Dear Members of the Quorum Court and County Judge Robinson,
While Jefferson County celebrates the significant milestone of 370 days without a juvenile homicide a testament to the collective efforts of our community-the current budget impasse threatens to undo this progress and has devastating consequences for the justice system, our employees, and the citizens we serve.
As judges, we are duty-bound to remain impartial and cannot, and will not, take a position on the disagreements underlying the budget impasse. However, we feel compelled to highlight the dire consequences this situation is having on the administration of justice and on the well-being of those who depend on the court system.
The Sixth Division Juvenile Court Programs, which have been instrumental in preventing juvenile crime and providing opportunities for at-risk youth, are now at risk of suspension. These programs include:
- Juvenile Drug Court
- Juvenile Teen Court Diversion Program
- School-Based Mentors and Transportation Program •Juvenile Community Service and Jobs Program •Breaking the Cycle High-Risk Boys Mentoring Program •HER High-Risk Girls Mentoring Program
- Youth Group Violence Intervention (YGVI) Program
These initiatives are not just services; they are lifelines that have transtormed the lives of juveniles and their families. Without them, the progress we have made ni reducing juvenile crime and fostering positive outcomes for youth will be at risk.
The impact of the impasse extends to court staff, who are struggling to make ends meet. Employees in the Sixth Division Circuit Juvenile Division cannot pay their bills, with some facing overdraft fees as student loans, rent, and vehicle payments are automatically deducted from their accounts. Morale is at an all-time low, and grant- funded programs critical to the success of our youth and families are at a standstill.
Furthermore, the Circuit Clerk has advised us that her staff has not reported to work, leaving vital court functions paralyzed. Criminal filings cannot be processed, jeopardizing public safety and risking dismissals or delays in criminal cases. Jury trials, such as a murder trial scheduled for January 22, cannot proceed because no jury can be assembled. Judges handling child custody matters, adoptions, and divorces are unable to move forward, leaving families ni distress and uncertainty.
The disruption also affects Adult and Juvenile Drug Court programs, where participants rely on structured support to overcome addiction. Without these programs, individuals are at greater risk of relapse, and our community loses a critical resource for reducing substance abuse and recidivism.
This budget impasse is not just an administrative challenge; it si a crisis of justice, safety, and community trust. Every day without resolution compounds the harm to Jefferson County, eroding the confidence of our citizens in their government and threatening the safety and well-being of our community.
We urge you to work together to resolve this crisis and restore the essential services our community depends upon. While we remain impartial in this matter, we stand united ni our commitment to serve the people of Jefferson County and ot ensure the fair and effective administration of justice. fI there is any additional information or assistance we can provide, we are prepared to help in any way we can.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and for your dedication to the residents of Jefferson County. Sincerely,
The Judges of the Eleventh West Judicial Circuit Judge Rob Wyatt
Judge Jodi Dennis
Judge Earnest Brown
Judge Alex Guynn
Judge Mac Norton
Judge Jackie Harris