Criminal defense attorney Daniel Betts is challenging Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza, accusing him of leading Austin down a dangerous path. The progressive district attorney has come under fire after a man accused of killing two individuals while driving under the influence (DUI) was released on reduced charges and bond. Roberto Rangel, who has a history of DUIs dating back to 1989, was involved in a fatal accident that claimed the lives of 22-year-old Kate Garcia and 23-year-old Mark Narvaez in Austin, Texas.
Rangel, intoxicated at the time of the incident, parked his car sideways in the road after leaving a Chick-fil-A parking lot at 2:45 a.m. A motorcycle crashed into his vehicle, resulting in the deaths of Narvaez and Garcia. Despite his previous DUI convictions, Rangel’s charge was reduced to DWI a few months after his arrest, and his bond was significantly decreased from $100,000 to $10,000, allowing him to be released. Furthermore, Rangel’s bond conditions were eased, and his portable alcohol monitor was removed.
The release of Rangel has sparked outrage among Austin residents who are growing increasingly frustrated with Garza’s progressive agenda. Many believe that Garza’s policies are endangering public safety. Travis County GOP Chairman Matt Mackowiak criticized Garza’s office for reducing charges for repeat DUI offenders and emphasized the need for more significant charges to be pursued.
Daniel Betts, a criminal defense attorney and Republican candidate running against Garza for Travis County District Attorney, criticized Garza’s handling of the case. Betts argued that Garza’s office should have pursued a more severe charge than DWI from the beginning. Betts highlighted the need for the community to recognize the impact of Garza’s policies on public safety and urged voters to hold him accountable.
Local law enforcement officers, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration with the situation, stating that similar incidents occur frequently and continue to impact victims. They criticized the prosecution side of Garza’s office, claiming that it has failed to effectively handle cases and prioritize public safety. They urged citizens to educate themselves and vote for candidates who prioritize public safety.
This is not the first time that Garza’s office has faced criticism for its handling of criminal cases. Last year, the lenient sentencing of a man involved in a fatal drunk driving accident sparked outrage in the community. The Austin Police Association and the Austin Police Retired Officers Association both criticized Garza for being soft on violent criminals and failing to provide justice for victims and their families. They argued that Garza, lacking experience in prosecuting cases, is unfit for office.
Despite attempts to reach out for comment, Garza’s office did not respond.
In conclusion, the release of Roberto Rangel, a repeat DUI offender charged in a fatal accident, has ignited controversy in Austin. Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza has faced criticism for reducing charges and bond for Rangel, prompting concerns about public safety and the efficacy of Garza’s progressive policies. Republican candidate Daniel Betts is challenging Garza in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the need for a more robust approach to prosecuting repeat DUI offenders. The Austin community, including law enforcement, has expressed frustration and called for increased awareness and action to prioritize public safety.
