Inside a Texas Courtroom: What Judges Wish You Knew with Judge Christina "Tina" Hartmann

This episode features a conversation with Judge Tina Hartman, making her the podcast's first sitting judge guest. The discussion centers on the expectations and unspoken rules judges wish defendants and attendees knew when coming to court.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Appropriate Court Attire (00:55): Judge Hartman stresses the need to dress respectfully for the institution. The hosts emphatically state: "Don't ever wear shorts to court ever." They recommend checking the court's dress code, avoiding clothes advertising illegal substances or alcohol (especially for related charges), and assure that accommodations can be made for those who cannot afford appropriate attire.
• Court Arrival Time (03:19): Defendants should be present before the court's start time (typically 9 AM) to ensure they are marked as present during the docket call. Showing up late or failing to check in can lead to a warrant being issued.
• Interacting with the Judge (04:47): A defendant rarely has to speak to the judge, especially during a first appearance. The judge primarily needs to know about legal representation. Attendees are warned against approaching the judge or staff to talk about the case, as the judge must remain neutral.
• Writing to the Judge (06:45): Writing letters directly to the judge is not helpful; the judge will likely not read it (to maintain neutrality), but the prosecutor will receive a copy, potentially exposing more facts about the case.
• Case Resets and Presence (07:41): Cases are often reset for negotiation or conferral, but the defendant is still expected to attend all scheduled court dates as it's typically a bond condition and they have the right to be present at most hearings.
• Plea Bargains (08:40): The judge does not know about plea bargain offers unless the defendant is accepting an agreed plea. They remain detached from negotiations to stay neutral.
• Legal Advice (09:34): Court staff, clerks, and the judge cannot give legal advice—that is the role of an attorney.
• Addressing the Court (10:59): The safest and most common way to address a judge is "Your Honor," though "Yes, Judge" or "Yes, Ma'am/Sir" may also be acceptable in some courts, provided it shows respect.
• Bringing Family/Support (13:12): Generally, courtrooms are open and public, allowing family members to attend, provided there is seating and they are well-behaved. A critical exception is if the defendant has bond conditions prohibiting contact with a person who attempts to attend.
• Leaving Court (14:31): Attendees are not free to leave until their case is done for the day and the court or their attorney has excused them.
• Absence/Lateness (15:29): If running late or unable to attend, immediately contact your lawyer or the court coordinator/clerk. Do not assume you can go home or come back the next day, as this will likely result in a warrant.
• Interacting with Inmates in Court (17:27): Family members cannot pass notes, money, or items to loved ones who are in custody in the courtroom. Deputies are in charge of security and generally do not allow physical contact (like hugs), as the inmate is still in the custody of the Sheriff's Department.
• The Judge's Role in Dismissal (22:22): The judge does not have the authority to unilaterally dismiss a case. A Motion to Dismiss must be filed by the State (prosecution), as it is the State's case.
• Pet Peeve (27:32): Judge Hartman's biggest pet peeve is when people are rude to each other, the court, or their attorneys. She expects everyone to be treated with respect.

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