IMPORTANT NOTICE- COURT PROCEDURES COVID-19 | Top |
NOTICE TO ANYONE WHO HAS A MATTER FILED IN THE 338th DISTRICT COURT OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
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.
|