by Don Stroud | Mar 1, 2018 | Justice of Peace, Teen Court
“I was a student in the courtroom of Judge Edna Staudt’s Teen Court for three years. During that time, I experienced what it was like to be a juror, bailiff, defense attorney, and prosecuting attorney.
Judge Staudt has a passion to teach the next generation of leaders about the inner workings of the American judicial system. My own understanding of what goes on behind the scenes in the courtroom was greatly expanded due to her training.”
Alex Hebert, Former Teen Court Volunteer
Alex Hebert
Former Student Lead Attorney
by Don Stroud | Feb 23, 2018 | Justice
You likely know a fellow Texan whose drivers license has been suspended by the egregious and unjust Texas Driver Responsibility Program (TDRP).
Never heard of it? If you drive, or depend on someone who does, you need to learn about it.
Over 1.3 million Texans have had their drivers license suspended, and not necessarily due to being irresponsible. They pled guilty or no contest to traffic violations, paid their fines, and moved on, rightfully believing that was the end of the matter.
Until they are later detained for another violation, possibly a minor infraction like a defective brake light or failure to signal. They then find themselves in shock at being handcuffed, arrested and taken to jail, totally unaware their license had been suspended for failure to pay an unknown delinquent surcharge on the previous violation.
Collection notices for the surcharges may not have caught up with them if they had changed addresses or the notices had been designed to resemble junk mail.
This scenario has been playing out for over 14 years and it is time for Texans to repeal the legislation responsible for this travesty against fellow Texans.
Judge Edna Staudt has long been a voice calling out in the wilderness for the Texas legislature to take action. She has seen firsthand the devastation this misguided program has had on families and individuals, especially those with limited or no resources to fight the system.
“Citizens who lose their mode of transportation because of delinquent surcharges lose their jobs, sometimes their homes and face immeasurable obstacles to take care of themselves and their family.”
Judge Edna Staudt
“’It’s taking money from people who are not criminals,’ Staudt said. ‘Then they keep on driving because they have to feed their family, they have to get to work, they have to get around.’ ”
Hoppe,C.O. (2014, August). Critics of traffic surcharge get little traction.
The Dallas Morning News.
Retrieved from: http://www.dallasnews.com
As a champion for justice and mercy, Judge Staudt continues to be a voice calling for the elimination of the TDRP which violates the Constitutional rights of Texans.
Judge Edna Staudt
Advocating repeal of TDRP
“Justice of the Peace Edna Staudt of Williamson County, in Central Texas, said she also deals with many frustrated Texans who are affected by the program.
“Staudt said she believes the program is unconstitutional because it penalizes drivers twice for the same violation.
“’If you get a DWI, you go to jail, pay the fine. If you can’t afford to pay, you can do community service hours. The surcharge is an additional punishment,’ Staudt said.”
Chen,C.O. (2014, April 14). Despite Changes, Driver Surcharge Program Faces Continued Opposition.
The Texas Tribune
Retrieved from: http://www.texastribune.org/
Join Judge Staudt in continuing the fight to repeal this misguided program. Leave a comment below so you can be reached with more information on how you can make a difference.
by Don Stroud | Feb 23, 2018 | Re-election, Teen Court
“Teen Court was a chance for me to make a real and appreciable difference in my community. The program gave me first-hand experience in the justice system I could not have found anywhere else. With that in mind, it goes without saying that without Judge Staudt’s guidance, experience, and expertise, I never would have realized the opportunity to be involved in a program which has, to this day, changed my life for the better.” Alan Adams, Former Teen Court Student Volunteer
Alan Adams
Former Student Attorney & Presiding Judge
by Don Stroud | Feb 23, 2018 | Justice of Peace, Legal
“As a legal professional, I am incredibly honored and blessed to have had the opportunity to know and to work with Judge Edna Staudt for many years. Professionals
“The legal community respects Judge Staudt. Not only is she fair, attentive, and compassionate in the courtroom, her positive influence permeates our community beyond the courtroom doors. She selflessly and tirelessly promotes mentoring and parenting programs, coaches teen leadership development, prepares young men and women to be responsible adults, fights for constitutional rights of ordinary citizens, and speaks for those who have no voice.
“Judge Staudt is a conservative Christian motivated to put her faith into action by serving the members of her community.
“I regard Judge Staudt as an invaluable member of our judiciary.”
Patricia M. Cofty, JD/MBA
Attorney / Mediator
by Don Stroud | Feb 23, 2018 | Teen Court
“Judge Staudt provides an amazing asset to the community through YMCA Teen Court. I was personally impacted by her demonstration that we all have a role (and responsibility) to facilitate justice right where we live. Her example inspired me to pursue a career in public service through the military.” – Luke Adams, Former Student Presiding Judge
