The Honorable Ralph Strother retired from the 19th District Court in Waco, McClennan County, Texas. He was on the bench for 22 years where he tried many high profile criminal cases. He was appointed to the bench by then Governor George Bush.
In this episode of the Bail Post, Judge Strother talks about his incredible career, his family and his insights for addressing increasing case backlogs, setting bail and bail reform. Judge Strother has great insights about the process of setting bail. As we see judges in Harris County denying that they are responsible for setting bail and blaming rising crime on the district attorney, it is refreshing to listen to a retired district court judge talk straight that the judges have the responsibility under Texas law to set bail and to continue to oversee the bond after the defendant is released on bail.
According to Judge Strother, if a judge believes that the defendant's current bond is not sufficient to ensure appearance, that the defendant is complying with the conditions on the bond or that public safety is at risk, the judge has the ability and the duty to revoke the bond, hold the bond insufficient or to raise the bond.