Harris County Criminal Courthouse lines
After being on vacation for two weeks I always anticipate my first day back at the courthouse to go smoothly despite this never being the case. Sure enough, after turning the corner from the Harris County Parking Garage I can not believe the line that has formed at 8:30 am. Typically, the lines outside the courthouse are long, but the one today was three times longer than any that I have previously witnessed. While I do not have to wait in the line to the courthouse since I have a pass I feel terrible for those that have to wait in a line that is longer than a ride at Walt Disney World to enter a criminal courthouse with the Houston heat and humidity. I still have to squeeze through everyone just to reach the doors of the courthouse. On this day, the elevator banks were calm compared to previous days and I was able to get to court without incident. Unfortunately, I had a client that was caught in the line. I was able to text him when he was not present for docket call and keep his bond for being forfeited.
Something really needs to be done about the lines that form at the courthouse. I am confident that the judges see these lines since they drive past the front of the building when the enormous lines are being formed. I hope they are not forfeiting bonds when someone in stuck in line. A simple suggestion would be to allow people to enter from the back of the building. Currently, only those of us with badges can enter from that side of the building. While this will not cure the problem it may help the flow of people in the morning.