While the number of active criminal cases is high, the backlog is shrinking. Since we looked at the data earlier this year, the number of active cases has dropped.
13 Investigates found that the number of criminal cases in the courts has decreased, but it's because they are simply being dismissed.The criminal case backlog in Harris County is on the decline, but 13 Investigates discovered the number may be tied to the increase in cases being dismissed.
"The progress is good. I'm excited about that, but there are still 34,000 victims that still have not had their day in court, as well as the accused, and we have to deal with that," Garcia said. "That upsets me, and it's a reason why I created the dashboard," Garcia explained. "It's a reason why I wanted to make sure our system is working well and that there's accountability and measurement."
The question is how? 13 Investigates discovered that while more cases are being cleared, so are the number of cases being dismissed.In 2022, 19% ended in a guilty plea or conviction, and nearly 40% were dismissed. Garcia said part of the problem may be that people are being booked into jail before the DA's office can decide whether charges should be filed.
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