Interview:

 


2020-2021 | Grant Scheiner 
From June 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, Texas criminal defense practices were heavily influenced by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread social justice movements. The pandemic caused court delays and backlogs, forcing defense attorneys to navigate a challenging environment of postponed trials and limited access to in-person hearings. Virtual court sessions became more common, changing the dynamic of legal proceedings and requiring defense attorneys to adapt their strategies. In response to the George Floyd protests and growing calls for criminal justice reform, discussions around police accountability, bail reform, and racial disparities intensified. The Texas legislature, in its 2021 session, addressed several issues impacting criminal defense, including laws that aimed to limit police chokeholds and increase transparency in police misconduct. Additionally, defense attorneys faced ongoing challenges in ensuring fair treatment for defendants amid these shifts, with increased focus on advocating for clients’ constitutional rights, particularly regarding pretrial detention and law enforcement practices.

 

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