White Settlement municipal judge accused of breaking the law said he's been ambushed
WHITE SETTLEMENT -- An Austin-based criminal justice reform group alleges that a White Settlement municipal judge is breaking the law and is verbally abusive to some defendants, charges he and a councilman deny.
The Texas Fair Defense Project laid out its allegations against Municipal Judge Gary Ritchie in a letter dated Jan. 9. Ritchie, who also serves at Precinct 6 justice of the peace in Tarrant County, is a accused of breaking a law that requires him to determine whether defendants are financially able to immediately pay fines, court costs and judgments, said Hani Mirza, an attorney who works with the project.
The White Settlement City Council discussed the matter in executive session Thursday, but no action was taken, City Manager Jeff James said after the meeting was over.
Council members have not had time to fully evaluate all the legal issues brought up in the letter nor have they had time to speak with Ritchie at any length about the allegations, James said.
Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/article199222659.html
