Frequently Asked Questions
Virtual Court Program
- How do I reach my client?
- How do I submit the plea agreement for my client to review?
- How do I submit a virtual court request?
- What happens if the inmate transfers from one unit to another?
- How do I cancel a hearing?
- How do I schedule a telephonic hearing?
- Can I refer another court or employee to the portal?
- How many valid orders can the court submit at any given time?
- What virtual conferencing software can be used?
- Can the inmate refuse to participate?
- Why is the “checklist” so important?
- What happens if there is no power on the unit?
- Why is virtual court limited to one hour?
- What are breakout sessions?
- Will TDCJ use force to ensure that an inmate appears for a virtual hearing?
Call the unit of assignment and speak with the law librarian. After being properly vetted, the attorney may request a telephone call with the inmate.
How do I submit the plea agreement for my client to review?
If there is a hearing already scheduled and approved, the court can submit the plea agreements to tdcjvirtualcourt@tdcj.texas.gov, and the documents will be printed and provided to the inmate prior to the hearing.
How do I submit a virtual court request?
The Virtual Court office is not permitted to accept court orders from attorneys. They must be submitted by court personnel as described in BP-03.81.
All court orders requesting a virtual hearing must be submitted to tdcjvirtualcourt@tdcj.texas.gov.
What happens if the inmate transfers from one unit to another?
The valid court order will remain attached to the inmate record as the inmate transfers from one unit to another.
The authorized court staff must send an e-mail to tdcjvirtualcourt@tdcj.texas.gov to cancel a hearing and login to the portal and cancel the hearing.
How do I schedule a telephonic hearing?
The authorized court staff must call the unit of assignment and request to speak with the law library. The unit's law library staff will assist further because each unit is responsible for setting their own telephonic hearings.
Can I refer another court or employee to the portal?
Yes, other courts and staff of the judiciary can be referred to the Virtual Court Program. Before they create a profile, they must e-mail tdcjvirtualcourt@tdcj.texas.gov to request access to the scheduling tool. Once TDCJ receives their request, we will provide the necessary information to proceed with creating a profile and utilizing the virtual court services.
How many valid orders can the court submit at any given time?
There is no limit to the number of orders the court may submit.
What virtual conferencing software can be used?
We are permitted to utilize Zoom and Webex.
Can the inmate refuse to participate?
Yes. An inmate may refuse to participate by signing an inmate refusal form.
Why is the “checklist” so important?
The “checklist” serves as a notification of the status or disposition of the proceeding and ensures the inmate record can be updated appropriately. Failure to return the checklist has the potential to impact an inmate’s classification and release dates.
What happens if there is no power on the unit?
Virtual Court is rescheduled in the event of a power outage. If this happens, the Virtual Court office will e-mail the court.
Why is virtual court limited to one hour?
The Virtual Court Program is best suited for preliminary matters, uncontested issues, or proceedings that can be resolved or completed within one hour. This approach promotes equal access to courts across all judicial jurisdictions, ensuring timely and consistent adjudication regardless of geographic location.
A breakout session allows the inmate and their attorney to speak privately in a designated “breakout room” controlled by the court. While the inmate will be visually monitored by TDCJ staff, TDCJ staff will not be able to hear the conversation between the inmate and their attorney.
Will TDCJ use force to ensure that an inmate appears for a virtual hearing?
No, TDCJ will not use force against an inmate to make them appear for a virtual hearing. TDCJ will only use force when necessary and in compliance with the TDCJ’s Behavioral Intervention Plan.