HARRIS COUNTY
CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURTS
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 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)
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.
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.
178th
Judge Kelli Johnson (178th)
Coordinator: Mary Leal (832) 927-4285
Courtroom: CJC 19-2 (10:00am Jail/1:00pm Bond)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court178
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 696 730 5846
M-F: 10:00am In-custody defendant docket
M-F: 1:00pm: Bond Docket
Appearance by Zoom preferable unless ordered to appear in person.
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 10:00 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.
179th
Judge Randy Roll (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
Beginning June 15, 2020:
JAIL CASES: Going forward all jail cases will remain on the docket as scheduled.
BOND CASES: All defendants on bond must appear on their scheduled court date. Some existing bond cases will be reset to future dates. All MAJ/ MRP cases as well as old cases will remain on the docket. Check with the bonding company to verify the court date before coming to court.
PACA CASES: Bond and jail PACA cases will be left on the assigned date to address appointment of counsel, bond amount, bond conditions, etc.
HEARINGS: All hearings (bond and jail) will remain on the docket as scheduled
TRIALS: All trials (bond and jail) will remain on the docket as scheduled. If both sides agree on a reset date contact the coordinator by email with the agreed upon date.
Any case, bond or jail, can be added onto the docket where space is available. Attorneys are encouraged to add cases on that may be resolved. Contact the coordinator, John King, at john_king@justex.net.
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.
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
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.
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****
184th
Judge Abigail Anastasio (184th)
Coordinator: Chandra Boyston (832) 927-3900
Courtroom: CJC 17-4 (8:30 am)
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.
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)
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.
209th
Judge Brian Warren (209th)
Coordinator: Annette Manuel (832) 927-3975
Courtroom: CJC 17-2 (1:00 pm M-W-Th)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court209
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 359 939 5622
Standing Order for Criminal Cases Pending in the 209th District Court
In order to provide clarity and direction to those individuals practicing before the Court and those individuals appearing before the Court, the following rules will be adopted:
Attorneys
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. Attorneys are only required to approach when:
1. The case is unindicted after 90 days.
2. The case is over 270 days old.
3. Defendant is on probation or has an MAJ /MRP.
4. Defendant has pending bond conditions or violations.
5. The case is on the trial docket.
Defendants
Any Defendant not represented by counsel MUST appear in Court.
Defendants MUST appear for the following settings:
1. Initial Appearance or PACA
2. If the defendant has pending bond conditions or violations.
3. At the first setting once the case reaches the 90 day mark.
4. If the case remains unindicted after 90 days, the defendant must appear until
the case is indicted.
5. The case is over 270 days old.
6. Defendant is on probation or has an MAJ /MRP.
7. Or if specifically told to appear before the Court.
The 209th does not want defendants to appear by zoom. Any attorney for the State or Defense may of course appear by zoom. A case may be reset with a signature from a defendant on a reset. If the defendant has been in contact with their attorney, they are excused from court UNLESS they meet the criteria above. A defendant must appear in person if the case is set for an evidentiary hearing.
Off Docket matters
The court will take up “off docket” matters at 2:30 p.m. on days the court is regularly scheduled. The attorney for the prosecution must be notified prior to approaching. The court will not discuss any matters in which the defendant is currently fugitive from justice.
The Court allows ‘walk through’ bonds. The attorney for the prosecution must be notified as well as the court clerk. These matters will not be heard during non-docket days.
Attorneys wishing to contact the attorneys for the state may do so by e-mail.
These are the prosecutors assigned to the 209th District Court:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
337th
Judge Herb Ritchie (337th)
Coordinator: Anthony Davis (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
(from coordinator)-Docket starts at 9:30 am. I try to keep track of attorneys when they Zoom in and keep a list for the Judge to let him know who is next up. If the attorney has to leave, they are kept in their original position when they come back in.
(1) Defendants need to appear in person if they need to sign for bond conditions and if they are on bond and it is set for a plea. Or if the setting is for a hearing or if the Judge determines it is necessary for the defendant to appear in person. (2) Can appear via Zoom if they have already signed for bond conditions. (3) Judge does not waive appearances for defendants. They have to appear in person or on Zoom. Attorneys can appear in person or via Zoom.
I usually do not off-docket cases on my own, but if I do, I contact the attorney and let them know the new date. If the case is set for trial I will contact the attorney and DA regarding new dates. If an attorney needs to ask for an off-docket they need to contact me.
Judge does allow defendants to appear on “to be” cases and have bond/conditions set in court. The defendant has to be in court in person with a representative from the bond company. The attorney can appear via Zoom.
We do not generate resets in the Kiosk yet. We still do paper resets.
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
THROUGH THE END OF OCTOBER 2020:
Defense counsel is urged to call or email 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 who 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 YouTube. Live Stream – District Court’s Video Conference Plea Hearings
339th
Judge Jesse McClure III (339th)
Coordinator: Gary Mustiful (832) 927-3651
Courtroom: CJC 14-3 (9:30 am)
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)
351st
Judge George Powell (351st)
Coordinator: Karhira Brown (832) 927-3680
Courtroom: CJC 14-2 (8:30 am)
Zoom: https://justex.zoom.us/my/Court351 (changes daily)
or call in: 346-248-7799 (Houston)
Meeting ID: 227-363-0192
Docket begins at 8:30 a.m. They are admitted as they come. They are called to approach in the order they are admitted.
In-Person: Hearings, Admonishments, Pleas, Walk-Through Bonds, & Bond Conditions. The remainder may appear virtually.
Coordinator will off-docket reset cases that are arraignment or non-trial settings. If you receive the Zoom link, your case is set for that day and you will request the reset from Judge Powell. I generate the resets. You may sign the generated form online. If your client is present I will have them sign in court.
More details are included below:
Everyone:
Every day the Zoom ID changes. Please contact me if you don’t have the appropriate ID.
Please log on at 8:30 a.m.
If they do not have access to Zoom the may dial in using the highlighted phone number.
You will be muted upon entry. Do not unmute yourself unless you are addressed by the court.
Please dress appropriately for court.
Please remain in a quiet location and do not move around when you enter the meeting.
You will be removed from the meeting if these instructions are not followed.
Please do not send meeting ID to parties not involved in court proceedings.
Attorneys:
· You do not have to appear in person.
· Please send the Zoom ID to your client in order for them to appear remotely.
· They will need to come to court if the following applies to them:
(They are set for a hearing, plea, admonishment, bond conditions, or if they are doing a walkthrough bond.)
· In custody defendants will not be brought to court unless they are set from the aforementioned.
· I will give you a reset date during the Zoom call. Please sign the reset online. Have your defendant sign electronically as well or sign by permission.
Pleas:
o Please file all documents electronically. Please have the defendant sign electronically as well.
A. If you do not have access they may sign the documents in the courtroom. Please review prior to the plea date over the phone.
B. Our clerk will not accept paper documents for safety reasons.
o Please read documents carefully and check all appropriate boxes.
o If you defendant is in custody they will be brought to the court room.
o If they are quarantined I will place them on the virtual plea docket. Please let me know in advance so that may be arranged.
o Please have all bond defendants appear in person on their plea date.
Hearings:
Hearings will begin at 10:00 a.m. You are allowed 2 witnesses on each side. (State & Defense)
Affidavits may be submitted to Judge Powell prior to the hearing date.
Your witnesses may be provided the Zoom link. Please have them log on during the time of the hearing.
Walk Through Bonds:
You may approach Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
The defendant needs to be present in the courtroom.
The bonding company will need to be present in the courtroom.
A. The defendant will not be released until the bonding company is present.
Defense counsel may appear remotely.
Bond Conditions:
Pre-Trial is handling all new bond conditions.
Your defendant will need to be present in court to sign conditions.
Judge Powell will require conditions on the following: (DWI’s, Murders, & Sex Offenses)
He will generate the conditions and they will be sent to pre-trial for further instructions
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
