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Document Filing Requirements3 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCriminal cases

When proposed exhibits exceed ten, the parties must jointly submit the templated exhibit list with exhibit numbers, neutral descriptions, and complete objection and admissibility information, although details may be omitted by agreement on admissibility.

Document
Joint exhibit list

Must include

  • Exhibit list

Court's wording

This Standing Order applies to all bench and jury trials when the proposed exhibits exceed ten in number. The parties must jointly submit an exhibit list that includes the State's exhibits and each Defendant(s) exhibits using a template that is appended to this Order. The template requires the parties to provide the following information: (a) the exhibit number; (b) a concise, neutral description of the exhibit; and (c) whether there is an objection to the exhibit's admission, and if so, a concise explanation of the objection and the proponent's theory of admissibility. The concise explanation of objection and theory of admissibility must be complete (i.e., list each distinct basis for admission or exclusion, such as Rules of Evidence or court opinions) but need not be as exhaustive as a brief would be. If there is agreement as to admissibility of the proposed exhibit(s), then the details otherwise required by the template may be dispensed with.

Nacogdoches:3b444573214220eff6cd9bba · Aug 2026 · p. 1
|SectionEXHIBIT LISTS AND PROPOSED EXHIBITS AT PRETRIAL STAGE
Filing RequirementsImportantCriminal cases

Grounds not listed may be waived, except for foundation and authentication.

Nacogdoches:3b444573214220eff6cd9bba · Aug 2026 · p. 2
|SectionEXHIBIT LISTS AND PROPOSED EXHIBITS AT PRETRIAL STAGE
Filing RequirementsImportantCriminal cases

In addition to substantive exhibits and Rule 1006 summary exhibits, the list should also include proposed demonstrative exhibits and any exhibits that are likely to be referred to at trial even though not allowed into evidence.

Nacogdoches:3b444573214220eff6cd9bba · Aug 2026 · p. 2
|SectionEXHIBIT LISTS AND PROPOSED EXHIBITS AT PRETRIAL STAGE

Filing & Service rules

Service and Proof of Service Rules

The parties must exchange their proposed exhibit charts ten business days before the scheduled final pretrial.

Because of the need to work together to create the templated charts (because of the objection column), the parties must exchange their respective proposed exhibit charts 10 business days before the scheduled final pretrial,

Criminal cases

Page 2 | EXHIBIT LISTS AND PROPOSED EXHIBITS AT PRETRIAL STAGE

The objecting side must return the chart with its objection column completed five business days before the deadline.

and the objecting side must return the chart with the objection column filled in 5 business days before the deadline.

Criminal cases

Page 2 | EXHIBIT LISTS AND PROPOSED EXHIBITS AT PRETRIAL STAGE

Before any temporary-orders hearing, each parent must exchange the specified financial and child health and dental insurance information with the opposing party or attorney.

Before any hearing on temporary orders, each parent shall exchange the following with the opposing party/attorney: - 4.1 Information sufficient to accurately identify that parent's net resources and ability to pay child support; - 4.2 Copies of income tax returns for the past two years, a financial statement, and current pay stubs; - 4.3 Regarding each child's health insurance: the name of the carrier, the policy number, a copy of the policy and schedule of benefits; a health insurance membership card, and proof of the cost of the child's portion of the premiums; and 4.4 Regarding each child's dental insurance: the name of the carrier, the policy number, a copy of the policy and schedule of benefits, a dental insurance membership card, and proof of the cost of the child's portion of the premiums.

Civil cases

Page 3 | 4. MANDATORY EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION

If unforeseen circumstances during trial lead a party to offer an unlisted exhibit, the party should notify the opposing side and the Court as soon as possible; omission alone will not make the exhibit inadmissible absent abuse if it was previously produced in discovery.

If, due to unforeseen circumstances during trial, a party wishes to introduce an exhibit not previously listed, notice should be given as soon as possible to the opposing side and to the Court so that any objections can be discussed. Absent abuse of this process, an exhibit will not be deemed inadmissible simply because it was not included on the original exhibit list, provided the exhibit/document was earlier produced to the opposing side during discovery.

Criminal cases

Page 2 | EXHIBIT LISTS AND PROPOSED EXHIBITS AT PRETRIAL STAGE

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

The parties will be ordered to mediate in any case requiring a final hearing longer than three hours.

The parties will be ORDERED to mediate in any case which will require a final hearing in excess of three (3) hours.

Civil cases

Page 4 | 6. MEDIATION

The parties are encouraged to settle their disputes amicably without court intervention. The parties are encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to resolve the conflicts that may arise in this lawsuit.

The parties are encouraged to settle their disputes amicably without court intervention. The parties are encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to resolve the conflicts that may arise in this lawsuit.

Civil cases

Page 4 | 6. MEDIATION

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 9 rules apply across Nacogdoches County District Courts. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Sealing

All 9
  • Public access to records in DFPS suits under the specified Texas Family Code chapters is restricted; access is limited to the listed persons unless the Court specifically permits and orders otherwise.

  • Counsel may use disclosed criminal history information only to represent the defendant in that case, must safeguard it under applicable law, and may not disclose it to unauthorized persons.

  • Protected health information may be used only for the prosecution or defense of the case and may not be further disclosed except as permitted by law or court order.

Common questions about Judge John (Malcolm) Bales's rules

Does Judge John (Malcolm) Bales require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

The parties will be ordered to mediate in any case requiring a final hearing longer than three hours.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 6. MEDIATION

What must be included with joint exhibit list filings before Judge John (Malcolm) Bales?

The rule requires exhibit list. When proposed exhibits exceed ten, the parties must jointly submit the templated exhibit list with exhibit numbers, neutral descriptions, and complete objection and admissibility information, although details may be omitted by agreement on admissibility.

View ruleSource: page 1, section EXHIBIT LISTS AND PROPOSED EXHIBITS AT PRETRIAL STAGE

What must be included with exhibit objection chart filings before Judge John (Malcolm) Bales?

Grounds for admission or exclusion that are not listed may be waived, except for foundation and authentication.

View ruleSource: page 2, section EXHIBIT LISTS AND PROPOSED EXHIBITS AT PRETRIAL STAGE

What rule applies to serving the opposing party before Judge John (Malcolm) Bales?

Details: recipient: the opposing party, timing: 10 business days before hearing. The parties must exchange their proposed exhibit charts ten business days before the scheduled final pretrial.

View ruleSource: page 2, section EXHIBIT LISTS AND PROPOSED EXHIBITS AT PRETRIAL STAGE
Complete rules summary for Judge John (Malcolm) Bales

When proposed exhibits exceed ten, the parties must jointly submit the templated exhibit list with exhibit numbers, neutral descriptions, and complete objection and admissibility information, although details may be omitted by agreement on admissibility.

Grounds for admission or exclusion that are not listed may be waived, except for foundation and authentication.

The exhibit list should also include proposed demonstrative exhibits and exhibits likely to be referred to at trial even if they will not be admitted.

The parties must exchange their proposed exhibit charts ten business days before the scheduled final pretrial.

The objecting side must return the chart with its objection column completed five business days before the deadline.

If unforeseen circumstances during trial lead a party to offer an unlisted exhibit, the party should notify the opposing side and the Court as soon as possible; omission alone will not make the exhibit inadmissible absent abuse if it was previously produced in discovery.

Before any temporary-orders hearing, each parent must exchange the specified financial and child health and dental insurance information with the opposing party or attorney.

The parties are encouraged to settle their disputes amicably without court intervention. The parties are encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to resolve the conflicts that may arise in this lawsuit.

The parties will be ordered to mediate in any case requiring a final hearing longer than three hours.

More Judges in Nacogdoches County District Courts

Jefferson B. Davis
Judge