County Court at Law #2

• Accepting pleas in absentia by submission in criminal misdemeanor cases as provided by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 42.14
• Conducting proceedings remotely as requested by the parties
• In-person proceedings

Recognizing the need to ensure the health and safety of litigants, attorneys, visitors, court staff, judges, and other individuals entering the court, Guadalupe County has implemented protective measures in the Operating Plan for the Guadalupe County Judiciary (pdf).

The Governor has issued and renewed the disaster proclamation for the State of Texas and the Supreme Court has issued and extended Emergency Orders, with current orders located at txcourts.gov. The most recent Order continues to provide flexibility to courts to conduct proceedings remotely and provides revised criteria in order for courts to safely conduct in-person proceedings.

For safety, in-person proceedings involve limited numbers of participants, staggered timeframes, social distancing of 3 feet recommended, optional mask wearing and use of hand sanitizer. Please note these safety guidelines are subject to change as updated information is received from the Office of Court Administration. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or under quarantine should not attend court and must contact the Court Coordinator to make necessary schedule changes.

Court hearings are currently being held in-person, except juvenile detention hearings. Parties can request access to specially set virtual court via Zoom due to issues related to COVID-19 or approved by the Court by contacting the Court Coordinator who will email the parties the Meeting ID. Zoom is free to download at zoom.us or the app can be downloaded on cell phones. All parties attending court remotely must utilize the necessary technology to include a computer/cell phone, internet access, a video camera and microphone. All parties must provide a valid, working email address. All online participants must enter their correct, legal names so that all parties can be properly identified. To change your name after entering a Zoom meeting, click on the “Participants” button at the top of the Zoom window. Next, hover your mouse over your name in the “Participants” list on the right side of the Zoom window. Click on “Rename”. Parties cannot be driving while participating in Zoom hearings. Any exhibits intended to be offered at the hearing must be marked and emailed to all parties, the Court Reporter and the Court Coordinator no later than 4 pm the day before the hearing with the cause number as the subject of the email.

For the public, the Open Courts Doctrine requires proceedings to be open to the public. County Court at Law #2 is open to the public. If the courtroom is not open to the public to watch hearings that are held in this Court, the YouTube link is: Judge Legore. YouTube will only be utilized when there are remote hearings and the courtroom is not open to the public. The public may view and listen to the proceedings, but video or audio recording is prohibited.

Required of All People:

• Be punctual/on time for court.
• Dress appropriately to maintain the dignity, integrity, decorum, and professional atmosphere of the Court and the justice system. Inappropriate clothing includes shorts, bandanas, hats, pajamas, costumes, flip flops, exposed undergarments, tank/halter/crop tops, excessively oversized clothing, and clothing/accessories that denote or reference gang affiliation, illegal or disruptive behavior.
• Beverages, food, gum and tobacco products are not permitted in the courtroom.
• Parties are to remain in attendance until cases are resolved or reset.
• Be attentive to the proceedings and refrain from any disruptive behavior.
• All electronic devices must be turned off or silenced prior to entering the courtroom. While court is in session, cell phone use is limited to non-distracting business use.
• When court is in session, it is expected that there will be minimal noise and movement in the courtroom.
• Rise when the Judge enters the courtroom and at other times as instructed by the Bailiff. Stand when addressing the Court. Approach the bench only with permission.
• Purses and backpacks are not to be brought to the bench.
• Spectators and witnesses are welcome in the courtroom. Spectators in the gallery shall refrain from any disrespectful or inappropriate behavior.
• No children are permitted in the courtroom during court proceedings without prior approval of the court.
• Recording and photographing proceedings, during sessions and recesses, is prohibited.

Required of Counsel:

• Appear at each scheduled court setting until excused by the Court. Communicate with the Court Coordinator regarding conflicts in advance of the setting.
• Be appropriately attired for court proceedings.
• While court is in session, confer quietly or outside the courtroom.
• Advise clients and witnesses of the guidelines for courtroom conduct.
• See Texas Lawyer's Creed

Courtroom Procedures

Court Schedule