During a recent meeting, Judge Jacqueline Valdez presented critical budget requests for the Bexar County criminal district courts, highlighting three main priorities aimed at addressing pressing needs within the judicial system.

The first priority is funding for the felony mental health pretrial diversion court, presided over by Judge Ronnell. Valdez reported that the court, which began as a pilot program under the mental health court budget, is currently facing a funding shortfall after a grant application was denied. The court requires $643,980 to continue operations and support its 31 active participants, who are receiving treatment and supervision to address their mental health needs. The program aims to prevent individuals with mental illness from entering the prison system, emphasizing the importance of judicial oversight in their rehabilitation.

The second request involves the establishment of a second pre-indictment court to manage the overwhelming caseload of approximately 20,000 felony cases filed annually. Currently, only one pre-indictment court exists, which has been unable to keep pace with the influx of cases. Valdez noted that increasing the number of pre-indictment courts could significantly reduce jail populations and save the county substantial costs associated with incarceration.

Judge Naheda, who oversees the existing pre-indictment court, reported handling around 5,224 cases since June, with an average of 1,474 new cases each month. The current court structure is strained, leading to delays in hearings and motions, which has raised concerns among defense attorneys regarding timely access to justice.

Valdez concluded her presentation by underscoring the urgent need for additional resources to support these initiatives, which are crucial for improving the efficiency of the criminal justice system and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in Bexar County.