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9th District Court |
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FAQS INVOLVING CIVIL CASES How do I get a trial setting? Trial settings are issued through a docket control order upon answer of the defendant. How do I get a docket control order issued if I don't presently have one? Contact the court coordinator Jennifer Contella. I don't have the capability to e-file, what can I do? File a request with the court in writing explaining your problem and request a waiver. How do I set a motion on the ancillary docket? To set an oral or submission hearing, click on "set a hearing" and follow instructions." Do I obtain the date first and then contact opposing counsel or does the court? Counsel requesting a hearing date has the responsibility of notifying all parties. How do I check the status of a ruling? Please check your E-file before you contact the briefing attorney. When is docket call? Refer to your Docket Control Order. Do I have to be present with my client at docket call for jury trials? No. You may telephone in your standing if you are ready, but if there are pending motions or a motion for continuance, you need to be present. Do you hold telephone conferences and how do I arrange that? Yes, the Court will hold telephone conferences for the convenience of the out-of-town attorneys who must travel a great distance to be present at any hearing; however, Houston is not considered a great distance from this court. You must handle all the technical matters. Please arrange with the court coordinator as to time and date. Are there time limitations for voir dire or final arguments? No. The court makes those decisions on a case-by-case basis. Is there a dress code? What do you think? What about jury charges? See local, rules but exchange between parties is seven day before trial, and please provide the Court with a disc for Judge's perusal and editing. Is there security in the courthouse and is anyone exempt? Yes. There is a metal detector entrance, and all persons are required to pass through security with the exception of the members of the Montgomery County Bar Association who pay a fee for a badge. Contact the Sheriff's office of Montgomery County to inquire about security badges. What about jury questionnaires? The court utilizes a standard minimum jury questionnaire. For complex cases, the court will entertain tailored questionnaires. What audio and visual equipment does the court have for trial purposes? The court has mounted televisions, an Elmo, VCR, DVD, tape player and portable screen and projector. FAQS CONCERNING FAMILY LAW Are family law cases controlled by a docket control order? Yes, but it varies from the civil DCO. Do you require mediation to get a hearing date? No. This court requires mediation per docket control order. Do you automatically appoint a guardian ad litem or an Amicus ad litem? No. You must request one. In adoptions, it is mandatory. How do I obtain an ex parte restraining order? Ex parte restraining orders must be obtained in person by the attorney requesting same. The court will not grant an ex parte request from a legal assistant or messenger service. Does the same apply for protective orders? Yes. The attorney and their client must be present for protective orders. When does the court hear uncontested cases? Traditionally, the court hears all uncontested divorces on Fridays of each week. Counsel must request the case to be placed on the docket and the clerk will pull the file. FAQS ABOUT CRIMINAL CASES Does the court handle the criminal docket? No. The District Attorney's Office handles the criminal docket on behalf of the court. The court's legal assistant is Patti Insel. Please contact her concerning any inquiries. How many no issue settings may I have before trial? At the arraignment hearing, each defendant is issued a scheduling order. It sets out dates for a motions hearing, pre-trial and you are assigned a trial date at the pre-trial hearing. What about discovery? The court issues a standard discovery order at the arraignment hearing. When are the ancillary matters heard? The criminal ancillary docket is heard on Thursday mornings. Sentencing and Motions to Revoke are heard on Thursday afternoons. When does jury selection begin? When does trial start? Jury selection begins on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. Trial begins on Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. Are there time limitations for voir dire, opening or closing arguments? Yes. Voir dire should not take more than an hour and closing is limited to 45 minutes. Are there seating arrangements? Yes. The District Attorneys sit to the court's right, closest to the jury box. 9th District Court Montgomery County Courthouse 301 North Main, Suite 110 Conroe, Texas 77301 Phone: 936-539-7866 Fax: 936-788-8381 |
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