D.A.’s Office Unveils State Jail Court

Prosecuting drug possession and third theft offenses

"...through a new court, to be known as the State Jail Court. These are cases that, according to a..."

June 1, 2018 News Feature by Chase Hoffberger

For Now, County Jail Succeeds in Keeping Out COVID-19

Law enforcement, advocates agree on need to reduce jail population

"...of yet among inmates in either the Travis County Jail in Downtown Austin or the Travis County Correctional Complex..."

March 20, 2020 News Post by Brant Bingamon

A New Jail for Travis County?

County moves forward with new women's building despite vote to delay and community outcry

"...what it's like to be booked into Travis County Jail and to feel the world spinning as her freedom,..."

Sept. 7, 2018 News Feature by Lindsay Stafford Mader

With Mental Health Diversion Center Forthcoming, Sheriff Still Wants More Humane Jail Facilities

Can healing happen in jail?

"...has not given up on her dream of new jail facilities. If you ask why, she will point to..."

Dec. 29, 2023 News Feature by Maggie Q. Thompson

Hays County Jail Officers Are the Most Violent in the State, Data Shows

They record more incidents per 1,000 inmates than any Texas jail

"...of violence and inhumane treatment at the Hays County Jail for years. Now, the Houston Chronicle has data to..."

Sept. 1, 2023 News Feature by Brant Bingamon

County Jail: Not So Bad

"...violating rules imposed by the regulatory Texas Commission on Jail Standards, Travis County's jail system is finally in compliance...."

Oct. 18, 2002 News Feature by Lauri Apple

SCOTUS Blocked Shackles in Court. What About Jail Cell Hearings in Austin?

Bail hearings in confinement are common in Travis County

"...Court proceedings with defendants in locked cells are the..."

April 22, 2024 News Post by Maggie Q. Thompson

Travis County Jail Population Continues to Drop

COVID-19 accelerates the trend, despite Abbott’s pushback

"...fairly successful in their efforts to reduce the overall jail population and to provide personal recognizance (PR) bond releases..."

April 7, 2020 News Post by Michael King

Sarah Eckhardt's State of the County Address Features Brags and Worries

The state of Travis County is strong, but challenges remain

"...Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt began her "State of the County" address in lighthearted fashion, looking backward..."

March 15, 2019 News Feature by Michael King

County Delays Funding for New Women’s Jail

A surprising turn of events

"...County Commissioners Courtroom to speak against a new women's jail building that is expected to cost nearly $100 million...."

March 9, 2018 News Feature by Lindsay Stafford Mader

Travis County Plans New Women's Jail

Del Valle's new digs

"...stumbled upon plans for a new $91 million women's jail on the county's Del Valle correctional campus. She spread..."

Jan. 26, 2018 News Feature by Lindsay Stafford Mader

Fewer Jail Inmates Last Year

But more on the way?

"...yesterday by the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, local jail populations decreased over the last year for the first..."

June 4, 2010 News Post by Jordan Smith

New Mental Health Court Aims to Increase Treatment While Reducing Jail Stays

Nick Chu will take over the court Oct. 1

"...with reality. Whether such violence is best stopped by jailing people or treating them is an ongoing debate in..."

Sept. 27, 2023 News Post by Maggie Q. Thompson

Eckhardt: The State of the County Is ...

Thursday address slams Lege, props up local entities

"...Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt’s State of the County address last Thursday evening may well..."

Feb. 12, 2018 News Post by Austin Sanders

Hays County Sets Trial Date for Man Stuck in Jail for Five Years

Cyrus Gray's murder case was dropped; why not Devonte Amerson's?

"...Gray, one of two men who spent years in jail awaiting trials over the 2015 murder of Texas State..."

Aug. 3, 2023 News Post by Brant Bingamon

José Garza Calls for Jail Changes To Reduce COVID-19 Danger

D.A. candidate calls for fewer arrests, more releases

"...Margaret Moore – Garza wrote “locked down facilities like jails have incredibly high rates of infection…. Time and again,..."

March 16, 2020 News Post by Brant Bingamon

State Officials "Exploiting" Coronavirus Pandemic to Ban Abortion?

Reproductive rights groups blast Abbott, Paxton

"...In a statement issued Monday, March 23, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton..."

March 24, 2020 News Post by Mary Tuma

Texas Secretary of State Gets Schooled on Voting Rights

Meanwhile, a hefty TV ad targets voter suppression bill

"...Texas Secretary of State David Whitley – the frontman of Gov. Greg Abbott..."

May 17, 2019 News Feature by Mary Tuma

Hays County’s Overwhelmed Jail System in Dire Shape, Advocates Say

Some inmates are waiting years to see their day in court

"...The first time Hays County Jail officials rushed Melvin Nicholas to the hospital was Feb...."

Sept. 9, 2022 News Feature by Brant Bingamon

Cyrus Gray Hasn’t Been Convicted of a Crime, but He Spent Years in Jail

Now he is an advocate for the rights of the accused

"...demanding answers from the leaders of the Hays County Jail. One month before, Joshua Wright, an inmate at the..."

March 3, 2023 News Feature by Brant Bingamon

Austin Man’s Suicide in Jail After Seeking Medical Care Raises Question: Why Was He There?

Suffering from criminal depression

"...assumed that his brother had wound up at the jail. And it was true: Dell Seton had called the..."

April 1, 2022 News Feature by Brant Bingamon

Sheriff Hopefuls: Looking-at-Jail Time

Both McNeill and Hamilton say a new lockup is TCSO's top priority

"...Co. sheriff candidates Duane McNeill and Greg Hamilton have jail on the brain – jail crowding, jail staffing, and..."

Oct. 8, 2004 News Feature by Jordan Smith

The Debate Over How and Whether to Jail Kids in Austin Is Just Getting Started

Travis County proposes a new facility to hold kids accused of crimes

"...Gardner Betts is essentially a jail for children who commit crimes in Travis County. It..."

Jan. 26, 2024 News Feature by Brant Bingamon

In Jail Forever?

Said's Story

"...and trespassing, and sentenced to one year in Illinois State Prison. Overcrowding in the prison led to what should..."

Dec. 18, 1998 News Feature by Robert Bryce

Jail Numbers Down ... for Now

As Austin grows, jail population could inch upward

"...Travis County has seen a dramatic drop in its jail population, following a national trend showing local jail populations..."

June 11, 2010 News Feature by Jordan Smith

How to Jail the Poor

Travis County tries to fix its Driving While License Invalid issue

"...they'll get fined but won't face the threat of jailing (class B misdemeanors require bookings and an appearance before..."

Sept. 21, 2018 News Feature by Chase Hoffberger

Women’s Jail Closer to Funding

Justice advocates worry efforts to decrease incarceration will decelerate

"...package that includes initial funding for a new women's jail – despite the objections of justice advocates who, for..."

May 10, 2019 News Feature by Lindsay Stafford Mader

Getting a Ticket Beats Going to Jail

APD nips arrest policy to address jail overcrowding

"...instead of taking offenders in for a night in jail. "The cops are on board," says Acevedo. "We're all..."

Oct. 10, 2008 News Feature by Jordan Smith

What Jail Is Like

Women demand better care for pregnant inmates

"...receiving until she was sent to the Travis County Jail for a probation violation. It’s impossible to know how..."

Nov. 7, 2014 News Post by Amy Kamp

Day Trips: Gonzales Jail Museum

Crime and punishment in Central Texas

"...McGinty Wolff spent 10 years in the Gonzales County Jail beginning at age 6. She lived in the apartment..."

Oct. 17, 2014 Column by Gerald E. McLeod

1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10     NEXT ›    34 »