A Texas case is drawing attention to the speed of the criminal justice system. A Houston man, Edric Wilson, spent 18 years in Harris County Jail without ever being prosecuted, let alone found guilty. While this case is not typical, the fact that it’s even possible is not acceptable to many.
You’re Guaranteed the Right to a Speedy Trial
The U.S. Constitution guarantees people the right to a speedy trial if they’re accused of a crime. Many jurisdictions have statutes of limitation or other rules that further guarantee the right to a justice system that moves at a certain pace.
But if you’ve been arrested or are facing charges, you might be disappointed with what “speedy” really looks like.
It’s important to remember that it’s not always enough to have rights. You need to be able to assert those rights to truly be protected. Your Texas criminal defense attorney is your best chance at making sure the system moves forward and doesn’t simply forget about you.
Jails vs Prisons: Jails Are Not Built for Lengthy Stays
There are many reasons why spending 18 years in jail is a poor outcome. One of them is the difference between a county jail and a prison. The facilities and rules in place at a jail are not set up for people to be held long-term.
Prisons are not fun places, but they’re built to house people for stays lasting longer, sometimes much longer, than a year. They typically offer things like education, vocational training and other types of rehabilitation.
Most prisons allow some form of access to the outdoors, for example. It may be restricted or denied, depending on the circumstances, but it’s often possible to get outside at least occasionally.
Jails, including Harris County Jail, do not necessarily have that same option. Because the stays are intended to be shorter, it hasn’t been deemed necessary to allow the people held in jails to be outdoors. That’s a small issue for someone held for 10 days. It’s a big issue for someone held for 18 years.
Unavoidable Delays
Even under the best of circumstances, the criminal justice system moves slowly. It’s hard to argue that there are enough judges and courts with enough resources to get through the work they’re expected to do. The end result? People charged with crimes spend many weeks waiting anxiously for the next step toward resolving their case.
Choose an Experienced Texas Defense Attorney
At Lee & Wood, GP, we provide strong, dependable criminal defense services for accusations of assault to wildlife crimes. Our lawyers have handled criminal cases in courts all over the Fort Worth area. We can protect your rights and help make sure your case is handled correctly from start to finish. Contact us today at 817-678-6771.