Harris County leaders will provide an update on the long-standing criminal case backlog affecting thousands of cases in Houston.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Harris County leaders are expected to address a long-standing issue affecting thousands of cases across the region, with a major update planned Tuesday on the status of the county’s criminal case backlog. Here’s what to know about the announcement and why it matters now.
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare is scheduled to provide an update on the county’s persistent criminal case backlog during a news conference Tuesday morning.
For years, Harris County’s criminal court system has struggled with a backlog of tens of thousands of unresolved felony and misdemeanor cases.
Officials say the backlog has been driven by multiple factors, including Hurricane Harvey, the COVID-19 pandemic and what they describe as systematic underinvestment in criminal justice innovations.
The delays have impacted both victims and those accused of crimes, slowing the pace of cases moving through the system.
Teare is expected to outline the current status of the backlog and provide details during the announcement.
A representative from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and crime victim Lynn McMullin are also expected to participate in the news conference.
The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center in downtown Houston.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.