Court Rules
Judge

Judge John Roach Jr.

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Collin County District Courts

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Trial Summary
1 pgs

Communication

Email
296@co.collin.tx.us
Scheduling
Cases:
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingJuryCertificatesExhibitsConferencesEvidence/Witnesses

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page LimitsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

The trial summary should not exceed one page.

This summary is intended to be an aid for the Court and should be limited to one page.

Trial Summary

1 pages

296plan · p. 2|SecFormal Pre-Trial Conference

Document Format Requirements2 rules

FormattingCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

The person completing the order must fill in every field.

Do not leave any blanks on this order.

benchtrialdiscoverycontrolplanandschedulingorder · p. 1|SecBENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER
FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

Proposed jury charges must be prepared in editable Word format and emailed to the court coordinator.

Proposed jury charges (instructions, definitions, and questions) emailed in editable Word format to the court coordinator.

Required Format

DOCX

296plan · p. 1|SecFormal Pre-Trial Conference

Document Filing Requirements6 rules

Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Filers must provide a certificate of service that complies with all applicable rules.

Filers must still provide a certificate of service that complies with all applicable rules.

Requirement

Document requirement

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
supplemental-order-regarding-trial-proceedings · Aug 2026 · p. 3|SecAutomated Certificate of eService
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Completed witness lists and exhibit lists.

Summary: Each party must produce completed witness lists at the pretrial conference.

Document Type

Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
296plan · p. 1|SecFormal Pre-Trial Conference
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Proposed jury charges (instructions, definitions, and questions) emailed in editable Word format to the court coordinator.

Summary: Each party must email proposed jury instructions, definitions, and questions to the court coordinator at the pretrial conference.

Document Type

Proposed Jury Charges

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
296plan · p. 1|SecFormal Pre-Trial Conference
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

All exhibits pre-marked for identification (for the purpose of stipulating to the authenticity and admissibility of exhibits). The Court prefers descriptive marking, for example “H-1” for husband’s exhibits or “M-1” for mother’s exhibits, as appropriate.

Summary: Each party must pre-mark all exhibits for identification, preferably using descriptive party-specific labels.

Document Type

Pre Marked Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
296plan · p. 2|SecFormal Pre-Trial Conference
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

A concise trial summary: State each separate cause of action including each element of each cause of action and/or defense; and, if appropriate, a precise legal standard for measure of damages.

Summary: Each party must provide a concise trial summary stating each cause of action, its elements, applicable defenses, and an appropriate precise damages standard.

Document Type

Trial Summary

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
296plan · p. 2|SecFormal Pre-Trial Conference
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Within seven (7) days of this Order, counsel for each party shall serve a copy on all Covered Persons and file a Certificate of Compliance confirming notice.

Summary: Each party's counsel must file a Certificate of Compliance confirming that the gag order was served on all Covered Persons.

Document Type

Certificate Of Compliance

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
order-regulating-trial-proceedings-final · May 2026 · p. 6|Sec8. NOTICE & CERTIFICATION

Filing & Service rules

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Absent good cause, Daubert/Dupont expert challenges must be heard by the formal pretrial, with written objections filed at least 10 days before the hearing.

Unless good cause is shown, all “Daubert/Dupont” expert challenges shall be heard no later than the formal pre-trial, and written objections must be on file at least 10 days before hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Formal Pre-Trial Conference

All dispositive motions must be filed and heard at least 30 days before trial.

All dispositive motions (summary judgment, plea to jurisdiction, plea in abatement, etc.) must be filed and heard at least 30 days before trial.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | JURY TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER

Pretrial motions must be filed at least 10 days before the formal pretrial conference, heard at that conference, and not heard on jury-selection day without prior court permission.

All pre-trial motions (motions in limine, etc.) shall be filed at least 10 days before the formal pre- trial conference and will be heard at the formal pre-trial conference. The Court will not hear pre- trial motions on the day of jury selection without prior leave of court.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Formal Pre-Trial Conference

Pretrial motions must be filed 10 days before the formal pretrial conference, heard at that conference, and not heard on jury-selection day without prior court permission.

All Pre-Trial motions (Motions in Limine, etc.) shall be filed 10 days before the formal pretrial conference and will be heard at the formal pretrial conference. The Court will not hear pre-trial motions on the day of jury selection, without obtaining prior leave of Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | Formal Pre-Trial Conference

Discovery requests must be propounded sufficiently early to permit a timely response by the applicable deadline.

Discovery requests must be propounded in adequate time to allow a timely response by the deadline.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Within seven days after entry of the order, each party's counsel must serve all Covered Persons and file a Certificate of Compliance confirming notice.

Within seven (7) days of this Order, counsel for each party shall serve a copy on all Covered Persons and file a Certificate of Compliance confirming notice.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases

Page 6 | 8. NOTICE & CERTIFICATION

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Pretrial motions are to be heard at the formal pretrial conference rather than on jury-selection day absent prior leave of court.

All pre-trial motions (motions in limine, etc.) shall be filed at least 10 days before the formal pre- trial conference and will be heard at the formal pre-trial conference. The Court will not hear pre- trial motions on the day of jury selection without prior leave of court.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Formal Pre-Trial Conference

Pretrial motions are to be heard at the formal pretrial conference rather than on jury-selection day absent prior leave of court.

All Pre-Trial motions (Motions in Limine, etc.) shall be filed 10 days before the formal pretrial conference and will be heard at the formal pretrial conference. The Court will not hear pre-trial motions on the day of jury selection, without obtaining prior leave of Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | Formal Pre-Trial Conference

Unless good cause is shown, Daubert/Dupont expert challenges must be heard no later than the formal pretrial.

Unless good cause is shown, all “Daubert/Dupont” expert challenges shall be heard no later than the formal pre-trial, and written objections must be on file at least 10 days before hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Formal Pre-Trial Conference

Chambers Communication Rules

Email the court at 296@co.collin.tx.us for instructions if opposing counsel or a party will not sign the order or agree to a trial date.

If you cannot get an opposing counsel or party to sign this order or agree to a trial date, please email the court at 296@co.collin.tx.us for further instructions.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER

Media inquiries, media-access requests, and communications about courtroom procedures and media coverage must be directed through the designated Public Information Officer unless the court orders otherwise; the PIO may be contacted at 469.500.0470.

All media inquiries, requests concerning media access, and communications regarding courtroom procedures and media coverage shall be directed through the Court’s designated PIO, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Russell Schaffner, Deputy County Administrator, 469.500.0470, rschaffner@co.collin.tx.us

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 1 | Public Information Officer

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 48 rules apply across Collin County District Courts. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 24
  • Applies to
    Confidential material

    A party seeking confidentiality for a document, item, information, or material must mark it “Confidential” with the party’s name or initials immediately preceding that designation on the first page or outer cover.

  • Applies to
    Deposition testimony

    Deposition testimony concerning confidential documents must be designated during the deposition and transcribed in a separately marked confidential volume, while corresponding blank pages are inserted in the main transcript.

  • Applies to
    Confidential deposition notice

    A party may designate deposition information as confidential by giving all parties written notice, within 30 days after receiving the transcript, identifying the specific pages and lines to be treated as confidential.

Sealing

All 10

  • Documents designated as Confidential that are used in filed papers must be submitted in a labeled, sealed envelope and maintained under court seal.

  • Attorneys and self-represented litigants must redact sensitive data before filing and must submit a redacted substitute if unredacted sensitive information was previously filed.

  • A document may carry a sensitive-data notice when inclusion of the data is required by law, but the notice is prohibited when no such legal requirement applies.

Filing Timing

All 4

  • An ex parte application must be filed and assigned to a court before presentation to a judge, and the applicant must notify the judge whether related litigation is pending.

  • Within 30 days after reported settlement, rendition, or verdict, the parties must submit a written final judgment stating whether all parties approve it as to form or substance.

  • If the defense files a written motion for additional particularized discovery concerning a matter not addressed in the Standing Order, it must be presented at the earliest opportunity before trial.

E-Filing

All 3

  • Attorneys must file documents through the electronic filing system.

  • Self-represented litigants may elect electronic filing or submit documents directly to the district clerk.

  • Every electronic filing must comply with Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21 and all other applicable electronic-filing rules and standards.

More categories

View all Collin County District Courts rules
About Judge John Roach Jr.

- Court: 296th District Court - Address: 2100 Bloomdale Rd., McKinney, Texas, 75071 - Main: (972) 548-4409 - Court coordinator: Tammy Sharkey - Coordinator phone: (972) 548-4409 - Coordinator email: tlsharkey@co.collin.tx.us

Common questions about Judge John Roach Jr.'s rules

Does Judge John Roach Jr. require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge John Roach Jr.'s rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Pretrial motions are to be heard at the formal pretrial conference rather than on jury-selection day absent prior leave of court.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Formal Pre-Trial Conference

What page or word limits apply to trial summary before Judge John Roach Jr.?

Judge John Roach Jr.'s rule states these limits: 1 pages. The trial summary should not exceed one page.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Formal Pre-Trial Conference

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge John Roach Jr.?

Judge John Roach Jr.'s formatting rule includes file format docx. Proposed jury charges must be prepared in editable Word format and emailed to the court coordinator.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Formal Pre-Trial Conference

What must be included with proposed jury charges filings before Judge John Roach Jr.?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Each party must email proposed jury instructions, definitions, and questions to the court coordinator at the pretrial conference.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Formal Pre-Trial Conference

What must be included with witness list filings before Judge John Roach Jr.?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Each party must produce completed witness lists at the pretrial conference.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Formal Pre-Trial Conference

How may parties contact Judge John Roach Jr.'s chambers?

The rule addresses email communications. The rule lists email 296@co.collin.tx.us. Email the court at 296@co.collin.tx.us for instructions if opposing counsel or a party will not sign the order or agree to a trial date.

View ruleSource: page 1, section BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER

What filing deadlines does Judge John Roach Jr. set?

All dispositive motions must be filed and heard at least 30 days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 1, section JURY TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER

What rule applies to service for gag order copy before Judge John Roach Jr.?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Within seven days after entry of the order, each party's counsel must serve all Covered Persons and file a Certificate of Compliance confirming notice.

View ruleSource: page 6, section 8. NOTICE & CERTIFICATION
Complete rules summary for Judge John Roach Jr.

All dispositive motions must be filed and heard at least 30 days before trial.

Pretrial motions must be filed at least 10 days before the formal pretrial conference, heard at that conference, and not heard on jury-selection day without prior court permission.

Pretrial motions are to be heard at the formal pretrial conference rather than on jury-selection day absent prior leave of court.

Absent good cause, Daubert/Dupont expert challenges must be heard by the formal pretrial, with written objections filed at least 10 days before the hearing.

Unless good cause is shown, Daubert/Dupont expert challenges must be heard no later than the formal pretrial.

Each party must email proposed jury instructions, definitions, and questions to the court coordinator at the pretrial conference.

Proposed jury charges must be prepared in editable Word format and emailed to the court coordinator.

Each party must produce completed witness lists at the pretrial conference.

Each party must pre-mark all exhibits for identification, preferably using descriptive party-specific labels.

Each party must provide a concise trial summary stating each cause of action, its elements, applicable defenses, and an appropriate precise damages standard.

The trial summary should not exceed one page.

Pretrial motions must be filed 10 days before the formal pretrial conference, heard at that conference, and not heard on jury-selection day without prior court permission.

Pretrial motions are to be heard at the formal pretrial conference rather than on jury-selection day absent prior leave of court.

Discovery requests must be propounded sufficiently early to permit a timely response by the applicable deadline.

Email the court at 296@co.collin.tx.us for instructions if opposing counsel or a party will not sign the order or agree to a trial date.

The person completing the order must fill in every field.

Media inquiries, media-access requests, and communications about courtroom procedures and media coverage must be directed through the designated Public Information Officer unless the court orders otherwise; the PIO may be contacted at 469.500.0470.

Filers must provide a certificate of service that complies with all applicable rules.

Each party's counsel must file a Certificate of Compliance confirming that the gag order was served on all Covered Persons.

Within seven days after entry of the order, each party's counsel must serve all Covered Persons and file a Certificate of Compliance confirming notice.

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