Dallas County District Courts Chambers Communication Rules
137 rules from official source documents
Rules 1 to 50, page 1 of 3
Rules for contacting chambers: permitted methods, hours, and purposes.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone
All court participants must alert court staff (including the Bailiff) if they or another participant have COVID-19, flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, or sneezing.
Every participant in a proceeding, witness, counsel, paralegal, client or other individual who appears at the District Court is Ordered to alert the Court staff, specifically including the Bailiff, if the participant has, or knows of another participant who has COVID-19, or other flu-like symptoms or fever, coughing or sneezing.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone
Attorneys and others are strictly prohibited from approaching any court to inquire about a particular judge hearing a TRO.
The practice of an Attorney or other person approaching any Court to inquire of particular Judge to hear such an Order remains strictly prohibited.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
When the assigned judge is unavailable for a TRO hearing, the Court Coordinator directs the hearing to another judge; attorneys and others are strictly prohibited from approaching any court to inquire about a particular judge for the TRO.
The District Courts have an established policy with regard to the assignment of a Judge to hear a T.R.O. when the Court in which the underlying case has been filed is not available. The Court Coordinator of the Court in which the underlying case has been filed may direct any required hearing to another District Judge or Associate Judge as appropriate. The practice of an Attorney or other person approaching any Court to inquire of particular Judge to hear such an Order remains strictly prohibited.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone
All participants and individuals appearing at the District Court must alert court staff (including the Bailiff) if they or another participant have COVID-19, flu-like symptoms, fever, coughing, or sneezing.
Every participant in a proceeding, witness, counsel, paralegal, client or other individual who appears at the District Court is Ordered to alert the Court staff, specifically including the Bailiff, if the participant has, or knows of another participant who has COVID-19, or other flu-like symptoms or fever, coughing or sneezing.
CRITICALCivil cases
Attorneys must obtain Judge Whitmore's permission before filing a TRO with another court; TROs from other courts are considered only with that court's permission.
If Judge Whitmore is unavailable, Counsel MUST have permission from Judge Whitmore before “shopping” the order to other courts. Again, Attorneys are not to “shop” a TRO without Judge Whitmore’s permission. TRO’s from other courts will be considered by Judge Whitmore ONLY with permission from that court pursuant to the established procedure.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
For remote proceedings, the moving party must email the Court Reporter and Court Coordinator the email addresses of all participants at least 48 hours before the hearing.
In any proceeding conducted remotely either by telephonic or technological means or by any other means which may be deemed appropriate by the Court, the moving Party shall, no less than 48 hours in advance of said hearing, email the Court Reporter and the Court Coordinator the email address of all attorneys, (or self represented parties), witnesses and others who may be participating in said proceeding so that information regarding the technological platform, any link, access code thereto and other pertinent information necessary to effectuate the remote connection may be effectuated.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Email to chambers
An interpreter request must be emailed to the Coordinator at least five working days before the hearing.
To request an interpreter, e-mail the Coordinator a minimum of 5 w^orking days prior to the hearing.
CRITICAL
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide their email address to the Clerk in writing.
All attorneys and pro se litigants must provide the Clerk with their e-mail address in writing.
CRITICAL
An interpreter cancellation must be made at least 24 hours before the hearing.
Cancellations must be made 24 hours before the hearing.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Phone
If video fails, parties and witnesses must connect by telephone on speaker setting during bench trials.
If, in the unexpected event of visual/video connection issues, all parties/witnesses MUST connect via telephone and MUST have their telephone connection on "speaker" setting at all times during the Bench Trial proceedings.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Phone
Court participants must alert court staff if they have or know of another participant with COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms; the Court may cancel proceedings involving affected individuals.
Every participant in a proceeding, witness, counsel, paralegal, client or other individual who appears at the District Court is Ordered to alert the Court staff, specifically including the Bailiff, if the participant has, or knows of another participant who has COVID-19, or other flu-like symptoms or fever, coughing or sneezing. The Court may, upon notice, cancel any proceeding that requires the involvement of a person infected with COVID19, showing symptoms, waiting for test results, or under self or ordered quarantine if the person will be required to personally present in a setting that would expose others or violate quarantine standards set by Center for Disease Control or their health care provider.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Email to chambers
For a true emergency hearing, email the court coordinator directly.
If a true “emergency” hearing is needed please email the coordinator directly for relief.
CRITICALCivil cases
In-person hearings require an emergency and a direct request to the court coordinator; motions are otherwise decided via telephonic hearing or written submission.
In-person hearings are strongly discouraged and will only be permitted in emergency situations. A request for an in-person hearing must be made directly to the court coordinator.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone
Attorneys and others are strictly prohibited from approaching any court to inquire about a particular judge to hear a TRO.
The practice of an Attorney or other person approaching any Court to inquire of particular Judge to hear such an Order remains strictly prohibited.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
For remote proceedings, the moving party must email the Court Reporter and Court Coordinator the email addresses of all participants at least 48 hours before the hearing, in a single collaborative submission copied to all counsel.
In any proceeding conducted remotely either by telephonic or technological means or by any other means which may be deemed appropriate by the Court, the moving Party shall, no less than 48 hours in advance of said hearing, email the Court Reporter and the Court Coordinator the email address of all attorneys, (or self represented parties), witnesses and others who may be participating in said proceeding so that information regarding the technological platform, any link, access code thereto and other pertinent information necessary to effectuate the remote connection may be effectuated. The attorneys and parties are directed to collaborate and transmit to the Court Reporter in a single submission with a copy to all counsel of record and self-represented parties.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
- Phone
- 214-653-7536
In a true emergency, call the clerk Nicholas Zaragoza at 214-653-7536.
Call the clerk Nicholas Zaragoza at 214-653-7536.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Phone
All court participants must alert court staff (including the Bailiff) if they or another participant have COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms.
Every participant in a proceeding, witness, counsel, paralegal, client or other individual who appears at the District Court is Ordered to alert the Court staff, specifically including the Bailiff, if the participant has, or knows of another participant who has COVID-19, or other flu-like symptoms or fever, coughing or sneezing.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Moving party must email the Court Reporter and Court Coordinator the email addresses of all participants at least 48 hours before a remote hearing, transmitted in a single submission with a copy to all counsel.
In any proceeding conducted remotely either by telephonic or technological means or by any other means which may be deemed appropriate by the Court, the moving Party shall, no less than 48 hours in advance of said hearing, email the Court Reporter and the Court Coordinator the email address of all attorneys, (or self represented parties), witnesses and others who may be participating in said proceeding so that information regarding the technological platform, any link, access code thereto and other pertinent information necessary to effectuate the remote connection may be effectuated. The attorneys and parties are directed to collaborate and transmit to the Court Reporter in a single submission with a copy to all counsel of record and self-represented parties.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
After hours, leave a message with the coordinator or email her at rhonda.pinson@dallascounty.org.
If after hours, leave a message with the coordinator Rhonda Pinson at 214-653-6510 and/or send an email to rhonda.pinson@dallascounty.org.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
- Phone
- 214-653-7536
Parties filing a Rule 91a motion to dismiss must immediately contact the clerk to request a hearing, noting the motion must be heard within 45 days.
Parties that file a Motion to Dismiss pursuant to Rule 91a are required to immediately contact Nicholas Zaragoza at 214-653-7536 to request a hearing and to notify Mr. Zaragoza that said Motion must be heard and decided within 45 days of the motion being filed.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
Attorneys and others are strictly prohibited from approaching any court to inquire about a particular judge hearing a TRO.
The practice of an Attorney or other person approaching any Court to inquire of particular Judge to hear such an Order remains strictly prohibited.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Email to clerk
For any remote proceeding, the moving party must email the Court Reporter and Court Coordinator the email addresses of all participants at least 48 hours before the hearing.
In any proceeding conducted remotely either by telephonic or technological means or by any other means which may be deemed appropriate by the Court, the moving Party shall, no less than 48 hours in advance of said hearing, email the Court Reporter and the Court Coordinator the email address of all attorneys, (or self represented parties), witnesses and others who may be participating in said proceeding so that information regarding the technological platform, any link, access code thereto and other pertinent information necessary to effectuate the remote connection may be effectuated. The attorneys and parties are directed to collaborate and transmit to the Court Reporter in a single submission with a copy to all counsel of record and self-represented parties.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 214-653-6167
Plaintiff may call Judge Craig to request an extension of time for DWOP.
Plaintiff shall either accomplish the act required by the dwop notice (in which case the suit will not be dismissed) or call Judge Craig at 214-653-6167 or email her at Rachel.craig@dallascourts.org to request an extension of time.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
- Phone
- 214-653-6603
Movant should call the clerk at 214-653-6603 to schedule a Zoom conference for a non-evidentiary hearing.
Movant should call the clerk at 214-653-6603 to schedule a Zoom conference for a non-evidentiary hearing.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
All email to Judge Muñoz must copy all opposing counsel (or pro se parties); copying the District Court's coordinator and lead clerk is encouraged.
However, ALL e-mail correspondence with Judge Muñoz MUST include copying ALL opposing counsel (or pro se parties), and it is highly encouraged that you copy the underlying District Court’s coordinator and lead clerk.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
Communicate with Judge Muñoz directly by email at Nicole.Munoz@dallascounty.org for hearing settings, proposed orders, deficiency letters, or follow-ups, since she may not receive e-filed correspondence; she typically responds within two business days.
Judge Muñoz’s preferred method of communication is via direct email. Because Judge Muñoz presides over cases assigned to seven different District Courts, she does not always receive notice of e-filed correspondence, e-filed proposed orders, or communications sent to the District Court staff. Therefore, if you need to communicate with her regarding a hearing setting, a proposed order, a deficiency letter, or follow up on a pending matter, it is very important that you e-mail her directly at Nicole.Munoz@dallascounty.org.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Parties must email trial announcements to the court from Thursday through Friday at 11:00 a.m. before the two-week trial docket.
Parties are expected to make their trial announcements via email at 101court@dallascounty.org , beginning all day on the Thursday before the beginning of the two-week trial docket and continuing until Friday at 11:00 a.m.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Phone
Anyone appearing at the District Court must alert court staff, including the Bailiff, if they or another participant has COVID-19, flu-like symptoms, fever, coughing, or sneezing.
Every participant in a proceeding, witness, counsel, paralegal, client or other individual who appears at the District Court is Ordered to alert the Court staff, specifically including the Bailiff, if the participant has, or knows of another participant who has COVID-19, or other flu-like symptoms or fever, coughing or sneezing.
CRITICAL
- Contact
For remote proceedings, the moving party must email the Court Reporter and Court Coordinator the email addresses of all participants at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.
In any proceeding conducted remotely either by telephonic or technological means or by any other means which may be deemed appropriate by the Court, the moving Party shall, no less than 48 hours in advance of said hearing, email the Court Reporter and the Court Coordinator the email address of all attorneys, (or self represented parties), witnesses and others who may be participating in said proceeding so that information regarding the technological platform, any link, access code thereto and other pertinent information necessary to effectuate the remote connection may be effectuated.
CRITICALCivil casesCourt notice
- Contact
Exhibits for Zoom proceedings must be pre-marked and emailed to the court reporter at least 72 hours prior.
Any exhibits that need to be entered/used during Zoom proceedings must be pre-marked and sent to Ms. Crystal Brown, the Official Court Reporter of the 44th Civil District Court at crystal.brown@dallascounty.org at least 72 hours (3 days) prior to the proceedings.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
A joint working charge must be emailed to the Court before the pre-trial conference.
A join “working” charge must be emailed to the Court prior to the pre-trial conference.
CRITICALCivil casesCourt notice
- Contact
Please download and fill out the “Request for Reporter’s Record” form and email ALL transcript requests to Ms. Crystal Brown at and jstranscripts@yahoo.com and crystal.brown@dallascounty.org
Please download and fill out the “Request for Reporter’s Record” form and email ALL transcript requests to Ms. Crystal Brown at and jstranscripts@yahoo.com and crystal.brown@dallascounty.org
WARNING
Lawyers must not send correspondence or copies of correspondence to the Court or its staff to gain an unfair advantage.
I will not attempt to gain an unfair advantage by sending the Court or its staff correspondence or copies of correspondence.
WARNING
Attorneys may reserve up to three vacation weeks per year by sending a vacation letter to the Court Coordinator and opposing counsel; once filed, no hearings, depositions, or trials may be set during reserved weeks except upon notice and hearing.
Any attorney may reserve up to three weeks in any calendar year for vacations by sending a "vacation letter" for each case (with appropriate cause number and style) to the Court Coordinator and opposing counsel, reserving weeks in which no hearings, depositions, or trials are set as of the date of the letter. Once a letter is on file, no hearings, depositions, or trials may be set during the reserved weeks except upon notice and hearing.
WARNINGCivil cases
If parties anticipate outstanding pre-trial issues will require more than one (1) hour to present to the Court, they should notify the Court and schedule a pre-trial conference the week before trial.
If parties anticipate outstanding pre-trial issues will require more than one (1) hour to present to the Court, they should notify the Court and schedule a pre-trial conference the week before trial.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone
Telephone hearings are also available when no evidence or testimony will be presented and/or counsel would have to travel more than one hour; they require judge pre-approval and must be arranged with the Administrator.
Telephone hearings are permitted only if no evidence or testimony will be presented and/or if counsel would have to travel more than one hour to reach the Court. Telephone hearings must be pre-approved by the Judge and arranged through the Administrator.
WARNINGCivil cases
At the time of scheduling a minor prove-up, counsel should inform the Court Clerk whether the hearing will require additional time because an interpreter is needed or because there are multiple ad litems.
At the time of scheduling a minor prove-up, counsel should inform the Court Clerk whether the hearing will require additional time because an interpreter is needed or because there are multiple ad litems.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Contact
Whenever e-mail or fax communication with the Court is permitted, the permission is limited to that particular incident and all opposing counsel and parties must be copied.
If permission is granted to communicate with the Court via e-mail or fax, it is limited to the particular incident, and all opposing counsel/parties must be copied.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to clerk
E-mail communication with the Administrator is permitted, but pleadings must not be filed with the Administrator.
You may communicate with the Administrator via e-mail, but pleadings are not to be filed with the Administrator.
WARNINGCivil cases
Parties opposing mediation must notify the Court of their reasons.
If the parties are opposed to mediation, they must notify the Court of the reasons for such opposition.
WARNINGCivil cases
The Court should be notified in advance of trial if an interpreter will be used or is needed.
The Court should be notified in advance of trial if an interpreter will be used or is needed.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to clerk
The application and a resume must be emailed to the Court Coordinator at 193Court@dallascourts.org.
Email this application and a copy of your resume, to the Court Coordinator at: 193Court@dallascourts.org.
WARNINGCivil cases
Counsel needing more time must contact the court Administrator before the DWOP hearing to request a reset.
If counsel requires more time to effect service, etc., contact the court Administrator PRIOR to the hearing and dismissal time and the case MAY be reset to another DWOP date or a Status Conference.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to clerk
DWOP and status conference dockets may be handled by submission; parties email the 193rd Court Coordinator to request additional time.
the DWOP dockets and status conference dockets may be handled by submission with an email to the 193rd Court Coordinator (Cynthia.Willis@dallascounty.org) explaining your request for additional time.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Do not fax the Court or Administrator without prior permission; email may be used to communicate with the Administrator but pleadings must not be filed with the Administrator; permission for email/fax is limited to the specific incident and requires copying opposing counsel.
Please do not fax either the Court or Court Administrator any documents unless prior permission has been granted. You may communicate with the Administrator via email, but pleadings are not to be filed with the Administrator. If permission is granted to communicate with the Court via email or fax, it is limited to that particular incident, and all opposing counsel/parties must be copied.
WARNING
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
- Phone
- 214-653-7791
To cancel or pass a hearing, contact the Clerks' Office at 214-653-7791.
To CANCEL/PASS the Hearing, Please Contact the Clerks’ Office at 214-653-7791.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Counsel must email the court coordinator to request a TRO hearing and provide a timeframe; the coordinator will set a date and time for a Zoom hearing.
Upon filing of the Application and the Order, counsel will email the court coordinator requesting a hearing on the TRO. Please provide the coordinator with a time-frame by which the TRO should be heard. The coordinator, will then respond back with a date and time for the TRO to be heard via Zoom.
WARNING
After e-filing is accepted, contact the Coordinator to be placed on the submission docket.
Once the efiling has been accepted, contact the Coordinator to be placed on the submission docket.
WARNING
Contact the Coordinator for a setting.
Contact the Coordinator for a setting.
WARNING
- Contact
The Microsoft Teams invitation link does not constitute notice of the hearing.
NOTE: the MSTeams videoconferencing hearing invitation link is NOT notice of your hearing.
How may parties contact Dallas County District Courts?
Dallas County District Courts: Lawyers must not send correspondence or copies of correspondence to the Court or its staff to gain an unfair advantage.
Judge Aiesha Redmond: All court participants must alert court staff (including the Bailiff) if they or another participant have COVID-19, flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, or sneezing.
Judge Dale Tillery: If video fails, parties and witnesses must connect by telephone on speaker setting during bench trials.
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