According to the news release, every person appearing in court or at the court’s offices is required to alert court staff in advance if they or someone they know has coronavirus or flu-like symptoms, such as fever, coughing or sneezing.
Additionally, the emergency protocol includes the suspension of all court docket services until April 30, including all criminal and civil filings. According to the news release, citations in eviction cases will contain a date for trail after April 30, but trials may be postponed; suspended cases will be reset as circumstances allow.
The news release also states that litigants are encouraged to file pleadings, motions and other papers using www.efiletexas.gov, by emailing [email protected] or by faxing 713-437-4543 for civil cases or 713-437-4608 for criminal cases. To avoid handling cash, the court also requests that filing fees, fines and any other payments be made by credit card.
Lastly, essential court duties, such as answering telephone inquiries, accepting filings and processing payments, will continue to be available for the Criminal Division Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and for the Civil Division Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more information, click here.
