Is file-sharing software the solution to evidence 'blame game' in DA's office?
New software may be the solution to a Texas county’s problem getting prosecution evidence to defense lawyers on a timely basis, officials there say.
But a number of defense lawyers are dubious, citing a lack of privacy and logistical issues, according to the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and KRIS.
Warren Diepraam, who serves as first assistant district attorney in Waller County, spoke in favor of the Document Logistix system at a recent Nueces County Commissioners Court meeting in Corpus Christi. The software resolved a “blame game” in his county concerning evidence turnover that was similar to what has been happening in the Nueces County over the past year, he said.
It allows police to upload documents, videos and photos to an online system to which the DA’s office instantly has access. Prosecutors then decide what evidence should be provided to the defense, and the system automatically time- and date-stamps when it each file is uploaded or opened, the articles explain.
If Nueces County goes with the system, it would cost about $68,500 initially and another $12,000 to maintain each year.
“I don’t like it,” defense lawyer Mark Gonzalez told the Caller-Times afterward. “I don’t want the judge or the DA knowing when I’m doing anything.”
Other lawyers said the system would burden the defense with having to provide electronic devices capable of storing large documents and videos when they are away from the office.
However, Nueces County DA Mark Skurka sees significant benefits to upgrading the current “cumbersome” process of providing evidence, KRIS reports.
“I have secretaries out there that spend hours copying videos, copying papers, scanning documents,” Skurka said.
