Here is an article that details how Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is expanding their network, including empowering individual giving, to help fight impaired driving.
Fight Impaired Driving with Personal Donations, Webinars, and More!
TJCTC Updates 11.15.2024
Hello!
Happy Friday. We are excited to announce that we are using a new email provider for these e-blasts, so hopefully you will have less trouble receiving them than with our prior software. (It also makes the job of compiling them a bit easier, so we are really crossing our fingers that it works out)!
We have a few resources to share and a big thank you to all of our Inquest Week participants for a great week of virtual training.
Inquest Week
If you missed it, don’t worry, recordings of most sessions will be live in the next few weeks, so look for an update via email soon.
We also want to remind you that we have some great inquest training coming up at both our regular 20-hour conferences and new judge conferences this year.
Juvenile Criminal Diversions
Just a reminder that there is a new self-paced module explaining the new Juvenile/Youth Criminal Diversion requirements in justice courts.
As part of this training, we are sharing sample diversion plans from across the state. Please reach out to mark.zuniga@txstate.edu if you are willing to share yours.
Legal Topic of the Week
Interpreters
If a participant in a court proceeding needs an interpreter for spoken language, or because of a disability affecting their ability to communicate in some other way (American Sign Language, etc.), the court MUST appoint one. Generally, courts will be required to appoint a certified interpreter, but there are limited circumstances where the interpreter does not have to be certified.
A court may appoint a spoken language interpreter who is not a licensed court interpreter:
- in a county with less than 50,000 residents;
- in a county with more than 50,000 residents if the language is not Spanish and the court finds that there is no licensed court interpreter within 75 miles who can interpret in that language; or
- in a county that:
- is part of two or more judicial districts, that has two or more district courts with regular terms, and that is part of a district in which a county borders on the international boundary of the United States and the Republic of Mexico;
- borders on the international boundary of the United States and the Republic of Mexico and that is in a judicial district composed of four counties;
- borders on the international boundary of the United States and the Republic of Mexico and that has three or more district courts or judicial districts wholly within the county; or
- borders on the Gulf of Mexico and that has four or more district courts or judicial districts of which two or more courts or districts are wholly within the county.
- Government Code §§ 57.002, 57.002(d-1); Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 21.021.
Even if a county is not required to provide the licensed interpreter, they still must provide an interpreter that is qualified by the court as an expert, at least 18 years of age, and that is not a party to the suit. See TX Gov’t Code Section §57.002(e).
Did you know we have a module full of information about Interpreters & Spanish Legal Terminology? You can access it on our Self-Paced Module Page – https://www.tjctc.org/onlinelearning/selfpacedmodules.html.
Do you have questions about this email or have something we should share? Please email Amber Myers at a_m1814@txstate.edu with any questions or content to share.
Inquest Week Day 2
Hello Judges!
Inquest Week kicked off yesterday with two great webinars – Beyond the Surface: Delving into Medicolegal Death Investigations of Suicides and Missing Migrants.
The webinars will continue all week, but we also wanted to remind you about additional Inquest resources.
TJCTC Charts & Checklists Page
Did you know that in addition to the Inquest Deskbook, we have several charts, checklists, and other resources on our Charts & Checklists Page just for your inquest work? Included on this page are a recently updated Inquest Procedure Flowchart, Formal Inquest Procedure Flowchart, Mass Fatality Resources, Medical Records Letter, Organ Donation Information, Inquest Helpful Links, Cause and Manner Tips, Death Investigation Tips, and Medical Terminology Handout.
Check them out here: https://www.tjctc.org/tjctc-resources/charts-and-checklists.html
Webinars
Did you miss the sign-up for Inquest Week Webinars? Don’t worry, you can still sign up! Registration links for the remaining webinars are below.
Thursday, November 14th
1 pm – 2 pm
Border Patrol: Identifying Deceased Migrants and Utilizing Key Resources
Join this webinar to learn about the Missing Migrant Program (MMP), different death categories, rescue beacons, and much more.
Speakers: United States Border Patrol agents
Register here: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pKyXSLvpTNOfqTLOBO-bmg
2 pm – 4 pm
Working with the Center for Human Identification at UNT
Join our friends from Texas State University to learn more about the assistance they can provide in death investigations as well as their tips for identifying bodies and determining cause and manner of death.
Speaker: Mark Ingraham, University of North Texas
Register here: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ry3GYKTvQxylyA2Gif1tsA
Friday, November 15th
10 am – 11:30 am
Resources for Mass Fatalities
The state of Texas has a number of resources that a Justice of the Peace can use when they are overwhelmed by a catastrophic event. This presentation will address utilizing the Texas Mass Fatality Operations Response Team (TMORT) and the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC), whether you simply need a phone consult or your county needs a team to provide significant support on the ground.
Speakers: Victor Wells & Dr. Jason Wiersema from TMORT
Register here: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6niJjliOQTm_Js8V6Dmd7Q
1 pm – 2 pm
Tissue Recovery Tour
Do you want to see what the Tissue Recovery Center looks like? As part of this webinar, you will receive a video tour of the center and then have a chance to ask all your tissue recovery related questions!
Speaker: Damian Jackson
Register here: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GGq1CY0NQQyUmpQkFR1ljQ
2 pm – 3 pm
Inquest Mentorship Roundtable
Discuss what you learned and find colleagues who are experts at different areas of Inquests that you may need help in!
Register here: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BDb729hcR3CPHMuLoClmyw
See full information about Inquest Week and other virtual programs on our website here: https://www.tjctc.org/onlinelearning/virtualprograms.html
TJCTC Updates 11.08.2024
Happy Friday!
We just have a few announcements and reminders this week.
Inquest Week
Our series of webinars focused on Inquests is coming up next week! Don’t miss your chance to sign up, as we have some special speakers that we don’t often get to see in person, including agents from Border Patrol, an expert on suicide deaths, and more.
Find the list of webinars and registration links here: https://www.tjctc.org/onlinelearning/virtualprograms.html
Registration Updates
As of this week, registration for all of our regular 10, 16, and 20 hour programs and most workshops is open. Make sure you sign up if you haven’t already!
Judges: https://www.tjctc.org/justices-of-the-peace/education-events.html
Court Personnel: https://www.tjctc.org/court-personnel/education-events.html
Constables: https://www.tjctc.org/civil-process/education-events.html
New Form
This month we added a new form, Protected Property Claim Hearing – Order. Judges should use this form when they make a decision on an Exempt/Protected Property Hearing. You can find the form under Enforcement of Civil Judgments under the Civil Procedure Forms tab on the TJCTC Forms Page.
We hope you have a great weekend!
– Thea & the TJCTC Team
TJCTC Updates 10.29.2024
Hello Everyone,
Wow! It is almost the end of October already. It has been a busy month at TJCTC getting ready for the next academic year and getting judges and court personnel registered for conferences and workshops. In this edition of TJCTC Updates, we have a few education opportunities for you as well as our Legal Question of the Month and other resources.
Board Question of the Month
Question: Does this new policy (below) mean I should do something different in eviction cases?
Answer: No. This document outlines limitations and policies that the Borrower/Landlord has to comply with based on the type of loan they received. If the Borrower/Landlord does not follow the policies, then there is a specific penalty outlined in the document. This isn’t something that the court needs to ask about during an eviction case.
Registration Updates
Registration has been going smoothly thanks to our Program Administration Team and Home Office Team. If you get a chance, tell Jessica, Darby, Laura, Jasmine, Jeff, Sonya, and Francisco how much you appreciate them!
While many programs are full, there are still some spots available in the following programs for judges & court personnel.
Judges
- Lubbock 20-hr Conference
- Austin 10-hr Conference (same week as JPCA Day at the Capitol)
- Baylor Criminal Trial Workshop
- Secrets of the Dead Workshop
- Impaired Driving Symposium
For more information about each program, visit: https://www.tjctc.org/justices-of-the-peace/education-events.html
Court Personnel
- Virtual Criminal
- Virtual Civil
- Rural Clerk Workshop
For more information about each program, visit: https://www.tjctc.org/court-personnel/education-events.html
Civil Process
- Registration for Civil Process will open next week.
For more information about next year’s programs, visit: https://www.tjctc.org/civil-process/education-events.html
Any elected constable who has not yet completed their 1415 TCOLE requirement for this training cycle will receive an early registration link from Laura Villarreal at lv13@txstate.edu by 10/29/2024.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Texas Advocacy Project Webinar: Power & Control: Going Beyond the Basics of Intimate Partner Violence
This training session will delve into the complexities of intimate partner violence, helping participants to recognize abusive tactics and identify high-risk indicators. We will also tackle common myths and misconceptions, shedding light on the barriers that make leaving an abusive relationship so challenging. Additionally, we’ll explore the impact trauma has on survivors and share empowering strategies to enhance their safety and support.
October 31 from 10 – 11 am
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMudeGsqDMsGNW3wsOZlvu93AsKLhMbNC2s#/registration
National Center for State Courts Trending Topic
Remote Justice: Virtual Support for Domestic Violence
Technology has been associated with exacerbating safety concerns for many survivors of domestic violence. Abusers may violate privacy and security online to maintain control over their partners. However, technology has recently proven to be of benefit in the form of support system for survivors.
Read the full article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/remote-justice-virtual-support-domestic-p6f2e/
Constable’s Corner: *NEW* Civil Process Proficiency Certification(CPPC) Exam Study Guide
If you are preparing to take the CPPC Exam, check out the new self-paced study guide with information about how to take the test and what information it will cover.
You can access the study guide on the TJCTC Self-Paced Module Page, here: https://www.tjctc.org/onlinelearning/selfpacedmodules.html
Happy Halloween! As always, we look forward to seeing you soon.
– Thea and the TJCTC Team
TxDOT and Law Enforcement Fighting Impaired Driving Together
This article describes how TxDOT and Texas law enforcement officers teamed up to fight impaired driving.
Inquest Week 2024
Hello Judges!
Inquest Week 2024 is November 11-15, and during that week we will have several webinars and will be sharing all kinds of inquest resources.
What kind of webinars can you expect? Webinar topics include: Missing Migrants, Death Investigations with the Texas State Anthropology Department, Tissue Recovery, Working with the Center for Human Identification at UNT, and more!
Visit our Virtual Programs Page for more information and to register.
Educational Opportunities October 2024
Judges, Constables, and Court Personnel,
We have several exciting education opportunities to share with you.
State Bar of Texas Justice Court Section Webinar
Obscure Issues in Justice Court
Friday, October 25, 2024, Noon CDT
Presenters: Rebecca Glisan, TJCTC Director of Curriculum, and Judge Sylvia Holmes
This session will offer 1 hour MCLE credit. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the webinar.
This course will cover various tricky issues that may arise in justice courts. Topics will include peace bonds, discovery, alternative service, and more.
Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUud-2orjwqGNz0DIi-jcIE18oy569CDdKe#/registration
TJCTC Webinars
Coming Soon Inquest Webinar Series November 12-15. Mark your calendars, the full schedule will be coming out next week. Topics will include missing migrants, unidentified bodies, suicide deaths, organ and tissue donation, and more!
National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Webinars and Resources
Cybersecurity
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a great time to take a look at the training and resources that NCSC has available on the topic.
Other Upcoming Webinars (including topics like Artificial Intelligence, Civil Diversion Programs, Behavioral Health, and Developing a Leadership Culture)
Link: https://www.ncsc.org/consulting-and-research/webinars
2024-2025 In-Person Education Event Schedules Released
Did you notice that our website has been updated with all of the 2024-2025 Upcoming Conferences and Workshops? Take a look at “Education Events” under your tab (Judges, Court Personnel, Constables) to see where our programs will be held this year. Look for a brochure online and in your mailboxes soon!
Registration Dates:
Justice of the Peace Registration – Open now!!!
Note, several of the in-person conferences have filled, but we still have more than 225 spaces available for judges to get at least 10 hours of their education in person. Log on ASAP to secure your spot or get on a waitlist for one of the full programs.
Court Personnel Early Registration (ONLY for clerks who were not able to attend a conference this year) – October 22
Eligible clerks will be emailed a special link for early registration.
Regular Court Personnel Registration – October 28
Civil Process Registration – November 5
Judicial Education Requirements
Did you have to rush to complete last minute requirements this year? Check out this page on our website to make sure you know exactly what you need for this academic year that began on September 1, 2024: https://www.tjctc.org/justices-of-the-peace/education-requirements.html
Constable Education Requirements
This is the last year of the 4-Year TCOLE Training Cycle (9/1/21-8/31/25). Make sure if you are an Elected Constable, you are able to log on to register if you haven’t yet completed your 1415 Civil Process requirement. We are working hard to ensure that all elected constables are able to get into our programs, but space in your preferred program might fill early! This year we will have programs in Galveston, Austin, El Paso, and virtually. You can view the dates on our website: https://www.tjctc.org/civil-process/education-events.html
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have questions. Laura Villarreal at lv13@txstate.edu is your point of contact for registration.
If you have questions about your other TCOLE Requirements, you can likely find the answer on the TCOLE Website: https://www.tcole.texas.gov/content/training-requirements.
Constable Corner – Free Online Training
Constables and deputies, are you looking for some free, online training? Lexipol produces some interesting webinars on hot topics that they provide for free on their website. One of the recent issues discussed was use of force. Take a look for yourself – https://www.lexipol.com/resources/webinars/.
TJCTC Updates 9.25.2024
Hello Everyone!
September and the Back-to-School Season has flown by! At TJCTC we have been busy working with the JPCA Education Committees and Faculty on our next academic year of training. Spoiler alert – we think it is going to be great. Make sure you read all the way to the bottom for updates on training registration and more.
*Important* National Survey for Death Investigation Information
All Justices of the Peace in counties without a medical examiner’s office should have received an email earlier this month from RTI International on behalf of the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), directing them to the Census of Medical Examiner and Coroner Offices (CMEC) website to confirm their office information and indicate if they perform death investigation functions. This information will be used in early October to send the survey to the appropriate person within each office.
The Census of Medical Examiner and Coroner Offices (CMEC) was created by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) in 2004 as the first nationwide data collection effort designed to capture crucial information regarding the patchwork of Medical Examiner and Coroner offices across the United States. RTI International (RTI) conducted the CMEC on behalf of BJS, and subsequently completed a second iteration of the census in 2018. The report from the 2018 CMEC can be found at https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/meco18.pdf.
We are excited to share that data collection for the 2023 CMEC will begin in early October of this year. Topics covered will include budget, staffing and salaries, caseload, and other relevant measures and practices (e.g. is there a computerized case management system, how many scene investigations are done). Also new this year will be the inclusion of Justices of the Peace in Texas who performing death investigations.
If there are questions or if you did not receive an email, please email cmec@rti.org to get your log in information so you can confirm your role.
Legal Question of the Month
Is a Driver’s License required in order for a person to be placed on Deferred?
No, that is not a requirement for deferred disposition under CCP Art. 45.051. However, there is a driver’s license requirement for DSC dismissal under CCP 45.0511. For more information (including an exception to this requirement), please see p. 54 of TJCTC’s Criminal Deskbook: https://www.tjctc.org/tjctc-resources/deskbooks.html.
We have had several questions lately about offenses being eligible for DSC or Deferred. Chapter 5 of the Criminal Deskbook (at the above link) is all about DSC, Deferred, and other Dismissals. You can likely find your answer there. In addition, don’t forget about the TJCTC Charts & Checklists Page: https://www.tjctc.org/tjctc-resources/charts-and-checklists.html where we have flowcharts for both DSC and Deferred.
Online Education Opportunities
NCSC Webinars
Transitioning To a New Leadership Role
October 9th, 2024
Court Systems rely on effective leadership to operate effectively and efficiently, and leadership requires more than just seniority or title.
Embracing a new leadership position can be a transformative experience that can lead to personal growth and professional development. It also sends a signal that the organization is committed to promoting growth within. Transitioning into a new leadership role allows individuals to showcase their skills and make a positive impact on their teams and organizations.
In this session, we will explore techniques for successfully positioning yourself for leadership opportunities. Panelists will share their personal insights on their own experiences with transitions into leadership roles while discussing the challenges they encountered, and lessons learned along the way.
Register Here: https://www.ncsc.org/conferences-and-events/events-calendar/2024/webinars/october/webinar-transitioning-to-a-new-leadership-role
Navigating AI in Court Systems – Ethics, Legal Frameworks, and Practical Tools
October 16th, 2024
The integration of AI in court systems promises enhanced efficiency and decision-making capabilities. However, it also raises significant ethical and legal challenges that courts must address to maintain public trust and uphold the principles of justice.
This session, an extension of the first ethics webinar, Ethics of Generative AI: A Guide for Judges and Legal Professionals, will assist participants in developing an AI ethics infrastructure to ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly and ethically. A proactive approach that includes guiding principles, standards, and protocols helps courts prevent misuse, bias, and potential harm, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the judicial process and preserving public trust and confidence in our legal system.
2024-2025 Education Event Schedules Released
Did you notice that our website has been updated with all of the 2024-2025 Upcoming Conferences and Workshops? Take a look at “Education Events” under your tab (Judges, Court Personnel, Constables) to see where our programs will be held this year. Look for a brochure online and in your mailboxes soon!
Registration Dates:
Justice of the Peace Registration – October 8
Court Personnel Early Registration (ONLY for clerks who were not able to attend a conference this year) – October 22
Regular Court Personnel Registration – October 28
Civil Process Registration – November 5
Judicial Education Requirements
Did you have to rush to complete last minute requirements this year? Check out this page on our website to make sure you know exactly what you need for this academic year that began on September 1, 2024: https://www.tjctc.org/justices-of-the-peace/education-requirements.html
Constable’s Corner: Constable Education Requirements
This is the last year of the 4-Year TCOLE Training Cycle (9/1/21-8/31/25). Make sure if you are an Elected Constable, you are able to log on to register if you haven’t yet completed your 1415 Civil Process requirement. We are working hard to ensure that all elected constables are able to get into our programs, but space in your preferred program might fill early! This year we will have programs in Galveston, Austin, El Paso, and virtually. You can view the dates on our website: https://www.tjctc.org/civil-process/education-events.html
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have questions. Laura Villarreal at lv13@txstate.edu is your point of contact for registration.
If you have questions about your other TCOLE Requirements, you can likely find the answer on the TCOLE Website: https://www.tcole.texas.gov/content/training-requirements.
Looking forward to seeing you at a conference or workshop soon!
– Thea & the TJCTC Team
TJCTC Updates 8.29.2024
Hello Everyone!
Happy almost Labor Day Weekend. We have a few training opportunities to share, and a new Juvenile Criminal Diversion Plan Checklist to help you with the plans due in January.
Juvenile Criminal Diversion Plans
Have you started working on plans for your court’s juvenile criminal diversion plan as required by the last legislative session? If not, that’s okay! We have some resources available to help you, including a new checklist. We will also be discussing these plans at all of this year’s Justice of the Peace and Experienced Court Personnel Conferences.
Juvenile Deskbook Chapter 3A Juvenile Diversions
Juvenile Criminal Diversion Plan Checklist
Juvenile Criminal Diversions Webinar
Coming Soon Juvenile Criminal Diversions Self-Paced Module
In addition to our resources, the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center (TMCEC) also has resources available on this topic. https://www.tmcec.com/youth-diversion/
New Self-Paced Modules
Several new Self-Paced Modules have went live on the TJCTC website recently. This week, Residential Evictions: Step by Step was added. Self-Paced Modules can be found at https://www.tjctc.org/onlinelearning/selfpacedmodules.html.
NCSC Webinar
Back To School: Legal Advice vs. Legal Information – A Court Staff Essential
Sep 4, 2024, at 02:00 PM
Unsure about the difference between legal information and legal advice? You’re not alone! This session will hit the important highlights to help you confidently navigate this important issue when interacting with the public. Use this training to enhance or develop resources and guidance for your court or community.
Who Should Attend?
- Courtroom Clerks
- Probation Officers
- Self-Help Center Staff
- Court Navigators
- Anyone who interacts with the public on legal matters
Learn more and sign up on Zoom: https://ncsc-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vm2EtY55Rdu0JT5RzfvJlg?utm_campaign=544834_Webinar%3A%20Training%20on%20legal%20information%20versus%20legal%20advice&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=v-0&dm_i=7L57,BOEA,4VW08I,1R6ZA,1#/registration
National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving (NASID) Conference
NASID is excited to bring together national experts in impaired driving as we examine the whole DUI system through engaging presentations and interactive discussions. These discussions will include gaps and challenges to impaired driving data, attention to trends in drugs and other substances, detection methods including needed chemical testing protocol enhancements, DUI enforcement, prosecuting the drugged driver, mental health and impaired driving, and existing and emerging technology through screening and assessment.
The NASID Conference will be a great place for networking opportunities for attendees across the traffic safety field to help eliminate impaired driving. We have multiple networking breaks planned throughout the conference and a networking reception on the first night.
November 18, 2024 – November 20, 2024
Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel
2800 South Potomac Avenue
Arlington, VA 22202
Government employee and Not for Profit (NPO) registration is $350, other attendee registration is $500.
You can register now and use the purchase order option for later payment.
Here a few helpful links for the conference:
- To register for the conference, please click here: https://web.cvent.com/event/10ca507b-a5f8-4a4c-b2c5-1d438991b403/summary. Hotel links will be sent out after registration takes place.
- Hotel rate is $193 a night, available in the hotel block
- The agenda continues to be finalized, updates will be posted here: https://web.cvent.com/event/10ca507b-a5f8-4a4c-b2c5-1d438991b403/websitePage:1326cab6-a09c-4e1c-90d1-c50f81e9b506
- For those who need justification letters to register, please find our draft letter for use: https://nasid.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NASID-Conference-2024-Justification-Letter.pdf
On that note, please be safe out there this Labor Day Weekend! Any questions about this e-blast can be directed to Amber Myers at a_m1814@txstate.edu.
– The TJCTC Team