Education

Update: Texas Judge Dismisses Charges Against Honors Student Sent to Jail for Missing School

Texas Judge Dismisses Charges Against Honors Student Diane Tran Sent to Jail for Missing School

Image source: KHOU-TV

The 11th-grade Texas honors student thrown in jail for repeatedly missing school had her charges rescinded Wednesday, clearing the way for the incident to be expunged from her record, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Justice of the Peace Lanny Moriarty signed an order vacating the contempt of court charges against 17-year-old Diane Tran after sentencing her to a night in jail and ordering her to pay $100 for excessive truancy last week.

Tran gained national attention after she gave a teary interview to KHOU-TV in which she said her parents had divorced and moved away, leaving her to work two jobs to support herself and her siblings on top of a heavy course load. She told the station she didn’t want to miss school, but was sometimes simply too exhausted to attend in the mornings.

“She goes from job to job, from school she stays up ’til 7 o’clock in the morning doing her homework,” Tran’s friend Devin Hill told KHOU.

Tran was first summoned to court for her excessive truancy in April and was warned against missing any more school. When she went before Moriarty again a month later, she didn’t reveal any of her personal struggles, the Chronicle reported:

[H]er attorney, Brian Wice, said Tran was under an incredible amount of pressure from working two jobs and was unsure what to tell the court.

“She is not someone unwilling to come to class because she’s attending a rock concert,” Wice said. “She‘s an incredible gal who is working and studying sometimes 24 hours a day and contributing to her siblings’ support more than a teenager should have a right to do.”

Moriary, who had said he intended to make an example out of Tran, was heavily criticized for not using more discretion in the case.

According to the Chronicle, the Internet fund drive HelpDianeTran.com has reportedly raised $100,000 from 49 states and 18 countries to help support her.

Comments (48)

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  • inferno
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:15pm

    If certain people used their feet when walking, the way they use their brain. since some people in authority are unable to follow one lucid thought with another, they would literally fall on their respective faces. We seem to be reminded on a daily basis, that critical thinking in our education system has become extinct . However, I suppose it does enhance ones resume, if he or she are able to impress a prespective employer, by indicating they have been trained in the use of condoms !

    Report Post »  
  • Arshloch
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:15pm

    Now, dismiss this ridiculous excuse for a ‘judge’ before he repeats the same ‘error’.

    Report Post » Arshloch  
    • Melika
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:09pm

      This guy probably sees hundreds of these cases, most of which are rotten children with no regard for the law or their own education. The judge stated that during the hearing he was unaware of the situation of this girl, the fault of which lies squarely on her attorney. If there is anyone who should be disbarred, it’s the pathetic loser who “represented” her in court.

      Report Post »  
  • Le Sellers
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:11pm

    There is an “Internet fund drive HelpDianeTran.com [that] has reportedly raised $100,000 from 49 states and 18 countries to help support her.”

    That ought to get her parents back together, or, at least, together with her.

    Report Post » Le Sellers  
    • watashbuddyfriend
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 7:13pm

      Yes, Le Sellers, money is liken unto salt on the taste, it tends to make things better! Monney talks!

      Report Post »  
    • C. Schwehr
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 9:24am

      Thank you for mentioning the web site. I don’t have much money for things like this, but I would donate to help this young lady get through this situation. Her parents should be horse whipped for abandoning their children like that, and the judge should be putting THEM in jail, not this fine young woman!!! God bless her and her siblings!

      Report Post »  
  • mr.goodvibe
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:00pm

    Local conservative radio host Michael Berry was the one that tore this judge up, he has a great show from 9-12 eastern and 6-8 eastern, give him a listen, he is great, I think maybe the next rush.

    http://michaelberry.iheart.com/main.html

    Report Post » mr.goodvibe  
    • ICEDRAGONNITE
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:12pm

      Why in the world do we spend so much time making people OBEY the stupid. And then we don’t use common sense.
      All I can say is Heil and click my heels together and through up my right hand and proclaim total obedience to the Democratic Police State of the United States of America.

      Report Post » ICEDRAGONNITE  
  • PapaJohannesPatriot
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 1:42pm

    Time to retire this judge. He has no place in the legal system – other than being put behind bars himself.

    Report Post »  
  • BlackCrow
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 1:40pm

    This guy is a Justice of the Peace not a real judge.He deals with traffic court, oversees Constables, tries petty offenses, repossessions, evictions and those sort of things. He has to stand for re-election in November and he handed his opposition a hand grenade with this.

    Report Post » BlackCrow  
  • Obama Snake Oil Co
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 1:35pm

    Diane Tran, if you are reading this article on the Blaze, you are wellcome from the people that donated to your cause here in NC. Many of us from Fayetteville shared your story here throughout the state. We encouraged help when we heard what happened. God bless!

    Report Post » Obama Snake Oil Co  
  • mcsledge
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 1:27pm

    One would expect our judges to be objective and use common sense in their judgments. Unfortunately, it takes a nation to call a judge out for him to do the right thing.

    This judge must have had a pretty easy life compared to others who had to support their own siblings while growing up. History will forever remember him as the heartless judge who reversed his opinion due to national pressure.

    Report Post » mcsledge  
  • zeno265
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 1:17pm

    The Judge did it because of the press attention, he did not want to look stupid

    Report Post »  
  • lizaz
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 12:42pm

    Thanks to everyone who contributed to help this outstanding girl!! It’s amazing what the PEOPLE can do, in spite of moron liberal judges who shouldn’t be in their position!!! PEOPLE need to speak out……and they did!!!

    Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 1:13pm

      The only problem with your assertion is that Lanny Moriarty is a Republican. To generalize, particularly without knowing the facts, lies at the height of ignorance.

      Report Post »  
    • Crazyotto
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 1:23pm

      Yeah! There are plenty of morons on both sides of the aisle.
      I think the good news is that the Judge reversed his decision after learning the facts.

      Report Post » Crazyotto  
  • Trading_barracuda
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 12:08pm

    ~”According to the Chronicle, the Internet fund drive HelpDianeTran.com has reportedly raised $100,000 from 49 states and 18 countries to help support her.”

    ~ Thank you Judge for making an “example” out of Diane. She is such a good example!

    ~ “All things work together for good for those who love God” ~Romans 8:28

    Report Post »  
  • don young
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 12:07pm

    I am glade that judge woke up and did the right thing i was getting tired of hearing about judges that do stupid things.

    Report Post »  
  • Mandors
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 12:04pm

    Yet another fool who knows the letter of the law, but not the purpose of the law.

    Report Post » Mandors  
  • Myth
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 12:02pm

    The real story is the fact she was AN HONOR student. The results didn’t matter, she was hauled into court for “missing” school days regardless of being AN HONOR student! Her good grades didn’t count, just the fact that she missed days.
    This is what happens when something is regulated by law. The law is then used in ways it was never meant to be used.
    Our children’s education should not be regulated. It’s should be a CHOICE. Then you can get the best education possible as our forefathers did.

    Report Post »  
  • o2nine17
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:54am

    She is 17, there is no requirement to attend school past the age of 16…. Judge needs a lesson in humanity. Here is someone supporting siblings and still attending school and is a honor student!
    Sure, let’s punish her for doing the right thing, what’s next DCYF coming and taking her siblings away because there is no “adult” in the home? Lets force her into welfare and foster care…. I can’t say this enough WTF !!!

    Report Post »  
  • gregjackie1
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:50am

    This fine young lady should not have been punished but rather looked at as a role model by the school for her second to none work ethic. The gov‘t tends to help those they shouldn’t. otherwise they help the losers and punish the successful. Imagine if some financial assistance could be given to this girls family and let her concentrate on her studies. Think of what she could do then? Possibly in medicine, science, or something else important?

    Report Post »  
    • netmail
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 1:36pm

      I‘m glad she got a hundred grand and am confident she’ll put it to good use. In the end, this girl has been exposed to be virtuous and hardworking. The judge revealed to be an idiot. For a change, things have turned out just as they should. I’m sure many fine opportunities will come her way now!! Good luck Diane!!

      Report Post »  
    • gregjackie1
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:52pm

      Well said, Netmail. Well said.

      Report Post »  
  • TIME_2_END_THE_GOP_IN_12
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:50am

    This Judge never asked the girl ” what is the problem?” But he wanted to make an example out of her? This Judge need to be thrown out of the Republican Party. And Madeleine Morgenstern, why did you not get a copy of court transcripts? Why are we learning this info now? Have you got a copy of them now? Hack!

    Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_GOP_IN_12  
  • BehindTheMouth
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:48am

    That judge is a piece of s**t

    Report Post » BehindTheMouth  
  • mike_trivisonno
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:43am

    It is not enough.

    The “judge” needs to be removed from the bench.

    Report Post » mike_trivisonno  
  • Its_coming
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:43am

    First report was the father was working most of the time….don’t know if that has changed?

    Report Post »  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:33am

    She didn’t want to tell the judge about her problems, but why couldn’t the lawyer? The young lady has loads of integrity. I wish more young people could be like her. God bless her.

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Sumrknght
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:39am

      Because I‘ll bet dollars to doughnuts that the young lady didn’t even HAVE a lawyer at her first appearance. Too scared to ask for a public defender or thinking it won’t be a big deal… wrong.

      The sentence probably scared her enough to give up some details and ask for help. She was too busy trying to handle everything else on her plate.

      Report Post »  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:54am

      You’re probably right!

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • deeberj
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 1:09pm

      She was likely afraid the courts would break up her family and place them all in foster homes.

      Report Post » deeberj  
  • blackyb
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:31am

    That is awsome I love my Country and the generaous people who live here, as well as those people who have helped. Those who are helping should make sure it is a legitimate web address. Maybe her lawyer will look into it for her. God bless that girl and her siblings. She is a hero. Those who helped her are heros too.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • Frodo RinosBane
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:21am

    Now, when can we hear about someone going after the deadbeat parents?

    Report Post » Frodo RinosBane  
    • DirtyDeeds
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:26am

      Exactly!!! That poor child is a wonderful example of family and self motivation! Get those parents!

      Report Post » DirtyDeeds  
  • AxelPhantom
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:17am

    This never should have happened in the first place. My best wishes to this young lady in the future, she has one heck of a work ethic and any employer would have a valuable asset in her.

    On second throught, with her gumption, this young lady may be her own employer soon.

    Report Post »  
  • PATTY HENRY
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:15am

    All things work together for good for those who love God. Madeline, can you check the legitimacy of this internet fund for Diane Tran. This is one young person I’d love to contribute to. GOOD for the Judge being MAN enough to rescind.

    Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:44am

      Website is closed now, due to them reaching their goal. They are asking if you now want to contribute to the Louisiana Children’s Alliance.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_GOP_IN_12
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 12:41pm

      PATTY HENRY
      Madeline couldn’t even check the court transcripts for her first article and you are asking her to check the legitimacy of this internet fund for Diane Tran? Are you for real?

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_GOP_IN_12  
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