Kim Ogg Endorsing Ted Cruz? Let’s Talk About Her Record and Where the Real Accountability Lies
There’s a lot to unpack with Kim Ogg endorsing Ted Cruz and claiming to stand against “soft-on-crime” judges who practice “catch and release.” The irony here is striking, given Ogg’s own track record and the legislative context in Texas that influences how our criminal justice system operates.
First off, Kim Ogg herself has faced criticism for not always being tough on crime. As Harris County’s District Attorney, she has had numerous opportunities to make prosecutorial choices that would have kept violent offenders behind bars. For example, she’s repeatedly allowed plea deals and chosen not to prosecute cases, some of which have involved serious and violent crimes. So, for her to pivot and blame judges for a “catch and release” policy seems more like deflection than genuine concern.
But there’s a bigger point here—Ogg is redirecting blame to judges when the power to set the framework for pre-trial detention lies with the Texas Legislature, which is Republican-controlled. Texas lawmakers have the authority to reform bond laws, yet they’ve largely sidestepped the issue. Despite rising concerns around violent crime, the state legislature has not enacted comprehensive bond reform that could limit the release of violent offenders. Instead, they’ve left bond decisions to local jurisdictions, which can lead to inconsistent and sometimes lenient outcomes.
If Ogg and Cruz are really serious about public safety, they should be advocating for Texas to pass targeted bond reform legislation, especially for repeat and violent offenders. Rather than pointing fingers at local judges or even Ogg herself, the legislature should be crafting laws that allow for stricter guidelines on who qualifies for release. This would be a solution driven by accountability and responsibility where it belongs—in the hands of our elected representatives.
In short, while Kim Ogg’s own record on crime control is questionable, the real responsibility lies with Texas lawmakers who have the power to prevent violent offenders from being released on bond. If we want a safer Texas, it’s time for the legislature to step up with serious reforms.
Yes, Texas legislators could consider specific policy changes that could help ensure that violent offenders and repeat offenders face stricter conditions around pre-trial release. Here are a few policy approaches that have been discussed or implemented in other states, which Texas could consider to address this issue:
1. Enhanced Risk Assessment Tools for Bail Decisions: Currently, Texas relies on a judge’s discretion for setting bail, which can vary widely. Implementing a standardized, evidence-based risk assessment tool to evaluate a defendant’s risk to the community could help judges make more informed decisions on bail, especially for violent or repeat offenders. 2. No Bail for Certain Violent Offenses: Some states have laws that restrict or eliminate the option of bail for certain high-risk or violent offenses. Texas could introduce legislation specifying that defendants accused of violent crimes (such as homicide, aggravated assault, or repeated domestic violence) cannot be released on bail if they pose a demonstrable risk to the community or if they are repeat offenders. 3. “Dangerousness” Hearings: Texas could implement legislation requiring “dangerousness hearings” in cases where the accused faces charges for violent or high-risk crimes. In these hearings, prosecutors would have to prove that the defendant poses a clear danger to the public, and if proven, the judge would be required to deny bail. 4. Mandatory Minimum Hold for Repeat Offenders: Implementing mandatory minimum hold periods for repeat offenders would require that defendants with a history of violent offenses be held for a set period before being eligible for bail. This approach could allow more time to assess the risk a repeat offender poses and reduce the likelihood of them returning to the community shortly after arrest. 5. Increased Transparency and Accountability for Bail Decisions: Texas could mandate that judges provide a written or recorded justification for bail decisions in cases involving violent crimes. This transparency would allow the public to better understand why certain defendants are released and could help identify patterns that might indicate the need for further policy changes or training. 6. Pre-Trial Detention for Violent Offenders: Texas could consider a constitutional amendment or legislative reform allowing pre-trial detention without bail for specific violent or high-risk cases. This approach would require a shift in current legal standards but could significantly impact the ability to hold violent offenders in cases where they are deemed a significant risk. Texas has made some strides with partial bond reform efforts, comprehensive legislation targeting violent offenders and repeat offenders could go further to address public safety concerns. Republican lawmakers, holding a majority in the Texas Legislature, could champion these reforms to strengthen the state’s approach to keeping communities safe.
Question everything you hear and fact check as much as possible.
https://www.newsweek.com/texas-democrat-endorses-ted-cruz-rebrand-bipartisan-1935985
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