Adjournments
- Excuses or rescheduling requests from the specified in-person prospective jurors will be liberally granted.
- Prospective jurors over 65 or with specified serious health conditions may request to reschedule or be excused from jury service.
- When no accommodation is available, the judge must decide whether to grant a continuance by balancing public health and safety against the need to resolve the case.
- +2 more
Request must include
Communication
Phone
Phone
Document Format Requirements2 rules
Prospective jurors must wear a face covering at the Mallett and courthouse; cloth coverings are encouraged, and disposable masks are available on request.
Court's wording
Prospective jurors are required, to wear a face covering while they are in the Mallett and the courthouse. Individuals are encouraged to bring a cloth face covering with them. If an individual does not have a cloth face covering, a disposable face mask will be provided upon request.
PROPER CLOTHING REQUIRED: All persons entering the courtroom should be dressed in clothing reasonably befitting the dignity and solemnity of the court proceedings. No shorts, halter tops or tank tops.
Document Filing Requirements27 rules
The jury clerk must include with in-person juror summonses information regarding precautions that have been taken to protect the health and safety of prospective jurors and COVID questionnaires that elicit from prospective jurors information about their exposure or vulnerability to COVID-19.
Include as Attachment B the COVID questionnaire that the court will include with summonses.
Include as Attachment A the information that the court will include with summonses.
Include where the judge, parties/counsel, jurors, witnesses, court reporter, and bailiff will be arranged in each courtroom or facility during each phase of the trial.
Prospective jurors must complete the questionnaire before reporting and bring it or email it before November 4, 2020.
Court's wording
As part of the court's ongoing measures to protect against the spread of the COVID-19 disease, we ask that you complete the following before reporting for Jury Service on Wednesday, November 4, 2020. Bring this completed questionnaire with you or email it to rbradley@hockleycounty.org BEFORE Wednesday, November 4, 2020:
THIS FORM IS DUE BY BEFORE November 4, along with Voir Dire Supplement.
Such notice shall be included within the motion or a copy of the letter attached to the motion.
Requests for settings for jury trials at an earlier date shall include a certification that all discovery is complete, or will be complete at least twenty (20) days prior to the first docket date, that the jury fee has been paid, and that a demand for jury has been filed.
In all cases where spousal support is requested, each party shall submit a financial information report to the court and the opposing sides showing minimum reasonable needs.
In disputed property division cases, each attorney shall submit to the Court and opposing counsel not later than the commencement of trial an inventory of property, with values, and debts and a proposed property division including property claimed or recognized as separate property.
All temporary orders involving children shall include injunctive relief prohibiting disparaging remarks, using alcohol/drugs 24 hours prior to and during any possession of the child(ren), and overnight stays by an unrelated adult during the possession of the child(ren).
All motions for continuance shall contain a certificate of conference that the request has been discussed with all opposing parties or counsel and that such motion is agreed or opposed.
- Document
- Motion for continuance
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Default judgments shall be approved as to form by counsel.
Each side shall submit a financial information report to the court and the opposing side in each case seeking temporary spousal support and/or child support.
If there is no substitution of counsel as provided in Rule 6.02, no attorney of record shall attempt to withdraw without presenting a motion and obtaining from the Court an order granting leave to withdraw.
A withdrawal motion must include the client’s written consent or a certification of mailing to the client’s last known address with notice of a presentation date at least 10 days after mailing and instructions to object in writing before that date.
Court's wording
Such motion shall be accompanied by the client's written consent to such withdrawal or a certification that a copy of such motion has been mailed to the client at his/her last known address, with notice advising the client that the motion will be presented to the Court at a date not less than ten (10) days after mailing, and that any objection to such withdrawal should be made to the Court in writing before such date.
Immediately upon employment, the defense attorney shall file written notice thereof with the District Clerk and provide a copy of same to the attorney for the State and to the Court Coordinator.
Motions to Modify Temporary Orders shall not be heard unless an affidavit is attached to the motion including facts supporting a serious and immediate concern that cannot be addressed at a final hearing.
In any suit involving the parent-child relationship, except uncontested adoptions and terminations, all parties shall successfully complete a children's interest seminar and file their certificate of completion with the Clerk.
Any attorney substituting for another attorney of record shall file with the Clerk a written notice of substitution signed by the client together with a proposed order permitting the substitution.
- Document
- Notice of substitution
Must include
- •Proposed order
All agreed orders or judgments shall be approved as to form by all counsel and/or pro se parties.
A request for setting shall be addressed in writing to the Court Coordinator, with notice to all counsel and pro se parties who are entitled to notice in the case, and shall include an estimate of the time required for trial.
- 1. The jury clerk must include with in-person juror summonses information regarding precautions that have been taken to protect the health and safety of prospective jurors
In contested matters, all counsel and pro se parties shall make reasonable effort to agree, in writing, to the form of the order to be submitted to the Court.
Each judge will include information on orders setting hearings, dockets notices, and in other communications notifying individuals who are in vulnerable populations of the ability to contact the court to identify themselves as a vulnerable individual and receive accommodations.
For good cause shown, the Judge may waive the requirement of completion of the seminar.
Prove-ups may be conducted by Zoom or by attaching an affidavit in the envelope with the Decree.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Anticipated jury questions, definitions, and instructions must be submitted to the Court electronically at least three working days before voir dire begins.
In all civil jury cases, anticipated jury questions, definitions and instructions shall be submitted to the Court in electronic medium no less than three (3) working days prior to commencement of voir dire examination.
Page 1 | Rule 2.11 Jury Questions and Instructions
The Hockley County District Clerk accepts filings by fax.
The District Clerk of Hockley County accepts fax filings.
Page 1 | Rule 1.09 Filings
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Objections or motions concerning whether a jury proceeding will go forward will be heard at least seven days before it, or as soon as practicable if made or filed within seven days of the proceeding.
- 2. Any objections or motions related to proceeding with a jury proceeding will be heard by the judge presiding over the case at least seven days prior to the jury proceeding or as soon as practicable if the objection or motion is made or filed within seven days of the jury proceeding.
Page 2 | Hearings on Objections or Motions Related to Proceeding
The completed questionnaire must be brought or emailed before November 4, 2020.
As part of the court's ongoing measures to protect against the spread of the COVID-19 disease, we ask that you complete the following before reporting for Jury Service on Wednesday, November 4, 2020. Bring this completed questionnaire with you or email it to rbradley@hockleycounty.org BEFORE Wednesday, November 4, 2020:
Page 7 | JURY SERVICE and COVID-19 PRE-SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE
Defense counsel must file the written notice immediately upon employment.
Immediately upon employment, the defense attorney shall file written notice thereof with the District Clerk and provide a copy of same to the attorney for the State and to the Court Coordinator.
Page 1 | Rule 4.02 Appearance of Defendant and Counsel
Jury questions, definitions, and instructions are due at least three working days before voir dire begins.
In all civil jury cases, anticipated jury questions, definitions and instructions shall be submitted to the Court in electronic medium no less than three (3) working days prior to commencement of voir dire examination.
Page 1 | Rule 2.11 Jury Questions and Instructions
The children’s interest seminar must be completed before the final hearing.
The seminar shall be completed prior to the final hearing.
Page 1 | Rule 3.04 Children's Interest Seminars
The motion’s presentation date must be at least 10 days after mailing notice to the client.
Such motion shall be accompanied by the client's written consent to such withdrawal or a certification that a copy of such motion has been mailed to the client at his/her last known address, with notice advising the client that the motion will be presented to the Court at a date not less than ten (10) days after mailing, and that any objection to such withdrawal should be made to the Court in writing before such date.
Page 1 | Rule 6.03 Withdrawal
Orders must be submitted for signature within seven days of the hearing.
All orders shall be submitted for signature within 7 days of the hearing.
Page 1 | Rule 1.06 Submission of Orders, Judgments and Instruments
Each side must complete the children’s interest seminar before obtaining a setting for a final hearing.
The Children's Interest Seminar must be completed by each side prior to obtaining a setting for a final hearing.
Page 1 | Rule 3.05 Temporary Orders
Court-appointed counsel’s paysheets in civil cases are due within 30 days of a hearing, trial, or plea; late paysheets may not be paid.
Paysheets for court-appointed counsel in civil cases are due within 30 days of any hearing or trial or plea. Untimely paysheets may not be paid.
Page 1 | Rule 4.12 Paysheets
Parties scheduled for a jury proceeding are encouraged to raise related objections or motions at least 10 days before the trial setting.
- 1. Parties who are scheduled for a jury proceeding are encouraged to make any objections or motions related to proceedings at least 10 days prior to the trial setting.
Page 2 | Hearings on Objections or Motions Related to Proceeding
Parties are encouraged to raise objections or motions at least 10 days before the trial setting.
Parties who are scheduled for a jury proceeding are encouraged to make any objections or motions related to proceedings at least 10 days prior to the trial setting.
Page 1 | Hearings on Objections or Motions Related to Proceeding
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The financial information report must be submitted to the opposing sides when spousal support is requested.
In all cases where spousal support is requested, each party shall submit a financial information report to the court and the opposing sides showing minimum reasonable needs.
Page 1 | Rule 3.06 Spousal Support
When filing a substitution notice, substitute counsel must provide a copy to the Judge, the replaced attorney, and all other attorneys of record or self-represented parties.
At the time of filing, such attorney shall furnish a copy of the notice to the Judge, the attorney for whom substitution is being made, and all other attorneys of record or pro se parties.
Page 1 | Rule 6.02 Substitutions
The setting request must give notice to all counsel and self-represented parties entitled to notice.
A request for setting shall be addressed in writing to the Court Coordinator, with notice to all counsel and pro se parties who are entitled to notice in the case, and shall include an estimate of the time required for trial.
Page 1 | Rule 2.01 Requests for Contested Non-Jury Settings
The required property inventory and proposed division must be provided to opposing counsel by the commencement of trial.
In disputed property division cases, each attorney shall submit to the Court and opposing counsel not later than the commencement of trial an inventory of property, with values, and debts and a proposed property division including property claimed or recognized as separate property.
Page 1 | Rule 3.02 Inventories and Disposition Proposals in Property Cases
Exhibits must be exchanged with the parties and the Court before any hearing.
All exhibits will be exchanged with the parties and the Court prior to any hearings.
Page 1 | Rule 3.05 Temporary Orders
If withdrawal is granted, the attorney must notify the party and all other attorneys or self-represented parties by mail and file proof of notice with the Clerk.
If leave is granted, the attorney shall notify the party and all other attorneys or pro se parties of such action by mail and file proof of notice with the Clerk.
Page 1 | Rule 6.03 Withdrawal
Exhibits must be exchanged with the parties and the Court before any trial or hearing.
Exhibits shall be exchanged with the parties and the court prior to any trial or hearing.
Page 1 | Rule 8.01 Trial Witnesses and Exhibits
Defense counsel must provide a copy of the employment notice to the State’s attorney and the Court Coordinator immediately upon employment.
Immediately upon employment, the defense attorney shall file written notice thereof with the District Clerk and provide a copy of same to the attorney for the State and to the Court Coordinator.
Page 1 | Rule 4.02 Appearance of Defendant and Counsel
A copy of the withdrawal motion must be delivered or mailed to opposing counsel.
A copy of the motion shall also be delivered or mailed to opposing counsel.
Page 1 | Rule 6.03 Withdrawal
The financial information report must be provided to the opposing side in cases seeking temporary spousal or child support.
Each side shall submit a financial information report to the court and the opposing side in each case seeking temporary spousal support and/or child support.
Page 1 | Rule 3.05 Temporary Orders
After a hearing is set, the moving party must provide proper notice or citation to all opposing parties entitled to it.
After setting is obtained, it is the responsibility of the moving party to obtain proper notice to or citation on all opposing parties entitled thereto.
Page 1 | Rule 2.06 Hearings on Pre-Trial Pleas and Motions
Filing Fees and Waivers
The jury fee must be paid for a request for an earlier jury-trial setting.
Requests for settings for jury trials at an earlier date shall include a certification that all discovery is complete, or will be complete at least twenty (20) days prior to the first docket date, that the jury fee has been paid, and that a demand for jury has been filed.
Page 1 | Rule 2.03 Jury Trial Settings
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
The presiding judge will hear objections or motions at least seven days before the jury proceeding, or as soon as practicable if they are made or filed within that seven-day period.
Any objections or motions related to proceeding with a jury proceeding will be heard by the judge presiding over the case at least seven days prior to the jury proceeding or as soon as practicable if the objection or motion is made or filed within seven days of the jury proceeding.
Page 1 | Hearings on Objections or Motions Related to Proceeding
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
An attorney seeking a continuance because of a trial in another court must provide the Court and opposing counsel a motion identifying the other court, case style, setting time, and date the conflicting setting was made, with the setting notice attached.
An attorney seeking to have a case continued on the grounds that the attorney is to go to trial in another court, shall furnish the Court and opposing counsel with a motion for continuance, which shall disclose the name of the court in which such other case is pending, the style of the case, the time for which such case is set, and the date on which the conflicting setting was made. A copy of the setting notice of the conflicting case shall be attached to the motion.
Page 1 | Rule 6.01 Conflicting Settings
With leave of Court, an agreed continuance may be granted without a written motion; otherwise, a continuance requires good cause shown in a written motion supported by affidavit.
With leave of Court, an agreed continuance may be granted without a written motion. Otherwise, continuances will not be granted except for good cause shown upon written motion supported by affidavit.
Page 1 | Rule 1.04 Continuances
Excuses or rescheduling requests from the specified in-person prospective jurors will be liberally granted.
Excuses or requests to reschedule from in-person prospective jurors who have been potentially exposed, who are symptomatic, and who are vulnerable or live with someone vulnerable to COVID-19 will be liberally granted.
Page 3 | Summoning Jurors
Prospective jurors over 65 or with specified serious health conditions may request to reschedule or be excused from jury service.
Individuals who are over age 65 and individuals with serious underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and those whose immune systems are compromised, such as by chemotherapy for cancer or other conditions requiring such therapy, are considered to be vulnerable populations and may request to reschedule or be excused from jury service at this time.
Page 8 | JURY SERVICE and COVID-19 PRE-SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE
When no accommodation is available, the judge must decide whether to grant a continuance by balancing public health and safety against the need to resolve the case.
If no accommodation is available, the judge shall determine if a continuance is warranted, balancing the risk to public health and safety with the need to resolve the particular case.
Page 3 | Accommodations to Allow an Individual to Participate Remotely
Chambers Communication Rules
For an approved in-person jury proceeding, parties must communicate specified COVID-19 information about any participant to the court.
Each judge with an approved in-person jury proceeding will require the parties to communicate with the court if any participant in the jury proceeding, including attorneys, parties, attorney support staff, or witnesses, has tested positive for COVID-19 within the previous 14 days prior to any portion of the jury proceeding, currently has symptoms of COVID-19, or has had recent known exposure to COVID-19.
Page 1 | Communication Protocols
If an approved in-person jury proceeding involves an incarcerated participant, the sheriff must report specified COVID-19 information about that participant to the judge.
If the approved in-person jury proceeding involves an incarcerated participant, the judge will require the sheriff to report any positive COVID-19 test of the incarcerated participant within the previous 30 days prior to any portion of the jury proceeding, any current symptoms of COVID-19, or any recent known exposure to COVID-19.
Page 2 | Communication Protocols
Anyone experiencing a listed symptom must call the District Clerk's Office or District Judge's Office before reporting on November 4, 2020.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS, CALL THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE at (806)894-8527 or DISTRICT JUDGE'S OFFICE at (806) 894-8240 BEFORE REPORTING ON November 4, 2020.
Page 7 | JURY SERVICE and COVID-19 PRE-SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE
Anyone requesting a COVID-19-related excuse or rescheduling must call the District Clerk's Office or District Judge's Office before reporting on November 4, 2020.
IF YOU ARE REQUESTING TO BE EXCUSED OR YOUR SERVICE DATE BE RESCHEDULED DUE TO A COVID-19 RELATED REASON, CALL THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE at (806) 894-8527 or the DISTRICT JUDGE'S OFFICE at (806) 894-8240 BEFORE REPORTING ON November 4, 2020.
Page 8 | JURY SERVICE and COVID-19 PRE-SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE
Anyone whose household contact-history answers indicate a listed condition must call the District Clerk's Office or District Judge's Office before reporting on November 4, 2020.
IF ANY OF THE ABOVE APPLY, CALL THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE at (806) 894-8527 or DISTRICT JUDGE'S OFFICE at (806) 894-8240 BEFORE REPORTING ON November 4, 2020.
Page 8 | JURY SERVICE and COVID-19 PRE-SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE
Requests for hearings on pretrial motions must be submitted to the Coordinator for setting.
Requests for hearings on pre-trial motions including, but not limited to, temporary injunctions, discovery motions, protective orders, summary judgments and contempt, shall be submitted to the Coordinator for setting.
Page 1 | Rule 2.06 Hearings on Pre-Trial Pleas and Motions
If the conflicting case is passed, continued, or disposed of before or during the trial week, the attorney must immediately notify the Judge and opposing counsel.
In the event the conflicting case is passed, continued or disposed of prior to or during the week in which the case is set for trial under these Rules, the attorney shall immediately notify the Judge and opposing counsel of such fact.
Page 1 | Rule 6.01 Conflicting Settings
Pretrial hearings are not automatically scheduled; counsel must advise the Court of motions to be heard before trial and obtain a setting from the Coordinator.
Pretrial hearings will not be automatically scheduled. Counsel shall advise the Court of any motions to be heard prior to trial and shall obtain a setting from the Coordinator.
Page 1 | Rule 4.08 Pre-Trial Matters
If an approved in-person jury proceeding involves an incarcerated participant, the sheriff must report the participant’s recent positive COVID-19 test, current symptoms, or recent known exposure to the judge.
- 2. If the approved in-person jury proceeding involves an incarcerated participant, the judge will require the sheriff to report any positive COVID-19 test of the incarcerated participant within the previous 30 days prior to any portion of the jury proceeding, any current symptoms of COVID-19, or any recent known exposure to COVID-19.
Page 2 | Communication Protocols
For an approved in-person jury proceeding, parties must communicate with the court if a participant tested positive within the previous 30 days, currently has COVID-19 symptoms, or had recent known exposure.
- 1. Each judge with an approved in-person jury proceeding will require the parties to communicate with the court if any participant in the jury proceeding, including attorneys, parties, attorney support staff, or witnesses, has tested positive for COVID-19 within the previous 30 days prior to any portion of the jury proceeding, currently has symptoms of COVID-19, or has had recent known exposure to COVID-19.
Page 2 | Communication Protocols
Prospective jurors may email the completed questionnaire to the listed address.
As part of the court's ongoing measures to protect against the spread of the COVID-19 disease, we ask that you complete the following before reporting for Jury Service on Wednesday, November 4, 2020. Bring this completed questionnaire with you or email it to rbradley@hockleycounty.org BEFORE Wednesday, November 4, 2020:
Page 7 | JURY SERVICE and COVID-19 PRE-SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE
Prospective jurors must call the listed number after 5 p.m. on November 2, 2020, to confirm whether jury service will proceed.
Please call 806-894-8240 after 5 pm on Monday, November 2, 2020 to make sure that jury service is still required beginning November 4 at 2320 S. U.S. Hwy 385, Levelland, Texas.
Page 8 | JURY SERVICE and COVID-19 PRE-SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE
Anyone with a special need or disability is encouraged to notify the court immediately by calling the listed number about reasonable accommodation.
If you have a special need or disability you are encouraged to notify the court immediately at (806) 894-8240 concerning requests for reasonable accommodation.
Page 8 | JURY SERVICE and COVID-19 PRE-SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE
The judge must provide counsel and self-represented litigants a phone number or email address for notifying the judge that a participant cannot participate remotely.
The judge shall provide each counsel and pro se litigant a phone number or email address to inform the judge if they believe any counsel, their clients, a pro se litigant, any witness, an interpreter, or any other participant (all referred to below as "Participant") cannot participate remotely.
Page 1 | Procedure for Determining Whether an In-Person Hearing Is Necessary
During a trial or hearing, no one may approach the Judge, Clerk, or other participants about unrelated matters without the Court’s permission.
During the course of a trial or hearing, no person shall approach the Judge, Clerk or other participants in the hearing (including counsel) about matters not related to the hearing, without the permission of the Court.
Page 1 | Rule 8.03 Conduct of Parties, Witnesses and Spectators
When an interpreter is needed, the relevant counsel must notify the Coordinator as soon as practical.
When an interpreter is needed for a party or witness, counsel for the party or counsel who intends to call the witness shall notify the Coordinator as soon as is practical.
Page 1 | Rule 1.08 Interpreters
A contested non-jury setting request must be addressed in writing to the Court Coordinator.
A request for setting shall be addressed in writing to the Court Coordinator, with notice to all counsel and pro se parties who are entitled to notice in the case, and shall include an estimate of the time required for trial.
Page 1 | Rule 2.01 Requests for Contested Non-Jury Settings
If the facility is a TDCJ facility, Judges should contact coronavirus@txcourts.gov to see if OCA can assist with getting the facility connected with the court.
If the facility is a TDCJ facility, Judges should contact coronavirus@txcourts.gov to see if OCA can assist with getting the facility connected with the court.
Page 2 | Accommodations to Allow an Individual to Participate Remotely
Settings for uncontested matters, including default judgments, may be obtained through the Coordinator without a written request.
Settings for uncontested matters, including default judgments, may be obtained through the Coordinator and need not be in writing.
Page 1 | Rule 2.02 Settings for Uncontested Matters
Attorneys may notify the Court of scheduled vacations in accordance with the referenced regional rule.
Attorneys may notify the Court of scheduled vacations in accordance with Rule 11 of the Regional Rules of Administration of the Ninth Administrative Judicial Region.
Page 1 | Rule 7.01 Attorney Vacations