The Growing Controversy: Travis County DA José Garza and Austin’s Repeat Offender Crisis
Austin residents are increasingly frustrated with what many perceive as a revolving door justice system, where repeat offenders are consistently released back onto the streets only to commit additional crimes.
At the center of this controversy is Travis County District Attorney José Garza, whose progressive criminal justice policies have drawn sharp criticism from both law enforcement and the public.
The Repeat Offender Problem
The issue has reached a boiling point as high-profile cases continue to make headlines. One particularly egregious example occurred in February 2025, when 19-year-old Stephon Martin Morson, charged with murder in the shooting death of 20-year-old Keshawn Cage, was released from Travis County Jail after his bond was dramatically reduced from $800,000 to just $100 per charge.
Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock:
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