What actually happens in a felony criminal court, and why does the person behind the bench matter so much to your privacy and your future?
In this episode of So You Got Arrested, hosts Steve Barrera and Jacob Lindberg sit down with Stephanie Franco, a long-time prosecutor and candidate for the 187th District Court in Bexar County. Stephanie shares her unique journey from serving as a juvenile public defender to becoming a felony prosecutor, explaining how seeing both sides of the law shaped her "servant’s heart" and her commitment to individual justice.
The conversation dives deep into:

• The Power of Perspective: How Stephanie’s background in a family of defense attorneys (the Acevedo family) influences her work as a prosecutor.
• The "YouTube Judge" Controversy: A candid discussion on the ethics of live-streaming sensitive victim testimony and how it impacts the "court of public opinion."
• District vs. County Courts: Breaking down the stakes of "big boy court" where life-altering felony charges are decided.
• Rehabilitation in the System: Lessons from Juvenile Court and the "Strive" program that Stephanie hopes to bring to the adult felony bench.

Whether you are navigating the legal system or interested in the upcoming Bexar County elections, this episode offers a rare look at the intersection of public service, legal ethics, and community safety.

Key Statistics: The Bexar County Legal Landscape

To provide context for the 187th District Court race, here is a look at the broader demographics and workload within the San Antonio/Bexar County justice system.

Category | Statistic/Data PointBexar County Population (Approx.) | 2,000,000+
Felony Cases Disposed Annually | ~18,000 – 22,000 cases across all District Courts
Racial Breakdown (Bexar Co.) | ~60% Hispanic/Latino, 26% White, 8% Black
Incarceration Rate (Texas) | ~840 per 100,000 people (one of the highest in the U.S.)
Juvenile Recidivism | Programs like "Strive" aim to reduce the ~20-25% re-offense rate in TX juveniles.

The Texas Court Hierarchy

Stephanie mentions the difference between County and District courts. These represent the primary tiers of the Texas criminal system:

• County Courts: Handle Class A and B misdemeanors (e.g., DWIs, simple assaults).
• District Courts: Handle all felony cases, ranging from drug possession to capital murder.
• Appellate Courts: Review decisions made by the lower courts for legal errors.

Connect with Stephanie Franco:

• Website: StephanieFrancoForJudge.com
• Social Media: @StephanieFrancoForJudge

Get Legal Help:

• Website: brckdefense.com

The Texas justice system can be messy, but understanding how to navigate it—especially after an arrest—is crucial. In this episode of So You Got Arrested, host Scott Simpson of BRIC Criminal Defense sits down with Sal Martinez, owner of Freedom Bail Bonds and author of NARC: Confessions of an Undercover Agent.

Sal brings a unique, 360-degree perspective to the table. Having served as a Texas State Trooper and a DEA undercover agent working against the Mexican cartels in the 1990s, he now helps people navigate the complexities of the bail bond system in Wilson, Atascosa, and Live Oak counties. We dive into the nuts and bolts of how bail works, the risks of "gimmick" bond pricing, and the reality of life under the radar as an undercover agent.

Key topics include:

• The Bail Process: What families need to know about 10% fees, payment plans, and bond revocations.
• Attorney-Writ Bonds: The ethical and practical risks of lawyers acting as bondsmen.
• Life in the 81st District: How bond conditions like GPS and breathalyzers vary across Texas counties.
• Undercover Operations: Sal’s hair-raising stories of "black bag" jobs, working with the Federales, and facing off against cartels.
• Survival Tips: Practical advice on how to handle a traffic stop safely and respectfully.

In this episode of So You Got Arrested, host Scott Simpson sits down with Democratic primary candidate Meredith Chacon to discuss her run for Bexar County District Attorney. Chacon, a former prosecutor and victim advocate with over 18 years of experience, dives deep into the systemic issues currently plaguing the DA's office—from a lack of communication between units to alarming dismissal rates in family violence cases. They explore the "Chinese wall" affecting CPS and criminal units, the importance of the "sister court" mentorship system, and Chacon’s transition from the Republican to the Democratic party as a moderate seeking justice for all of Bexar County.