letter from harris county attorney

For Houston, more than $6 billion of the plans spending centers on I-45, masking it nearly half of the $12.5 billion Houstons TxDOT district has to spend over the next decade. Standards for Court Approval ofAttorney Fees. In a Wednesday evening news release, the elections office warned residents against scammers it said pretended to be from the county elections and voter registration offices and attempted to collect sensitive personal information from voters. They asked Biery to rule no later than Feb. 14, noting that to cast a mail-in ballot in the primaries, voters must fill out and return an application between Jan. 1 and Feb. 18. Thats a somewhat complicated headline for this. 2023-01103; Kyle Scott v. Carla Wyatt. The fee cant be lowered due to appearance of impropriety issues. These are nuisance suits but the Judges and Lina have had to hire attorneys to represent them against the claims. Commissioners Court had previously authorized Menefee to file suit. CLUBS IN ACTION is trying to raise 95K to donate to them. She offered examples of voters she no longer felt she could help navigate the vote-by-mail process. Even at the highest end of the estimate of locations that had issues, more than 90% of them did not. So Paxton, ever the coward, convened a grand jury in Montgomery County not Harris, where this alleged crime took place, but the very friendly confines of Montgomery County and presented his case. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. This one was filed on December 10, and if there was any news coverage of it I am not able to find it. I did not see any news items related to this, so what you see here is all I know. Harris County Community Supervision & Corrections Department; Harris County Pretrial Services ; HC AZ; Court Agenda; County Directory; An additional $10 collection fee will be added to each invoice referred to collections, as approved by Harris County Commissioners Court in September 2020. As the story notes, the I-45 project is on pause while a complaint filed with the Federal Highway Administration over the projects effects on communities of color are investigated. The first lawsuits filed against SB1 were filed in September, with Isabel Longoria a plaintiff in a complaint filed by MALDEF on behalf of a large group. You really gonna claim that there were over two thousand of them, and all of them were going to vote for Erin Lunceford? Spanish, Localized Menefee said Paxtons opinion directly contradicts a separate opinion his office issued last month, as well as an opinion issued by the AGs office more than 30 years ago, which both concluded that ballots are confidential for 22 months following an election. No one knows this better than the former federal prosecutors at Oberheiden, P.C. Ignoring the letter forces the opposing partys lawyer to do one thing recommend that his or her client proceed to Court. A judge blocked the initial attempt as well. The National Voter Registration Act of 1993, known as the motor voter act, bars election officials from performing most voter roll maintenance activities within 90 days of a federal election. Despite the crisis, St. Marys University School of Law professor Michael Ariens believes the lawsuits ultimate success is a long shot.. Judge Sepolio is represented by John Raley. Oberheiden, P.C. Longoria and Morgan, however, told U.S. District Judge Fred Biery of San Antonio that waiting until summer is not an option for a prohibition that will handcuff them in the weeks leading up to the March 1 Texas primaries. However, given that the provisional votes cast on Election Day favored Democrats, its even less likely for that race to be affected, and it would be impossible for both of them to be in a position to change. Texas has allowed voters 65 and older to vote absentee without needing an excuse since 1975. Free preview Harris County Attorney Letter, Why Would You Get A Letter From The County Attorney, Harris County District Court Vacation Letter, Living The 5th U.S. In the letter to the attorney generals office, Bitter, the general counsel for the secretary of states office, wrote that an election clerk may effectively have to break state law in order to comply with a request for ballots so soon after an election. Just for the comedy value, Id like to see this scenario play out. Ramsey 550,625 149,433 0 944,935 I will pass along information about the fundraiser when I have it. This affects no one accused of the most minor, nonviolent offenses who would be stuck in jail because they arent able to pay.. Harris County Attorney Letter // Get FREE Letter Templates (Print or Several of them are considering election contests.. Please give a few bucks if you can and help them all out. Republican, Democrat, or Independent no eligible voter should have their ballot thrown out because the Attorney General cant accept the results of Harris County elections.. Judge Finch is represented by Anthony Drumheller. Bail band companies had been lowering that percentage from what had once been seen as a de facto standard of ten percent because of the misdemeanor bail reform. Do NOT delete this post and create a new post with the requested information. We have a ways to go before this is truly settled. Given that Harris County voters cast more than 1.1 million ballots overall, the 2,000 provisional ballots have little chance of changing most election outcomes. Bruce Bain is represented by Elizabeth Alvarez. But well see what happens. Rodriguez also rejected Paxtons claim that granting the injunction would interfere with the orderly operation of Texas elections. Sean Morales-Doyle of the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law submitted a brief that was in line with Pettit on the first and third questions, but had a nuanced distinction on the question of solicitations meaning. of Sale, Contract Alan Rosen had his eye on the Sheriffs office back when Ed Gonzalez was a nominee for head of ICE, but thats off the table now. Its a win, at least temporarily, for Harris County officials in a fight against Paxtons attempt to discard thousands of midterm ballots as election results are set to be certified Tuesday. I think the Fifth Circuit is evaluating whether to put the injunction back in place while the rest of the initial lawsuit is litigated, but we are in the weeds here and I dont have certainty about that. If you have a favorite or two among them and a few bucks to spare, Im sure theyd appreciate a contribution. Contact, who do court appointed attorney work for in michigan, where file florida department of revenue power of attorney, for power of attorney who is the principal and who is the agent, find out how many cases an attorney has won, how to get an out of state power of attorney for car registration tennessee, texas durable power of attorney form 2019 which statute, what k8nd of registered mail letters come from the state attorney, why would i get a letter from harris county attorney. Elizabeth Buss is represented by Elizabeth Alvarez. Thats not how a democratic society works. We are doing everything we can to move this project forward, James Koch, director of transportation planning and development for TxDOT in Houston, told a North Houston Association luncheon on Wednesday. The case, Paxton v. Longoria, concerns a First-Amendment issue over how provisions in Senate Bill 1, a 2021 law, could lead to civil penalties and or criminal prosecution of county election administrators and volunteer deputy registrars. In Independence Heights, the first city incorporated by Black residents in Texas, the project proposes drainage improvements to alleviate persistent flooding in the area. House announced he would bring such a proposal to the board last week. This is the state house district in which I ran back in 2018 and 2020. And for all of the fuss, final results were posted at 1:26 AM, which seems pretty damn reasonable to me. For more information contact the Information & Public Service Department at 713-274-6390 or email ccoinfoFM@hccountyclerk.com. The affidavits are linked to efforts by a conservative grass-roots organization called the Texas Election Network, which earlier this year attempted to get Sunnyside residents to sign forms verifying the identities of registered voters living at their addresses. The odds that Jones could lose the entire 360 vote net he got from the E-Day provisionals plus another 90 votes in this subset of the total ballots just strike me as extremely remote. Houston, TX 77003. In a handful of cases, no one came to pick up the ballots leading the election judge to take them home or couriers failed to drop them off in a timely manner. Republican judicial candidate Erin Lunceford filed a petition Wednesday seeking a new election in Harris Countys 189th judicial district court race after losing by 2,743 votes out of more than 1 million ballots cast. Stan Stanart is represented by Elizabeth Alvarez. But hey, lawsuits are time- and resource-intensive, and they often end in settlements anyway, so why not give this a try. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I am taking the following steps to comply with the letter and spirit of Section 171.004. For now, at least. County Attorney Christian Menefee and Lone Star lawyers alleged in separate complaints to the EPA earlier this year that the state agency discriminated against Black and Latino residents when they didnt adequately ensure communities would be protected and didnt appropriately seek input from people who arent fluent in English. The Texas Organizing Project didnt file its lawsuit to extend voting hours because of problems in The Villages and Cy-Fair. I am requesting that the Harris County Elections Administrator take the actions required by the Texas Election Code.. Republicans Tom Ramsey of Precinct 3 and Jack Cagle of Precinct 4 skipped Tuesdays Commissioners Court meeting as part of an ongoing battle of political wills that could extend until the deadline for approving a tax rate passes at the end of October. Given the speed of the appellate process, expect it to be a long time before the next update. Morgan testified that she was concerned the law applied even to volunteers like her, given that her role is formally certified by county election offices. We should be looking for ways to support these public servants rather than constantly undermining the hard work it takes to run an election in the third largest county in the country, added County Attorney Menefee. Though planned for nearly 20 years, concerns intensified five years ago, when groups such as Air Alliance Houston, LINKHouston and Stop TxDOT I-45 organized toargue highway officials should focus more on improving transitand avoid any additional freeway widening. I do know that at least one more loser has filed a losers contest, but I dont care to give any of this any more validity. They were discouraged because the lines were long, or because they were told theyd have to wait.. How much does a District Attorney make? Seems like a lot of fuss for something that is unlikely to go anywhere, but who knows. Joe Danna, Sheriff Additionally, many letters from the U.S. Attorneys Office will include a blank Business Records Affidavit for the recipient to fill out and have notarized. I dont know if we will get Constable/JP redistricting, but there are always some interesting primary contests here, and even with the same maps we could have interesting November races in Precincts 4 and 5. But I will send out word when I learn more. Raising this as a First Amendment issue makes sense to me, and maybe it will make sense to the courts as well. Houston, Harris County and the Texas Department of Transportation have an agreed path forward for rebuilding Interstate 45, and a lot of steps to get there. Agreements, Corporate Abbott is exceeding his authority under the state Disaster Act of 1975, Menefee argued, which the county attorney said allows the governor to suspend laws in only narrow circumstances. . The other challenge is regarding State Representative District 135, which will be heard in the State House of Representatives. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. The Real Estate Practice Group handles legal matters regarding the Countys acquisitions and sales of real property. Aaron Adams is represented by Elizabeth Alvarez. This is not some sort of radical rebellion, he said. One of his top staffers ran against Judge Hidalgo in the 2022 Dem primary, and I imagine there will be some kind of response to that. Judge Jones is represented by Oliver Brown. Target letters inform the recipients that they are the target of a federal investigation, which means that the government intends to press civil or criminal charges against that person. Judge Hidalgo is represented by Neal Manne. From what Ive gathered from talking to people, the multiple-dropoff-locations idea, which had been Diane Trautmans original plan, is probably the best way to go. Radack 0 71,246 0 794,652, You still have time to donate to the Democratic judges legal fund, Phony Defunding Claims II: Electric Boogaloo, Houston furniture magnate Jim Mattress Mack McIngvale, November 2022 election, adding to an array of GOP litigation. Harris County, TX Attorney. I stop mid-sentence sometimes at town halls. 2023-00841; Tami Pierce v. Judge DaSean Jones. Nile Copeland is represented by Elizabeth Alvarez. But I have always believed that one way or another this was going to happen, so any improvements or modifications to the original plan have to be considered with that in mind. See here for the background. I am willing to consider a pause, Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia said. The mayor announced Thursday that Arturo G. Michel is returning to government as City Attorney for the City of Houston. There is no reason for them to bluff. 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. 2023-00925; Michelle Fraga v. Judge Christine Weems. Our practice is focused on debt collection remedies. For suggestions or comments regarding this site please email us at Former officer Gerald Goines led a raid on the home, which police believed to be a drug den.Jun 21, 2021. I dont know why the change of court and I dont know if the second hearing was delayed or if it just took that long for a ruling, but here we are. In the old days, when you had to vote at your precinct location, you really were screwed. Trust, Living Voters who were in line by 7 p.m. were able to vote normally, while those who arrived between 7 and 8 p.m. were allowed to cast provisional ballots. NEW I, along with @LinaHidalgoTX and @LongoriaTx, requested that the DOJ do everything in its power to ensure that despite the impacts of SB1 and the high percentage of mail ballot rejections, every eligible voter has their vote counted in our elections in Harris County. In 2022, the county passed a shortened seven-month budget that was in effect until the new schedule began in October. Neither party raised concerns. Corporations, 50% The Disability and Elder Law Practice Group represents the Harris County Guardianship Program, in which adults are under the supervision of the Harris County Probate Courts. Privacy Policy and our Accessibility Statement. The Harris County Attorney's Office fights for the interests of Harris County through the civil justice system to preserve access to clean air and water; ensure safe, healthy neighborhoods; protect consumers against fraud, exploitation, and other bad acts; and defend voting rights. That one would be heard in the House by a House committee, if Speaker Phelan for some reason doesnt toss it as a frivolous waste of time. I believe thats the first Ive heard of the construction timeline being pushed back to 2027, which is a modest benefit no matter what else happens. Bennett 0 1,022 0 14,527 Lets see what happens in May. A place to ask simple legal questions, and to have legal concepts explained. Their enforcement of laws involve cases of public health, deed restriction, crime victims compensation, and animal cruelty/ dangerous dog seizure warrants. WHD knocked on about 1500. The state, represented by Lanora Pettit, a principal deputy solicitor general with the Office of Attorney General, acknowledged in her brief that volunteer deputy registrars are not public officials subject to prosecution; the term solicit does not include merely providing information but instead requires strongly urging a voter to fill out an application that was not requested; and the Attorney General is not a proper official to seek civil penalties. A county attorney tried to send me mail through USPS the other day when I wasn't home. The court will consider the tax rate again at its next meeting on Oct. 11, potentially forcing the two Republican commissioners to make a similar decision next month if they have not reached a compromise by then. The proceedings are pending. There is no perfect design, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said. I have a hard time believing that this couldnt have been litigated before Tuesday afternoon, however. of Incorporation, Shareholders According to the Public Information Act, the attorney generals office has 45 working days from the day after the request to respond. At the same convention where the state GOP adopted the new legislative priorities, more than 8,000 delegates also approved a resolution rejecting the certified results of the 2020 Presidential election and declaring that acting President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was not legitimately elected by the people of the United States.. Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee on Thursday expressed disappointment in the decision by the 5th Circuit, which has blocked a number of court challenges to conservative policies. The judge in the Lunceford contest was assigned on December 13, I dont know what has happened since then. The office provides legal counsel to Harris County government, elected officials, and employees, and represents them in civil lawsuits. Templates, Name If it was just mismanagement, it was just gross incompetence, wouldnt one think that the lack of paper would apply equally and uniformly across the map, so that there would be roughly an equivalent number of Democratic stronghold precinct neighborhoods as well as Republican precinct stronghold neighborhoods? Taylor said. Thank you for your help! Who Should T.H. 12 Cause No. , New! This is one of the precise situations I have been most worried about this election people in shadowy volunteer groups who suggest in one way or another that they are acting under official authority questioning the eligibility of voters directly by knocking on their doors, Slattery said. Rodriguez previewed his order throughout a Friday morning hearing during which he repeatedly pressed the states attorneys with increasing exasperation to fill in what he cataloged as ambiguities in the new law. This group also litigates matters regarding real property, which includes the Countys acquisition of property through the power of eminent domain, declaratory judgments and inverse condemnations. His comments followed testimony from Longoria and Morgan, who said they feared the civil and criminal penalties that could come from violating the broad prohibition. Ill try to learn to live with it. The root cause of that debate, however, remains unresolved, Hegar said in the statement, referring to the defunding spat from last fall. Theft, Personal LLC, Internet Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice or gives rise to a solicitor/client relationship. Looking on the Electronic Filings search, I think this case is number 22-1044. An accurate and complete description of the vehicle (license plate, VIN number, year, make, model and color) that you own and desire returned. At an Oct. 21 forum sponsored by Transportation Advocacy Group-Houston Chapter, Texas Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan said the pause by the Federal Highway Administration and county lawsuit were more of an obstacle to open dialogue because they impede TxDOT from designing alternatives. I have no interest in prioritizing those needs over anyone elses. The group, focused on economic development north of the city, is a vocal supporter of the widening project because of its potential to improve access to downtown and revitalize sagging areas along the I-45 freeway corridor. . Berrys office said Heap actually received $48.5 million. And theres nothing in the law that prohibits them from being counted, Menefee said. Their presence allows us to view a case from both points of view the defense and the prosecution. The lawsuit, filed just hours before polls closed on Election Day, could have caused serious delays in counting ballots on May 24 had the Texas Supreme Court agreed with the Harris County GOP that the plan was unlawful. To get some of those benefits, officials first have to iron out technical issue that not only affect the$10 billion rebuild of I-45and the downtown freeway system, but numerous other mobility projects that cross it. 2 Cause No. Provides legal advice to the Commissioners Court and to other elected officials. In a statement Tuesday, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefees office said: The requests for these documents were handled the same as any other requests for documents related to ongoing litigation against the county. You now know everything I know. The bondsmen would also have to report how the premium was paid and who paid it. Menefee 36,826 30,700 0 193,291 17 Cause No. So, until I hear otherwise, it is my contention that these provisional ballots are not enough to alter any races result, and also that this doesnt matter because all of the ballots should be counted. The EPAs civil rights compliance arm announced the investigation last Wednesday. Regarding the temporary restraining order request getting rejected, Kevin Pennell the plaintiffs lawyer said in an email Friday he had no comment. The other thing is this: because theres enough prosecutorial discretion thats involved, it takes time obviously justice takes time and any sort of delay in court action could be months from now, long after, hopefully, the crisis and the spike in delta has passed. Minutes, Corporate I am disappointed that the Fifth Circuit has undone the preliminary injunction that protected Administrator (Isabel) Longorias First Amendment rights, Menefee said in a written statement. To say the least, that would be an extraordinary circumstance. Will, Advanced of Business, Corporate Specifically, Rogers said FHWA is not prepared at this time to allow TxDOT to resume any right-of-way acquisition in Segment 3. TxDOT, he added, could acquire properties from owners who approach it on a case-by-case basis rather than relying on eminent domain.. The letters of guardianship provide an expiration date on their face, one year plus 120 days after the anniversary date. The bottleneck of design differences that has divided officials about remaking Interstate 45 north of downtown Houston is easing, officials said Monday, clearing the way for construction on the $10 billion project, perhaps in less than two years. The only other race that is close enough to be even theoretically affected by the provisional ballots is the County Criminal Court #3 race, where Porsha Brown trails by the even smaller margin of 267 votes. I have $15 Million in Zimbabwe dollars locked in a safe. It comes as no surprise, then, to discover that most lawyers (58 per cent) get between 20 and 25 days of paid holiday (excluding bank holidays) a year, while the bulk of the rest (33 per cent) get between 26 and 30 days. The Bell County attorney confirmed last week that a court order there had not been challenged by the Attorney Generals Office or another party. Things are moving in what seems to be a positive direction, said J. Bruce Bugg, chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission.

letter from harris county attorney 2023