Page 5 - William Eichman News Today

Michael Peart, 35, said he owes his second chance at life to Judge Ruben Reyes, who he met 29 months ago when he started drug court, a specialty court program in Lubbock for probationers whose addiction is the source of their criminal troubles. On Dec. 17, the second-to-last drug court session of the year, Peart walked to the front of the 72nd Court Room, and received a certificate and other gifts for graduating from drug court.  It was a bittersweet moment. On one hand, Peart was solidly wal...

He was a strong advocate for and presided over the countys Adult Drug Court. 364th District Court Judge William Eichman said he cared deeply for those struggling with addiction. "He would provide a sounding board for them. Hed get to know them. He was more than just the Drug Court judge to them he was their family in some ways. I think if you dont have the heart for it, you shouldnt do it. He did and thats just the person that he was," Eichman said. He was appointed to the bench in 2006, coveri...