Seeking Justice, Not Just Convictions: A Conversation with Stephanie Franco

Описание: 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 (http://StephanieFrancoForJudge.com)
• Social Media: @StephanieFrancoForJudge

Get Legal Help:

• Website: brckdefense.com (http://brckdefense.com)