Justice of the Peace Steve Duble recalled 12,500 outstanding arrest warrants for Class C misdemeanors in Harris County, Texas.
In Texas, failing to pay fines and fees for low-level traffic offenses can result in arrest warrants. In Harris County, Justice of the Peace Steve Duble has taken a bold step by recalling thousands of outstanding arrest warrants for Class C misdemeanors, which are primarily traffic violations punishable by fines rather than jail time. His concerns grew after reading a Justice Department advisory on the misuse of fines and fees, followed by learning that in June 2024 alone, 106 Texans “satisfied” their debts for such offenses by serving jail time. Duble, who began his term in 2023, cited constitutional issues like due process and the right to counsel as key motivations for his decision. The recalled warrants, issued by his predecessor, aim to correct injustices in how minor offenses are enforced. Importantly, while the warrants have been withdrawn, the underlying cases remain active, giving individuals the opportunity to resolve their citations without the immediate threat of arrest. Duble’s actions contribute to a larger conversation about balancing enforcement with fairness and compassion for those facing minor infractions.
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