Midland Texas Criminal Lawyer

MIDLAND COUNTY CRIMINAL LAWYER
Attorney James (Jim) Sullivan and Associates,
Texas Criminal Defense Attorney

The Midland, Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan and his associate have handled over 6000 cases and have over 55 combined years experience defending adults and juveniles in criminal, juvenile, and family courts in Midland County and throughout the State of Texas.

Midland, Texas Lawyer Jim Sullivan is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the State of Texas. Juvenile Law is different than criminal law.

Midland, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Jim Sullivan represents clients charged with crimes in State and Federal courts in Houston, Galveston, Midland, Texas, Beaumont, San Antonio, Waco, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Tyler, Sherman, Del Rio, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Mc Allen, El Paso and all counties in Texas. The Principal Office of Jim Sullivan is located in Houston; however, Attorney Jim Sullivan appears in all criminal, juvenile, and family courts in Texas. Appointments in all other cities are available.

Midland County Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan and his associate have over 55 years combined experience representing persons accused of committing criminal violations of State and Federal law. Together, Sullivan and his associate have been the attorneys of record in over 6000 cases and are anticipating their 1000th case dismissal.

Midland, Texas Criminal Attorney Jim Sullivan treats every person he represents as if he were a friend and neighbor. When you call, likely Jim Sullivan or an associate will answer your call themselves. You will be dealing with Attorneys, not secretaries, assistants, or answering machines.

If we can be of any assistance, or you just want to talk about your situation, please call Midland County Criminal Defense Attorney Jim Sullivan at 281-546-6428.
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Juvenile Justice Center
3800 N. Lamesa Rd.
Midland, TX 79701
Phone: 432.688.4541
Fax: 432.688.4921

Facility Administrator	Tommy Morris


Supervisor/Agency Trainer	Raymond Bill
Officer	Sergio Borunda
Officer	Angel Carrasco
Supervisor	David Cavin
Detention Services Supervisor	Margaret Ceballos
Officer	Chrystell Chandler
Officer	Robert Coffield
Officer	Loretta Cottrell
Officer	Veronica Diaz
Officer	Jimmy Gray
Officer	Rosa Henderson
Supervisor	Hope Hernandez
Supervisor/Purchasing Coordinator	Willie Hubert
Officer	Sandra Martinez
Supervisor	Thomas David McClure
Officer	Victoria Olgin
Officer	Jeremy Quilimaco
Officer	Johnny Quilimaco
Officer	Charles Roseberry
Officer	Daisy Scurlark
Supervisor	Daniel Venzke
Officer	Young Vera
Officer	Sheila Young
County Court at Law
500 N. Loraine St.
Suite Number 6
Midland, TX 79701
Phone: 432.688.4460
Fax: 432.688.4929
Jury Phone In: 432.688.4902

Judge	Kyle Peeler
Receptionist	Rose Mary Ceniceros
Court Reporter	Trina Finnell
Court Administrator	Shirley Rogers
Bailiff	Jake Ussery

County Court-At-Law 2
500 N. Loraine St.
Suite Number 6
Midland, TX 79701
Phone: 432.688.4460
Fax: 432.688.4929
Jury Phone In: 432.688.4902

Judge	Marvin L. Moore
Bailiff	John Sikes
Court Report	Karen Tucker

142nd District Courts

500 N. Loraine St.

Suite Number 1050

Midland, TX 79701

Phone: 432.688.4375

Fax: 432.688.4923

Jury Phone In: 432.688.4901

Judge			George D. "Jody" Gilles
Bailiff			Robert Carouth
Court Reporter			Melissa Crooks
Court Coordinator			Sylvia Russell
318th District Court
500 N. Loraine St.
Suite Number 900
Midland, TX 79701
Phone: 432.688.4390
Fax: 432.688.4924
Jury Phone In: 432.688.4901

Judge			Dean Rucker
Court Reporter			Laquita Dettman
Court Administrator			Ana O'Bryant
Bailiff			Joe Ortiz
441st District Court
500 N. Loraine St.
Suite Number 901
Midland, TX 79701
Phone: 432.688.4520
Fax: 432.688.4981
Jury Phone In: 432.688.4901

Judge	Rodney Satterwhite
Court Administrator	Nancy Berdoza
Court Reporter	Monica Lancaster
Bailiff	Greg Travland
238th District Courts
500 N. Loraine St.
Suite Number 800
Midland, TX 79701
Phone: 432.688.4380
Fax: 432.688.4933
Jury Phone In: 432.688.4901

Judge	John G. Hyde
Bailiff	Larry Benningfield
Court Coordinator	Cindy Hall
Court Reporter	Ronnie Pate
385th District Courts
500 N. Loraine St.
Suite Number 801
Midland, TX 79701
Phone: 432.688.4385
Fax: 432.688.4935
Jury Phone In: 432.688.4901

Judge			Robin Darr
Court Coordinator			Heather Henderson
Court Reporter			Jerry Lancaster
Bailiff			Keith Morris
District Attorney
500 N. Loraine St.
Midland, TX 79701
Phone: 432.688.4410
Fax: 432.688.4938

District Attorney

Teresa Clingman

Administrative

1st Assistant

Eric Kalenak

Senior Staff Attorney

Ralph Petty

1st Assistant

Steve Stallings

Felony Office

Phone: 432.688.4411
Fax: 432.688.4938

Sandra Edge

238th District Court: Trial Team Chief

Tim Flathers

Erika Gonzales

385th District Court: ADA

Rob Hayden

441st District Court: ADA

Tommy Hull

238th District Court: ADA

Cannon Jones

JoAnn Lara

Nicole Ledergerber

385th District Court: ADA

Michael McCarthy

441st District Court: Trial Team Chief

Laura Nodolf

Noehelia Nunez

142nd District Court: Trial Team Chief

Leah Robertson

142nd District Court: ADA

James Russell

385th District Court: Trial Team Chief

Carolyn Thurmond

Hot Check Office

Phone: 432.688.4413
Fax: 432.688.4936

Rachael Guebara

Mary Lou Molinar

Eloisa Sanchez

Investigator Office

Phone: 432.688.4412
Fax: 432.688.4919

Pat Bostick

Bill Boyd

Dale Burns

Richard Gillette

Kenneth Moten

Mario Tinajero

Misdemeanor Division

Phone: 432.688.4412
Fax: 432.688.4937

Ingrid Baeza

Gracie Corralez

Whitney Fawks

ADA

Caitlin Holland

ADA

Stacey Jewett

ADA

Omar Khawaja

ADA

Stephen Randall

Isabel Reyes

Trial Team Chief

Michael Rittenberry

ADA

Andrew Van der Hoeven

Protective Orders Office

Phone: 432.688.4417
Fax: 432.688.4958

Amber Griffith

Samantha Luna

Victim/Witness Office

Phone: 432.688.4416
Fax: 432.688.4958

Jana Anderson

Kara Welch

Midland County Sheriffs Office
P.O. Box 11287
Midland, TX 79702
(432) 688-4600


Criminal Investigation Division	(432) 688-4620
Patrol Division	(432) 688-4640
Civil Division	(432) 688-4670
Warrant Division	(432) 688-4680
Detention Division (Central)	(432) 688-4745
Detention Division (Downtown)	(432) 688-4530
Records Division	(432) 688-4660
Courthouse Security	(432) 688-4650

TITLE 1. RULES GOVERNING ALL PROCEEDINGS

RULE 1.1 CONDUCT AND COURTROOM DECORUM

Policy

Judges and attorneys have a duty to uphold the highest standards of conduct and to earn and promote public respect for the judiciary, the legal profession and the American system of justice.

The Texas Lawyer's Creed

The Standards of Professional Conduct in Section IV of The Texas Lawyer's Creed, as promulgated by the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals are adopted and incorporated herein by reference as guidelines for participating in litigation in the District, Constitutional and Statutory County Courts of Midland County.

Conduct Required of Counsel

Counsel shall timely appear before the court at each setting and following each recess.
Counsel shall be appropriately attired for all court proceedings.

Male attorneys shall be dressed neatly in business suits or sportcoats, with appropriately contrasting slacks, dress shirt and tie. The shirt collar shall be buttoned. Blue jeans, resort wear, sportswear and similar clothing are not considered appropriate courtroom attire.
Female attorneys shall be dressed in conservative dress or business attire. Split skirts, blue jeans, jumpsuits, resort wear, sportswear and similar clothing are not considered appropriate courtroom attire.

Counsel shall rise and remain standing while addressing the Court.
Counsel shall address all statements, requests and objections to the Court and not to opposing counsel.
Counsel shall not argue objections in the presence of the jury without prior leave of court.
Counsel shall not interrupt or talk over opposing counsel, except to state formal objections.
Counsel shall remain behind counsel table while examining witnesses. If requested by counsel, counsel may stand at a podium while examining witnesses.
Counsel shall neither make nor insinuate derogatory or insulting remarks about opposing counsel.
Counsel shall address the Court as "Your Honor" or "Judge" and except with leave of court, shall refer to all counsel, parties and witnesses (except children) by their surnames, using such titles as Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., etc., as appropriate, and not by first names or nicknames, or any discriminatory or inappropriate classification.
Counsel shall neither exit nor enter the bar while court is in session without prior permission of the Court or the bailiff.
Counsel shall request leave of court before approaching the bench or to approach the witness when necessary to work with documentary or tangible evidence.
Counsel shall not lean on the bench except as may be necessary to prevent jurors from overhearing bench conferences. Counsel shall not engage in personal discussions with the Court or each other during trial while in the presence of jurors, parties, or witnesses.
Counsel shall advise counsel's clients, witnesses and others subject to counsel's control of these rules of conduct and courtroom decorum.

Conduct Required of All Persons

All persons in the courtroom during trials and other proceedings shall be attentive to the proceedings and shall refrain from any action which may disrupt the proceedings. Therefore, all persons shall comply with the following:

All persons shall be appropriately attired for court proceedings.

All persons entering the courtroom shall be dressed in clothing reasonably befitting the dignity and solemnity of court proceedings. Tank tops, T-shirts, shorts, thongs, and clothing that is tattered or soiled are among those items of clothing not considered appropriate courtroom attire. No hats, caps or sunglasses shall be worn in the courtroom.

No tobacco use in any form is permitted.
No bottles, beverage containers, paper cups or edibles are allowed in the courtroom, except as permitted by the Court.
No gum chewing is permitted.
No reading of newspapers, books, or magazines is permitted.
No propping of feet on tables or chairs is permitted.
No talking or unnecessary noise is permitted which interferes with the court proceeding.
No person may, by facial expression, shaking or nodding of the head, or by any other conduct, express approval or disapproval of any testimony, statement or transaction in the courtroom.
All persons shall rise when the judge enters the courtroom, and at such other times as the bailiff shall instruct.
No person shall bring packages, suitcases, boxes, duffel bags, shopping bags or containers into the courtroom without the prior approval of the bailiff.
No person shall be permitted any verbal or physical contact with a prisoner without the prior approval of the bailiff.
No person shall bring radios, tape recorders, computers, cameras, cellular telephones, pagers or other electronic devices into the courtroom unless the device is required for the court proceeding and prior approval has been given by the bailiff or the Court.

Enforcement

The bailiff of the court shall enforce the rules of conduct and courtroom decorum.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 1.2. REQUESTS FOR CONTINUANCE OR POSTPONEMENT

Consent or Notice Required

No request for a continuance, to pass, postpone or reset any trial, pretrial, or other hearing shall be granted unless counsel for all parties consent, or unless all parties not joining in such request have been notified and have had an opportunity to object.

Contents of Motion

Unless counsel for all parties consent in writing to the request for a continuance and the same is approved by the Court, a motion must be filed pursuant to Rule 251, et seq. of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended or Article 29.01, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, as applicable, and the motion must be accompanied by an order setting the motion for a hearing. Any motion that does not meet these requirements will be denied without prejudice to the right to refile.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 1.3. CONFLICT IN TRIAL SETTINGS

Duty of Counsel to Notify Court

Whenever an attorney has two or more cases on trial dockets for trial at the same time, it shall be the duty of the attorney to bring the matter to the attention of the courts concerned immediately upon learning of the conflicting settings.

Priority of Cases In Event of Conflict

Insofar as practicable, the affected courts shall attempt to agree upon which case shall have priority. Absent such agreement, conflicting trial settings shall be resolved in the following priority:

Federal cases
Temporary injunctions
Criminal cases against defendants who are detained in jail pending trial
Cases given statutory preference
Preferentially set cases, other than those given statutory preference
The earliest set case

History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

TITLE 2. RULES GOVERNING CIVIL PROCEEDINGS

RULE 2.1. APPLICATION FOR EX PARTE ORDERS

Counsel presenting any application for an ex parte order shall, at the time the application is presented to the Court, certify in writing that:

to the best of counsel's knowledge, the party against whom the relief is sought is not represented by counsel; or

if the party against whom the relief is sought is represented by counsel, that (i) such counsel has been notified of the application and does not wish to be heard by the Court thereon; or (ii) counsel presenting the application has diligently attempted to notify opposing counsel, has been unable to do so, and the circumstances do not permit additional efforts to give such notice.

History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 2.2. PRETRIAL AND TRIAL SETTINGS

At any time after the filing of an answer or entry of an appearance by the opposing party, any party may request a setting for a trial on the merits or, where applicable, a pretrial hearing, by (i) filing with the Court a motion requesting a hearing, and an order setting the hearing, accompanied by a certificate of service to opposing counsel; or (ii) orally requesting the Court to schedule the hearing and confirming the setting by letter addressed to the Court, a copy of which shall be served on opposing counsel in accordance with Rule 21a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended. All requests for a setting shall include an estimate of the amount of court time required for the hearing.
Prior to requesting a setting, counsel shall attempt to coordinate a setting with opposing counsel.

History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 2.3. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL

Withdrawal

Withdrawal of counsel shall be governed by Rule 10 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended, and the following rules.

Notice to Client

If another attorney is not to be substituted as attorney for the party or if the party does not consent to the motion to withdraw, the withdrawing attorney shall notify the client in writing that the Court will be requested to sign an order granting the withdrawal on or after ten (10) days following the date of such notice. Notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.

No Delay of Trial

Unless allowed in the discretion of the Court, no motion to withdraw shall be granted that is presented within thirty (30) days of the trial date or at such time as to require a delay of trial.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 2.4. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Policy

It shall be the policy of the courts of Midland County, Texas to encourage the peaceable resolution of disputes and early settlement of pending litigation, including family law litigation, by referral to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) pursuant to the Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures Act, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 154.

ADR Mandatory

No trial on the merits shall be conducted in any case until all contested issues have been referred to an ADR procedure, and ADR has been unsuccessful; or the Court has determined that ADR is inappropriate for the case.

Manner of Referral

It is anticipated that the parties shall cooperate in referring such issues to an ADR procedure under terms and conditions as are mutually agreeable, without the need for court intervention. If the parties are unable to cooperate or agree to a referral of such issues to an ADR procedure, then upon written notification to the Court by one of the parties that efforts to coordinate a referral have been unsuccessful, the Court, without a hearing, shall enter an order of referral to an ADR procedure, and under such terms and conditions selected by the Court.

Objection to Referral

If the Court enters an order of referral to an ADR procedure, any party may object to such referral pursuant to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 154. Upon the filing of an objection, the Court shall schedule a hearing. If the Court finds that there is a reasonable basis for the objection, the Court may, in its discretion, order that the case not be referred to an ADR procedure and order the case set for trial on the merits.

Discovery Abated

After the case has been referred to an ADR procedure by the parties or the Court, no further discovery under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure shall be conducted, except by written agreement of the parties filed with the clerk of the Court, or by court order.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 2.5. DISMISSAL FOR WANT OF PROSECUTION

Procedure

The Court, on its own motion, may dismiss a case for want of prosecution. The procedure provided in Rule 165a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended, shall apply.

Reasons For Dismissal

A case may be dismissed for want of prosecution for any of the following reasons:

Failure of a party seeking affirmative relief to take appropriate action when the case has been pending without action for six months.
Failure of counsel for a party seeking affirmative relief to appear for a pretrial or preliminary hearing, particularly if there has been a previous failure to appear or no motion has been timely filed to meet the exceptions previously sustained.
Failure of a party seeking affirmative relief to make an announcement as scheduled when the case has been set for trial.

History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 2.6. ORDERS AND DECREES

Reduction to Writing Within Sixty (60) Days

Within sixty (60) days after rendition, announcement of the Court's ruling or announcement of settlement by counsel, counsel shall cause all judgments, decrees or orders of any kind to be reduced to writing, forwarded to opposing counsel for approval as to form, and delivered to the Court for signing.

Dismissal if Written Order Not Furnished

Upon failure to furnish the Court with a judgment, order or decree disposing of the case within the sixty (60) day period, the Court shall place the case on the next regularly scheduled dismissal docket, whereupon the case may be dismissed and costs may be taxed at the Court's discretion.

Procedure for Entry of Order

If counsel is unable to secure all opposing counsel's approval as to form, counsel may:

File a motion for entry of the proposed judgment, order or decree and secure a hearing for the same, with notice to all opposing counsel pursuant to Rule 21a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. At a hearing, the Court may assess costs and attorney's fees within the Court's discretion; or
Present the Court with the proposed judgment, decree or order, together with a letter requesting the Court to sign the same if the Court has not received a written objection from opposing counsel within ten (10) days from the date of the letter. Each party who submits a proposed judgment for signature shall serve the proposed judgment and a copy of the letter on all other parties who have appeared and remain in the case, in accordance with Rule 21a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. If the Court receives a written objection from opposing counsel within the stated time, the proponent of the judgment, decree or order shall schedule a hearing for entry of the same pursuant to subdivision 1 of this rule.

History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

TITLE 3. RULES GOVERNING CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IN DISTRICT COURTS

RULE 3.1. ARRAIGNMENT

After indictment, all defendants, their attorneys and bondpersons shall be notified and are required to personally appear for the defendant's formal arraignment. No waiver of arraignment shall be allowed except for good cause shown.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 3.2. SCHEDULING OF PLEAS

Plea Information

The District Attorney and counsel for the defendant shall complete a plea information form promulgated by the courts. A completed plea information form shall be filed with the District Clerk or the court coordinator, as the Court directs. No plea hearing shall be scheduled until a completed plea information form has been filed with the proper designee.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 3.3. DUTIES OF COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL

All court appointed criminal defense counsel shall be required to do the following:

Appear promptly at all times required by the Court.
It shall be counsel's continuing duty to visit an incarcerated defendant regularly until the defendant's case is concluded. Counsel's continuing duty to visit the defendant in jail is not satisfied simply by accepting collect telephone calls from an incarcerated defendant. Counsel should be able to assure the trial court that counsel has devoted sufficient time to visit an incarcerated defendant should a dispute arise concerning counsel's fulfillment of this duty.
Ensure that an incarcerated defendant is provided with appropriate attire for a jury trial. This provision shall not be construed to permit counsel to purchase clothing for a defendant without first seeking the approval of the Court.

History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 3.4. WITHDRAWAL OF RETAINED COUNSEL

Absent good cause shown, retained defense counsel in criminal proceedings shall not be permitted to withdraw from representation of a defendant unless the defendant has employed other defense counsel, and provided that the substitution of counsel does not interfere with the orderly disposition of the criminal proceeding.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

TITLE 4. (Reserved For Expansion)

TITLE 5. RULES GOVERNING FAMILY LAW PROCEEDINGS

RULE 5.1. TEMPORARY HEARINGS

Scheduling

All temporary hearings shall be set on a date and at a time scheduled by the Court. At the time set for the temporary hearing, counsel shall make an announcement of the estimate of time required to present the case.

b. Notice Required When Responding Party Seeking Affirmative Relief

An application to the Court for a temporary order and notice of any hearing thereon which is presented by a party responding to an application for temporary orders in which that party is seeking affirmative relief shall be served on the adverse party in accordance with Rule 5 and Rule 21a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended.

Time Limits

In all matters in which managing conservatorship is in issue, the parties shall be granted not more than three (3) hours to present the case, which time shall be equally divided. In all other temporary matters, including a modification of a temporary order, the parties shall be granted not more than one (1) hour to present the case, which time shall be equally divided. Counsel should request a special setting at the time the application for temporary relief is presented to the Court for scheduling when, because of unusual circumstances, the time limits are unworkable or inappropriate. The Court shall determine the amount of time that shall be allotted for the hearing.

Order of Cases

All cases in which counsel announce a settlement shall be heard first. All other cases shall be docketed according to counsel's announcement, with those matters requiring the least amount of time to be heard first.

Documents Required

In all cases in which temporary support of a spouse and /or the child is in issue, each party shall be required to furnish:

A statement of monthly income and expenses in a form substantially similar to that attached to these rules as Appendix 1.
Copies of that party's federal income tax returns for the two calendar years prior to the temporary hearing.
All payroll statements, pay stubs, W2 forms, and 1099 forms which evidence that party's earnings for the calendar year prior to the temporary hearing and from January 1 of the current year through the date of the temporary hearing.
All checking account statements, including all canceled checks, deposit slips and check registers, all savings account statements, including all deposit and withdrawal slips, to or from which that party has made any deposits or withdrawals during the two years prior to the temporary hearing.
Copies of any financial statements filed by that party with any financial institution in the two years prior to the hearing.

Duration of Orders

No temporary order shall exceed one hundred and eighty (180) days in duration from the date the order is signed, except by agreement of the parties or order of the Court.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 5.2. PARENT EDUCATION AND FAMILY STABILIZATION COURSE

Course Mandatory

All parties in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship, including an action to modify an order in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship, shall attend and complete a parent education and family stabilization course approved by the court in which the suit is pending. Except as provided herein, the provisions governing a parent education and family stabilization course in Section 105.009, Texas Family Code, as amended, shall apply.

Waiver of Course

For good cause shown, after notice and hearing, the court may waive the requirement of a course. If a party claims an inability to afford to take a course, and the court finds the claim is meritorious, the court may order that party to attend and complete a course that is offered on a sliding scale fee or without charge, if a course of that type is available.

Deadline for Completion

Each party shall complete the course prior to a final hearing on the merits of the case.

Verification of Attendance

Each party completing the course shall file a certificate of completion with the court within thirty (30) days of completion of the course, or at the time of that party's next court appearance, whichever is sooner.

Sanctions

If a party fails to attend and complete the course, the court may make such orders with regard to the failure as are just, including holding the party in contempt of court, striking pleadings, or invoking any sanction provided by Rule 215, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended.
History: Amended effective November 2, 1999. Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 5.3. INVENTORY AND APPRAISEMENT

Inventory and Appraisement Required

In all cases in which the character, value or division of property or debts is in issue, each party shall file, not less than thirty (30) days prior to trial, a sworn inventory and appraisement of all of the separate and community property owned or claimed by the parties and all debts and liabilities owed by the parties. It is recommended that each party file this inventory in a form substantially similar to Form 5-1 of the Texas Family Law Practice Manual published by the State Bar of Texas or in a form substantially similar to that attached as Appendix 2.

Composite Inventory and Appraisement

After each party's sworn inventory and appraisement has been filed, the parties shall file a composite inventory and appraisement in a form substantially similar to that attached as Appendix 2. The Petitioner shall initiate the composite inventory and forward it to the Respondent for completion not less than fourteen (14) days prior to trial. The Respondent shall complete and file the composite inventory with the Court and serve a copy of the same on the Petitioner not less than seven (7) days prior to trial.

Sanctions for Failure to File

If a party or the parties fail to prepare and/or file the initial inventory or the composite inventory as required, the Court may conduct a pretrial hearing and make such orders with regard to the failure as are just, including but not limited to, sanctions pursuant to Rule 215(2)(b) of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 5.4. CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES

Automatic Referral to Attorney General

Each order or decree which provides for child support to be paid through the registry of the District Clerk of Midland County, Texas shall include and shall be deemed to include, an application for child support services provided by the District Clerk and the Texas Attorney General pursuant to Chapter 76, Texas Human Resources Code, as amended. This rule shall apply to all orders for child support, whether entered before or after the effective date of these rules.

Fees for Services

A reasonable fee, to be set by the district and statutory county court judges, may be collected by the District Clerk at the time a suit affecting the parent-child relationship is filed.

May Decline Services

A person entitled to receive child support services may decline such services on forms provided by the Texas Attorney General at the time collection efforts are initiated. Only the services of the Texas Attorney General may be declined.

Record of Order of Child Support

Whenever the Court orders the payment of child support, modifies or enforces a child support order, the obligee or the obligee's attorney shall complete a record of order of child support. Forms shall be available from the District Clerk and shall be completed and delivered to the District Clerk immediately after the hearing, although the Court's ruling may not have been reduced to writing at that time.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

TITLE 6. (Reserved For Expansion)

TITLE 7. MISCELLANEOUS

RULE 7.1. AUTHORITY FOR RULES

These rules are adopted pursuant to the Texas Government Code, Section 75.011 and Rule 3a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended, and the constitutional, statutory and inherent powers of the courts to regulate proceedings before them and to provide for the orderly and efficient dispatch of litigation.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 7.2. TITLE AND CITATION

These rules shall be known as the Midland County Local Rules of Practice of the District, Constitutional and Statutory County Courts or the Midland County Local Rules.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 7.3. PARTIAL CIVIL INVALIDITY

In the event any of the foregoing rules or any part thereof is held to be invalid for any reason, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining rules and parts of rules, all of which have been separately numbered and adopted.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 7.4. TERMS

The terms counsel, lawyer, and attorney of record as used in these rules shall apply to an individual litigant in the event a party appears pro se.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 7.5. CONSTRUCTION OF RULES

Unless otherwise expressly provided, the past, present or future tense shall each include the other; the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall each include the other; and the singular and plural shall each include the other.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

RULE 7.6. APPLICATION OF RULES

These rules supersede any prior local rules of practice. These rules shall become effective upon approval by the Texas Supreme Court.
History: Adopted effective May 29, 1998.

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