ORDER RESCINDING

POLICY OF JULY 18, 2016

On July 18, 2016, I put in writing an Order dealing with a policy
to be used in very specific circumstances. It was prompted by my
reaction to the death of a number of police officers in Dallas and Baton
Rouge, as well as numerous other attacks on law enforcement reported
in the media. The primary factor leading me to do so was hearing
spouses of officers say the money they should be using on their children
was being spent on upgraded body armor, or officers talking about
enhancing their personal weapons.
The policy was written to apply only when a defendant agreed to
plead guilty to certain charges, and in which the District Attorneys
assigned to my Court would recommend probation. It would then require
the defendant to convince me he or she deserved that, rather than
incarceration.
My intent was purely to protect the people who protect us. It was
not a political statement.
Unfortunately, it has become viewed by some as an indication I
cannot be fair to all who appear before me. After trying 70 cases over the
last four years, that has not been the case to the contrary, I believe and
have been told by many local attorneys that I am always open and fair to
every argument in any trial. I have been particularly gratified by the
number of local attorneys who have come to me and discussed this policy,
and have told me how much they like appearing in my Court, but who feel
I went too far in the policy adopted. I have also noted the comments of
attorneys whom I like and respect in the various media reports who were
shocked at my action.

After considering those comments, and after talking with a number

of people whose opinions I respect, I have concluded the policy does more
harm to the administration of Justice than good, and possibly creates
appearances of impartiality which I never intended. I am, therefore, by
this Order, rescinding the policy adopted on July 18, 2016.
Although I deny I have ever shown favoritism to law enforcement,
I remain a strong supporter of the men and women who do that dangerous
and difficult job every day, and of their families who stand behind them.
Signed: July 29, 2016.
_______/s/ Kerry L.
Neves__________________
KERRY L. NEVES
JUDGE
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