Dallas County Courts CRIMINAL Frank Crowley Courts Building 133 N. Industrial Blvd. Dallas, Texas area code (214)

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1 Criminal No. 1 CRIMINAL Frank Crowley Courts Building 133 N. Industrial Blvd. Dallas, Texas area code (214) Hon. Dan Patterson 3rd Floor Clerk: Lisa Barnes Court Coordinator: Barbara Campbell No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 Hon. Julia Hayes 3rd Floor - LB 15 Clerk: Beth Doyle Court Coordinator: Teresa Pigg-Curry Hon. Doug Skemp 3rd Floor - LB 16 Clerk: Vanessa Hardeman Court Coordinator: Frances King Hon. Teresa Tolle 3rd Floor - LB 17 Clerk: Belinda Rodriguez Court Coordinator: Karen Mach Hon. Etta Mullin 3rd Floor - LB 18 Clerk: Vanessa Hardeman Court Coordinator: Jennifer Jones Hon. Angela M. King 3rd Floor - LB 20 Clerk: Vanessa Hardeman (Dual Chief Clerk) Court Coordinator: Ann Cruz Dallas County Bench Book _DCBB_Fullbook.indb 37 5/7/14 8:27:02 PM

2 Criminal No. 7 No. 8 Hon. Elizabeth H. Crowder 4th Floor - LB 21 Clerk: Beth Doyle Court Coordinator: Susan Vahala Hon. Tina Yoo 4th Floor - LB 22 Clerk: Marilyn Hawkins Court Coordinator: Cheryl Wesley No. 9 No. 10 No. 11 Hon. Peggy Hoffman 4th Floor Clerk: Nellie Wood Court Coordinator: Pat Johnson Hon. Roberto Cañas, Jr. 4th Floor Clerk: Renee Seeger Court Coordinator: Terri Neal Hon. Elizabeth Frizell 4th Floor Clerk: Renae Seegar Court Coordinator: Euphemia Holloway Dallas County Bench Book 2014_DCBB_Fullbook.indb 38 5/7/14 8:27:02 PM

3 Date Licensed: 1990 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 1 Hon. Dan Patterson County Criminal Court No. 1 Hon. Dan Patterson Year Elected/Appointed: Elected 2006 Previous legal experience/area of practice before becoming a judge: Dallas County Assistant District Attorney ; Private practice solo, primarily State and Federal criminal trial and appellate Clerk's Name and Phone No.: Lisa Barnes; Court Coordinator's Name and Phone No.: Barbara Campbell; Bailiff's Name and Phone No.: Gary Fallwell Court Reporter's Name and Phone No.: Vicki Tuck address: dpatterson@dallascounty.org COURT SETTINGS Describe the Court's policies regarding court settings. How many announcement settings are allowed before a disposition setting? How many plea settings does the Court allow before disposition? What length of time is allowed between passes (jail vs. bond vs. MTR)? Is the Defendant required to be present at all settings (including first setting)? When are Defendants in jail brought down on the jail chain? Is the DA required to sign the pass slip? If so when? Two announcements and two pleas (generally) are allowed with approximately one month between settings. Defendant must be present on all plea and trial settings. What are the Court's policies regarding bond forfeitures? When are the bond forfeitures called? What are the Court's policies regarding reinstatement? Bonds are forfeited on the day set. Judge reinstatement is on a case-by-case basis. PLEAS AND MOTIONS TO REVOKE Describe the Court's procedure regarding pleas. What preliminary work must be completed before the Court will take the plea? (e.g. clerks type the judgments, etc.) What are the Court's policies regarding the Pre-Sentence Investigation? All paperwork including judgments and probation conditions should be completed beforehand. PSIs are rare Dallas County Bench Book _DCBB_Fullbook.indb 39 5/7/14 8:27:02 PM

4 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 1 Hon. Dan Patterson Does the Court accept plea bargains on all cases? If not, when are plea bargains not accepted? Plea bargain rejections are rare. What are the Court's policies regarding open pleas? Are parties required to sit at counsel table or may they stand at the bench? Does the Court require the Defendant to enter the first half of the plea before the PSI? Open pleas, like plea bargains, are done at the bench unless otherwise required. PSIs are rarely used. What conditions of probation are typically assessed? Can the Defendant request community service to be served at a particular venue? What alternatives to incarceration does the Court typically utilize (specific rehabs, bootcamp, shock, etc.)? Conditions are case and defendant appropriate. What are the Court's policies regarding work release? It is granted if appropriate. What are the Court's policies regarding Motions to Revoke? Who makes the recommendations for punishment (DA, Probation Officer, or all open). Are parties required to sit at counsel table or allowed to proceed at the bench? Recommendations are made by the court probation officer and the prosecutor. Motions are usually heard at the bench. MAGISTRATE COURTS/ VISITING JUDGES Describe the Court's policy on the use of Magistrate Courts and visiting judges. For what types of cases or matters do you request the use of Magistrate Court (agreed pleas, ODL'S, bond hearings)? Are there certain types of cases or matters that you do not want to heard in Magistrate Court or by visiting judges? They can hear all matters. COURT APPOINTMENTS Describe how court appointments are conducted in your court. Does the Court use a Public Defender? If so, what types of cases are reserved for the Public Defender? The appointment wheel is used. The Court currently has two public defenders. When should a lawyer report to court to do the jail chain? Is the jail chain required to be finished by a certain time? Are lawyers allowed to go into the holdover during trial? Are the prosecutors required to put recommendations in the file the day before? Does the Court give backtime credit for fines and court costs? Any other special considerations regarding jail chain cases? Jail chain should be started and completed as early as possible. Credit for backtime is given Dallas County Bench Book 2014_DCBB_Fullbook.indb 40 5/7/14 8:27:02 PM

5 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 1 Hon. Dan Patterson PRE-TRIAL MATTERS Describe any specific requirements of the Court regarding filing motions with the court. Is there any specific time or other requirement for filing motions prior to the hearing? The Court has no specific requirements. Does the Court accept filings by fax or ? If available, where can this filing be made? No. Describe any specific requirements of the Court regarding Pre-trial Motions. Do you specifically schedule Pre-trial Hearings? What matters are handled on the day of trial and when (before or after voir dire)? Do you want the attorneys to confer upon agreed matters before approaching the bench? The Court has no specific requirements. Hearings are typically the day of trial and before voir dire. Agreement is encouraged. Describe the Court's requirements and policies regarding Motions for Continuance or Motions to Withdraw. Case-by-case basis. Describe the Court's requirements or policies regarding Bonds and Bond Hearings. Case-by-case basis. Describe the Court's requirements or policies regarding competency hearings. There are no specific requirements. Does the Court prefer briefs or case law to be presented to the court prior to hearings? How should same be organized (case law highlighted, etc.)? Briefs are encouraged. What are the Court's specific policies regarding Occupational Licenses and Expunctions? Who hears the Motion (Court or Magistrate)? No specific policies. Both courts hear these matters. Describe the Court's policy on appointing experts, investigators, interpreters. Case-by-case basis. COURT DOCKETS Describe the Court's policy regarding the setting of the Court docket. Who does the attorney contact to get a trial setting? Are policies different for TBJ vs. TBC? Does the Court require a waiver be signed before getting a TBC setting? What days of the week are TBJ's and TBC's set? When are competency trials set and Motions to Revoke set? Are there any other special settings? The court coordinator sets all contested matters Dallas County Bench Book _DCBB_Fullbook.indb 41 5/7/14 8:27:02 PM

6 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 1 Hon. Dan Patterson TRIALS What is the Court's policy regarding calling the Trial Docket? Is the docket order determined before the day of trial? What time are attorneys (State and Defense) required to announce ready? When are police officers and other State's witnesses required to be present? When does the Court typically begin voir dire? Docket call is at 9 a.m. Voir dire begins when the jury panel arrives. Does the Court allow a plea on the day of trial? If not, when must the plea be completed or accepted before trial date? Day of trial pleas are accepted. Trial Motions When should parties present motions in limine and other trial motions? Does the Court have any special rules or policies governing same? All should be presented prior to voir dire. Voir Dire Describe the Court's specific policies on conducting voir dire. What is the Court's policy regarding time limits? Does the Court conduct any portion of the voir dire, and, if so, describe what the Court does. What is the Court's procedure for striking jurors (i.e., during voir dire or after completion for voir dire)? Does the Court question jurors for cause during voir dire or after completion? Generally 30 minutes per side for voir dire is encouraged. Jurors should be questioned sufficiently during voir dire. Opening and Closing Statements Describe any specific requirements the Court has regarding opening and closing statements. Does the Court impose specific time limits? What are they? Do they vary by the type of case? No specific requirements are mandated. Trial Decorum Describe the Court's specific policies regarding trial decorum (e.g. addressing the court, opposing counsel, or witnesses, approaching the witness, talking or passing notes at counsel table, beverages allowed at counsel table, etc.). Basic decorum is expected. Water is allowed. Scheduling Describe typical scheduling during a jury trial. When does the Court typically begin voir dire? When does testimony typically begin (same or next day)? During the trial, when does the Court usually break for the day and resume in the morning? What are the Court's policies regarding breaks? Typically voir dire in the morning with testimony in the afternoon. The jury s day is usually Dallas County Bench Book 2014_DCBB_Fullbook.indb 42 5/7/14 8:27:03 PM

7 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 1 Hon. Dan Patterson Audio/Visual Equipment Does the Court provide its own blackboard, easel, overhead projector, video equipment, or other presentation equipment? What arrangements must be made to use them? Does the Court have special rules or preferences regarding physical or demonstrative evidence? Equipment is provided. GENERAL COURTROOM DECORUM Describe the rules and policies the Court has regarding courtroom decorum. Are there specific rules regarding dress and behavior? Does the Court allow beverages to be brought into the courtroom? Again, basic decorum is expected; water is ok. Are attorneys allowed to go into the holdover during trial or other court proceedings? Yes. What is the Court's policy on allowing cameras and other news equipment in the courtroom? Case-by-case basis. What is the Court's policy on allowing lawyers to go into the holdover (during trial or otherwise)? They may do so. OTHER Anything the Court would like attorneys practicing before it to know that is not covered above? Be prepared Dallas County Bench Book _DCBB_Fullbook.indb 43 5/7/14 8:27:03 PM

8 Date Licensed: May 1975 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 3 Hon. Doug Skemp County Criminal Court No. 3 Hon. Doug Skemp Year Elected/Appointed: 2006 Previous legal experience/aera of practice before becoming a judge: Thirty-one years practicing criminal defense law; Board Certified in criminal law since 1993 Clerk s Name and Phone No.: Liz Fleetwood; Court Coordinator s Name and Phone No.: Frances King; Bailiff s Name and Phone No.: Jerry Elliott Court Reporter s Name and Phone No.: Pam Durke-Sweeney; address: dskemp@dallascounty.org COURT SETTINGS Two announcement settings allowed before a disposition setting. Additional announcement settings allowed on a case-by-case basis. Two plea settings are allowed. Case must be pled on second plea setting unless an extension is granted by the Court. Defendant s presence is required for all plea and trial settings, but not for announcement settings. The DA is not required to sign pass slips unless being passed for a Special Set trial. PLEAS AND MOTIONS TO REVOKE No pre-sentence investigation required. Judgments may be typed up before or after the plea. Court accepts plea bargains in all cases. No open pleas on the day of trial. Work release granted on any jail sentence. MAGISTRATE COURTS / VISITING JUDGES All bond forfeiture hearings are held in the Magistrate Court. Attorneys may do agreed pleas and ODL s at the Magistrate Court. COURT APPOINTMENTS The Court uses the Public Defender s Office in all cases except where there is a conflict of interest Dallas County Bench Book 2014_DCBB_Fullbook.indb 44 5/7/14 8:27:03 PM

9 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 3 Hon. Doug Skemp PRE-TRIAL MATTERS Attorneys may schedule pre-trial hearings including Motions to Suppress prior to trial. The Court does not accept filings by Fax or . COURT DOCKETS Attorneys should contact the Court coordinator for all settings. Jury trials are set Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Trials before the Court and pre-trial hearings are set on Thursday and Friday. TRIALS Attorneys should announce ready for trial by 9:30 a.m. on the day of trial. Voir dire usually begins at approximately 10:30 a.m. The Court will allow agreed pleas on the day of trial, but not open pleas. The Court makes introductory remarks that last approximately five minutes. The attorneys then have 30 minutes per side to conduct their voir dire. Questioning jurors for cause is conducted outside the presence of the panel, at the end of voir dire. Opening and Closing Statements There are no specific limits on opening statements. Generally, the Court allows 10 minutes per side for closing argument. Trial Decorum The Court requires that attorneys conduct themselves professionally at all times during trial. Schedule Generally, the Court begins voir dire at 10:30 a.m. There will be a noon recess and a short recess each morning and afternoon. The Court will generally recess at 5:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. Audio/Visual Equipment Video equipment only. The Court has no special rules regarding demonstrative evidence. General Courtroom Decorum Beverages allowed. Attorneys are allowed into the holdover during trial except during final argument. Cell phones need to be silenced. No additional information. OTHER 2014 Dallas County Bench Book _DCBB_Fullbook.indb 45 5/7/14 8:27:03 PM

10 Date Licensed: November 7, 1986 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 4 Hon. Teresa Tolle County Criminal Court No. 4 Hon. Teresa Tolle Year Elected: 2006 Previous legal experience/area of practice before becoming a judge: Assistant District Attorney 9 years Assistant Public Defender 3 years County Magistrate 9 years Clerk s Name and Phone No.: Belinda Rodriguez; Court Coordinator s Name and Phone No.: Karen Mach; Bailiff s Name and Phone No.: Clendell Lewis; Probation Officer: Lisa Scott; Court Reporter s Name and Phone No.: Part-time COURT SETTINGS Describe the Court s policies regarding court settings. How many announcement settings are allowed before a disposition setting? How many plea settings does the Court allow before disposition? What length of time is allowed between passes (jail vs. bond vs. MTR)? Is the Defendant required to be present at all settings (including first setting)? When are Defendants in jail brought down on the jail chain? Is the DA required to sign the pass slip? If so, when? 2 announcement settings; 2 plea settings approximately 30-day passes; DA signatures not required; Revocations/Violations and Memo Agreements require Probation Officer s signature; jail cases are handled as quickly as possible and are not passed unless setting for trial; Defendant is required to appear at all trial, hearing, final plea and probation violation settings. Defendant is not required to appear for first settings and announcements. What are the Court s policies regarding bond forfeitures? When are the bond forfeitures called? What are the Court s policies regarding reinstatement? Bonds are forfeited at noon on the day of the setting with the exception of trials. Cases set for trial are forfeited at 10:00 a.m. Bonds are reinstated on a case by case basis. If bond is forfeited on day of trial, Defendant must appear with Counsel to request a reinstatement Dallas County Bench Book 2014_DCBB_Fullbook.indb 46 5/7/14 8:27:03 PM

11 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 4 Hon. Teresa Tolle PLEAS AND MOTIONS TO REVOKE Describe the Court s procedure regarding pleas. What preliminary work must be completed before the Court will take the plea? (e.g., clerks type the judgments, etc.) What are the Court s policies regarding the Pre-Sentence Investigation? All paperwork should be completed and typed before taking to the Judge. Does the Court accept plea bargains on all cases? If not, when are plea bargains not accepted? Court accepts plea bargains on all cases. What are the Court s policies regarding open pleas? Are parties required to sit at counsel table or may they stand at the bench? Does the Court require the Defendant to enter the first half of the plea before the PSI? No specific policies for open pleas. Parties may stand at the bench. What conditions of probation are typically assessed? Can the Defendant request community service to be served at a particular venue? What alternatives to incarceration does the Court typically utilize (specific rehabs, boot camp, shock, etc.)? Community service may be served at any venue. Court allows alternative sentencing and electronic monitoring on a case by case basis. What are the Court s policies regarding Motions to Revoke? Who makes the recommendations for punishment (DA, Probation Officer, or all open)? Are parties required to sit at counsel table or allowed to proceed at the bench? The Probation Officer makes recommendations for punishment on Motions to Revoke. Parties may proceed at the bench. MAGISTRATE COURTS / VISITING JUDGES Describe the Court s policy on the use of Magistrate Courts and visiting judges. For what types of cases or matters do you request the use of Magistrate Court (agreed do not want to be heard in Magistrate Court or by visiting judges? All bond forfeiture hearings and ODL S are done in magistrate court. Attorneys may take agreed pleas to the magistrate. Waiver of interlock may not be taken to Magistrate or visiting judge. COURT APPOINTMENTS Describe how court appointments are conducted in your court. Does the Court use a Public Defender? If so, what types of cases are reserved for the Public Defender? SB7 rules apply and are followed as closely as possible. Court uses Public Defender s Office for most cases. Private attorneys are appointed randomly (via the wheel ) through AIS and must be qualified through the Court Manager s Office Dallas County Bench Book _DCBB_Fullbook.indb 47 5/7/14 8:27:03 PM

12 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 4 Hon. Teresa Tolle When should a lawyer report to court to do the jail chain? Is the jail chain required to be finished by a certain time? Are lawyers allowed to go into the holdover during trial? Are the prosecutors required to put recommendations in the file the day before? Does the Court give back time credit for fines and court costs? Any other special considerations regarding jail chain cases? Lawyers should report at 9:00 a.m. for jail chain and should be finished no later than noon. Lawyers may go into the holdover during trial. If the file is available, prosecutors will make recommendations the day before. Backtime credit is given for fines and court costs. PRE-TRIAL MATTERS Describe any specific requirements of the Court regarding filing motions with the court? Is there any specific time or other requirement for filing motions prior to the hearing? Motions should be filed prior to trial or hearing according to statutory requirements. Describe any specific requirements of the Court regarding Pretrial Motions. Do you specifically schedule Pretrial Hearings? What matters are handled on the day of trial and when (before or after voir dire)? Do you want the attorneys to confer upon agreed matters before approaching the bench? Attorneys should confer upon agreed matters. Motions are heard on the day of trial before voir dire. Suppression hearings may be held prior to the trial date. Describe the Court s requirements and policies regarding Motions for Continuance or Motions to Withdraw. Motions for Continuance and Motions to Withdraw should be filed in advance of court setting. Both Attorney and Defendant must be present when Motion to Withdraw is heard. Describe the Court s requirements or policies regarding Bonds and Bond Hearings. No specific policies. Bond hearings are heard by the Magistrate. Describe the Court s requirements or policies regarding competency hearings. Competency Hearings are conducted in County Criminal Court No. 3. Does the Court prefer briefs or case law to be presented to the court prior to hearings? How should same be organized (case law highlighted, etc.)? No specific policies. What are the Court s specific policies regarding Occupational Licenses and Expunctions? Who hears the Motion (Court or Magistrate)? Occupational Licenses are heard by the Magistrate. Contested Motions for Nondisclosure are heard by the Court. Expunctions are heard in the District Courts. Describe the Court s policy on appointing experts, investigators, interpreters. See Coordinator to schedule interpreters. Must see Judge for experts and investigators Dallas County Bench Book 2014_DCBB_Fullbook.indb 48 5/7/14 8:27:03 PM

13 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 4 Hon. Teresa Tolle COURT DOCKETS Describe the Court s policy regarding the setting of the Court docket. Who does the attorney contact to get a trial setting? Are policies different for TBJ vs. TBC? Does the Court require a waiver be signed before getting a TBC setting? What days of the week are TBJs and TBCs set? When are competency trials set and Motions to Revoke set? Are there any other special settings? Attorneys must see Coordinator for all trial and hearing dates. Waiver must be signed before setting for TBC. TBJs are set Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. TBCs and Motions are set Thursdays and Fridays. See Judge for ALR Hearings. TRIALS What is the Court s policy regarding calling the Trial Docket? Is the docket order determined before the day of trial? What time are attorneys (State and Defense) required to announce ready? When are police officers and other State s witnesses required to be present? When does the Court typically begin voir dire? Attorneys and defendants must appear and check in with the prosecutors and judge by 9:30 a.m. A preliminary line up is determined before the day of trial. Police officers and other witnesses are required to be present at each trial setting. Starting time for voir dire is subject to availability of jury panel. Does the Court allow a plea on the day of trial? If not, when must the plea be completed or accepted before trial date? Court will accept plea on the day of trial. Trial Motions When should parties present motions in limine and other trial motions? Does the Court have any special rules or policies governing same? Motions should be presented at least three days before trial. Voir Dire Describe the Court s specific policies on conducting voir dire. What is the Court s policy regarding time limits? Does the Court conduct any portion of the voir dire, and, if so, describe what the Court does. What is the Court s procedure for striking jurors (i.e. during voir dire or after completion of voir dire)? Does the Court question jurors for cause during voir dire or after completion? No specific policies regarding voir dire. Attorneys usually limited to 25 minutes per side. Court gives very brief introduction. Opening and Closing Statements Describe any specific requirements the Court has regarding opening and closing statements. Does the Court impose specific time limits? What are they? Do they vary by the type of case? No specific policies Dallas County Bench Book _DCBB_Fullbook.indb 49 5/7/14 8:27:04 PM

14 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 4 Hon. Teresa Tolle Trial Decorum Describe the Court s specific policies regarding trial decorum (e.g. addressing the court, opposing counsel, or witnesses, approaching the witness, talking or passing notes at counsel table, beverages allowed at counsel table, etc.). No specific policies. Scheduling Describe typical scheduling during a jury trial. When does the Court typically begin voir dire? When does the testimony begin (same or next day)? During the trial, when does the Court usually break for the day and resume in the morning? What are the Court s policies regarding breaks? Court begins voir dire on the morning of trial. Testimony begins the same day. Court will break for lunch around noon. Court usually breaks for the day by 5:00 p.m however, may run later if trial can be completed that day. Audio/Visual Equipment Does the Court provide its own blackboard, easel, overhead projector, video equipment, or other presentation equipment? What arrangements must be made to use them? Does the Court have special rules or preferences regarding physical or demonstrative evidence? Equipment is provided. No special arrangements necessary. GENERAL COURTROOM DECORUM Describe the rules and policies the Court has regarding courtroom decorum. Are there specific rules regarding dress and behavior? Does the Court allow beverages to be brought into the courtroom? Attorneys should appear in professional attire. Beverages are allowed at counsel tables. Phones and pagers must be silenced. Are attorneys allowed to go into the holdover during trial or other court proceedings? Yes. What is the Court s policy on allowing cameras and other news equipment in the courtroom? Must see Judge. What is the Court s policy on allowing lawyers to go into the holdover (during trial or otherwise)? See Bailiff. OTHER Anything the Court would like attorneys practicing before it to know that is not covered above? No response Dallas County Bench Book 2014_DCBB_Fullbook.indb 50 5/7/14 8:27:04 PM

15 Date Licensed: 1997 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 6 Hon. Angela M. King County Criminal Court No. 6 Hon. Angela M. King Year Elected/Appointed: 2006 Previous legal experience/area of pratice before becoming a judge: Dallas Co. Ada, Ellis Co. Ada, Dallas Co. Asst. PD, Private Practice Clerk s Name and Phone No.: (Dual Chief Clerk); Court Coordinator s Name and Phone No.: Ann Cruz; Bailiff s Name and Phone No.: Ms. Vanessa Harris; Court Reporter s Name and Phone No.: Trisha Phillips; address: anmking@dallascounty.org COURT SETTINGS Describe the Court s policies regarding court settings. How many announcement settings are allowed before a disposition setting? How many plea settings does the Court allow before disposition? What length of time is allowed between passes (jail vs. bond vs. MTR)? Is the Defendant required to be present at all settings (including first setting)? When are Defendants in jail brought down on the jail chain? Is the DA required to sign the pass slip? If so when? 2 announcement settings 2 plea settings Bond forfeiture 1st Time 1000 Cash What are the Court s policies regarding bond forfeitures? When are the bond forfeitures called? What are the Court s policies regarding reinstatement? Multiple forfeitures will not be set aside. PLEAS AND MOTIONS TO REVOKE Describe the Court s procedure regarding pleas. What preliminary work must be completed before the Court will take the plea? (e.g. clerks type the judgments, etc.) What are the Court s policies regarding the Pre-Sentence Investigation? 2 announcement settings 2 plea settings Bond forfeiture 1st Time 1000 Cash 2014 Dallas County Bench Book _DCBB_Fullbook.indb 51 5/7/14 8:27:04 PM

16 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 6 Hon. Angela M. King Does the Court accept plea bargains on all cases? If not, when are plea bargains not accepted? Plea bargins are a valuable part of the process. What are the Court s policies regarding work release? Not available. MAGISTRATE COURTS / VISITING JUDGES Describe the Court s policy on the use of Magistrate Courts and visiting judges. For what types of cases or matters do you request the use of Magistrate Court (agreed pleas, ODL S, bond hearings)? Are there certain types of cases or matters that you do not want to heard in Magistrate Court or by visiting judges? Magistrates do not preside over trials. COURT APPOINTMENTS Describe how court appointments are conducted in your court. Does the Court use a Public Defender? If so, what types of cases are reserved for the Public Defender? This court follows the guidelines of the Texas Fair Defense Act. When should a lawyer report to court to do the jail chain? Is the jail chain required to be finished by a certain time? Are lawyers allowed to go into the holdover during trial? Are the prosecutors required to put recommendations in the file the day before? Does the Court give backtime credit for fines and court costs? Any other special considerations regarding jail chain cases? Report by 9 a.m. & not later than 9:30 a.m. PRETRIAL MATTERS Describe any specific requirements of the Court regarding filing motions with the court. Is there any specific time or other requirement for filing motions prior to the hearing? In accordance with the rules of criminal procedure. Describe any specific requirements of the Court regarding Pretrial Motions. Do you specifically schedule Pretrial Hearings? What matters are handled on the day of trial and when (before or after voir dire)? Do you want the attorneys to confer upon agreed matters before approaching the bench? Monday afternoon Pre-trial 1:30 p.m. Describe the Court s policy on appointing experts, investigators, interpreters. In accordance with the law. COURT DOCKETS Describe the Court s policy regarding the setting of the Court docket. Who does the attorney contact to get a trial setting? Are policies different for TBJ vs. TBC? Does the Court require a waiver be signed before getting a TBC setting? What days of the week are TBJ s and TBC s set? When are competency trials set and Motions to Revoke set? Are there any other special settings? Dallas County Bench Book 2014_DCBB_Fullbook.indb 52 5/7/14 8:27:04 PM

17 Criminal Must see Court Coordinator. County Criminal Court No. 6 Hon. Angela M. King TRIALS What is the Court s policy regarding calling the Trial Docket? Is the docket order determined before the day of trial? What time are attorneys (State and Defense) required to announce ready? When are police officers and other State s witnesses required to be present? When does the Court typically begin voir dire? Monday afternoon Pre-trial 1:30 p.m. Does the Court allow a plea on the day of trial? If not, when must the plea be completed or accepted before trial date? Yes. Opening and Closing Statements Describing any specific requirements the Court has regarding opening and closing statements. Does the Court impose specific time limits? What are they? Do they vary by the type of case? Varies. Trial Decorum Describe the Court s specific policies regarding trial decorum (e.g. addressing the court, opposing counsel, or witnesses, approaching the witness, talking or passing notes at counsel table, beverages allowed at counsel table, etc.). Everyone is expected to be respectful at all times. Scheduling Describing typical scheduling during a jury trial. When does the Court typically begin voir dire? When does testimony typically begin (same or next day)? During the trial, when does the Court usually break for the day and resume in the morning? What are the Court s policies regarding breaks? Varies. GENERAL COURTROOM DECORUM Describe the rules and policies the Court has regarding courtroom decorum. Are there specific rules regarding dress and behavior? Does the Court allow beverages to be brought into the courtroom? Are attorneys allowed to go into the holdover during trial or other court proceedings? Not during voir dire or argument. What is the Court s policy on allowing cameras and other news equipment in the courtroom? See the judge. What is the Court s policy on allowing lawyers to go into the holdover (during trial or otherwise)? Not during voir dire or argument Dallas County Bench Book _DCBB_Fullbook.indb 53 5/7/14 8:27:04 PM

18 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 6 Hon. Angela M. King OTHER The lawyers are encouraged to speak with the court staff and the judge whenever they have questions Dallas County Bench Book 2014_DCBB_Fullbook.indb 54 5/7/14 8:27:04 PM

19 Date Licensed: November 1986 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 7 Hon. Elizabeth H. Crowder County Criminal Court No. 7 Hon. Elizabeth H. Crowder Year Elected/Appointed: Elected 1994, re-elected 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 Previous legal experience/area of practice before becoming a judge: Associate Judge, 305th District Juvenile Court ( ); Assistant District Attorney, Dallas County ( ); Associate Attorney, Winstead, McGuire, Sechrest & Minnick ( ). Clerk s Name and Phone No.: Beth Doyle; Court Coordinator s Name and Phone No.: Susan Vahala; Court Reporter s Name and Phone No.: Trashuna Salaam; address: ecrowder@dallascounty.org COURT SETTINGS Generally, the Court allows two annoucement settings and two plea settings. The defendant is required to be present for the final plea setting and for contested hearings. PLEAS AND MOTIONS TO REVOKE The plea agreement must be completed and signed. The clerks type the judgment. Generally the Court accepts plea bargains on all cases, assuming the plea bargain is permissible under the law. MAGISTRATE COURTS / VISITING JUDGES The magistrate may hear any agreed pleas. COURT APPOINTMENTS The Court has two public defenders, and when additional attorneys are needed the Court appoints from the Misdemeanor Wheel. PRE-TRIAL MATTERS Attorneys may schedule a pre-trial hearing prior to trial, or may have a hearing on pre-trial issues the day of trial, with the exception of motions to quash (which must be heard prior). COURT DOCKETS Attorneys should contact the Court coordinator to get a trial setting. Jury trials are set Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Trials before the Court and hearings on motions are set on Thursday and Friday Dallas County Bench Book _DCBB_Fullbook.indb 55 5/7/14 8:27:04 PM

20 Criminal County Criminal Court No. 7 Hon. Elizabeth H. Crowder TRIALS Attorneys should announce ready for trial by 9:00 a.m., if possible. The Court will only order a jury when all parties are present. Voir Dire The Court makes introductory remarks that last approximately 10 minutes, before turning the proceedings over to the attorneys. Questioning of jurors for cause is conducted outside the presence of the panel, at the end of voir dire. Opening and Closing Statements There are no specific time limits on opening statements, as long as attorneys are reasonable. Generally, the Court allows 15 minutes per side for closing arguments. Trial Decorum The Court requires that attorneys conduct themselves professionally at all times during trial. Scheduling Generally, the Court begins jury trials at 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. and breaks for the day at 5:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. During the trial, there is a break in the morning and a break in the afternoon. Audio/Visual Equipment The Court provides video equipment, easel, markers and paper. General Courtroom Decorum The Court requires that attorneys conduct themselves professionally at all times in the Courtroom. No additional information. OTHER Dallas County Bench Book 2014_DCBB_Fullbook.indb 56 5/7/14 8:27:04 PM