Two state propositions on the Nov. 2 ballot would directly impact statewide judges and judicial candidates.

Defense motions were granted Wednesday in the case against Emond Johnson, who allegedly set fire to his gym that spread to other businesses and killed San Antonio firefighter Scott Deem.

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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operation of courts in Bexar County is perhaps felt strongest by the so-called “specialty courts,” which are unique since participants require specialized attention and treatment options.

SAN ANTONIO – On Monday, State District Court Judge Jefferson Moore, a member of the Bexar County Juvenile Board, toured the county’s four juvenile facilities. Since then, the agency, tasked with handling juvenile offenders’ cases, has been renamed the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the Texas legislature ordered that local governments make annual inspections of juvenile facilities. “All of us have an interest to make sure that everything here is done as good as possible,” Moore said. “We’re really totally separate from the juvenile system, and to put us as the oversight board for them, I think, makes a good difference,” Moore said. Moore noted that the adult criminal courts also benefit from an effectively operating juvenile justice system.

SAN ANTONIO – A man who shot at Comal County deputies during a chase in 2017 was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison. “And it doesn’t give me any pleasure to sentence somebody to prison, but I want you to stay there and be supervised.”On Aug. 19, 2017, Hogan led deputies on a chase from Comal County into Bexar County. During the chase, Hogan fired several shots at the pursuing law enforcement officers, according to deputies. “His behavior in this case was extremely, extremely dangerous.”Hogan’s attorney, David Garcia, asked for leniency. “He understands that, and he’s motivated for whatever you give him, judge.”Moore departed downward from the 25-year cap that the plea agreement called for and sentenced Hogan.

SAN ANTONIO Last summer Stephen Vargas, 20, failed to appear in court to be sentenced to eight years in prison as part of a plea agreement after pleading guilty to two separate armed robbery cases in 2017 and 2018. On Tuesday, defense attorney Roy Barrera Jr. asked Judge Jefferson Moore to abandon a 10-year sentence Moore added after Vargas failed to appear for sentencing. I sentence you in each case to 15 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Moore said. Vargas total sentence, with the time added for his failure to appear, was 18 years. Man sentenced to 8 years in prison in 2018 Bar America shooting

SAN ANTONIO A man who commandeered and crashed a Converse Police Department cruiser last fall was in court Tuesday for a bond reduction hearing. Xavier Johnson, 25, is jailed in lieu of bond in three unrelated robbery cases. In my motion, I ask the court to reduce bond to $35,000 for each of the 3 robberies, Bunk said. The officer tried to stop him and he ends up dragging this officer in his patrol vehicle, injuring the officer, Stout testified. He remains jailed in lieu of bond and is awaiting trial in the Converse case.

Smith, who was critically wounded during the shootout, was in court Tuesday morning. He was charged with capital murder in Ruben Sanchez’s slaying and aggravated assault on a public servant in connection with the shootout. Smith was wanted for killing Sanchez a month earlier while he was allegedly trying to steal the victim's car. As jury selection was about to begin, Smith opted to plead guilty to the assault charge and to a reduced charge of murder in Sanchez's murder in what is called an "open plea." “In each case, I’m going to order a pre-sentencing report and we will come back at another day for sentencing,” Moore told Smith.