Bexar County District Attorney Gonzalez seeks reclassification of prosecutor positions

Bexar County's District Attorney's Office is facing a critical staffing crisis, as highlighted during a recent Commissioners Court Work Session. District Attorney Joe Gonzalez emphasized the urgent need for reclassifying several key positions to combat a significant backlog in case processing and to retain experienced prosecutors.

Gonzalez presented a proposal to reclassify multiple positions, including deputy chiefs and prosecutors, to better align salaries with the responsibilities they currently handle. He pointed out that without these adjustments, the office risks exacerbating its backlog, especially if law enforcement is granted additional resources without corresponding support for prosecution.

The DA's office is currently down approximately 30 prosecutors, many of whom are seasoned professionals lured away by neighboring rural counties offering higher salaries—sometimes $25,000 to $30,000 more. This trend, combined with a national shortage of district attorneys, has created what Gonzalez described as a "perfect storm" for Bexar County.

Despite previous budget requests for reclassifications and a step plan for non-lawyer positions being denied, Gonzalez urged the Commissioners Court to consider the long-term implications of not addressing these staffing issues. He stressed that the collaboration between law enforcement and the DA's office is crucial for public safety and effective case management.

As the court deliberates on these proposals, the future of Bexar County's legal system hangs in the balance, with the potential for increased delays in justice if staffing levels remain unaddressed.