Brooks County District Court
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Communication
Other Contacts7 contacts
- estella.chapa@
co.jim-wells.tx.us - sgtrevino@
co.jim-wells.tx.us - districtcourt@
co.jim-wells.tx.us - acarbajal@
co.brooks.tx.us - 361-668-5718
- 361-325-5604, ext. 183
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Document Format Requirements30 rules
The fee-and-expense voucher must use a form provided by the trial court.
- Voucher
Formatting
- •The voucher must be on a form provided by the trial court
Court's wording
Not later than thirty (30) days after the case is disposed by the trial court or all appeals are exhausted, the appointed attorney shall prepare and submit to the trial court a voucher for the payment of fees and expenses on a form provided by the trial court.
Each exhibit shall be contained in a single file (i.e., one exhibit per file name).
(3) audio and video files that can be played with the current version, including any extensions, of: (i) Windows Media Player, (ii) Apple Quicktime, or (iii) VideoLAN VLC MediaPlayer, must be submitted in its original format.
Exhibits must not be password protected, encrypted, or protected by rights management.
() documents must be in 300 dpi PDF searchable format;
- File type
It is the intent of this rule that all evidence shall be submitted in an electronic format suitable for electronic filing and storage.
The party who offers the exhibit is responsible for submitting the exhibit in the format required by this rule.
Each exhibit must show its sequential Arabic-numeral exhibit number, cause number, and a title.
Court's wording
(c) clearly labeled with the exhibit number (utilizing Arabic numerals in numerical order), cause number and provide a title for the exhibit (e.g., ABC Hospital Records for Plaintiff Jane Doe, Photographs of Accident Scene, etc.);
of the three players, it must be converted by the attorney/party presenting the audio/video file at trial to a format that can be played on one of the players listed.
(d) Bates stamped or numbered at the bottom, right corner of each page if the exhibit contains more than one page. If an exhibit contains multiple photographs marked as a single exhibit number, each photograph shall be marked by a letter of the alphabet in alphabetical order.
All signatures must be original. An attorney may sign on behalf of another attorney with a notation that the order was signed "with permission" of said attorney.
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •All signatures must be original
If an exhibit consists of more than one page, each page shall be Bates stamped or numbered.
Exhibits must be clearly marked on the front of the exhibit and include the cause number.
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Clearly mark the front of each exhibit and include the cause number
Prior to the trial or court proceeding, all exhibits shall be marked numerically
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Mark all exhibits numerically before trial or a court proceeding
Exhibits must not be password protected, encrypted, or protected by rights management.
All exhibits shall be in the proper electronic format and provided to the Court Reporter prior to the commencement of the trial.
Audio and video files playable with the current versions of the listed media players must be submitted in their original format.
Court's wording
audio and video files that can be played with the current version, including any extensions, of: (i) Windows Media Player, (i1) Apple Quicktime, or (iii) VideoLAN VLC MediaP layer, must be submitted in its original format.
It is the intent of this rule that all evidence shall be submitted in an electronic format suitable for electronic filing and storage. The party who offers the exhibit is responsible for submitting the exhibit in the format required by this rule.
photographs must be of a resolution of not less than 2,048 × 1,536 pixels (approximately 3 megapixels). Grayscale images are encouraged;
Each exhibit shall be contained in a single file (i.e., one exhibit per file name).
documents must be in 300 dpi PDF searchable format;
- File type
Exhibits must be labeled with their Arabic-numeral exhibit number in numerical order, the cause number, and an exhibit title.
Court's wording
(c) clearly labeled with the exhibit number (utilizing Arabic numerals in numerical order), cause number and provide a title for the exhibit (e.g., ABC Hospital Records for Plaintiff Jane Doe, Photographs of Accident Scene, etc.);
If an exhibit contains multiple photographs marked as a single exhibit number, each photograph shall be marked by a letter of the alphabet in alphabetical order.
of the three players, it must be converted by the attorney/party presenting the audio/video file at trial to a format that can be played on one of the players listed.
(d) Bates stamped or numbered at the bottom, right corner of each page if the exhibit contains more than one page.
Such a request shall be made by the requesting party utilizing the Setting Request Form provided on the Court's website.
Prior to the trial or court proceeding, all exhibits shall be marked numerically, and an exhibit list shall be furnished to the Court reporter. Exhibits must be clearly marked on the front of the exhibit and include the cause number. If an exhibit consists of more than one page, each page shall be Bates stamped or numbered.
- Exhibit
Formatting
- •Before trial or a court proceeding, mark all exhibits numerically
- •Clearly mark each exhibit on its front and include the cause number
All signatures must be original.
Formatting
- •All signatures must be original
(2) photographs must be of a resolution of not less than 2,048 x 1,536 pixels (approximately 3 megapixels). Grayscale images are encouraged;
- Photographs
Formatting
- •Grayscale images are encouraged
An attorney may sign on behalf of another attorney with a notation that the order was signed "with permission" of said attorney.
Document Filing Requirements20 rules
I further certify that I have consulted with all parties and the above requested dates are agreeable to all parties or I have made all reasonable efforts to obtain an agreement on an agreed setting date, but an agreement could not be reached.
I certify that a copy of this setting request has been delivered to all other parties of record.
An attorney seeking appointments must submit a letter of intent to the relevant Court Manager, specify the desired case types, and include any additional eligibility documentation required by the rules.
Court's wording
1.02. Each attorney who desires to accept appointments as attorney ad litem, a guardian ad litem or amicus attorney shall submit a letter of intent to accept such appointments to the Court Manager for the county in which the attorney desires to accept appointments. The attorney must also specify the types of cases to which the attorney desires appointments under section 1.07 of these rules. If required by other provisions of these rules, the letter of intent must also be accompanied with any additional documentation that establishes the attorney is eligible for appointments under these rules.
The voucher shall include all services provided to a single client, regardless of the number of cases disposed.
Prior court approval is required for investigative, expert, and other litigation expenses, except as provided by Rule 1.22; the request must be filed in the trial court, state good cause, and include the specified descriptions, supporting facts, and itemized anticipated expenses, and it may be submitted ex parte.
Court's wording
1.21. Except as provided by Rule 1.22, prior court approval is required for reimbursement of investigative, expert and other litigation expenses. Requests for approval of litigation expenses shall be filed in the trial court setting forth good cause for the incurrence of these expenses. The request may be submitted ex parte. The request must include: (a) a description of the type of investigation to be conducted, the type of expert to be retained, or the type of any other litigation expense; (b) specific facts that show that the investigation will result in discovery of admissible evidence, that the services of an expert are reasonably necessary to assist in the preparation of the client's case, or the incurrence of any other litigation expenses is necessary to adequately represent the client; and, (c) an itemized list of anticipated expenses for each investigation, expert or other litigation related expense.
Non-jury settings in civil and criminal cases may be set by the Court on its own or upon request, and a party's request must use the Court's website Setting Request Form.
Court's wording
4.01. Settings For Non-Jury Court Proceedings: Settings for non-jury court proceedings for civil and criminal cases may be set by the Court sua sponte or upon request to the Court Manager. Such a request shall be made by the requesting party utilizing the Setting Request Form provided on the Court's website.
Prior to the trial or court proceeding, all exhibits shall be marked numerically, and an exhibit list shall be furnished to the Court reporter.
All video and/or audio exhibits which contain a statement made by a party or witness shall be transcribed by the party offering same and a copy of the transcription shall be provided to all opposing parties in a timely manner.
Transmittal correspondence to the Court must state when and how the proposed order was sent, whether opposing counsel or the pro se party communicated about it, and a summary of any such communication.
Court's wording
The transmittal correspondence to the Court shall include: (a) the date on which the proposed order was submitted to opposing counsel or pro se party and the manner of transmittal, (b) a statement as to whether opposing counsel or pro se party has communicated with counsel concerning the proposed order, and (c) if communication was had, a summary of the contents of said communication.
All proposed orders or judgments concerning rulings of the Court in civil cases shall be submitted to opposing counsel or pro se party for approval as to form only.
An attorney seeking appointments must submit a letter of intent to the relevant County Court Manager and specify the types of cases for which appointments are desired.
Court's wording
Each attorney who desires to accept appointments as attorney ad litem, a guardian ad litem or amicus attorney shall submit a letter of intent to accept such appointments to the Court Manager for the county in which the attorney desires to accept appointments. The attomey must also specify the types of cases to which the attorney desires appointments under section 1.07 of these rules.
If required by other provisions of these rules, the letter of intent must also be accompanied with any additional documentation that establishes the attorney is eligible for appointments under these rules.
Except for expenses covered by Rule 1.22, requests for approval of litigation expenses must be filed in the trial court, show good cause, and include the specified descriptions, supporting facts, and itemized anticipated expenses; the request may be submitted ex parte.
Court's wording
Except as provided by Rule 1.22, prior court approval is required for reimbursement of investigative, expert and other litigation expenses. Requests for approval of litigation expenses shall be filed in the trial court setting forth good cause for the incurrence of these expenses. The request may be submitted ex parte. The request must include: (a) a description of the type of investigation to be conducted, the type of expert to be retained, or the type of any other litigation expense; specific facts that show that the investigation will result in discovery of admissible evidence, that the services of an expert are reasonably necessary to assist in the preparation of the client's case, or the incurrence of any other litigation expenses is necessary to adequately represent the client; and, (c) an itemized list of anticipated expenses for each investigation, expert or other litigation related expense.
Not later than thirty (30) days after the case is disposed by the trial court or all appeals are exhausted, the appointed attorney shall prepare and submit to the trial court a voucher for the payment of fees and expenses on a form provided by the trial court. The voucher shall include all services provided to a single client, regardless of the number of cases disposed.
All video and/or audio exhibits which contain a statement made by a party or witness shall be transcribed by the party offering same
The transmittal correspondence to the Court shall include: (a) the date on which the proposed order was submitted to opposing counsel or pro se party and the manner of transmittal, (b) a statement as to whether opposing counsel or pro se party has communicated with counsel concerning the proposed order, and (c) if communication was had, a summary of the contents of said communication.
All proposed orders or judgments concerning rulings of the Court in civil cases shall be submitted to opposing counsel or pro se party for approval as to form only.
Prior to the trial or court proceeding, all exhibits shall be marked numerically, and an exhibit list shall be furnished to the Court reporter.
Civil jury trial settings may be requested by submitting a Setting Request Form requesting a Docket Control Conference.
Civil jury trial settings may be requested by submitting a Setting Request Form requesting a Docket Control Conference.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Exhibits must be uploaded individually to the Dropbox Shared Folder.
(d) individually uploaded to the Dropbox Shared Folder; and,
Civil cases
Page 9
The converted video must be submitted electronically.
The converted video must then be submitted electronically;
Civil cases
Page 9
Each exhibit must be uploaded individually to the Dropbox Shared Folder.
(d) individually uploaded to the Dropbox Shared Folder; and,
Civil cases
Page 9
Converted video must be submitted electronically.
The converted video must then be submitted electronically;
Civil cases
Page 9
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The appointed attorney must prepare and submit a fee-and-expense voucher to the trial court no later than 30 days after trial-court disposition or exhaustion of all appeals.
Not later than thirty (30) days after the case is disposed by the trial court or all appeals are exhausted, the appointed attorney shall prepare and submit to the trial court a voucher for the payment of fees and expenses on a form provided by the trial court.
Civil cases
Page 4 | B. COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF APPOINTED ATTORNEYS PAID BY TRIAL COURT
Exhibits and other documents for the Court must be placed in the Dropbox Shared Folder by 4:00 p.m. the day before the proceeding, or by 4:00 p.m. Friday when the proceeding is Monday.
(a) placed in a Dropbox Shared Folder before the court proceeding no later than 4:00 p.m. the day before the scheduled court proceeding. If the date falls on a Monday, the exhibits shall be placed in the Dropbox folder no later than 4:00 p.m. the previous Friday;
Civil cases
Page 8 | ARTICLE III. REMOTE PROCEEDINGS, § 3.03
Exhibits must be provided to the Court Reporter before trial begins.
All exhibits shall be in the proper electronic format and provided to the Court Reporter prior to the commencement of the trial.
Civil cases
Page 8 | ARTICLE III. REMOTE PROCEEDINGS, § 3.03
The appointed attorney must submit the fee-and-expense voucher no later than 30 days after trial-court disposition or exhaustion of all appeals.
Not later than thirty (30) days after the case is disposed by the trial court or all appeals are exhausted, the appointed attorney shall prepare and submit to the trial court a voucher for the payment of fees and expenses on a form provided by the trial court.
Civil cases
Page 4 | B. COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF APPOINTED ATTORNEYS PAID BY TRIAL COURT
Exhibits and other documents intended for the Court must be placed in a Dropbox Shared Folder by 4:00 p.m. the day before the proceeding, or by 4:00 p.m. the previous Friday when the proceeding is on Monday.
Exhibits a party intends to offer into evidence and all other documents a party intends to present to the Court for consideration shall be: placed in a Dropbox Shared Folder before the court proceeding no later than 4:00 p.m. the day before the scheduled court proceeding. If the date falls on a Monday, the exhibits shall be placed in the Dropbox folder no later than 4:00 p.m. the previous Friday;
Civil cases
Page 8 | ARTICLE III. REMOTE PROCEEDINGS
Exhibits must be provided to the Court Reporter before trial begins.
All exhibits shall be in the proper electronic format and provided to the Court Reporter prior to the commencement of the trial.
Civil cases
Page 8 | ARTICLE III. REMOTE PROCEEDINGS
An attorney may file a response to removal grounds within 10 business days after receiving the Court's notice.
The attorney may file a response to the grounds for removal on or before the expiration of ten (10) business days from the date of the receipt of the Court's notice under this rule.
Civil cases
Page 6 | D. REMOVAL AND REINSTATEMENT FROM APPOINTMENT LIST
If approval is not obtained within seven business days, the parties may submit the proposed orders directly to the Court for consideration.
If approval cannot be obtained within seven (7) business days, the parties may submit proposed orders directly to the Court for consideration.
Civil cases
Page 11 | 4.03. Approvals for Court Orders and Judgments
An attorney may file a response to removal grounds within ten business days after receiving the Court's notice.
The attorey may file a response to the grounds for removal on or before the expiration of ten (10) business days from the date of the receipt of the Court's notice under this rule.
Civil cases
Page 6 | D. REMOVAL AND REINSTATEMENT FROM APPOINTMENT LIST
If approval is not obtained within seven business days, the parties may submit the proposed order directly to the Court.
If approval cannot be obtained within seven (7) business days, the parties may submit proposed orders directly to the Court for consideration.
Civil cases
Page 11 | 4.03. Approvals for Court Orders and Judgments
When final disposition may be prolonged or the case requires significant attorney time, the Court may consider periodic payment requests.
In cases in which final disposition may be prolonged or which require a significant amount of the attorney's time, the Court may consider periodic requests for payment.
Civil cases
Page 4 | B. COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF APPOINTED ATTORNEYS PAID BY TRIAL COURT
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The requesting party certifies that a copy of the setting request was delivered to all other parties of record.
I certify that a copy of this setting request has been delivered to all other parties of record.
Civil cases
Page 1 | CIVIL CASE SETTING REQUEST FORM
A copy of the required transcription must be provided to all opposing parties in a timely manner.
All video and/or audio exhibits which contain a statement made by a party or witness shall be transcribed by the party offering same and a copy of the transcription shall be provided to all opposing parties in a timely manner.
Civil cases
Page 11 | 4.05. Exhibits
A copy of the transcription must be provided to all opposing parties in a timely manner.
a copy of the transcription shall be provided to all opposing parties in a timely manner.
Civil cases
Page 11 | 4.05. Exhibits
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Sensitive Data in exhibits or witness statements must be redacted before admission into evidence.
All Sensitive Data, as defined in Rule 21c of the Texas Rule of Civil Procedure and Rule 4.1 of the Rules Governing Electronic Filing in Criminal Cases, contained in exhibits or witness statements shall be redacted prior to admission into evidence.
Civil cases
Page 11 | 4.05. Exhibits
Sensitive Data in exhibits or witness statements must be redacted before admission into evidence.
All Sensitive Data, as defined in Rule 21c of the Texas Rule of Civil Procedure and Rule 4.1 of the Rules Governing Electronic Filing in Criminal Cases, contained in exhibits or witness statements shall be redacted prior to admission into evidence.
Civil cases
Page 11 | 4.05. Exhibits
Chambers Communication Rules
A party or attorney must contact the listed court reporter to be added to a Dropbox Shared Folder and provide the hearing date, cause number, and case style.
A party or a party's attorney must contact the following to be included on a Dropbox Shared Folder and also provide the date of hearing, cause number, and style for a requested shared folder: Sonia Trevino, Official Court Reporter sgtrevino@co.jim-wells.tx.us
Civil cases
Page 8 | ARTICLE III. REMOTE PROCEEDINGS, § 3.03
A pro se party without the necessary electronic equipment must contact the appropriate court at least 72 hours before the proceeding so arrangements can be made.
3.08. If a party to the court proceeding is pro se and does not have access to electronic equipment that is necessary to attend the video court proceeding, that party must contact the appropriate court, at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the scheduled court proceeding. The court will make appropriate arrangements so that the pro se party can attend and participate in the court proceedings.
Civil cases
Page 9 | 3.08
A party seeking a temporary injunction hearing, including one involving a requested temporary restraining order, must contact the Court Manager for a hearing date.
A party seeking a setting for a temporary injunction hearing (including those where a temporary restraining order is being requested) must contact the Court Manager for a hearing date.
Civil cases
Page 10 | ARTICLE IV. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
To be included on a Dropbox Shared Folder, a party or attorney must contact the Official Court Reporter and provide the hearing date, cause number, and case style.
A party or a party's attorney must contact the following to be included on a Dropbox Shared Folder and also provide the date of hearing, cause number, and style for a requested shared folder: Sonia Trevino, Official Court Reporter sgtrevino@co.jim-wells.tx.us
Civil cases
Page 8 | ARTICLE III. REMOTE PROCEEDINGS
A pro se party without the equipment needed to attend a video proceeding must contact the appropriate court at least 72 hours before the proceeding.
If a party to the court proceeding is pro se and does not have access to electronic equipment that is necessary to attend the video court proceeding, that party must contact the appropriate court, at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the scheduled court proceeding.
Civil cases
Page 9 | 3.08
A party seeking a temporary-injunction hearing, including one involving a requested temporary restraining order, must contact the Court Manager for a hearing date.
A party seeking a setting for a temporary injunction hearing (including those where a temporary restraining order is being requested) must contact the Court Manager for a hearing date.
Civil cases
Page 10 | 4.01
Email: estella.chapa@co.jim-wells.tx.us
Email: estella.chapa@co.jim-wells.tx.us
Civil cases
Page 1 | CIVIL CASE SETTING REQUEST FORM
The setting request may be mailed or faxed to Court Manager Estella Chapa at the listed address or fax number.
Mail or fax to: Estella Chapa, Court Manager P.O. Box 3080 Alice, Texas 78333 Fax No.: (361) 668-8240
Civil cases
Page 1 | CIVIL CASE SETTING REQUEST FORM
A party seeking a non-jury setting may request it from the Court Manager using the Court's website Setting Request Form; the Court may also set it on its own.
4.01. Settings For Non-Jury Court Proceedings: Settings for non-jury court proceedings for civil and criminal cases may be set by the Court sua sponte or upon request to the Court Manager. Such a request shall be made by the requesting party utilizing the Setting Request Form provided on the Court's website.
Civil cases
Page 10 | ARTICLE IV. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
The listed telephone number for the District Court in Jim Wells County is 361-668-5718.
Jim Wells County: Tel. No.: 361-668-5718
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The listed telephone number for the District Court in Brooks County is 361-325-5604, extension 183.
Brooks County: Tel. No.: 361-325-5604, ext. 183
Civil cases
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The listed District Court email address for Brooks County is acarbajal@co.brooks.tx.us.
Email: acarbajal@co.brooks.tx.us
Civil cases
Page 10
The listed District Court email address for Jim Wells County is districtcourt@co.jim-wells.tx.us.
email: districtcourt@co.jim-wells.tx.us
Civil cases
Page 10
The listed contact information for the Jim Wells County District Court is provided for contacting the court about video-proceeding arrangements.
The District Court may be contacted at: Jim Wells County: Tel. No.: 361-668-5718 email: districtcourt(@co.jim-wells.tx.us
Civil cases
Page 10 | 3.08
Brooks County: Tel. No.: 361-325-5604, ext. 183 Email: acarbajal@co.brooks.tx.us
Brooks County: Tel. No.: 361-325-5604, ext. 183 Email: acarbajal@co.brooks.tx.us
Civil cases
Page 10 | 3.08