The Judges of the 19th Judicial District Court invited legislators from the Capital Area Delegation to an open house on September 30, 2024. The legislators in attendance were provided an overview of court operations that included greeting the 300 potential jurors summoned to appear on Monday mornings, observations of both civil and criminal court proceedings, and learning about the new programs of the 19th JDC’s Court Intervention Program (CIP). The programs that fall under CIP include Pretrial Services; Commissioners’ Court; Pretrial Diversion and Recovery; Recovery (Drug) Court; Veterans’ Treatment Court; Re-entry Court and Domestic Violence Court.
19th JDC Legislative Open House September 30, 2024 - appearing from left to right - Representative Larry Sanders; Judge Will Jorden; Representative Barbara Freiberg; Judge Kelly Balfour; Representative Lauren Ventrella; Chief Judge Wilson E. Fields; Representative C. Denise Marcelle; Representative Vanessa LaFleur; Representative Dixon McMakin; and Judge Don Johnson.
In addition to their observations of court proceedings, the legislators toured the secure areas of the courthouse and enjoyed an informal luncheon with the Judges. Based upon the feedback from the legislators, the event proved to be helpful for both the court and the legislators. In fact, future similar events are being planned before the end of the year.
Judge Jorden explains the Court Intervention Program to the legislators.