County Court at Law #2

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

Court hearings are held in person, except juvenile detention hearings which are conducted in a hybrid format. Parties can request access to specially set virtual Court via Zoom by contacting the Court Coordinator who will email the parties the Meeting ID. 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. Parties cannot be driving while participating in remote 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 courtroom is open to the public. In addition, to watch live remote 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 without permission.
• 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.
• Follow the Bailiff’s instructions. Stand when addressing the Court. Approach the bench only with permission.
• Spectators and witnesses are welcome in the courtroom. Spectators in the gallery shall refrain from any disrespectful or inappropriate behavior. Children are not allowed in the courtroom without judicial permission.
• Recording and photographing proceedings, during sessions and recesses, is prohibited.
• Weapons are 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

GUADALUPE COUNTY LOCAL RULES OF PRACTICE

Court Schedule