, which need serious help cutting down on backlogged misdemeanor family violence cases.

A little more than $2.3 million was awarded to the county courts-at-law or the criminal courts.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff had to call an emergency special session to approve the crucial resources.

“You have cases that are pending for years. Case after case getting dismissed because maybe they couldn’t find the complainant,” said Pct. 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez.

Office of Court Administration (OCA) data shows that from FY 2016-17 to FY 2020-21, annual misdemeanor family violence assault case filings have increased by 15.2%. It also shows that family violence assault cases pending increased by 140.5% in that same period.

Both numbers spiked after the COVID-19 lockdowns were lifted.

Family Violence Assault Cases | Courtesy: Bexar County OCA

“Justice isn’t served,” Rodriguez said. “We want to give you the resources to address and prevent.”

Those resources approved Tuesday include $2.3 million to hire two visiting judges and their full staff to help our family violence courts tackle their overwhelming caseload.

Most of those positions would be temporary to address the immediate need, and then resources would be reassessed once the backlog dissipates.

Pre-pandemic approach with two visiting judge courts | Courtesy: Bexar County OCA

The Commissioners Court also approved 14 new positions to accompany those new judges:

6 prosecutors2 advocates2 investigators4 crime victim liaisons

The last piece of the funding included two coordinators for the Bexar County Family Justice Center to help high-risk victims.

Though it may sound like a lot, the commissioners said this is only a bandage for the massive problem, and they plan on doing much more to address it.

“You guys get 20 new cases every day,” Pct. 3 Commissioner Trish DeBerry said to District Attorney Joe Gonzales. “If you think of what that is over the course of a year…”

Gonzales responded, “It’s 7,200 cases a year.”

Before voting unanimously to approve the funding, they agreed that, in the new year, they would consider adding more investigators who can contact victims within 24 hours of reporting a crime.

“I still feel very strongly that we do not have enough investigators in this proposal. We asked for 11, and you recommended two. I’d like to see at least four more added to that,” DeBerry said, explaining that the more investigators, the quicker they can access victims, get them to safety, and make sure their cases are heard.

Commissioners also plan to approve more funding for a list of nonprofits that support local victims.

As for the civil courts, the commissioners court also approved almost $415,000 to add a district clerk position, associated supplies and equipment, and a bailiff.

About half of that money will fund the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid to provide abuse victims and their children legal services.

The last item funded separately from the criminal and civil courts was about $542,000 for new GPS watches that certain perpetrators will be mandated to wear. The technology will alert victims via phone notifications when their abuser is near them.

That funding includes two pretrial bond officers for compliance and supervision of the On Time Watch Technology. If perpetrators try to cut the watch off, it will notify them, and further charges could be added.

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The University of the Incarnate Word announced Tuesday the new hire of head football coach G.J. Kinne.

Kinne, a Mesquite native, comes from the University of Central Florida, where he was the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, officials said.

“It is a great day to be a Cardinal football fan,” UIW President Dr. Thomas M. Evans said. “With a conference championship, a team of phenomenal student-athletes, and a growing fan base, our football program is on the rise. The right head coach will harness our strong forward momentum to propel us to new heights. I believe Coach Kinne is just the kind of Mission-driven leader we need, and I am excited to welcome him to our Incarnate Word family.”

During his coaching career at UCF, he led the Knights to an 8-4 season and secured the team a spot at the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl.

Kinne has other coaching experience with the Philadelphia Eagles, University of Arkansas, Southern Methodist University, and the University of Hawai’i, UIW officials said.

Kinne is also a former professional quarterback with previous experience in the NFL and Canadian Football League.

Before his professional career, Kinne was a three-year starter at the University of Tulsa, where he threw for over 9,472 yards and 81 touchdowns. He was also named the 2010 Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year.

“Coach Kinne is a perfect fit for UIW,” UIW Athletic Director Richard Duran said. “He is a bright offensive mind who has learned from some of the best in football and understands the importance of preparation on both sides of the ball. But, more importantly, he understands what it is to prepare young men to be accomplished on and off the field. That is our Mission at UIW, and we know Coach Kinne will continue that legacy.”

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Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff has opened the process to appoint an interim Precinct 3 commissioner after Commissioner Trish DeBerry announced she would be running for county judge in the upcoming election.

The appointee will serve until Dec. 31, 2022. Voters will decide on the next Pct. 3 commissioner during the general election in November, according to a county news release.

The person voted in will fill out the remainder of the term until 2024.

RELATED: Last minute campaign announcement creates opening for Bexar County commissioner in Pct. 3. What happens next?

“It is of vital importance that Precinct 3 continues to be represented until a qualified interim County Commissioner is appointed. Until that time, County Commissioner Trish DeBerry will continue to represent Precinct 3 and serve in a hold-over status,” Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said in a written statement.

Wolff said he is seeking the best-qualified candidate to represent the precinct and will consult with the Commissioners Court after the deadline for those interested in the seat.

“I intend to appoint the interim Commissioner in early January,” Wolff said.

Interested candidates must submit a resume and statement of interest to the Office of the County Judge by emailing Nicole Erfurth, the chief of staff for Judge Wolff, at nicole.erfurth@bexar.org.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, Dec. 31, at noon. Any sent after will not be considered, county officials said.

The following information from a Bexar County news release pertains to those who want to submit their resume and statement of interest.

“At a minimum, Section 141.001 of the Texas Election Code states that to be eligible for appointment to public elective office in this state, a person must:

(1) be a United States citizen; and

(2) be 18 years of age or older on the date of appointment; and

(3) have resided continuously in the state for 12 months and in the territory from which the office is elected for six months immediately preceding the date appointment is made; and

(4) be a registered voter of the territory from which the office is elected.

“Please note that all submissions will be subject to the Texas Public Information Act.”

——————–

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The Medina County Sheriff’s Office needs the public’s help locating a wanted man and his three children.

Deputies say Jonathan Wright is wanted on several out-of-state warrants and is believed to be traveling on foot with his three children in the Rio Medina or Castroville area.

Sheriff Randy Brown said Wright was traveling with his wife and five children when their car became disabled. That’s when the family took off on foot and decided to live off the land.

Wright’s wife and his two older children were seen walking to a store in Rio Medina, Brown said. That’s when a deputy stopped them and found out the family was on the run.

The wife then told police Wright has multiple warrants out of North Carolina for sex crimes against minors.

Brown said Wright’s children are not associated with those warrants.

Wright’s three younger children, Jonathan Wright, 11; Lucas Wright, 9; and Ariana Wright, 8, were last seen Monday with their dad near Settlers Pass, deputies said.

Authorities said the children are believed to be with Wright and were without shelter Monday night. They have no money, food, or cellphones, Brown said.

They have been known to camp out in the woods, and authorities say they are searching an area of land on FM 2676 between CR 366 & 271.

Deputies say if you see Wright, you should not approach him. Authorities ask that you call 911 if you see him or his children. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact the Medina County Dispatch Office at 830-741-6153.

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Modern films that are set in the future tend to make it look both glamorous and terrifying. In the minds of many filmmakers, the future will have sleek technology that will bring convenience and simplicity to our lives. On the flip side, though, is the possibility that the people in charge of that technology or the technology itself will turn on us, morphing that easiness into a nightmare scenario. The world in Swan Song lies…

Expect the new year at the courthouse to begin with a full docket as there will be no limit to the number of jury trials that can take place at once.

There will also be a change in who the new local administrative judge will be. Judge Ron Rangel’s term has expired and 438th Civil District Court Judge Rosie Alvarado will be taking over for the next two years. (Read more about Judge Alvarado below.)

Rangel will still be the administrative judge for the district criminal courts.

2022 is also an election year and many judges will be running for re-election. Next year, in this newsletter we will introduce to you those judges and their opponents to better inform you of these important positions.

You can find the top 10 moments in Bexar County courts here.

The Docket

Here’s a look at trials and court proceedings we can expect in the coming weeks. These dates are subject to change and could be reset.

Alfredo Martinez-Contreras: Charged with aggravated assault of a public servant and accused of killing an off-duty officer from the San Antonio Independent School District. His next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 4.Jimmy Turner: Accused of fatally stabbing a man in 2019. He is set to be sentenced on Jan. 6Jose Heriberto Hernandez: Charged with capital murder and accused of killing his mother and sister. His trial is set to begin on Jan. 14.

Get to know

Judge Rosie Alvarado

438th Civil District Judge Rosie Alvarado will be taking over local administrative judge duties for the next two years.

Alvarado, a San Antonio native, graduated from Marshall High School.

For 15 years she was an attorney focusing on civil litigation and even got to work alongside her father Leo Alvarado Jr. before his passing in 2009.

“That was rewarding, challenging and a growing experience,” Alvarado said. “It gave me a real appreciation for the man he was, the sacrifices he made for our family and his community and showed me how much he believed in making things right for his clients.

Since becoming the 438th Civil District Judge, she has worked closely with foster youth in the PEARLS, EAGLES, and Children’s Court Programs and was also appointed by the Texas Supreme Court to be a Commissioner on the Texas Children’s Commission.

“Truly affecting positive change for youth who have experienced past traumas and adverse childhood experiences is incredibly fulfilling work but also so needed and takes great investment.”

As the new local administrative judge, Alvarado’s hope is to effectively administer and oversee the management of the judiciary, develop and maintain a good working relationship between the judiciary and Commissioners Court on budgetary matters, continue to work with the local public health authority and update the public on safe court operations and timely address matters and carry out any other duties which may be presented.

“I’m looking forward to the work ahead of me,” Alvarado said.

When not busy in the courtroom Alvarado enjoys spending time with her children, the outdoors and cooking. She hopes to one day write a fiction novel about challenges, growth and empowerment which was inspired by her daughters.

“They are the storyline inspiration,” Alvarado said.

Legal Glossary

There are often terms used in a courtroom that sound more like legal jargon than natural language. Even after years of covering court proceedings, I sometimes have to look up words to refresh my memory or make sure I fully understand them. In each newsletter, I include a different word or phrase so we can build our knowledge and understanding of the courtroom together.

Mistrial: This occurs for a few reasons. One instance is when a jury is unable to reach a verdict and the other instance is when there is a procedural error or misconduct. The first instance is the most common. A retrial is generally granted after this happens.

Closing

This will be the last newsletter for the year. There is an article up on KSAT.com with the most memorable moments of the past year.

Thank you all for subscribing and following along. I’ve enjoyed covering courts and look forward to bringing you more trial coverage and live trial coverage next year. We will also dive into elections and make sure you know who is running for office and give you a closer look at each race. Sometimes these races get overlooked or are not followed as closely but we will make sure you are in the know.

Until next year, wishing all trial junkies a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Thanks for reading — Erica Hernandez

Read other court articles:

Top 10 moments in Bexar County Courts in 2021Legality of search warrant in question in case of former SAPD officer Erik RodriguezBexar County courts gearing up for busy 2022

Don’t miss out on nominating a deserving rising star in the San Antonio business community! The deadline to submit nominations for SABJ’s 40 under 40 is Jan. 3.

UTSA football will conclude its incredible 2021 season Tuesday night against San Diego State in the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl.

The Roadrunners are 11-2 and ranked No. 24 in the AP Top 25 and 25th in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll.

San Diego State is 11-2 and ranked No. 24 in the College Football Playoff Rankings.

During the Frisco Bowl press conference Monday, UTSA football head coach Jeff Traylor, quarterback Frank Harris and safety Rashad Wisdom met with the media.

“It’s been a great year,” Traylor said. “Again, it’s about the two guys beside me (Rashad Wisdom, Frank Harris). There’s a reason they’re wearing those zeros. We vote for our single digit guys and the kids that wear the 2, 1 and 0 are the ones that get the most votes. When you get to coach Rashad Wisdom and Frank Harris every day is a special day.”

The Roadrunners are expected to be without a significant number of players for the game, but how many are not known. Several players missed practice Sunday due to injury, illness and COVID protocols. We do know they won’t have running back Sincere McCormick and cornerback Tariq Woolen, who will focus on the NFL Draft; and defensive lineman Lorenzo Dantzler won’t play in the game but will continue to train for pro day.

“We’re excited to see other kids step up,” Traylor said. “It’s just football. Everybody is dealing with situations. Every team, every coach. The NFL is dealing with it. Hockey, basketball. I’m an imperfect coach, coaching imperfect people, there’s always imperfection. Whoever handles the imperfect best has the best chance to win. And we’re excited to watch some new guys step up.”

Tweets by LRam2

With a win, the Roadrunners could potentially finish the year in the top 25 or perhaps start next season in the top 25. Are they thinking about that?

“No, not at all,” Wisdom said. “It’s about going out there and playing our brand of football and like Frank said, let everything else take care of itself.”

The #210TriangleOfToughness will be on display Tuesday night.

This will mark the first time the Roadrunners have played on a Tuesday and will be their first meeting with San Diego State.

Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. at Toyota Stadium in Frisco.

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