Courtesy copies are required when a filing is > 10 pages. Parties are exempt from providing paper copies for documents over 10 pages.
Judge Michael J. Truncale's formatting rule includes margins top 6 inches, bottom 6 inches, left 6 inches, right 6 inches. Maintain appropriate distancing and follow staff instructions in the Courthouse.
The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. All attorneys must meet highest professional standards and be adequately prepared.
The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Visitors/guests prohibited from bringing certain items to courthouse without judicial approval
Parties may contact Judge Michael J. Truncale's chambers by chambers only as allowed by the rule. Parties must contact chambers to request oral argument by a newer attorney.
Yes. Judge Michael J. Truncale's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Court will grant oral argument if a newer attorney will argue, even if not ordinarily granted.
Parties are exempt from providing paper copies for documents over 10 pages.
Courtesy copies only required when specifically requested by the judge.
Parties are exempt from providing paper courtesy copies for documents over 10 pages unless specifically requested by the judge.
Newer attorneys are defined as those practicing for less than 7 years.
Parties must contact chambers to request oral argument by a newer attorney.
Court will grant oral argument if a newer attorney will argue, even if not ordinarily granted.
Court will consider allocating additional time for oral argument by newer attorneys.
More experienced counsel may also speak during oral argument.
Court will notify opposing counsel and request they allow a newer attorney to argue.
All attorneys must meet highest professional standards and be adequately prepared.
Court draws no inference from party's decision not to have newer attorney argue.
Court draws no inference about motion importance or merits from having/not having newer attorney argue.
Newer Attorneys (practicing less than 7 years) are incentivized with increased oral argument opportunities, additional time, and permission for experienced co-counsel to also speak.
Maintain appropriate distancing and follow staff instructions in the Courthouse.
Use hand sanitizer at front door upon entering the Courthouse.
Persons who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 5 days are prohibited from entering the Courthouse.
Courtroom No. 3 limits spectators to 12, sitting 6 feet apart, no one under 18 allowed.
Courtroom No. 4 requires spectators from different households to sit 6 feet apart and wear masks at all times.
Attorneys must contact judge's chambers by phone, then email if needed
Contact Probation/PreTrial Services Office directly for meetings
Contact Deputy Clerk's office at (409) 654-7000 for other courthouse matters
Visitors/guests prohibited from bringing certain items to courthouse without judicial approval
Court employees and building tenants exempt from prohibited items policy
Impaneled jurors may check electronic devices into Clerk's Office and access during breaks