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Justice Center Operations

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Williamson County Justice Center

The front steps of the Williamson County Justice Center

Whether you are visiting this site because you have been summoned to serve as a juror, or you are an attorney representing your client, or you are a party for a case being heard in the Justice Center, we welcome you!

Over the past year, Williamson County has been quite successful in transitioning to virtual operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are very sensitive to the health concerns created by COVID-19, and because of this, the Judges at the Justice Center will continue to conduct Court business via video whenever possible.  However, as our community gradually reopens, the Justice Center is also beginning to expand in-person operations.  Please continue reading for details on procedures at the Williamson County Justice Center and other information you may find helpful.

Stay safe, and be well!

 
Minimum Health Protocols

Effective 3/10/2021

The Williamson County Justice Center will be using the following health protocols until further notice:

  • Temperature checks must be taken at the door, and an individual with a temperature above 99.6ºF will not be able to enter the building;
  • Masks are required for entry to, and should be worn at all times in, the Justice Center, including in courtrooms and public spaces (except when alone in a space); and
  • Social distancing is required while at the building.

These health protocols have been adopted pursuant to the 36th Emergency Order of the Texas Supreme Court, and after consultation with Judge Bill Gravell, Dr. Vinita Magoon, the Local Health Authority, and her designee, Dr. Jeff Jarvis. 

 
Justice Center Operating Plan

Effective March 10, 2021, the Board of Judges adopted the Second Revised Operating Plan.  This plan governs operations at the Justice Center, including rules related to in-person hearings and jury trials. Counsel are urged to review and retain a copy of the plan and of the Quick Reference Guide, which summarizes the key elements of the Operating Plan, for ease of reference over the coming months.

The operating plan will be re-visited in mid-May and further directions will be issued before June 1, 2021.

 
COVID-19 Precautions at Williamson County Justice Facilities

The judges and staff of the Williamson County Justice Center have consulted with the Williamson County and Cities Health District [link to WCCHD] and developed measures to protect the health ad welfare of all court participants.  Please review the video below for details about the precautions that have been taken to keep you safe in the Williamson County Justice Center.

Important

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or recent exposure to COVID-19, please do not come to the Justice Center or any other Court facility. Please contact your medical provider for further guidance.

Screening

  • Anyone entering the Justice Center or any other Court facility, including staff, jurors, witnesses ,parties, and attorneys, will have their temperature taken. 
  • Individuals who have an elevated temperature will not be allowed to enter the Court facility.

Face Coverings

  • All persons entering a Court facility are required to wear a face covering (mask) at all times, unless they are in a group who are not recommended to wear a mask per Centers for Disease Control or Texas Department of Health Services guidelines.
  • All participants are required to wear face coverings in Courtrooms.
  • A person who must lower their face covering to speak must be behind a plastic shield.

Social Distancing

  • Social distancing will be required in Court facilities, including limits on the capacity of rooms and elevators.

Cleaning & Disinfection

  • Hand sanitizer will be available throughout Court facilities.
  • Frequent cleaning of courtrooms and other facilities will take place at breaks and throughout each day, including an in-depth cleaning each evening.
  • Shared spaces (such as witness stands) will be cleaned during transition of the spaces.

Other Protective Measures

  • Disposable microphone covers will be used on microphones that are shared (i.e. witness stand microphone).
  • Judges have requested that attorneys limit the use of physical or paper evidence and use digital evidence instead if possible.  If physical evidence must be passed, individuals will be provided with gloves to wear when handling the exhibit/evidence.