Have You Been Accused Of A Federal Crime In The Southern District Of Texas?
Federal crimes are serious offenses with serious consequences. If you’ve been charged with such a crime, you may feel hopeless. Don’t give up! At the Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC, Jason A. Zendeh Del is admitted to practice in the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas. What does this mean? Attorney Jason Zendeh Del can represent you and help give you confidence in your future. The Southern District of Texas is a federal district court. Its jurisdiction covers the southern part of Texas and is based in Houston. The District is subdivided into seven unique divisions:
- Houston
- Victoria
- Laredo
- McAllen
- Brownsville
- Corpus Christi
- Galveston
Each division covers between 2 and 12 counties. The Brownsville division covers Cameron and Willacy County, while the Houston Division covers cases in Austin, Brazos, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Madison, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Walker, Waller and Wharton County. Since 2006, the number of cases filed in the Southern District of Texas has increased steadily. 13,469 cases were filed in 2006 alone.
Admission In The Southern District
In order to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, attorneys must be licensed to practice law in 1 of the 50 states. Lawyers licensed to practice in the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory may qualify as well. If the lawyer is licensed by an authority other than the State of Texas, the lawyer must be able to demonstrate that he/she is a member of the United States district court. Additionally, he/she must be in good standing with the court. In order to apply, lawyers must pay a $175.00 application fee to the Clerk of the U.S. District Court. The court requires a copy of the attorney’s state bar card, an attorney registration form and an original certificate of good standing. The certificate cannot be more than 90 days old. If approved, lawyers must attend a workshop before the court will officially admit them. Lawyers who are not admitted to practice in the Southern District of Texas may be able to appear Pro Hac Vice as the lead attorney in certain, pending cases. Attorneys who wish to appear Pro Hac Vice must fill out the District Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice Form.
History Of The District
The Southern District of Texas has 42 district judges and 7 clerks of court, but it wasn’t always this large. In 1846, federal judge John C. Watrous had jurisdiction over the entire state. In 1857, Texas was divided into two districts – the Eastern District and the Western District. Judge Watrous oversaw the Eastern District and Judge Thomas H. DuVal oversaw the Western District. Both Judges served until 1870. The Southern District of Texas was established in 1902 by an Act of Congress. Originally, the district was handled by one judge: Waller T. Burns. Now, the district has expanded to 19 district judges, 6 bankruptcy judges, 15 magistrate judges, and 200+ deputy clerks.
If you are facing allegations of a federal crime in Texas, our firm can help. We are experienced handling all types of criminal cases and are ready to it to work for you. Contact us today and let The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC give you the legal assistance you need.
