Bell County Bar Association News

includes "Vulnerable Population" notice

In accordance with the recently approved COVID-19 Operating Plan for the Bell County Judiciary, CCL#2 will begin to hear non-essential hearing after june 1, 2020. ALTHOUGH CCL#2 IS AUTHORIZED TO BEGIN JUNE 1, 2020, WE WILL NOT RESUME UNTIL THE WEEK OF JUNE 8, 2020.

Please see attached for additional information and dockets for the week starting June 1, 2020

6-1-20 CCLCriminal Dockets - Updated procedures.pdf

Please see attached documents from Judge Adams.

Attached is the COVID-19 Operating Plan for the Bell County Judiciary which was approved by the Presiding Judge of the Third Administrative Judicial Region on May 27, 2020.  A copy of the email from Judge Stubblefield  approving the Plan is also attached. The approval of this Plan will allow courts in Bell County to proceed with non-essential, in person hearings beginning June 1, 2020. These hearings will have to comply with this Plan, the prior orders of the Texas Supreme Court, and the guidelines of the OCA. The District Courts have elected to primarily continue with video-conference hearings via Lifesize through the month of June. We plan to start transitioning to a combination of Lifesize hearings and in person hearings in the month of July. All of this could change, of course, if the Texas Supreme Court and OCA place further restrictions on the courts.  For information about procedures for specific courts, please contact the court coordinator for each court by e-mail or as requested by that particular court.  In addition, please note that Emergency Order #17 of the Texas Supreme Court, dated May 26, 2020, has extended the suspension of jury trials until at least August 1, 2020.

Gordon G. Adams

Local Administrative Judge

Judge, 169^th District Court

Bell County, Texas

Approval Email from Judge Stubblefield - COVID-19 Operating Plan for the Bell County Judiciary.pdf

COVID-19 Operating Safety Plan for the Bell County Judiciary - Approved.pdf

Attached is the 17th Emergency Order issued by the Supreme Court

17TH EMERGENCY ORDER SUPREME COURT.pdf

Please see attached letter regarding extension for filing briefs.

Third Court of Appeals Blanket Extension Order.pdf

Due to the current situation, there will NOT be a Law Day program this year. However, the Bar DOES want to recognize the Jim Bowmer Lawyer of the Year, Public Sector Lawyer of the Year, and Young Lawyer of the Year.

A PDF fillable ballot is attached. Please take a moment and nominate for the awards. Please email your completed ballot back to the Bar (bellcobar@gmail.com); all nominations are confidential AND MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 3 P.M. ON MAY 20, 2020.

 Winners will be announced via email and the Bar's website following the June 10, 2020, Board meeting.

 Also, the following attorneys were elected to the expiring / vacant Board positions: John Gauntt, Jr.; Cari Starritt-Burnett, Kyle Watkins and our newest Board member, attorney Jay Stapler. Congratulations to all and thank you for serving on the Board!!!

2020 LAW DAY NOMINATION FORM.pdf

5-4-20 CCLCriminal Dockets - Updated procedures.pdf

Revised COVID-19 Administrative Order - April 28 2020.pdf

12th Emergency Order - Supreme Court.pdf

Memo Updated Procedures 4.24.20.pdf