Court Backlog in Brazos County

A growing population means more court cases in Brazos County, and right now some are waiting for their time in front of the judge.

Click to hear WTAW’s Chris Clift talk with District Court Judge Steve Smith:

Smith says Brazos County has had three district courtrooms since September of 1985.

Since then the number of felony cases has tripled, meaning some trial dates are now being scheduled into 2010.

According to Smith communities like Tyler and Abilene are similar in size to BCS, but have two more courtrooms hearing cases.

The County Commissioners Court is considering the addition of a second magistrate judge, which Smith says would help ease the burden.

He also believes it could be time for Brazos County to attempt adding a fourth district court during the next session of the state legislature.

 

More News