466th Judicial District Court holds first virtual court hearing

The 446th Judicial District Court held its first hearing in Comal County as part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's, or TDCJ’s, Virtual Court Program in September, according to a news release.

Only a select number of TDCJ courts implemented the program earlier this year to test the process and work out any issues, but because of its success, all the district courts in Comal County are now participating in the program, according to the news release.

Major takeaways

The TDCJ-initiated program utilizes technology to conduct remote court appearances rather than transport a defendant who resides in TDCJ across the state. The Virtual Court Program reduces the county's expenses for ongoing cases and minimizes the security risks associated with transporting inmates, according to the news release.

The program also reduces the need for bench warrants, the release states.

Notable quote

Stephanie Bascon, Comal County’s 466th Judicial District Court judge, said the program allows the court to conduct pleas through Zoom and eliminates the need to transfer defendants across the state, house them at the Comal County Jail and conduct a 15-minute hearing to then transfer them back to their unit.

“This program greatly improves the efficiency of our court and improves the safety of everyone involved in the process,” Bascon said in the release.

Before you go

Individuals can learn more about TDCJ’s Virtual Court Program at www.tdcj.texas.gov/divisions/arrm/virtual_court.html.