Asked 9/1/2016 – Austin, TX

I am charged with a theft charge under $100.00, but was enhanced to a felony theft due to two prior convictions from 7 plus years ago. I am in Texas. On my arraignment hearing (I later found out) the judge thought my case was a drug case, and asked me to take a drug test. However I had already went to the lady’s room before court so I stepped out to get some water. The judge revoked my bond saying I skipped out on him, and set my bond to 15,000.00. I did go get a drug test the following morning from a center, and came back in to see the judge and he said I needed to spend some time in jail and ordered me to jail. Can this judge do this? Isn’t there a thing called rights. It has been over 7 years since I’ve been in trouble yet I was treated like a liar and a drug addict.

Answer

A judge has the authority to impose conditions of bond, which can include random urinalysis. It is obvious that you and this Judge have gotten off on the wrong foot; retain a local attorney with some experience soon.