Are Dallas police able to mark your home or business to warn others that habitual crime takes place there? A newly proposed ordinance would allow it. The ordinance is part of a set of changes the Dallas Police Department is pushing to help better combat crime in problem areas.
The process is called nuisance abatement, and would work something like this:
- If five abatable crimes – thinks like trespassing, prostitution, gambling, drug transactions, arson or graffiti – happen on a property in a 365-day period, the police conduct a review of the property.
- The owner of the property receives a notice to meet with DPD and the Dallas City Attorney’s Office.
- The property owner can use the meeting to demonstrate to city representatives what is being done to prevent further crime on the property.
- If the Dallas Police Chief determines that the property is still a habitual criminal property, the city can place a placard on the property explaining to readers what criminal activity happens there.
- The property owner would have to pay for inspection costs related to ensuring that steps are being taken to eliminate or reduce crime on the property.
- Removal of the placards would be a crime.
The ultimate goal of the ordinance, according to Chief U. Renee Hall, is to help DPD build trust in the communities it serves and to eliminate criminal nuisances, revitalize neighborhoods and provide cleaner place to live, work and play.
Do you believe police should be able to label your property a habitual criminal property?
Mike GoolsbyA veteran in both civil court cases and criminal defense, Mike Goolsby is a respected lawyer with more than 16 years of experience practicing law. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of North Texas in 1990, followed by his J.D. from the prestigious Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1994. After earning his law degree, Mr. Goolsby worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. As a trial lawyer, he was able to gain exceptional access to the criminal court system in this major metropolitan area, giving him immeasurable, distinct experience that helped him build a solid foundation for his own private legal practice. Mr. Goolsby went on to practice civil law for Maverick Acceptance Group, a venture capital company. Here, he gained invaluable knowledge of the civil side of the law, adding to his already diverse portfolio of legal expertise. In 1999, he opened the doors of The Goolsby Law Firm and has been successfully serving the residents of North Texas ever since. As an attorney, Mr. Goolsby combines his experience in both the civil and criminal fields to offer unmatched legal representation to his clients. With a long list of satisfied clients, Mr. Goolsby continues to build his practice through fair and aggressive legal defense.