Government Accountability

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GRIEVANCE AGAINST A JUDGE: A judge shall be patient, dignified and courteous to litigants, jurors, witnesses, lawyers and others with whom the judge deals in an official capacity, and should require similar conduct of lawyers, and of staff, court officials and others subject to the judge's direction and control, attend court timely as posted on the judge's docket, rule promptly on matters before the court.

GRIEVANCE AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT: Cameron County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Marshal's Office and other federal police agencies, and police departments within the county. Complaints regarding law enforcement including excessive force, hiding of evidence, lack of candor and failure to keep promises. Complaints against jails for failure to process promptly cases in which there is a dismissal, acquittal, or bond has been granted. Complaints against jails for bad conditions.

GRIEVANCE AGAINST PROSECUTORS: Cameron County and federal prosecutors should behave appropriately as follows: A prosecutor should act with candor, good faith, and courtesy in all professional relations. A prosecutor should act with integrity in all communications, interactions, and agreements with opposing counsel. A prosecutor should not express personal animosity toward opposing counsel, regardless of personal opinion. A prosecutor should at all times display proper respect and consideration for the judiciary, without foregoing the right to justifiably criticize individual members of the judiciary at appropriate times and in appropriate circumstances. A prosecutor should be punctual for all court appearances. When absence or tardiness is unavoidable, prompt notice should be given to the court and opposing counsel. A prosecutor should conduct himself or herself with proper restraint and dignity throughout the course of proceedings. Disruptive conduct or excessive argument is always improper. A prosecutor should treat witnesses fairly and professionally and with due consideration. In questioning the testimony of a witness, a prosecutor should not engage in a line of questioning intended solely to abuse, insult or degrade the witness. Examination of a witness's credibility should be limited to legally permitted impeachment techniques. A prosecutor should avoid obstructive and improper tactics. Examples of such tactics include, but are not limited to, knowingly: Making frivolous objections, or making objections for the sole purpose of disrupting opposing counsel; attempting to proceed in a manner that is obviously inconsistent with a prior ruling by the court; attempting to ask clearly improper questions or to introduce clearly inadmissible evidence; engaging in dilatory actions or tactics; and creating or taking unlawful advantage of prejudicial or inflammatory arguments or publicity. 

GRIEVANCE AGAINST DISTRICT, COUNTY AND FEDERAL CLERKS: dereliction of duty, lack of transparency, partiality, failure to meet commitments, failure to be patient, dignified and courteous

GRIEVANCE ALL OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES: dereliction of duty, lack of transparency, partiality, failure to meet commitments, failure to be patient, dignified and courteous