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Local rules of the 50th District Court for Baylor, Cottle, King and Knox Counties, adopted May 6, 2025 (Judge Jennifer A. Habert): general provisions and self-represented litigants; settings, with standing monthly non-jury days in each county unless changed by the court (Baylor second Thursday, Cottle third Wednesday, Knox second Tuesday, King as needed) and jury terms set by the court; civil and family practice, including pretrial scheduling conferences, depositions and proof of income in support hearings; the district clerk; criminal practice, including appointment of counsel and pre-sentence reports; and the other numbered rules through 10.10.
Texas > Ninth Administrative Judicial Region > Knox County > 50th District Court.
LOCAL RULES 50TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT BAYLOR, COTTLE, KING AND KNOX COUNTIES, TEXAS Adopted May 6, 2025 JENNIFER A. HABERT Judge Presiding 1. GENERAL RULES 1.1. Policy Judges and attorneys have a duty to uphold the highest standards of conduct and to earn and promote public respect for the judiciary, the legal profession, and the American system of justice. 1.2. The Texas Lawyer’s Creed The Standards of Professional Conduct in Section IV of the Texas Lawyer’s Creed, as promulgated by the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals are adopted and incorporated herein by reference as guidelines for participating in litigation in the 50th Judicial District. 1.3. Appearance of Counsel Upon a party’s first appearance through counsel, the attorney whose signature first appears on the initial pleading shall be the attorney in charge, unless another attorney is specifically designated therein. The attorney’s appearance shall be a general appearance and the attorney will remain as the attorney in charge until the final disposition of the case or until permitted to withdraw with leave of court. 1.4. Ex-Parte Communications Prohibited 1.4.1. All ex-parte communications with the Court by attorneys, pro se parties, and any other persons are prohibited. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, electronic communications. 1.4.2. Any person seeking information from the Court regarding any matter whatsoever shall direct such inquiry to the Court Coordinator for the Court. 1.4.3. Unsolicited emails, texts, or messages, sent to the Judge’s email address, social media account, or cell phone may be deleted without being opened and, if read by the Judge, are subject to being disclosed to all parties. 1.4.4. Letters sent to the Judge or emails in response to an inquiry by the Judge shall be copied to all attorneys of record as well as any pro se parties. Such emails shall include the full name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number (if applicable) and State Bar of Texas number (if applicable) of the sender. 1.5. Courtroom conduct 1.5.1. All persons in the courtroom during trials and other proceedings shall be attentive to the proceedings. 1.5.2. All persons shall refrain from any action which may disrupt the proceedings. 1.5.3. All persons shall be appropriately attired for court proceedings. 1.5.4. No tobacco use in any form is permitted. 1.5.5. No bottles, beverage containers, paper cups or food are allowed in the courtroom, except as permitted by the Court. 1.5.6. No gum chewing or vaping is permitted. 1.5.7. No propping of feet on tables or chairs is permitted. 1.5.8. No talking or unnecessary noise is permitted which interferes with the court proceeding. 1.5.9. No person may, by facial expression, shaking or nodding of the head, or by any other conduct, express approval or disapproval of any testimony, statement, or transaction in the courtroom. 1.5.10. All persons shall rise when the judge enters the courtroom, and at such other times as the bailiff shall instruct. 1.5.11. No person shall bring packages, suitcases, boxes, duffel bags, shopping bags or containers into the courtroom without the prior approval of the bailiff or the Court. 1.5.12. No person shall be permitted any verbal or physical contact with a prisoner without the prior approval of the bailiff or sheriff. 1.5.13. No person shall bring radios, tape recorders, computers, cameras, or other electronic devices into the courtroom unless the device is required for the court proceeding and prior approval has been given by the bailiff or the Court. 1.5.14. Cellular telephones must be turned off or set to “silent” mode. 1.5.15. Recording of Court proceedings is prohibited except with prior permission of the Court. 1.5.16. No children under the age of twelve (12) shall be permitted in the courtrooms during any court proceeding without prior approval of the Court. 1.5.17. The sheriff or bailiff of the court shall enforce the rules of conduct and courtroom decorum. 1.6. Requirements of Counsel and Self Represented Litigants 1.6.1. Counsel shall timely appear before the Court at each setting and following each recess. 1.6.2. Counsel shall rise and remain standing while addressing the Court. 1.6.3. Counsel shall address all statements, requests, and objections to the Court and not to opposing counsel. 1.6.4. Counsel shall not argue objections in the presence of the jury without prior leave of court. 1.6.5. Counsel shall not interrupt or talk over opposing counsel, except to state formal objections. 1.6.6. Counsel shall remain behind counsel table while examining witnesses. 1.6.7. Counsel shall neither make nor insinuate derogatory or insulting remarks about opposing counsel, witnesses, or other court participants. 1.6.8. Counsel shall address the Court as “Your Honor” or “Judge” and except with leave of court, shall refer to all counsel, parties and witnesses (except children) by their surnames, using such titles as Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., etc. as appropriate, and not by first names or nicknames. 1.6.9. Counsel shall request leave of court before approaching the bench or to approach the witness when necessary to work with documentary or tangible evidence. 1.6.10. Counsel shall advise counsel’s clients, witnesses, and others subject to counsel’s control of these rules of conduct and courtroom decorum. 1.7. SELF-REPRESENTED PARTIES 1.7.1. All requirements of these rules applicable to counsel apply with equal force to self-represented litigants. 1.7.2. Self-represented litigants are expected to follow the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, the Texas Rules of Evidence, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure as may be appropriate. 1.7.3. Self-represented litigants are required to provide address, telephone, and a current email address at which they can be reached. 1.7.4. Self-represented litigants are required to prepare their own pleadings and proposed orders. 1.7.5. Court staff cannot provide legal advice. 1.8. FILING AND MAIL PROCEDURES. 1.8.1. Original documents to be filed which do not require the Judge’s signature shall be e-filed with the respective Clerk. 1.8.2. Proposed Orders shall be e-filed separately, and not as attachments to motions or pleadings. 1.8.3. All mail requiring the Judge’s attention shall be delivered to the Court Coordinator. 1.8.4. Counsel shall be responsible to see that office personnel are aware of and carry out filing procedures. 2. CERTIFICATE OF CONFERENCE REQUIRED. 2.1. Counsel for a moving party shall confer with the counsel of all parties affected by the requested relief to determine whether a contemplated motion will be opposed. 2.2. All motions shall contain a “certificate of conference” by the party filing same that efforts to resolve the dispute without Court intervention have been attempted and failed and shall set forth specifically the efforts taken by date, action, and method. 2.3. Any motion omitting such certificate shall not be set for hearing until such certification has been filed. 2.4. Such a conference is required for all motions except motions to dismiss the entire action or indictment, motions for summary judgment, and motions for new trial. 3. CALENDAR 3.1. SETTING REQUESTS shall: 3.1.1. Be written and timely delivered to the Court Administrator; 3.1.2. Advise that the case is either a non-jury or jury trial and the estimated time for trial for the entire case; 3.1.3. Advise which, if any, discovery, and other pretrial matters remain unresolved; 3.1.4. Certify that a copy of the request has been duly delivered to all counsel and self represented parties. 3.2. Estimates of time that opposing counsel believe to be erroneous shall be called to the attention of opposing counsel and the Court Administrator, in writing. 3.3. Be prepared to dispose of the entire case within the time estimate. 3.4. Regular non-jury days in each calendar month in each county shall be as follows unless changed by the Court: 3.4.1. Baylor County - Second Thursday 3.4.2. Cottle County - Third Wednesday 3.4.3. Knox County – Second Tuesday 3.4.4. King County - As needed 3.5. SPECIAL SETTINGS. Special settings shall be scheduled for non-jury cases requiring more time than is available on the regular monthly non-jury days. These requests depend on the availability of the court reporter and are approved at the discretion of the Court. 3.6. REQUESTS FOR CONTINUANCE OR POSTPONEMENT 3.6.1. Consent or Notice Required No request for a continuance, to pass, postpone or reset any trial, pretrial, or other hearing shall be granted unless counsel for all parties consent, or unless all parties not joining in such request have been notified and have had an opportunity to object. Agreement by counsel for all parties to a continuance does not mean automatic approval by the Court, and the Court reserves the right to deny or require a hearing even on agreed continuances. 3.6.2. Contents of Motion 3.6.2.1. Unless counsel for all parties consent in writing to the request for a continuance and the same is approved by the Court, a motion must be filed pursuant to Rule 251, et seq. of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended or Article 29.01, et seq. of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, as applicable, and 3.6.2.2. All motions must be accompanied by an order setting the motion for a hearing. 3.6.2.3. If the basis of a continuance is a conflicting setting, the motion must identify the conflicting setting by style, docket number, and judge. 3.6.2.4. Any motion that does not meet these requirements will be denied without prejudice to the right to refile. 3.7. JURY WEEKS. Jury terms in each county will be scheduled by the Court from time to time. When a case is scheduled for a particular jury setting, but is not reached, it shall automatically be carried forward on the docket for future jury terms in that county. 3.8. JURY DOCKET ANNOUNCEMENTS. 3.8.1. Written announcements of “ready” or “not ready” must be made by each attorney in charge and received by the Judge at least fourteen (14) full days prior to the first day of the jury setting. 3.8.2. All written announcements shall contain the following information: 3.8.2.1. That all reasonable efforts to settle have been attempted and whether the announcing party has made a bona fide offer of settlement that has been rejected and; 3.8.2.2. An estimate of the time required for trial; 3.8.2.3. If the announcement is “ready,” that all pretrial matters have been disposed of and all pretrial orders and the local rules have been complied with. 3.8.2.4. If the announcement is “not ready,” the specific reasons shall be set out 3.8.2.5. All announcements of “not ready” shall be accompanied by a detailed and proper motion for continuance. 3.8.2.6. A certificate that the person signing is the attorney in charge and that the information set out is true. 3.9. SETTING PREFERENCE. The Court will attempt to accommodate conflicting settings of counsel. Priorities, as they relate to such conflicts are: 3.9.1. Criminal cases; 3.9.2. Election contests or other matters requiring assignment of a visiting judge; 3.9.3. Cases set for any purpose following appearance on a dismissal docket; 3.9.4. Special or preferential settings; 3.9.5. Whether this or another Court will be without an available case for trial or shall have to disband a jury panel; 3.9.6. Earlier case filed; 3.9.7. Regular setting; and 3.9.8. Pretrial setting. 3.10. ATTORNEY VACATION. Counsel wishing to avoid assignment to trial during a vacation period not exceeding four (4) consecutive weeks may advise the Clerk, Court Coordinator and Judge at least forty-five (45) days prior to the beginning of the vacation. 4. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL 4.1. Withdrawal of counsel in both civil and criminal cases shall be pursuant to Rule 10, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. 4.2. Prior to filing a motion to withdraw, counsel shall conference with the client and attempt to ascertain whether the client objects to the motion. 4.3. If the client does not object, the client shall be given an opportunity to sign the written motion. 4.4. If counsel is unable to secure the client’s written approval of the withdrawal, counsel must notify the client that the Court will approve the motion unless the client files a written objection within ten days. 5. PRETRIAL. 5.1. It shall be the duty of all counsel and self-represented parties to file and present to the Court all preliminary matters at the pretrial conferences. 5.2. No preliminary matters shall be presented on the day of or during trial without prior approval of the Court. 5.3. JURY CHARGES. Each party shall at or before the pretrial submit to the Court a proposed jury charge. 6. TIMELY CASE DISPOSITION 6.1. Disposition of all cases shall be pursuant to standards set forth by the Rules of Judicial Administration. 6.1.1. CRIMINAL CASES: Within 180 days from the day of indictment or information 6.1.2. FAMILY LAW: 6.1.2.1. CONTESTED: Within 6 months from appearance date or waiting period, whichever is later 6.1.2.2. UNCONTESTED: Within 3 months from appearance date or waiting period, whichever is later 6.1.3. CIVIL CASES OTHER THAN FAMILY LAW: 6.1.3.1. JURY CASES: within 18 months from appearance 6.1.3.2. NON-JURY CASES: within 12 months from appearance 6.2. DISMISSAL NOTICE. Procedure for dismissal of cases not timely disposed of will be pursuant to Rule 165a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. Once a case is set for any hearing after a dismissal notice, no delay from ordered scheduling will be permitted. 7. DISTRICT CLERK It is the duty and responsibility of the District Clerk of each of the four counties in the 50th Judicial District to see that the file for each case is on the bench before the time for hearing. 8. BAILIFF. It is the duty and responsibility of the Sheriff of each of the four counties in the 50th Judicial District to see that a Bailiff is present during the time that the Court is in session in his or her county, including when a Grand Jury is impaneled. The Bailiff must be a certified peace officer in good standing and must have a firearm upon his or her person. 9. ADDITIONAL RULES FOR CIVIL CASES 9.1. PRETRIAL SCHEDULING CONFERENCE At the pretrial scheduling conference, the Court may by written order: 9.1.1. Set a schedule for completion of all discovery as follows: 9.1.1.1. List of all expert witnesses and reports; 9.1.1.2. A list of all fact witnesses; 9.1.1.3. Exchange of all exhibits and the filing of written objections thereto; 9.1.1.4. Time limits for deposition discovery; 9.1.2. Set a deadline for the filing of all pleadings by all parties; 9.1.3. Set a date for hearing any summary judgment motion; 9.1.4. Set a final pretrial conference; 9.1.5. Set a trial date; 9.1.6. Set a deadline for completion of mediation; and 9.1.7. Make such other orders as may be necessary or expedient for the scheduling of the case or as authorized by Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. 9.1.8. The scheduling order shall control the scheduling of all matters in the case until further orders. 9.1.9. Any exception to the scheduling order must be in writing, approved by the Court and filed in the case. 9.1.10. Failure to notice for depositions and other discovery matters will not permit an exception to the time requirements. 9.1.11. The pretrial scheduling conference may be waived if an Agreed Scheduling Order is submitted to and approved by the Court. 9.2. SUMMARY JUDGMENT. 9.2.1. Anticipated motions for summary judgment shall be scheduled at the pretrial scheduling conference. 9.2.2. Otherwise, any motions for summary judgment shall be timely presented to permit timely notice for a hearing on a regularly scheduled summary docket at least thirty (30) days prior to the final pretrial conference. 9.2.3. “No evidence” summary judgment motions shall not be set until after discovery has been completed. 9.2.4. Motions for Summary Judgment shall be considered by submission unless permission for oral argument is granted. 9.3. FINAL PRETRIAL HEARING. 9.3.1. A final pretrial hearing shall be held in all jury cases (and non-jury cases where determined by the Court) pursuant to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and these rules. 9.3.2. No pretrial hearing will be continued for a failure to comply with the scheduling order. 9.3.3. All matters preliminary to the actual trial of the case shall be heard at the pretrial conference. 9.3.4. All matters, including final pleadings and required evidentiary documents, shall be filed at least seven (7) days prior to the date the final pretrial conference is scheduled, or earlier if otherwise provided by law or order of the Court, and shall be served on all opposing counsel and self represented parties with a copy provided to the Court. 9.3.5. Matters which shall be disposed of at the pretrial conference and which if not properly presented shall be deemed waived, are as follows: 9.3.5.1. Motions in limine; 9.3.5.2. Motions to suppress; 9.3.5.3. All pending dilatory pleas, all other motions, and exceptions; 9.3.5.4. Appointment of guardian ad litem or attorney ad litem; 9.3.5.5. Objections (which shall be in writing) to any discovery or proposed exhibits; 9.3.5.6. Approval of stipulations. 9.3.6. All discovery procedures must have been completed prior to the pretrial conference. 9.3.7. VIDEO 9.3.7.1. Unless otherwise expressly agreed to by the parties in writing or ordered by the Court, counsel intending to offer videotaped depositions, or other films or videotapes at trial, except those offered solely for impeachment, must make such videotapes and films available to opposing counsel, and serve opposing counsel with page and line designations for videotaped depositions, not later than fourteen (14) days prior to the final pretrial hearing. 9.3.7.2. Opposing counsel shall then serve the proffering attorney with page and line designations of any portion of the videotape deposition they intend to introduce at trial not later than ten (10) days prior to the final pretrial conference. 9.3.7.3. The proffering attorney shall then serve opposing counsel with page and line designations of any portion of the videotaped deposition they further intend to introduce at trial not later than seven (7) days prior to the final pretrial conference. 9.3.7.4. Any video not so tendered under this rule will not be permitted into evidence at the trial. 9.3.7.5. All parties must timely examine any tendered video and notify opposing counsel of any objections to the admissibility of any part of the video. 9.3.7.6. All objections to tendered video will be heard at pretrial. 9.3.7.7. Any objections not presented at pretrial will be waived. 9.3.8. All exhibits, including filings required by the Rules of Evidence, shall be exchanged with all parties as ordered by the scheduling order in the case, or if no order was issued then such exhibits shall be exchanged not later than three (3) days prior to the pretrial conference and any objections to such exhibits shall be presented, in writing, at the pretrial conference. 9.4. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. 9.4.1. Policy It shall be the policy of the 50th Judicial District to encourage the peaceable resolution of disputes and early settlement of pending litigation, by referral to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) pursuant to the Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures Act, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 154. 9.4.2. Mandatory for jury trials No jury trial on the merits shall be conducted in any case until all contested issues have been referred to an ADR procedure, and ADR has been unsuccessful; or the Court has determined that ADR is inappropriate for the case. ADR is not mandatory in non-jury cases, but the Court may require ADR either on the motion of any party or upon the Court’s own motion. 9.4.3. Manner of Referral It is anticipated that the parties shall cooperate in referring such issues to an ADR procedure under terms and conditions as are mutually agreeable, without the need for court intervention. If the parties are unable to cooperate or agree to a referral of such issues to an ADR procedure, then upon written notification to the Court by one of the parties that efforts to coordinate a referral have been unsuccessful, the Court, without a hearing, may, and in the event of a case pending a jury trial, shall enter an order of referral to an ADR procedure, and under such terms and conditions selected by the Court. 9.4.4. Objection to Referral If the Court enters an order of referral to an ADR procedure, any party may object to such referral pursuant to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 154. Upon the filing of an objection, the Court shall schedule a hearing. If the Court finds that there is a reasonable basis for the objection, the Court may, in its discretion, order that the case not be referred to an ADR procedure and order the case set for trial. 9.4.5. Discovery Abated After the case has been referred to an ADR procedure by the parties or the Court, further discovery under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure shall not be conducted until completion of the ADR procedure, except upon leave of court or the agreement of all parties. 9.4.6. Attendance at ADR Except upon leave of Court, only the parties, an authorized agent, corporate representative, insurance company representative, accountant or CPA, and attorneys shall attend. All parties with the authority to settle the case shall be present. 9.5. VOIR DIRE. 9.5.1. Counsel shall require prospective jurors to stand and state their name and juror number when answering individual questions. 9.5.2. Prospective jurors shall not be asked questions which have been previously answered in response to a question by the Court, other counsel or by the jury information cards. 9.6. PREPARATION OF ORDERS. The prevailing party shall prepare the proposed order within fourteen (14) days after the hearing or ruling and promptly submit the same to the Court. A copy of the same shall be forwarded to opposing counsel or any self represented party. Written objections to any such proposed order shall be presented to the Court within ten (10) days thereafter. 9.7. BANKRUPTCY 9.7.1. Notice of filing. Whenever any party to litigation in this court files for protection under the bankruptcy laws of the United States, it shall be the responsibility of that party’s attorney in this court: 9.7.1.1. to promptly notify the Court by immediately telephoning the Court Administrator; and 9.7.1.2. within three (3) days of any bankruptcy filing, to provide written notice to the Court and all counsel that a bankruptcy filing has occurred giving the name and location of the bankruptcy court, the bankruptcy cause number and style, the date of filing and the name and address of counsel for the bankrupt. 9.7.2. Conclusion of Bankruptcy. Once a bankruptcy has been concluded, whether by discharge, denial of discharge, dismissal or otherwise, counsel shall promptly notify the Court Administrator and shall include a copy of such bankruptcy order so that the affected case may be restored to the active docket or be dismissed as may be appropriate. 9.8. FAMILY LAW CASES 9.8.1. PROOF OF INCOME In all Cases in which an order for spousal maintenance or child support is requested, the party seeking a hearing shall prepare an order setting hearing which includes the following language: “All parties to this action shall file and deliver to all parties, at least by the day preceding the hearing herein ordered, a written statement showing the accurate gross income of each party hereto for the last preceding three (3) calendar months and last preceding three (3) calendar years. This statement must include proof of income in the form of paystubs and tax returns.” 9.8.2. INVENTORIES. In all suits for dissolution of marriage in which the division of the parties’ property is contested, Petitioner shall, not later than fifteen (15) days prior to trial, file a complete, sworn itemized inventory and appraisement of all property belonging to the parties to the marriage, including separate property and community property as well as any property belonging to the children. The inventory of each party shall be filed setting forth the list of property with the values assigned to each such item of property shown to the right of the description of such property. Not less than eight (8) days prior to trial, Respondent shall file an inventory so a comparison of properties and values can be made. Items of property on Respondent’s inventory but not on Petitioner’s shall be at the end of the appropriate category. 9.8.3. REQUESTED DIVISION OF COMMUNITY ESTATE. Counsel for each spouse and each self represented party shall present to the Court at the final hearing of a contested property division divorce case a document containing the following: 9.8.3.1. Community assets requested to be awarded to the wife; 9.8.3.2. Community assets requested to be awarded to the husband; 9.8.3.3. Community liabilities requested to be awarded to the wife; 9.8.3.4. Community liabilities requested to be awarded to the husband; 9.8.3.5. Assets requested to be confirmed as separate property of the wife; 9.8.3.6. Assets requested to be confirmed as separate property of the husband; 9.8.3.7. Liabilities requested to be confirmed as separate liabilities of the wife; 9.8.3.8. Liabilities requested to be confirmed as separate liabilities of the husband. 9.8.4. SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS IN FAMILY MATTERS. 9.8.4.1. The Court will not grant a self represented divorce unless and until a proposed final decree is submitted to the Court along with or prior to the request for a setting for final hearing. 9.8.4.2. In any self-represented divorce that involves minor children, the Court will not grant or pronounce the divorce and sign the proposed decree if, in the opinion of the Court, the proposed decree contains language or provisions regarding conservatorship, child support or visitation rights which the Court deems to be ambiguous, incomplete or unenforceable. 9.8.4.3. Self-represented litigants can obtain information and forms at Texaslawhelp.org. 9.8.4.4. Every proposed final order or decree must properly describe the appearances of the parties and contain a waiver of a record to be considered for approval without a hearing. 10. ADDITIONAL RULES FOR CRIMINAL CASES 10.1. SERVICE OF INDICTMENTS. Immediately following the return of an indictment, the District Clerk, District Attorney and Sheriff shall cause a certified copy thereof to be served on the accused. 10.2. BONDS. Copies of bonds shall be timely furnished to the Court Administrator. 10.3. ARRAIGNMENTS. 10.3.1. Each Defendant and counsel, if any, shall appear in person for arraignment unless a written waiver of arraignment has been filed. 10.3.2. Each surety on a Defendant’s bail bond shall deliver such Defendant for arraignment. 10.4. APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL An affidavit of indigency has been provided to each Sheriff’s office and Magistrates in the district. An applicant for court appointed counsel must fully complete said affidavit and must provide satisfactory proof of indigency. 10.5. PRETRIAL PROCEDURE. Article 28.01, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and these local rules shall control all pretrial hearings and filings related thereto. Matters not timely filed, raised, and presented at the scheduled pretrial hearing are waived and will not later be allowed. No pretrial hearing will be continued except upon written motion. There will be no “first setting” nor “agreed” continuances. 10.6. PRE-SENTENCE REPORT. If a Defendant desires to make an application for probation and/or requests that punishment be assessed by the Court, the Defendant and his/her counsel are encouraged to execute a consent to the Court’s inspection of pre-sentence report at least five (5) days before any pretrial hearing. 10.7. PLEAS - CASES ON JURY DOCKET. 10.7.1. Guilty pleas arising from plea bargain agreements must be made and finalized, including sentencing, at least five (5) days before the date the case is first set for trial. 10.7.2. Counsel is responsible to complete any plea bargain in time to complete a plea in accordance with these rules and the Court’s schedule. 10.7.3. Guilty pleas upon plea bargain agreements not timely in compliance herewith are subject to being rejected by the Court. 10.8. JURY CASES. The District Attorney shall notify the Court Administrator, in writing, of all criminal cases in which the State is ready for jury trial. Such notices shall include the names and addresses of the Defendant, Defendant’s counsel, and bondsman. There will be no “first setting” continuances. 10.9. DISCOVERY. The State and Defendant will comply specifically with Article 39.14, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure as well as all other Articles of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and all other pertinent Texas Rules of Evidence. 10.10. ATTORNEY - CLIENT CONFERENCE. Counsel shall confer with his/her client by appointment prior to every court appearance.
LOCAL RULES 50TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT BAYLOR, COTTLE, KING AND KNOX COUNTIES, TEXAS Adopted May 6, 2025 JENNIFER A. HABERT Judge Presiding 1. GENERAL RULES 1.1. Policy Judges and attorneys have a duty to uphold the highest standards of conduct and to earn and promote public respect for the judiciary, the legal profession, and the American system of justice. 1.2. The Texas Lawyer’s Creed
Reviewer note: Composed 2026-09-25 (AJR-9 Ninth Region build) from BenchPath custody probe/topics9/2397.pdf (application/pdf, 275647 bytes, sha256 88c71512c4e737fc5705fc685884b6b48d4ef381c513e0acb6d75f6b98e34dc4; 15 pages) - the TOPICs-registered document: digital pages from the text layer and scanned pages transcribed by eye, every page read against the render; signature, seal and file-stamp blocks bracketed. Sibling row: the instrument names Knox County; its registration is TOPICs 2397 (Baylor County). Registered twice: the born-digital file (TOPICs 2397 Baylor = 2400 Cottle, same bytes) and a separate sideways scan (TOPICs 2398 King); the two were transcribed independently and are word for word identical (4,730 words). Knox County registered no copy: its row cites the Baylor registration.