Meeting with Harris County Judges Goodhart and Fleming
The Houston Young Lawyers sponsored a meeting today with Judges Paula Goodhart and Natalie Fleming. Judge Goodhart was recently appointed to Harris County Criminal Court at Law #1. Judge Fleming was appointed to Criminal Court at Law #3. While I do not qualify as a "Young Lawyer" I thought it would be a good idea to get some insight on their courts. I have known Judge Goodhart since we were both prosecutors and Judge Fleming has routinely been a visiting Judge since I have been a lawyer.
Each of the judges gave the lawyers a perspective on how the plan on running their courts. For instance, Judge Fleming stated that she will not be accepting any plea agreements after a criminal case is set for trial in her court. Judge Goodhart stated that she would consider removing a interlock device from a person's vehicle after some time if they do not have any violations which is something that I not heard from a Harris County Judge before today. Typically, interlock devices are ordered if a person blows over .15, on their second DWI, or as a condition of an occupational license. There are some occupational licenses that last a year or more so this is something to keep in mind. Hopefully, this is something that other judges consider.
Both judges are running for their respective benches in November. I wish them luck!