Inside the DA's Office: Oscar Salinas on Morale, Mentorship, and a Vision for Bexar County

The journey to justice in the Texas legal system is fraught with challenges. On this candid episode of So You Got Arrested, criminal defense attorneys welcome Oscar Salinas, a Democratic candidate for Bexar County District Attorney, to discuss his platform for change.

Salinas, who honed his skills as a line prosecutor under former DA Nico LaHood and served in Denton County, stresses the urgent need for internal reform. He proposes bringing back robust training programs and the sister court mentorship system to support the many new prosecutors who often leave the job prematurely due to a lack of guidance.

The conversation covers:

• The Backlog's Root Cause: Why poor morale and inadequate training are key contributors to the massive case backlog, rather than just case volume.
• The 'Just' Decision: Salinas’ philosophy on empowering prosecutors to dismiss or reject cases when evidence is weak, regardless of pressure from media or "trolls."
• Growing Population vs. Stagnant Resources: How the DA's office is struggling to keep pace with Bexar County's growth, including the need for more Victim Advocates and additional district courts.

Salinas offers a prosecutor's perspective on how confidence, mentorship, and a commitment to justice—not pleasing public opinion—are essential to leading an effective and fair DA's office.