County Judge Candidate Appears Before the Judge – Again

Fayette County Judge candidate Craig Moreau appeared in the 155th District Court on Wednesday, Dec. 10, for a show cause hearing related to an alleged probation violation.

Moreau pleaded guilty on Aug. 13 for unlawful carry of a weapon in a prohibited place, a third degree felony. The charge stemmed from an accidental shooting at Popz Star Bar on July 28 in which he wounded himself and another female patron at the bar. Moreau accepted a 10-year deferred sentence. District Judge Jeff Steinhauser placed him on probation for the duration of the sentence.

According to the terms of his probation, Moreau is prohibited from being present on the premises of any establishment which has a license for the on-premises consumption of alcohol. His probation terms also prohibit him from consuming alcohol.

County Attorney James Herbrich said the show cause hearing was scheduled so that the judge can determine if any sanctions are warranted for the alleged probation violation. A motion to show cause is less severe than a motion to revoke probation. According to a publication by the Texas District and County Attorneys Association, motions to show cause are useful for correcting “technical” or minor violations, and “are a good way to address initial non-compliance with minor probation violations.”

Moreau hired local attorney Jeff Heintschel to represent him. At the hearing on Wednesday, Heintschel asked the court to reschedule the hearing so that he can prepare for the case. The court granted his request. The hearing was rescheduled for Jan. 21.

Moreau is running for Fayette County Judge in a five-way race on the Republican ticket.