2008: The Latest News
Up to date news on how Galveston County's courts and legal community are coping with disruption caused by Hurricane Ike.?? Please send us your news to greg@enoslaw.com.
Summary of latest news: The Galveston County Justice Center will reopen to the public and be in normal operation on October 13.?? The courthouse will be open next week but courts will not be hearing cases.?? In the meantime, the District and County clerks are fully operational in the League City annex.???? There will be no jury trials until November 3 and it will be almost all criminal jury trials for a while.???? All settings through October 10 have been passed.?? The courts will reset the criminal cases.?? Attorneys must request new settings in civil cases.??
??
Judges met Wednesday - Plans made for full return to Justice Center
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 25, 2008
Allof Galveston County's district and county court judges (except for Mary Nell Crapitto who is still out of town) met Wednesday and reviewed plans to return the Justice Center to full, normal operation on October 13, 2008. Court staff will be back in the courts starting next Monday, September 29. Starting that day, attorneys can call or (better yet) fax requests for settings. If you have a new case or your hearing was canceled because of the storm, the attorney should contact the court to request a new setting.
All settings through October 10 will be passed and will have to be reset. Criminal cases will be reset by the court. Civil cases will be reset upon request.
Jury trials will not resume until November 3 and all courts except to only hear criminal cases for sometime since defendants in jail must receive priority.
The judges all presume deadlines will be extended at least 30 days and the expect attorneys to cooperate and agree to extensions. For some time, the dress code will be relaxed in the courthouse as many attorneys, parties and witnesses may have lost their formal wardrobes.
Probate Court can hear cases off the island
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 23, 2008
The State's presiding Probate Judge signed an order that allows the Probate Court of Galveston County to hear cases at the League City Annex or the Juvenile Detention Facility in Texas City. Judge Burwell is still cleaning up her Bacliff house and I am sure hopes to hear cases in her regular courtroom in a few weeks.
Grand Jury getting back to work
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 23, 2008
Grand Jury Summons are valid for October 1, 2008 and October 2, 2008. Those persons who have been displaced and are unable to respond to the summons should contact Tracey Williams at 409-766-2319.
Status of J.P. Courts as of September 22
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 22, 2008
JP1 Galveston - Judge Schweitzer - located at Judge Woltz's office in Friendswood. Their office phone is the same.
JP2 Galveston - Judge Pope - located at Judge Nelson's office in Santa Fe. Their office phone is the same.
JP3 Texas City - Judge James - Open at regular location
JP4 Santa Fe - Judge Nelson - Open at regular location
JP5 Texas City - Judge Apffel - Open at regular location
JP7 Bacliff - Judge Foster - Open at regular location
JP8-1 League City - Judge McCumber - Open at regular location
JP8-2 Friendswood - Judge Woltz - Open at regular location
JP9 Crystal Beach - Judge Vondra - Not in operation.
The Justices of the Peace Courts from Galveston and Crystal Beach may temporarily relocate to the Justice Center Courts Building once we are able to return.
Brazoria County back in operation: report from Judge Hufstetler
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 22, 2008
Brazoria County Courthouse sustained some damage, mostly water leakage where the roof was peeled back (water in some of the courts and offices in the old side of the courthouse, but not heavy damage). Courts were closed last week but all open for business as usual this week. There may be delays in dockets as a result of rescheduling all cases from last week, but check with the specific court coordinators for details. The 300th docket from last week is being reset as attys call in. All cases from this week and next week, even those set for DWOP, may be reset if requested (generous with resets because of the damage some parties and attys may have sustained and "no-shows will be treated as a reset once my coordinator can contact the attys - the cases will not be DWOP'd). Several attys are still without power, internet, and phone lines in the Angleton, Alvin, Pearland, Lake Jackson and surrounding areas, so if you try to contact one of the local attys, there may be no response unless you have cell numbers. Otherwise, things are up and running as usual. Randy Hufstetler
Justice Center staff asked to report to work Thursday
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 22, 2008
Courthouse employees are being told to report to work this Thursday, September 25. The courts are still not open until further notice!
Info for donations to help fellow attorneys
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 22, 2008
The State Bar urges you to donate to one of the following foundations that support our colleagues and our legal system:
Texas Access to Justice Foundation, P.O. Box 12886, Austin, TX 78711-288
(Click here to donate online)
Texas Bar Foundation, 504 Lavaca, Ste. 1005, Austin, TX 78701
Houston Bar Foundation, 1001 Fannin, Suite 1300, Houston, TX 77002
Please designate your donation - Hurricane Relief Fund.
Order signed allowing district courts to work away from the County Seat (if needed)
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 22, 2008
ORDER DESIGNATING ALTERNATE LOCATIONS IN GALVESTON COUNTY
TO CONDUCT JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS DUE TO DISASTER
Pursuant to Texas Government Code Sections 24.033, 25.0019, and 26.009, this Court FINDS that Hurricane Ike and its aftermath constitute a disaster that precludes the district courts, statutory county courts, and constitutional county courts from conducting proceedings at the county seat of Galveston County, which is a first tier coastal county within the meaning of Section 2210.003 of the Insurance Code.
Accordingly, the Order Declaring Disaster and Designating Alternative Locations to Conduct Judicial Proceedingsissued on September 19, 2008 is hereby AMENDED, and as AMENDED it is hereby ORDERED that effective immediately, the following places are designated as alternate locations in the County of Galveston at which the district and county courts of Galveston County may conduct proceedings:
Jerry J. Esmond Juvenile Justice Center, located at 6101 Attwater Avenue, in the City of Texas City; and
Galveston County League City Annex, located at 174 Calder Road, in the City of League City.
Signed, on this the _______ day of September, 2008.
Olen Underwood,
Presiding Judge, Second Judicial Region
Jail opens to visitors on Tuesday
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 22, 2008
On Tuesday September 23 the County Jail will be open to visitors from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Also, parole hearings will resume that day as well.
Galveston Repairs Going Faster Than Expected.
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 22, 2008
The Galveston Daily News reported Monday: Repairs to the island's water, sewer, gas and electricity lines are going better than expected and should be fixed within a week, City Manager Steve LeBlanc said.
Folks on the island say cell phone coverage is improving and stores are starting to open back up.
Attorneys should consider SBA disaster loans
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 22, 2008
Attorneys whose offices have been damaged by Hurricane Ike should consider SBA disaster loans. The rates are low as are collateral requirements. Credit is required and a lot depends on whether the busines can borrow elsewhere (if you can, the loan rate is higher and you must repay within 3 years but you can still get the SBA loan). More information is at the SBA website.
Galveston JP Jim Schweitzer surveys damage
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 21, 2008
Galveston JP Jim Schweitzer reports that his house had 3 feet of water and his JP office at 1922 Sealy had water and will be closed for awhile. Stewart Title at 22nd and Mechanic had roof damage and flooding. Jim says his law office had broken windows and he predicts the Galveston City Court will be closed for awhile.
Justice Center will not be open to staff on Monday
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 21, 2008
Bonnie Quiroga has sent this message to court employees: Although we have electricity at the Justice Center, the sewage problems have not been corrected. The Justice Center will not be open to staff on Monday, Sept. 22nd. lease check with your Elected Official/Department Head for instructions. I have recommended that office staff not report to the Justice Center on Monday.
Galveston will allow residents & business owners in starting Wednesday
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 20, 2008
Areas Located Behind the Seawall East of 103rd Street/Cove View Lane:
All residents and business owners may re-enter the City of Galveston, assess the damage to their property, and determine if they wish to remain in the city. Very limited water, sewer, natural gas, and electric services have been restored to areas behind the Seawall.
Areas Not Located Behind the Seawall West of 103rd Street/Cove View Lane:
All west end residents/businesses may re-enter the City of Galveston, assess the damage to their property, gather important belongings, and then leave the city to return to safe and more secure locations no later than 6:00 p.m. Water, sewer, natural gas, and electric services have not been restored to areas West of Seawall therefore sanitary living conditions are not available at this time.
Current Conditions in Galveston
- No medical facilities are available
- Limited water, sewer, electricity, or natural gas service
- A boil water notice remains in effect until further notice
- Mandated water conservation program in effect island-wide
- Limited retail services available including fuel, food, water, auto, pharmacies, etc.
- Curfew strictly enforced: 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Violators subject to $2,000 fine.
- Limited cell phone coverage
Texas City Municipal Court Open Monday
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 20, 2008
The Texas City municipal court will be open starting Monday, September 22. Attorneys can call or fax in pleas.
Mediator Pam Hoerster working in Houston and Austin
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 20, 2008
Pam Hoerster's Clear Lake office is without power but her offices in Houston are functional. She has moved her Beaumont mediations (mostly cases arising from a Hurricane named Rita) to Austin.
Attorneys are getting on the island and to their offices!
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 20, 2008
Attorneys who get going early in the morning are getting on the island and are able to inspect or empty their offices. One attorney got in line for emergency responders about 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning and was able to get through to his office near the Justice Center. He showed the officer at the checkpoint his Justice Center photo ID and a yellow legal pad that said,"Justice Center" and he was waived through with no trouble. By mid-morning he reports the traffic line on IH 45 is long, slow and crowded.
More photos
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 20, 2008
The biggest collection of photographs showing the local damage caused by Hurricane Ike are at the Guidry News website.
Latest from Bonnie Quiroga: all court settings for week of 9/22 to be reset
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 20, 2008
The latest post from the head of Justice Administration, the amazing Bonnie Quiroga:
ALL COURT SETTINGS FOR THE WEEK OF 09/22 WILL BE RESET/RESCHEDULED.
WE CONTINUE TO ACCEPT EMERGENCY ORDERS AND WILL HAVE SET THOSE HEARINGS AT THE JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER.
WE CONTINUE TO HOLD JAIL DOCKET, BOTH FELONY AND MISDEMEANOR. IF YOU HAVE A PLEA OFFER, ALREADY PRESENTED AND ACCEPTED BY THE DEFENDANT, YOU MAY CONTACT BONNIE AND HAVE THAT CASE SET ON OUR JAIL DOCKET FOR FINAL DISPOSITION.
IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A SETTING THAT CANNOT BE DELAYED DUE TO STATUTORY DEADLINES, PLEASE CONTACT BONNIE AT 409-789-5893.
Collection of Photos of Ike Damage
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 20, 2008
Some sad and awe inspiring photographs from Texas and Lousiana (LA) showing the damage caused by Hurricane Ike.: Austin American Statesman.
Attorney General IVD Court to open Sept. 24 in Texas City
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 19, 2008
Office of the Attorney General (OAG) child support court for Galveston County resumes operation at a temporary location on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008. Until further notice, child support court will be held at the Jerry Esmond Juvenile Justice Center, 6101 Attwater Avenue in Texas City. Court begins promptly at 8 a.m. Click here for a map to the temporary location www.co.galveston.tx.us/juvjustice/mapdirect.htm.
Child support cases set from Monday, Sept. 15 through Tuesday, Sept. 23 will be rescheduled. Parents will be notified of the new date by mail. Parents can also obtain their new court date at the OAG's Texas City child support office located at 3201 FM 2004, or by calling (409) 986-7688 or toll free (800) 687-7572.
For additional information, visit the child support section of the Attorney General's Web site at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov.
Defendants on pretrial release bond required to register
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 19, 2008
Per Bonnie Quiroga, defendants on pretrial release bonds are required to register their locations and contact information at www.co.galveston.tx.us.
Message from Bonnie Quiroga to defense attorneys re: inmates in county jail
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 19, 2008
Plan through September 26, 2008
Our primary concern at this time is the inmates at the County jail. We, the DA and courts, will continue to work pleas on inmates. If you represent an inmate and are able to work everything out with the D.A., please contact me at bonnie.quiroga@co.galveston.tx.us and we will make arrangements to take that plea at jail docket.
If you represent a defendant on bond and you have a plea agreed and worked out with the D.A., please contact me at bonnie.quiroga@co.galveston.tx.us and we will make arrangements to take that plea as well. All parties must be available to travel to the Galveston County Jail/Justice Center.
If any defendant set for plea speaks a language other than English, you need to give me 24 hours notice in order to provide a licensed interpreter.
Texas City Ag Office Open
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 19, 2008
The Texas City office for the Attorney General is open. Attorneys can call the legal line at 409-986-4191 - this is a number for attorneys only, not clients. Clients can call 409-986-7688 or 1-800-687-7572. Al Ochoa can be emailed by attorneys at ildefonso.ochoa@cs.oag.state.tx.us.
Attorneys should encourage their clients to apply for debit cards or direct deposit because of the problems with mail service. The Attorney General Website has information on how to do this. http://www.oag.state.tx.us/cs/parents/index.shtml.
There will be many questions about child support because checks may be lost in the mail, the obligee may be displaced and unable to forward mail, and employers may not be able to deduct child support from paychecks. Expect many calls on these issues. Attorneys only can forthe time being call Al Ochoa on his cell at 713-315-1041.
Supreme Court Issues Orders in Response to Ike
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 19, 2008
The Texas Supreme Court issued an order Wednesday that merely recites the law on deadlines being extended when the clerk's office is closed. In the order providing greater time for certain filings,the law is quoted but no deadlines are actually extended by the Supreme Court. The clerks' offices are now open in League City so we can't claim there is a legal holiday now.
In a second order, the Court permitted Louisiana lawyers to practice law from makeshift Texas locations for the next 30 days. It also allows out-of-state legal-aid attorneys to practice law with Texas legal-aid programs for 30 days.
Attorney Vouchers
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 19, 2008
Bonnie Quiroga is working on getting pending vouchers paid. However, she will need contact information from attorneys to get the checks to them. The deadline to turn in vouchers is extended.
District Attorney's Office in operation!
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 19, 2008
Assistant DA's are working out of local police stations. The family section is busy with CPS emergency pickups.
Juvenile Cases Being Handled
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 19, 2008
Juvenile Judge Kathryn Lanan reports that her September docket is suspended. Resets should be posted by noon next Friday Judge Lanan will be holding court at 1 pm daily. If an attorney needs to appear for a child, please give the clerk 24 hours notice so the file can be delivered.
Galveston County Jail in full operation - first jail docket today.
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 19, 2008
The Galveston County jail has power and inmates who are due to be released are being released (via bus to the first police checkpoint at last report). Persons newly arrested are receiving timely magistrate's warnings at the jail.
The first jail docket with three defense attorneys is being held this afternoon. It is still not possible for private attorneys to meet with their clients.
District and County Clerks open for business at League City annex
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 19, 2008
The District Clerk, Latonioa Wilson, and County Clerk, Maryann Daigle, have done an extraordinary job of getting their entire operations up and running at the League City annex located at 174 Calder Road, League City,Texas.
Both clerks can accept new case filings but only emergency cases are getting presented to judges. Any function that could have been done at the courthouse by either clerk's office can be done at the annex. The County Clerk can even access real estate records back to 1985.
The District Clerk has very limited space and manpower it can squeeze into its office in League City, so Ms. Wilson asks attorneys to only file essential pleadings for the time being. Fax filing is possible but Ms. Wilson asks attorneys to not tie their only fax machine up with filings since it has to be used for court orders and all other clerk business.
All mail to either clerk should still be mailed to the address of the Galveston Justice Center, 600 - 59th Street, Galveston, Texas 77551.
Galveston County Justice Center in good shape
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 19, 2008
The new Galveston County Justice Center was mostly undamaged by Ike and has limited power and is expected to have air conditioning soon. The news reports about flooding in the courthouse referred to the old courthouse downtown.
Courthouse employees should be back to work on a limited basis next week. The facility will not be open to the public for at least several weeks because of limited access to the island and because the Justice Center is currently the hub of activity by first responders. The current goal is to open the Justice Center to the public by October 13.
Enos Law Firm hosts attorney meeting to discuss Ike recovery
Posted by: Greg Enos
September 19, 2008
Over 120 local attorneys four judges, the district and county clerk and represenatives of the State Bar met at The Enos Law Firm on Friday, September 19 to share information. This blog will keep the local legal community informed about the local courts as well as new temporary contact information for attorneys. We will also serve as a clearinghouse of information for attorneys who need temporary office space and those who have office space to share.
