Page 9 - William Eichman News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

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 walking on a path of sobriety that he wouldn't be on had Reyes not inspired him. On the other hand, Rey...

He was a strong advocate for and presided over the county's 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. He'd 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 don't have the heart for it, you shouldn't do it. He did and that's just the person that he was," Eichman said. He was appointed to the bench in 2006, covering both Lubbock and Crosby counties. 99th District Court Judge Bill Sowder said Reyes was raise...