BISD, Cameron County law offices hold 'Courts in Schools' program

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Brownsville Independent School District and numerous Cameron County law offices have partnered for the"Courts In Schools" program.

The initiative allows defendants charged under the Texas Controlled Substances Act to receive their sentencing at local high schools as part of their plea agreements.

This program provides valuable learning opportunities for students in multiple ways.

"It has had a tremendous impact on the kids," said 445th State District Court Judge Gloria M. Rincones. "They're like 'Oh my gosh, we did not realize that doing this and doing that was going to impact my future,' because at the end of the day, they are convicted felons."

The students can observe the judge's work and see how prosecutors, defense attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, court reporters, pre-trial services, law enforcement and other court personnel play essential roles in the justice process.