Shares

While it is good news for some that “out of an abundance of caution,” city and county services are forced to halt or delay certain court and jail services due to the coronavirus, we sometimes forget about those who are on the inside and hoping to get out.

The City of Houston has announced that, due to changing circumstances regarding the pandemic and to encourage the health and safety of the public and court staff members from the spread of COVID-19, the Municipal Courts Department has extended the suspension of ALL JURY TRIALS and JURY DUTY through Jan. 31, 2021 in conjunction with the Texas Supreme Court’s Order. The court remains open for all other proceedings.

If your jury trial was scheduled from Sept.1, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2021, resets will continue to be given in person at all City of Houston court locations. The resets began Aug. 1, and will continue through Jan. 23, 2021 until 4 p.m. It is important to note that if an individual fails to reset their case(s) when Municipal Court resumes operations, an arrest warrant may be issued.

In addition to city courts being affected, county services are also having to adjust. One inmate at the Harris County Jail says this is just another blow to an already bad experience. The inmate spoke openly to Bayou Beat News, but we didn’t want her to suffer any ridicule (her complaints are funny enough), so we chose to conceal her name.

“I have been in here for 15 months,” the inmate said. “I was supposed to get released when the pandemic hit, but my court case keeps getting reset due to COVID, and every time it gets scheduled, they change it.”

The woman, who is charged with minor assault, says she was first told she would be getting released, but her court-appointed attorney decided on a jury trial. She complains that a large majority of inmates with minor infractions were released at the beginning of the pandemic, but the remaining ones are being subjected to limited activity and food.

“At first we would get to go to the gym for recreation, but now we don’t get anything. We are literally in our cell all day, except to take a shower,” she shared. “We even eat in our cell and that’s just two sandwiches a day, maybe a boiled egg or an apple as a snack. We use to get chips, but they stopped that.”

The inmate also reported the jail has a certain stench or funk, possibly from poor hygiene and all the boiled eggs. She added that the chips they once had had access to cost $2.50 for a small bag and cans of soda are $1.50 each. Her hopes for a good meal and freedom for the holidays are dwindling.

As far as city services are concerned, members of the public should contact a health care provider and not come to court if they are experiencing symptoms similar to COVID-19. Once cleared by a physician, individuals may visit any City of Houston court location to speak with an Annex Judge to reset a case. Masks/facial coverings must be worn at all times within the courthouse facility. Temperatures will be taken before entry is granted.

Through January 31, 2021, there will be:

NO JURY TRIALS. If you are a DEFENDANT scheduled for jury trial during this period, you do not have to appear. You must reschedule your setting in person no later than Saturday, January 23, 2021 until 4 p.m., to receive a new court date. All jury trials will resume on Monday, February 1, 2021 unless further notification is provided. It is important to note that if an individual fails to reset their case(s) during the reset period by January 23, 2021, an arrest warrant may be issued.

NO JURY DUTY. Jury duty will resume Monday, February 1, 2021 unless further notification is provided.

For additional announcements and information please call the City of Houston Helpline at 3-1-1, or 713.837.0311 if outside of the City of Houston, or visit the Municipal Courts website.