In Collin County, the wheels of justice are turning with a focus on rehabilitation and second chances. During a recent session with the Citizen Prosecutor Academy, two key figures from the Collin County Criminal District Attorney’s Office took the stage to shed light on the often intricate journey of post-conviction law. Amy Murphy, Appellate Division Chief, and Felony Prosecutor Robert Koehl led the charge, providing clarity on how appeals, petitions for discretionary review (PDRs), and writs of habeas corpus work to ensure convictions are fair and lawful. The pair delved into the details of capital litigation and trial support, while also explaining how expunctions and non-disclosures can effectively give people with eligible criminal records the chance to start anew.
Details of these procedures were shared in a social media post by the Collin County DA’s Office, signaling a commitment to public education on the legal system. John Rolater, 2nd Assistant District Attorney, expanded on these sentiments, discussing the office’s innovative approaches to changing lives. He highlighted the impactful “Burden-to-Blessing Program,” which focuses on helping first-time offenders through a combination of taking accountability, community service, and skill-building for a better future…