Judge Wayne Mallia: How Criminal Court Considers Mental Health

Judge Wayne Mallia went straight from law school into the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office, working there for 13 years and spending nine as First Assistant DA. He was later elected as a district court judge in Galveston County, where he presided over criminal cases, created the county’s first specialty court, STEP, and helped start a drug court.After leaving the regular bench, he became a senior district court judge, continuing to serve as a visiting judge while shifting his focus to programs for defendants with mental illness. At the request of County Judge Mark Henry, he started a felony Mental Health Specialty Court, built around a team model, a capped number of participants, required treatment and medication compliance, and outside evaluation to ensure it followed best practices.He later created the misdemeanor Mental Health Docket, which automatically routes people with class A or B misdemeanors and mental illness to his court, where following treatment and appointments often results in dismissal of charges. Around this docket and the felony court, he helped integrate a misdemeanor mental health public defender’s office, a felony mental health attorney wheel and bond process, a mental health clubhouse, a jail re‑entry program, and access to a wellness center. He tied these pieces together to reduce repeated jail involvement for people with mental illness.GUESTJUDGE WAYNE MALLIA is a District Court Judge with the State of Texas handling many areas of civil and criminal law.Connect with Judge Mallia on LinkedInMatt Handy is the founder of Harmony Grove Behavioral Health in Houston, Texas, where their mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for anyone facing addiction, mental health challenges, and co-occurring disorders.My Last Relapse explores what everyone is thinking but no one is saying about addiction and recovery through conversations with those whose lives have changed.For anyone disillusioned with traditional recovery and feeling left out, misunderstood, or weighed down by unrealistic expectations, this podcast looks ahead—rejecting the lies and dogma that keep people from imagining life without using.Got a question for us? Leave us a message or voicemail at mylastrelapse.comFollow Matt on Instagram @matthew.handy.17About Harmony Grove Behavioral HealthHarmony Grove delivers outpatient addiction and mental health treatment focused on wellness, creativity, and authentic human connection—providing a supportive space for healing that extends beyond traditional clinical care. Find out more at http://harmonygrovebh.com/Harmony Grove’s IOP in Houston, Texas, is more than a program; it’s a lifeline for those ready to take the next step in their recovery. We are ready to meet you where you are and find your unique path to change.If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and help is always available. If you or anyone you know needs help, give us a call 24 hours a day at 844-430-3060.Host: Matthew HandyProducer: Eva SheieAssistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah BurkhartEngineering: Chris MannTheme music: Survive The Tide, Machina AeonCover Art:  DMARKMy Last Relapse is a production of Kind Creative: kindcreative.comQuestions this episode answers:What percentage of people being booked into jail actually have a mental illness?Why are jails the largest mental health facilities in most counties — and what does that say about our system?What is a mental health specialty court and how is it completely different from regular probation?Why do Texas drug courts succeed where California drug courts fail?What are the most common crimes committed by people with untreated mental illness — and are they violent?How does wraparound support — housing, food, jobs, medication — actually break the cycle of re-arrest?What happens to mentally ill people when they get out of jail with nowhere to go?What is the "Wellness Center" alternative — and why is taking someone there instead of jail a game changer?Does substance use disorder legally qualify as a mental illness in Texas courts?How can everyday citizens and business owners get involved in helping mentally ill people reenter society?