HARRIS COUNTY
CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURTS
OCA Guidance for All Court Proceedings (updated 12/31/20)
Click the District Court below to find specific court information:
174 176177178179180182183184185208209228230232248262263337338339351RIC
Updated: Jan 11, 2021
DEFENDANTS
To comply with Texas Supreme Court Twenty-ninth Emergency Order Regarding The COVID-19 State of Disaster DEFENDANTS ARE REQUIRED to make their court appearance on ZOOM. If you have the capabilities to use the Zoom conferencing application, you can download Zoom at https://zoom/us/ and connect to the court at the Court’s Zoom Address. If you are not able to appear by Zoom, call the court at the Court Phone Number as soon as possible. Under any circumstances, DO NOT miss your first appearance.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ZOOM AND PHONE INFORMATION FOR EACH COURT:
IMPORTANT Instructions for Defendants Appearing in District Court 10JAN2021
SPECTATORS
Texas Supreme Court Twenty-Ninth Emergency Order Regarding the COVID-19 State of Disaster requires courts to allow or require anyone involved in any hearing, deposition, or other proceeding to participate remotely, such as by teleconferencing, videoconferencing, or other means. Members of the public are strongly encouraged to view court proceedings by use of the following Live Stream links rather than risk appearing in-person.
Criminal Courts LiveStream Directory JAN2021
ATTORNEYS
HCCLA has obtained and compiled the following court policies from members of the judiciary, court staff, and/or members of HCCLA — includes Zoom and COVID-19 safety protocols, appearance requirements, how to handle resets, bonds and more. We hope criminal defense lawyers will find it helpful in navigating the criminal courts in Harris County during the COVID-19 era.
We will continue to monitor and update this page. If you are aware of any recent changes, please let us know ASAP. (special thanks to Neal Davis, HCCLA Past President, for getting this project started and collecting this information).
Click the District Court# below to find specific court information:
174 176177178179180182183184185208209228230232248262263337338339351RIC
174th
Judge Hazel B. Jones (174th)
Coordinator: Laronda Teamer (832) 927-4208
Courtroom: CJC 19-4 (9:00am M-F)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court174
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 897 597 6812
(no specific court policy given at this time)
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176th
Judge Nikita V. Harmon (176th)
Coordinator: Deberely Ruth (832) 927-4234
Courtroom: CJC 19-1 (8:30 am)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court176
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 809 933 3141
Zoom docket begins at 8:30am, judge usually takes the bench on time, attorneys are admitted into the zoom docket one at a time on a first come first serve basis (if you hop off for any reason, you get in the back of the line when you come back), lawyers must approach on “older” cases, newer cases can be reset via email to Deberely Ruth.
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177th
Judge Robert Johnson (177th)
Coordinator: Sherila Johnson (832) 927-4250
Courtroom: CJC 19-3 (9:30am M-F)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court177
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 209 643 2101
The 177th recognizes that we are in the midst of a deadly pandemic. We encourage all attorneys and Defendants to appear via Zoom or telephone when possible. However, there are certain times that the Defendant or Attorney must be present. All attorneys that appear in person will be handled before attorneys on Zoom.
ARRAIGNMENTS: Defendants must appear in Court. Attorneys may appear by zoom.
CASES LESS THAN 180 DAYS OLD: If attorney gets a reset from Coordinator and signed by the Defendant before the court date, they may do an “off docket” reset.
CASES OLDER THAN 180 DAYS: Defendants and Attorneys must appear. They can appear in person, via Zoom, or even telephone.
MOTIONS/ BOND REVOCATIONS/ TRIAL SETTINGS: Defendants and Attorneys must appear in person.
OTHER: Email Coordinator. But when in doubt, it’s best for the client to be present.
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178th
Judge Kelli Johnson (178th)
Coordinator: Mary Leal (832) 927-4285
Courtroom: CJC 19-2 (9:30am M-F)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court178
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 696 730 5846
Jail Docket: 9:30am M-F
Bond Docket: 1:00pm M-F
Appearance by Zoom preferable unless ordered to appear in person. Attorneys, please refrain from in-person court appearances unless required by the Court. Defendants, unless required by Court or set for a Motion to Revoke Bond, may appear via remote video.
Starting January 4, 2021, the 178th Criminal District Court docket will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.
Currently the 178th is hearing cases via zoom that are set for plea, motion, hearing, pre-trial conference, jury trial or as requested by the court. Please note that Jail dockets are at 9:30 am and bond dockets are at 1:00 pm. If the case is not set for one of the above mentioned settings it will automatically be reset by the court. Attorneys should check the district clerks website for the new court date and sometimes the date doesn’t get changed until the night before a setting so check the morning of the setting before you zoom in or come to court if needed. No appearances are required by either party until you reach a setting as noted above. Attorneys and D’s may appear via zoom with a few exceptions like a bond plea that is going in to custody or an “as requested by court” setting which could be to address a bond violation which the D would need to be present in court for.
The 178th admits all attorneys and prosecutors in to our zoom docket. I try to keep a list for Judge on the order of who signed in first.
Judge does not generally entertain bonds until a D has surrender.
You may generate you own reset on bond cases if you want but since most D’s aren’t in court to sign we usually leave it up to the attorney and bonding company to notify client of his/her court date and time.
For further information on the 178th Criminal District Court, consult the 178th court page.
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179th
Judge Ana Martinez (179th)
Coordinator: John King (832) 927-8154
Courtroom: CJC 18-1 (9:30 am)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court179
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 784 792 1985
see 179th District Court Emergency Order (Court Guidelines/Appearances)
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180th
Judge DaSean Jones (180th)
Coordinator: Stephanie Spears (832) 927-4125
Courtroom: CJC 18-4 (9:30 am)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court180
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 924 968 6416
We usually start docket about 9:30am. Judge Jones admits everyone all at once and whoever is ready goes first and so on.
Defendants are only required to appear in person on new cases unless they already have an attorney, the attorney can appear for them via zoom, for bond conditions, unless they have an attorney and then conditions can be emailed to the attorney, but the defendant would need to report to pretrial services in person. They also need to appear in person for pleas and MAJ/MRP hearings.
The court has stopped automatically resetting cases, however, if the attorney emails the coordinator about a reset, they will reset their cases. Attorneys do not need to prepare a reset in the kiosk.
The court allows walk ins on “To Be” cases.
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182nd
Judge Danilo Lacayo (182nd)
Coordinator: Vanessa Guerrero (832) 927-4160
Courtroom: CJC 18-2 (8:30 am)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court182
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 703 390 7988
182nd Court Livestream
Please call your client and ask them NOT TO SHOW UP TO COURT UNLESS they have a bond violation, they need bond conditions or need to go in front of the Judge for any reason.
We are waiving appearances.
Their bonding company might call them and tell your client that they have to report to court, I am asking you to PLEASE call them and tell them to ignore them and to ONLY LISTEN TO YOU.
If your client is in custody, they WILL NOT be brought up. I only bring defendants to Court if they need to go in front of the Judge.
Please help me out by calling your client and relating my message to them.
Lawyers please ZOOM in after 8:30am this is your court date so you can speak to the Judge about the status of your case.
Please call your client, so we can keep everyone safe from this virus.
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183rd
Judge Chuck Silverman (183rd)
Coordinator: Ana Melendez (832) 927-4184
Courtroom: CJC 18-3 (9:00 am)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court183
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 566 263 6475
Docket begins at 9:00am. Attorneys are admitted into the zoom docket one at a time on a first come first serve basis (if you hop off for any reason, you get in the back of the line when you come back). All lawyers may appear by zoom but let me know if that’s the case. Defendants need to appear in person if they have a plea, anticipate a TRAS will need to be done, new arrest, bond revocation (warrant) and New PACA cases (all defendants are placed on bond conditions) and at times the court may ask counsel to have defendant present.
The court is not allowing off docket reset and coordinator does not off docket cases on her own. The defense counsel will need to appear via zoom on court date and then will receive a new trial date.
The judge does allow “to be” cases to appear in court and have the bond and conditions set in court.
It is not necessary to generate a reset form from the kiosk at this time, if you feel you need one then you are welcome to do so.
APPROACH JUDGE FOR FOLLOWING MOTIONS:
MOTION TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL OF RECORD
MOTION FOR EXPERT FEE
MOTION TO RELEASE PROPERTY
PLEASE CONTACT THE COURT COORDINATOR AND PLACE THE FOLLOWING MATTERS ON THE DOCKET:
MOTION FOR PERMISSION TO TRAVEL
WRITS
OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE
****MOTIONS FOR CONTINUANCE NEED TO BE FILED IN WRITING AND PLACED ON THE DOCKET A WEEK BEFORE TRIAL****
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184th
Judge Abigail Anastasio (184th)
Coordinator: Chandra Boyston (832) 927-3900
Courtroom: CJC 17-4 (8:30 am M-F)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court184
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 608 924 4730
Zoom/docket starts at 8:30 am, on a first come first serve basis. A waiting room is also established for order purposes. If you have to leave the meeting room, not the waiting room for any reason, we try to get you back in your previous spot. Attorneys are free to Zoom in. For defendants, it is case by case. Depending on the status, they may be required to appear in person (if they cannot appear in person, they must appear via Zoom), Judge also waives appearances, but again, it all depends on the status of the case.
Coordinator does not off docket cases on her own, especially trials and hearings.
Defendants are not required to surrender to jail, if there is a warrant/“to be”, you are free to do a walk through as long as the bonding company is present and it has been brought to the attention of the court (Judge) prior to the defendant and bonding company being present.
Electronic resets are fine, but court will also do paper resets if the attorneys are more comfortable with paper.
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185th
Judge Jason Luong (185th)
Coordinator: Josue Ochoa (832) 927-3925
Courtroom: CJC 17-3 (11:00 am)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court185
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 925 669 2894
(no specific court policy given at this time)
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208th
Judge Greg Glass (208th)
Coordinator: Brittany Jones (832) 927-3950
Courtroom: CJC 17-1 (9:00 am)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court208
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 343 943 3616
Appearances are not waived in this courtroom. They must appear in person or zoom. If it does not appear that the case will be worked out or your client isn’t being admonished over bond violations, Judge is allowing the defendants to appear via zoom. You may forward your client the court’s link. (From Brittany): Also, please make your client aware that once they have logged into the zoom, Brittany will check them in, and then place your client in the court’s waiting room until you approach on their case. I ask that, because when I place the defendants into the waiting room, they take themselves out multiple times throughout the docket.
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209th
Judge Brian Warren (209th)
Coordinator: Tom Jones (832) 927-3975
CLO: Mrs. Jackie Scurry
Courtroom: CJC 17-2 (9:00 AM attorneys consultation / 10:00 AM Docket)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court209
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 359 939 5622
209th District Courts Second Emergency Order (Jan 8, 2021)
Beginning January 11th, the new guidelines for the 29th Supreme Court of Texas Emergency Order will be implemented. For a copy of the order, please click on the link provided: https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1450050/209135.pdf
OCA has mandated that “[t]he judge shall inform each counsel and pro se litigant that the hearing shall be conducted remotely over Zoom. The judge shall provide each counsel and pro se litigant a phone number or email address to inform the judge if they believe any counsel, their clients, a pro se litigant, any witness, an interpreter, or any other participant (all referred to below as “Participant”) cannot participate remotely.” There is a lengthy criterion to be used “to determine when an in-person proceeding is necessary and when all reasonable efforts do not permit the proceeding to be conducted remotely.”
In Accordance with the Supreme Court of Texas Emergency Order, the 209th District Court will adopt the following policies:
DEFENDANTS
All defendants’ physical appearances are WAIVED.
Defendants SHALL NOT appear in Court unless;
(1) They lack access to technology;
(2) They lack ability to use the technology because of a physical or mental disability;
(3) A constitutional claim that requires in-person appearances;
(4) A defendant’s personal identification is needed, including a fingerprint;
(5) incarceration is a possible result of the proceedings; and/or
(6) their appearance is for an essential hearing as defined by the Office of Court Administration previously.
Defendants DO NOT need to appear remotely via zoom UNLESS
• instructed to make an appearance by the court;
• not represented by counsel
• set for their initial appearance (first appearance in court)
OR
• If the defendant has pending bond conditions or violations.
ATTORNEYS
There will be a consultation docket starting at 9 A.M. the state will be available to consult on cases at this time. Attorneys do not need to approach on every reset. Certainly, if there is need to address any matter relating to a case or discovery, the Court is at your disposal to discuss and resolve any matters.
The Court’s docket will be at 10:00 AM. Attorneys may reset cases prior to docket UNLESS;
• The case is unindicted after 90 days.
• The case is over 1 year old.
• Defendant is on probation or has an MAJ /MRP.
• Defendant has pending bond conditions or violations.
The prosecutors assigned to the 209th District Court are:
FCLD: Almaguer_Alyson@dao.hctx.net
Sex Crimes: Baty_Lucas@dao.hctx.net
#3: Escobar_Ivonne@dao.hctx.net
#2: Lawrence_Jennifer@dao.hctx.net
Chief: Raine_Chandler@dao.hctx.net
228th
Judge Frank Aguilar (228th)
Coordinator: Marvin Rodriguez (832) 927-3800
Courtroom: CJC 16-2 (9:00 am M-Th)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court228
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 346 260 0945
Zoom is active from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. Attorneys are admitted into the zoom docket first come, first serve.
All attorney’s may appear via zoom. Defendants only need to appear in person if there are bond violations, need bond conditions addressed, set for a plea or hearing, or doing a walkthrough.
We off docket cases upon request with the exception of a few cases that were recently sent to the NRG trial docket.
The court allows defendants to appear on “to be” cases. They may appear in court to have a bond set, do a walkthrough and address bond conditions.
Do you want us to generate a RESET form from the KIOSK? No.
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230th
Judge Chris Morton (230th)
Coordinator: Quinesha Ross (832) 927-3825
Courtroom: CJC 16-1 (8:30 am)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court230
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 744 079 5874
Docket starts at 8:30am (zoom/in person). Judge Morton takes the bench at 8:30am. Attorneys are admitted in the zoom on a first come, first serve basis.
Defendants must appear in person for the initial appearance, for hearings, pleas, DCPC setting, and bond request. Please don’t have defendants zoom in unless it has been requested by the court. Lawyers can appear via zoom or in person.
I off docket cases on my own, attorneys should check the district clerk website for court dates. The 230th will participate in NRG trials this year. I will notify attorneys if their case will be sent to NRG. I will automatically reset trial cases that will not be sent NRG and it’s the lawyers duty to check the district clerk website.
The court allows defendants to appear on “to be” cases and have bond/conditions set in court, they don’t have to surrender to the jail. “To be” cases must be placed on the docket, attorneys can contact me via email for a court date. Please have a bonding company on stand by for a walk through bond.
Please generate reset forms from the kiosk.
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232nd
Judge Josh Hill (232nd)
Coordinator: Eddie Rodriguez (832) 927-3850
Courtroom: CJC 16-3 (9:30 am)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court232
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 574 844 0819
Policies for the 232nd District Court of Harris County, Texas:
- Docket begins at 9:30am. The Court is available earlier if needed. Lawyers may email the Court as long as both sides are copied on the communication for matters that are not legally required to take place in a designated Courthouse – there will be no ex parte communications. If there is a motion pending on any specific issue, parties are required to approach the Court in person or on Zoom.
- If both sides agree that a reset is appropriate on a case, there is no need to approach or involve the Court; the parties can notify the coordinator directly to get a new date. In unique circumstances, the Court will contact all parties if it is necessary to approach prior to getting a reset date. If the parties wish to address the Court before resetting a case (bond conditions, bail amounts, “without an agreed recommendation” pleas, etc.), they may do so in person, on Zoom, or for matters that are not urgent, by email (as long as all parties are copied on the email).
- Lawyers do not need to appear in person unless specifically notified otherwise by the Court.
- Any Defendant who can safely do so is always welcome to appear in Court in person or on Zoom. Defendants represented by counsel generally do not need to appear in person unless they wish to or unless they are specifically notified by the Court, Pretrial Services, the Probation Department, or their counsel that their physical presence is necessary. If it is alleged that conditions of bond have been violated, counsel should contact the Court to determine if the Defendant’s presence is necessary. If a Defendant’s physical presence is not necessary, counsel should have the Defendant available to Zoom in to Court. There is no need for a Defendant to wait on Zoom during docket call, counsel should simply have the Defendant available in the event that the Court requests a remote presence.
- Defendants who are not yet represented by counsel, or who wish to proceed pro se, must appear in person. If an unrepresented Defendant believes there is good reason to not appear, the Defendant should contact the Court to see if arrangements can be made to reschedule the Court date.
- In regards to issues about bail, parties may approach the Court (in person, on Zoom, or by email with all sides copied) whenever relevant information becomes available, even if they have approached previously. Criminal proceedings are unique and dynamic, and circumstances change rapidly, so what was once appropriate may no longer be so. Unless the case presents a unique set of circumstances, walk-through bonds are permitted by the Court if the appropriate arrangements are made with a bail bonding company. If either side wishes to discuss matters regarding bail in person or on Zoom (including a walk-through), they should contact opposing counsel ahead of time so that everyone can be properly prepared to discuss the matter. For email communications regarding bail, bond conditions, walk-throughs, etc., all parties must be copied and should be aware that responses may not be immediate. If a party wishes to have an evidentiary hearing on the record regarding bail or bond conditions, that party should contact the Court and opposing counsel so that the appropriate arrangements can be made quickly.
- Generally, the following policy for the 232nd always stands: If anyone believes for good reason that their health or safety would be compromised by trying to get to Court, that person should stay home and make some attempt to contact the Court to reschedule as soon as practical. Any lawyer on any case can always request an off-docket reset or to waive a client’s appearance, regardless of health, natural disaster, or safety scares. Parties can email or call the coordinator for any resets. In an emergency situation, any lawyer can always email, text, or call the Court by cell phone if all parties are copied or are on the call for matters that aren’t required to be conducted in a designated Courthouse – there will be no ex parte communications through email or phone conference.
- If there are any questions about any of the policies of the 232nd District Court of Harris County, Texas, please contact the Court for clarification.
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248th
Judge Hilary Unger (248th)
Coordinator: Kym Neelys (832) 927-3875
Courtroom: CJC 16-4 (11:00 am)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court248
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 251 151 1514
(from Coordinator Kym Neelys): Attorneys are first come first serve on zoom. Will go in the order in which they came on. Judge Unger does take care of attorneys physically present in court first most of the time. Also, all off docket issues without given coordinator prior notice will be last priority. I communicate a lot on zoom chat so please chat with me on zoom so you are not wasting unnecessary time.
All attorneys can appear via zoom if they choose. Most defendants can appear via zoom if they have already made an initial appearance or they do not need bond conditions or have any court violations. All defendants need to be present via zoom or in person but attorneys can ask coordinator to waive appearance. If I have not waived appearance they are expected to be present via zoom or in person.
Mostly all cases are off docketed on my own depending on age. Attorneys can ask me for off docket reset without approaching Judge. In most cases the only reason I will not off docket a case is for older cases, if they need bond conditions or if they have bond violations. As far as the trial cases at the moment we are giving automatic resets unless parties want a speedy NRG trial. I will always notify attorneys of regular court settings and trial date changes I move on my own. Come January we will be starting our custody case trials back up and will be getting in touch with parties about 3 weeks prior to trial date.
Defendants can appear/walk thru on “to be” cases but case needs to be docketed at least a day prior so please get with me to docket case. There must be a bond co present to process defendants bond. Even if counsel is asking for a pr bond still have bonding co on standby just in case they are denied that. Defendant will not be able to leave court with an open warrant unless they are accompanied by bonding co securing bond.
Please use kiosk to generate a reset. I am a paperless system and you are guaranteed to get out quicker if your reset is already generated even before docket start time if your client has a good history of being present. You also have permission to sign for your client if they have given you permission to do so but be aware if you do sign for them they will still be subject to bond forfeiture rules if they do not appear. (place by permission on reset or sign your name for: John Doe)
Email is the best way to reach me. Please know that email volume is at an all-time high right now so please give me time to response. Kym_Neelys@justex.net
– – – – –
Before court, prosecutors and defense attorneys should contact opposing counsel to discuss their cases. All attorneys must appear with opposing counsel every time they have a case on the docket. You may appear in person or remotely. See the “Zoom Protocol” section for instructions on appearing by Zoom.
Appearing via Zoom is the equivalent of a court appearance. Although the court is less formal right now and the dress code is relaxed, everyone must present themselves respectfully. (no baseball caps, graphic t-shirts, sunglasses, gum, pajamas, eating, etc.)
*****
When there are changes to the court’s schedule or procedures, this website will be updated as quickly as possible and the court will attempt to contact anyone who will be immediately impacted by the changes.
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262nd
Judge Lori Chambers Gray (262nd)
Coordinator: Karen Rodriguez (832) 927-3701
Courtroom: CJC 15-4 (9:00 am)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court262
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 804-476-8400
Judge Gray has the same policy as 208. Appearances are not waived in this courtroom. They must appear in person or zoom. If it does not appear that the case will be worked out or your client isn’t being admonished over bond violations, Judge is allowing the defendants to appear via zoom. You may forward your client the court’s link. Also, please make your client aware that once they have logged into the zoom, they may be placed in the court’s waiting room until you approach on their case.
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263rd
Judge Amy Martin (263rd)
Coordinator: Erica Thomas-Brice (832) 927-3725
Courtroom: CJC 15-3 (8:30 am M-Th)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court263
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 781-898-7728
The policy of the 263rd for Judge Martin is as follows:
1. Docket begins at 8:30am Mon-Thurs
2. Attorney only appear via zoom unless otherwise directed by the court
3. Defendants are not asked to appear in person unless pleading, need TRAS appointment or for a court admonishment by Judge Martin.
4. If a defendant has an open warrant they must appear in person or turn themselves into HCJ. If the attorney is asking for a walk-thru please bring bondsman to court.
5. Any off dockets for trial cases or hearings needing new dates must go through Judge Martin.
6. Attorney’s are required to appear via zoom or in person on cases set on docket to give status updates on cases to Judge Martin. They will NOT automatically be reset.
Attorneys:
Before the court setting, prosecutors and defense attorneys should contact opposing counsel to discuss their cases.
All attorneys (state and defense) must appear with opposing counsel when they have a case on the docket. You may appear in person or remotely (by Zoom or by phone). See the “Zoom Protocol” section for instructions on appearing by Zoom.
Appearing via Zoom is the equivalent of a court appearance. Although the court is less formal right now and the dress code is relaxed, everyone should present themselves respectfully. (no baseball caps, graphic t-shirts, sunglasses, gum, pajamas, eating, etc.) Attorneys will not be permitted to address the court while they are driving; they must pull over.
Defendants:
Defendants should not log on to Zoom for docket. Attorneys should have their clients on standby in case their presence is requested. Defendants should remain in contact with their attorneys, Pre-Trial Services (“PTS”), or/and their bail bond company.
Defendants on bond do not need to appear in person unless there is something that will require their presence – bond conditions, setting up a TRAS, resolving a case, etc.
*****
When there are changes to the court’s schedule or procedures, this website will be updated as quickly as possible.
Please do not contact the court to ask how settings will be handled days or weeks from now. If you must contact the court for some reason, please do so in the afternoon.
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337th
Judge Colleen Gaido (337th)
Coordinator: Angela Jerez (832) 927-3750
Courtroom: CJC 15-2 (9:30 am M-F)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court337
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 210-754-9710
(no specific court policy given at this time)
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338th
Judge Ramona Franklin (338th)
Coordinator: Aileen Walker (832) 927-3775
Courtroom: CJC 15-1
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court338
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 824-047-5892
Effective Monday, January 11th, 2021, in compliance with the new guidelines for the 29th Supreme Court of Texas Emergency Order, the 338th District Court will implement the following policies:
DEFENDANTS:
1. All scheduled defendants in the 338th District Court MUST contact the court for any and all court appearances. The court will advise each defendant as to whether their appearance will be permissible via zoom or in person.
ATTORNEYS:
1. Attorneys SHALL appear remotely via Zoom. If you cannot participate remotely contact the court and the Court will determine if you or other parties can appear in person.
Defense counsels are urged to call or email my court coordinator, Aileen Walker, and reschedule their case if a new date hasn’t been given.
For matters that are not legally required to occur in the courthouse, but require immediate attention, email my court coordinator, Aileen Walker, and copy all parties to schedule a video conference.
Most documents can be filed and/or signed electronically. If you are unable to electronically file/sign a document, immediately notify my court coordinator.
For lawyers who have clients in custody and believe that their case can be resolved in a way that results in their client’s release from custody, please contact the prosecutor and my coordinator via email for e-plea scheduling.
BOND PLEA’s for probations will be Tuesdays any other type of pleas Monday-Thursday.
In compliance with the emergency order mandated by the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals all proceedings will be accessible to the public via
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM4o9UTXm5Yxv3I16EkHV5g
Live Stream – District Court’s Video Conference Plea Hearings
NO PERSON, OTHER THAN THE COURT REPORTER, MAY RECORD A COURT PROCEEDING WITHOUT THE COURT’S PERMISSION. THIS PROHIBITION APPLIES TO ALL PERSONS, INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC VIEWING COURT PROCEEDINGS ON ANY COURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND TO PERSONS WITH THE ABILITY TO RECORD ANY ZOOM OR OTHER VIRTUAL COURT PROCEEDING. ANY PERSON FOUND TO BE IN VIOLATION OF THIS ORDER FACES CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS, INCLUDING A FINE OF UP TO $500 AND A SENTENCE OF CONFINEMENT FOR UP TO SIX (6) MONTHS IN JAIL FOR EACH ACT OF CONTEMPT OF COURT.
If anyone believes that their health or safety would be compromised by trying to get to court, stay home and make some attempt to contact my coordinator (preferably by email) to reschedule as soon as practical.
Any lawyer on any case can always request an off docket reset or to waive a client’s appearance, regardless of health or safety concerns.
Please keep in mind that all of the above rules are subject to change if it becomes applicable.
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339th
Judge Te’Iva Bell (339th)
Coordinator: Gary Mustiful (832) 927-3651
Courtroom: CJC 14-3 (9:00 am M-Th)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court339
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 409-626-8906
(no specific court policy given at this time)
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351st
Judge Natalia “Nata” Cornelio (351st)
Coordinator: Claudia Mancillas (832) 927-3680
Courtroom: CJC 14-2 (9:30 am M-F)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court351
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 227-363-0192
Beginning Monday, January 11th, 2021 the new guidelines for the 29th Supreme Court of Texas Emergency Order
will be implemented. The Office of Court Administration (OCA) has mandated that “[t]he judge shall inform each counsel and pro se litigant that the hearing shall be conducted remotely over Zoom. The judge shall provide each counsel and pro se litigant a phone number or email address to inform the judge if they believe any counsel, their clients, a pro se litigant, any witness, an interpreter, or any other participant… cannot participate remotely.” There are certain criteria “to determine when an in-person proceeding is necessary and when all reasonable efforts do not permit the proceeding to be conducted remotely.”
In accordance with the Supreme Court of Texas Emergency Order, the 351st District Court adopts the following policies:
The Court will livestream proceedings to ensure public access to proceedings at
https://video.ibm.com/channel/kDGadHRre3J.
If you believe you or any participant in your case cannot participate remotely for a reason listed below, contact the court at 832-927-3680 or by email at claudia_mancillas@justex.net.
DEFENDANTS:
Defendants SHALL NOT physically appear in Court UNLESS:
(1) They lack of access to technology;
(2) They lack of ability to use the technology because of a physical or mental disability;
(3) A constitutional claim that requires in-person appearances exists;
(4) A defendant’s personal identification is needed, including a fingerprint;
(5) incarceration is a possible result of the proceedings; and/or
(6) their appearance is for an essential hearing as defined previously by the OCA.
Moreover, Defendants on bond DO NOT need to appear remotely over Zoom UNLESS:
• instructed to make an appearance by the court;
• not represented by counsel;
• set for their initial appearance (first appearance in court); OR
• defendant has pending bond conditions or violations.
ATTORNEYS
Attorneys shall appear remotely via Zoom. Attorneys may request to appear personally if exceptions 1-3 or 6 from above apply, but must make the request and be approved for physical appearance prior to any physical appearance.
There will be a consultation docket starting every morning at 9:30 A.M. The state will be available on Zoom to consult on cases at this time. The parties are encouraged to confer, and the court will prioritize consideration of matters submitted by agreement. Attorneys may also ask the coordinator for a reset before docket call and without
approaching the court provided they have spoken with the state AND their case does not fall into one of the exceptions listed below. All parties should be included on any correspondence with the coordinator.
The Court’s docket will begin at 10:00 AM. Attorneys may reset cases prior to docket UNLESS:
● The case is older than 90 days and unindicted;
● The case is over 365 days old;
● The Defendant is in custody;
● The Defendant is on probation or has an MAJ /MRP;
● The Defendant has pending bond conditions or violations;
● The Attorney has lost contact with their client.
Court Contact Information:
Ms. Claudia Mancillas (court coordinator) claudia_mancillas@justex.net
Ms. Whitney Roberts (court liaison officer) Whitney.Roberts@csc.hctx.net
The prosecutors assigned to the 351st District Court are:
Chief: Brucker_David@dao.hctx.net
#2: Joachim_Amber@dao.hctx.net
#3: Belt_Steven@dao.hctx.net
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RIC Court
Judge Brock Thomas
Coordinator: Diane Madrid (832) 927-4303
Ebony Thompson or Mary Covington
Courtroom: CJC 14-2 (8:30 am)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/CourtRIC
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 641 568 3931
