CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURTS (FELONY)
Each district court is sending its 3 oldest jail cases, ready for trial, to “impact court” to be tried in these 2 courtrooms by visiting judges, or the judge of the home court if that judge prefers. Attorneys on those cases will be contacted by 262nd to have a scheduling conference in the next couple of weeks. (Judge Brad Hart, 10/4/2017)
Also, the County is currently working with the District Courts to develop a common solution for evidence presentation in the alternative trial locations. They will have this equipment ordered and in place as soon as possible. (Ed Wells, 10/10/17)
CRIMINAL COUNTY COURTS AT LAW (MISD)
With the return of jury service, the County Criminal Courts at Law will resume trials on Monday, October 16th. The 16 County Criminal Courts will share 4 courtrooms dedicated to trials. Each courtroom will be shared by teams of four courts on a rotating schedule. Those assignments are as follows:
Courts 1, 2, 3, 4
– Courtroom 2nd Floor Family Law Center
Courts 5, 15, 7, 8
– Courtroom 7th Floor Family Law Center
Courts 9, 10, 11, 12
– Courtroom 16th Floor Congress Plaza (1019 Congress)
Courts 6, 13, 14, 16
– Courtroom 5th Floor Family Law Center
Trials will be set and given priority to cases with defendants in custody. We will forward a schedule of courts assigned to specific trial weeks by courtroom as soon as those are finalized.
As with all of the recent plans, we may encounter a few issues until the processes are utilized and adjusted. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding.
(Ed Wells, 10/10/2017)
