Author Archives: Matthew Carpenter

​We have had recent reports that potential jurors are receiving scam phone calls regarding jury duty.  The U.S. Marshals and the FBI are alerting the public of several nationwide imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement officials. During these calls, scammers attempt to collect a fine in lieu of arrest due to a claim of identity theft, failing to report for jury duty, or other offenses. Anyone who suspects a jury scam should not provide the requested Continue reading →

Effective January 8, 2024 through February 17, 2024, Judge Counts’ courtroom in the Midland division will be closed for renovation. All audiovisual equipment in this room is being upgraded during this time. Details on the services to be available will be posted in the courtroom guidance for this location prior to the completion of the project. If you are a practicing attorney in this courthouse, communication will be sent about the changes and technical sessions to visit the space in the near future. Check local Continue reading →

The technology upgrade scheduled in Judge Pitman’s courtroom (courtroom four in Austin) has completed. All attorneys with scheduled proceedings in this courtroom must review the published information on these changes and be prepated accordingly. To schedule time to visit the courtroom, test equipment, and request any clarification needed, contact the chamber to do so. Generally speaking, all connections in the room are HDMI, along with new wireless connection options for evidence presentation. Although prior physical connections were also HDMI, infrastructure was modernized and therefore all Continue reading →

Effective October 23, 2023 through November 10, 2023, Judge Pitman’s courtroom on the fifth floor will be closed for renovation. All audiovisual equipment in this room is being upgraded during this time. Details on the services to be available will be posted in the courtroom guidance for this location prior to the completion of the project. If you are a practicing attorney in this courthouse, communication will be sent about the changes and technical sessions to visit the space in the near future.

Effective immediately, the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas has implemented a threshold on its ECF website to limit the number of data retrieval attempts for a single connection. Any connection that exceeds the court’s threshold will be temporarily blocked and re-directed to an explanation page.  This action is being taken to improve the site’s stability and ensure quality service to the public. We do not anticipate that customers who are logged into our ECF site on a day-to-day basis will Continue reading →

In accordance with Part IV of the Standing Order Establishing A+, A, and B Panels for Civil Appointments in the San Antonio Division and Supplementing Amended Plan for Reimbursement of Counsel (W.D. Tex. Apr. 1, 2021), all attorneys in private practice admitted in the San Antonio Division will be placed on one of three panels for pro bono appointment in civil cases. As indicated by the Order, placement depends on each attorney’s experience, expertise, and interest in handling pro bono matters. This page allows you Continue reading →

In Memoriam Judge Philip R. Martinez July 13, 1957 – February 26, 2021 The Western District of Texas is mourning the loss of our esteemed colleague District Judge Phil R. Martinez who passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021.  Judge Martinez was a native El Pasoan and received his education at the University of Texas at El Paso and Harvard Law School where he earned his Juris Doctorate.  He served as a judge on the El Paso County Court at Law #1 from 1991- 1994, Continue reading →