[matthewb0051]

I've previously stated that I practice criminal defense law. We moved back to San Antonio after 20 years away. I was shocked at the number of homeless here now. Drugs also seem to be omnipresent.

I'd say what I see is this: defendants fall into a few categories. Some realize they have F'ed up and want to fix it. Others are scared to death of going to jail.
Then there are the ones I come across that have page after page of criminal history. Some of them just want to make deal and get it over with. Some of those same folks dig in heels and say I'm not signing for $hit3 (code for not taking a plea) regardless of how bad the evidence is against them.

I rarely meet fathers, only mothers and grandmothers that are trying to support their sons/daughters during court cases. Being on the lower end of financial success spectrum is also a factor. We usually don't see folks in court that have careers and make decent money.

Back to the father thing: a couple of weeks ago in felony court I saw a father with his son. Son was present on 2 charges, both drug related and both for big amounts. Judge messed him up and gave him over 10 years. I felt pretty bad for the dad. One of the few times I've seen someone in court from middle or upper middle class.

I think sometimes people just get into the lifestyle of criminal activity and can't get out. Others just don't care. I see a lot of bad choices that seem to stem from drug use.

Family violence: there is plenty of spouse beating going on. But a lot of those cases seem to be an argument that really isn't violent but one spouse calls cops to get the other out of the house just for the night; not realizing that calling the PD will get someone put in jail.

I could go on and on. One thing is for certain, there are a lot of broken people in the system and the families are just as broken. It's pretty sad.