After Harris County Judge Blanketly Dismisses Hundreds of Criminal Cases, Constable Aims to Refile Them

Press Release 

09-16-2024

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office announced they’ve recently refiled more than 450  criminal cases against accused criminals, cases they say were slated for dismissal  by judges who cite in most cases there is a lack of probable cause.  Constable Mark Herman blames too many dismissed cases as the reason for Harris County’s high crime rate.

The issue has resulted in thousands of criminal cases being dismissed in Harris County.  As a result, the crime rate has gone up, public safety is compromised, and the safety of police officers in Harris County is in jeopardy.

Several years ago, the Constable was notified by Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg that since 2021, thousands of criminal cases were dismissed by criminal court judges and magistrates. He said the cases were slated for dismissal, leaving the District Attorney’s Office no other option unless the cases were represented to the district attorney office.

Our office determined hundreds of these cases were filed by Precinct 4. This finding prompted the initiative, which was launched in 2021, to put together groups of police officers  to review these dismissed criminal cases with the DA’s Office to refile. More than 450 criminal cases have been refiled to date. 

“We will not let these people go without having a day in court. Our deputies risk their lives bringing  these suspects to justice, therefore, we will see these cases through our criminal justice system.” – Said Constable Mark Herman.

“The message today that I want to give out: If you come out to Precinct 4 and you commit a crime, if your case is dismissed, you can count on it being refiled,” said Constable Mark Herman”.  “We  must hold these criminals and magistrates accountable to make sure judges adjudicate these cases.” 

The Precinct 4 Constable’s office has chose  to change the direction and hopes other agencies in our County  do the same. There Must be a consequence when you break the law in Harris County, Texas again. These dismissals have emboldened a new type of criminal here in our county, which our citizens are now paying the consequence for.