Brazoria County Justice of the Peace Courts Chambers Communication Rules

CRITICAL

An attorney assigned to trial in two Brazoria County Justice Courts on the same date must notify both courts in writing as soon as the conflict becomes apparent.

Attorneys assigned to trial in two Justice Courts in Brazoria County for the same date must inform both courts of the conflict, in writing, as soon as the conflict becomes apparent.

CRITICAL

An attorney who is or is scheduled to be in trial elsewhere must promptly notify the Justice Court in writing, as soon as the conflict becomes apparent, and provide the conflicting case number and court.

An attorney who is, or is scheduled, to be in trial in another court, will, in writing and as soon as the conflict becomes apparent, inform the Justice Court of the case number and the court in which the conflicting case is being tried.

CRITICAL

An attorney assigned to trials in two Brazoria County Justice Courts on the same date must notify both courts in writing as soon as the conflict appears; the justices determine priority considering jury trials, criminal cases, statutory preferences, and earliest filing date.

Attorneys assigned to trial in two Justice Courts in Brazoria County for the same date must inform both courts of the conflict, in writing, as soon as the conflict becomes apparent. The Justices of the Peace will agree on which case has priority, with consideration given to the following: (1) Jury Trials (2) Criminal Cases (3) Cases given preference by statute (4) Cases with the earliest filing date

CRITICAL

Judges may not initiate, permit, or consider ex parte or other communications about the merits of a pending proceeding, except as authorized by law or for the listed matters.

A justice of the peace or a municipal court judge, except as authorized by law, shall not directly or indirectly initiate, permit, nor consider ex parte or other communications concerning the merits of a pending judicial proceeding. This subsection does not prohibit communications concerning: (a) uncontested administrative matters, (b) uncontested procedural matters, (c) magistrate duties and functions, (d) determining where jurisdiction of an impending claim or dispute may lie, (e) determining whether a claim or dispute might more appropriately be resolved in some other judicial or non-judicial forum, (f) mitigating circumstances following a plea of nolo contendere or guilty for a fine-only offense, or (g) any other matters where ex parte communications are contemplated or authorized by law.

CRITICAL

An attorney with an actual or scheduled conflicting trial must notify the Justice Court in writing as soon as the conflict appears and provide the case number and other court; the court verifies the assignment and may hold or reset the case, but may proceed without further notice if the representation is inaccurate.

An attorney who is, or is scheduled, to be in trial in another court, will, in writing and as soon as the conflict becomes apparent, inform the Justice Court of the case number and the court in which the conflicting case is being tried. When informed that an attorney is in trial, the Court will verify the assignment. The case will be placed on hold" or reset, depending upon the circumstances. If the attorney is not actually in trial or scheduled for trial as represented by the attorney or agent, the case may be tried without further notice.

WARNING

Attorneys should make advance arrangements with the Court for anticipated use or movement of courtroom furniture, easels, or equipment.

Attorneys should anticipate any need to use or move furniture, easels, or other equipment, and should make advance arrangements with the Court.

WARNING

Attorneys should observe ethical canons concerning media discussions of cases and improper ex parte communications with the Judge.

Attorneys should observe the letter and spirit of all canons of ethics, including those dealing with discussion of cases with representatives of the media and those concerning improper ex parte communications with the Judge.

WARNING

Attorneys should make advance arrangements with the Court if they anticipate needing to use or move courtroom furniture or equipment.

Attorneys should anticipate any need to use or move furniture, easels, or other equipment, and should make advance arrangements with the Court.

WARNING

Attorneys should follow ethical canons concerning media discussions of cases and improper ex parte communications with the Judge.

Attorneys should observe the letter and spirit of all canons of ethics, including those dealing with discussion of cases with representatives of the media and those concerning improper ex parte communications with the Judge.

WARNING

Because reset allowances may vary by court and case type, contact the applicable Justice of the Peace Court to learn its rules.

Each Justice of the Peace Court may have its own rules about reset allowances for certain case types. Contact the applicable Justice of the Peace Court to learn about its specific rules.

INFO

You may contact the court to inquire about its docket.

You may contact the court to inquire about the court's docket.