CHARGES DISMISSED AGAINST CHARETTE IN CAMPAIGN CASE
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has voted to dismiss the indictments of a former candidate for Washington County Court at Law Judge for misdemeanor campaign violations.
In a 6-3 vote, the court reversed the judgment of the 14th Court of Appeals and ordered dismissal of four indictments against Brenham attorney Robbie Gail Charette. In June 2018, a Washington County Grand Jury indicted Charette on four misdemeanor campaign law violations after a complaint was filed with the Washington County District Attorney's Office. Charette had lost her election bid to unseat County Court at Law Judge Eric Berg in the March Republican Primary. Charette’s attorney, Lewis Thomas of Houston, filed a motion to dismiss the charges, arguing that the Texas Ethics Commission has oversight of all campaign law violations. Six and a half years later, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has agreed with Thomas, writing in their ruling that the trial court lacked subject matter jurisdiction over these charges.
Concerning the ruling, Charette said, “I am gratified that the Court of Criminal Appeals dismissed the charges. They should never have been brought in the first place. I am very grateful to my attorneys, family, and friends who always believed in me.”
Click here to view the ruling from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
I think Ms. Charette is right, these charges were ridiculous and should never have been brought in the first place. This was a complete waste of taxpayer money and it smelled of political paybacks when she upset the good ole boy apple cart. Glad it is finally over for her.