COURTS IN SCHOOLS

The Courts in Schools program is designed to bring court proceedings into middle school and high schools in Bexar County. The program began in 1993 in Michigan with Judge Michael Martone as a prevention tool for young people. The program was brought to San Antonio in 2000 and is being done for the first time in the State of Texas here in Bexar County. In 2000, Bexar County District Attorney Susan Reed and the County Commissioners deemed that any junior high school auditorium in Bexar County could be used as an extension of the Bexar County Justice Center to hear plea bargains for County Court cases.

In 2001, the same proclamation was made for high school auditoriums. This allows for County Court at Law judges to have their defendants appear at a school for their hearing. County Courts hear misdemeanor cases and they range from DWI, possession of marijuana (0-2 oz), shoplifting, graffiti, gang involvement and other misdemeanor crimes.

The Presa staff sets up the school with skirting, signage, and sound systems. The judges bring their entire staff including bailiffs, court reporters, court clerks, court coordinators, as well as the Assistant District Attorneys and defense attorneys.

Typically, the judge will hear 3-6 cases during the 1 1/2 hour session. At the conclusion of the cases, the Bexar County Zero Tolerance Boot Camp brings out 3-5 boots to share their stories about the choices they made and the consequences they live with. Finally, the judges and all of the staff at the assembly answer questions from the student body.

The students ask questions about college, law school, judgeships, court reporting school, law enforcement and other pertinent questions to them.

To schedule Courts in Schools at your school, contact Ashley Nicholas at 210-532-5295 ext 222.