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