Attorney Blasts Harris County Constable Precinct 4 for Posting Client's Photos Despite DWI Case Being Dismissed
A Houston attorney is speaking out against Harris County Constable Precinct 4 after the agency posted photos of his client on social media despite the case being dismissed by a judge. The posts, which show the client being handcuffed and undergoing a field sobriety test, have raised concerns about the potential for reputational damage.
The attorney, Michael Stoll, claims that his client's DWI case was dismissed after a judge found no probable cause. However, despite the dismissal, Precinct 4 has continued to post photos of the client on their social media page, citing concerns over public safety.
Stoll disputes this claim, stating that the posts are "inaccurate" and "misleading." He argues that the agency's approach is problematic, as it fails to provide context or a disclaimer that his client is innocent until proven guilty.
"This is not just about my client; it's about all the other people who have been wrongly accused," Stoll said. "These posts will live on forever, and when you have a client whose case has been dismissed... Two years later, he might get googled, and it will pop up, and there is no explanation our clients can give other than the fact that it was dismissed."
Stoll took to social media himself, commenting under one of the posts and asking that it be removed. However, his client's photos were posted again, with Stoll's own name listed as one of 28 suspected drunk drivers arrested in recent days.
Fellow attorney Johnathan White agrees with Stoll, stating that law enforcement should inform the public about their work without resorting to "public shaming." The two attorneys believe that Pct. 4's approach is misguided and could have serious consequences for their clients.
When reached by ABC13, Precinct 4 officials claimed they were unaware of the request to remove the post and could not monitor all social comments. However, Stoll spoke with the office today, only to be told that the case had been refiled – a claim which Stoll disputes.
As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Pct. 4's actions have raised serious concerns about public safety, reputational damage, and the potential for wrongful accusations.
A Houston attorney is speaking out against Harris County Constable Precinct 4 after the agency posted photos of his client on social media despite the case being dismissed by a judge. The posts, which show the client being handcuffed and undergoing a field sobriety test, have raised concerns about the potential for reputational damage.
The attorney, Michael Stoll, claims that his client's DWI case was dismissed after a judge found no probable cause. However, despite the dismissal, Precinct 4 has continued to post photos of the client on their social media page, citing concerns over public safety.
Stoll disputes this claim, stating that the posts are "inaccurate" and "misleading." He argues that the agency's approach is problematic, as it fails to provide context or a disclaimer that his client is innocent until proven guilty.
"This is not just about my client; it's about all the other people who have been wrongly accused," Stoll said. "These posts will live on forever, and when you have a client whose case has been dismissed... Two years later, he might get googled, and it will pop up, and there is no explanation our clients can give other than the fact that it was dismissed."
Stoll took to social media himself, commenting under one of the posts and asking that it be removed. However, his client's photos were posted again, with Stoll's own name listed as one of 28 suspected drunk drivers arrested in recent days.
Fellow attorney Johnathan White agrees with Stoll, stating that law enforcement should inform the public about their work without resorting to "public shaming." The two attorneys believe that Pct. 4's approach is misguided and could have serious consequences for their clients.
When reached by ABC13, Precinct 4 officials claimed they were unaware of the request to remove the post and could not monitor all social comments. However, Stoll spoke with the office today, only to be told that the case had been refiled – a claim which Stoll disputes.
As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Pct. 4's actions have raised serious concerns about public safety, reputational damage, and the potential for wrongful accusations.
... Harris County Constable Precinct 4 posting pics of some dude on social media even tho his DWI case got dismissed? That's just lowkey harassment 
. The fact that they're doing it to "keep public safe" but really its more like public shame is totally not cool. These posts are gonna be up forever and I can already see how bad this'll look for the guy when he gets googled in 2 yrs 
... Like, even if his case got dismissed, that doesn't mean he's innocent! And Stoll's right too - law enforcement shouldn't be shaming people like this. It's all about reputational damage and wrongful accusations now 
... Pct. 4 needs to rethink their strategy ASAP 
. It's not like it's gonna help with public safety or anything. My client is innocent until proven guilty, so shouldn't there be a disclaimer or something? 
... like the pics r from 2 yrs ago & already dismissed 
... i think the constable's office is just tryna show that they're actively workin on cases & not just sittin around twiddlin their thumbs 
... sure, the photos might be a lil sensationalized but it's all good to know what's happenin in the community, right? 
... I mean, can you believe they're posting pics of a client who had his DWI case DISMISSED?! 
It's like, what even is the point of that? The attorney dude says it's gonna cause reputational damage and people might still think he's guilty 2 yrs later... which btw has happened to so many ppl already 
. I mean, you'd think that after the court threw out the charges, it's done and dusted 
... It's like they're trying to be seen as these superheroes who catch all the bad guys, but really they're just bullying their clients with no regard for consequences 
...
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come on precinct 4 ur doing it wrong posting pics of clients even after case been dismissed its like rubbing salt in wound ppl r gonna remember that pic 2 yrs later & think their innocent til proven guilty thats not how its done btw if u gotta post somethin at least give context or disclaimer dont just b a vigilante
AND ANOTHER THING, WHY DID THEY POST MY NAME TOO?! THAT'S JUST GREAT, NOW I'M GOING TO GET MENTIONED IN SOME DRUNKDriving CASES!!! 
? and what even is this "public shaming" thing? can't they just, like, keep it private or something?
It's not like they even provided context or a disclaimer that the guy was innocent until proven guilty - it's all just out there on social media for anyone to see, causing potential reputational damage and who knows what else... 
The fact that his own name got listed as one of those suspected drunk drivers arrested in recent days is just ridiculous. 
I mean, come on! Can't they just respect people's privacy and personal info? 
This whole thing has serious implications for public safety and the potential for wrongful accusations - it's a slippery slope and Precinct 4 needs to take responsibility for their actions. 
. And what really gets my blood boiling is that the county officials claim they didn't know about the request to remove the post... That's just not good enough 
. We need better accountability and transparency in our law enforcement agencies. It's time for them to start prioritizing public safety over their own egos 
.