County JP recalls thousands of warrants

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Travis County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Glenn Bass recalled thousands of misdemeanor warrants because of what he believed was an unfair practice of allowing some defendants to pay fines through a payment plan.

Bass made the announcement Wednesday and said the recall affects 13,500 people with class C misdemeanor warrants in Travis County.

Bass said he learned some defendants were given the option of paying fines through a payment plan, but that option was not given to other defendants. He said people affected by the recall now have until October 1, 2011 to resolve their warrants.

"As a judge, I have an obligation to see that all who come before this court are equal before the law and that no person receives preferential treatment," said Bass, who refused to answer questions outside of his prepared statement.

Bass accused Precinct Two Constable Adan Ballesteros and Chief Deputy George Morales of offering the payment plans without his authority. Morales denied that allegation in an interview with KXAN News.

"If that is what he feels- that some defendants were given payment plans and others weren't- that is not true- all persons are given the option to pay- or set a payment plan- which is to pay one warrant in full," said Morales.

Bass said in his statement that he had contacted the County Attorney's office and asked that they look into the matter to determine if any laws had been broken. 

"I can honestly assure you that there was no law broken, each constable's office has a right to establish a payment plan program that is set up- which is one payment in full," said Morales.

Bass also said he was concerned the Constable's office was not aggressively trying to collect fines right now because they had already made their budget for the year.

Travis County Attorney David Escamilla confirmed he will be advising Bass in the matter, but made no further comment.