Judge David Counts
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Communication
Electronic Device
Chambers
Photography Recording
Chambers
Cell Phone
Chambers
Violation Penalties
Chambers
Document Filing Requirements3 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Acceptance-of-responsibility letters must address the defendant’s conduct related to the counts of conviction, follow the guideline in every particular, and be provided to the probation officer within 30 days of the guilty plea.
Therefore, any letter written to substantiate acceptance of responsibility in a criminal case in these divisions must, at a minimum: 1. fully address the defendant's conduct related to the counts(s) of conviction; 2. follow the acceptance of responsibility guideline in every particular; and 3. be provided to the probation officer within thirty (30) days from the date of the defendant's guilty plea.
Document Type
Letter
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A motion for continuance must include a Certificate of Conference stating that all parties conferred and each party’s position on the motion.
Motions for continuances filed in the U.S. District Court for the Midland/Odessa and Pecos Divisions of the Western District of Texas must include a Certificate of Conference stating that all parties have conferred. The Certificate of Conference shall state each party's position regarding the motion.
Document Type
Motion For Continuance
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Acceptance of responsibility will not be awarded unless the requirements of this Order are followed, and then at the discretion of the Court.
Summary: Acceptance of responsibility is not awarded unless the Order’s requirements are followed, and any award remains within the Court’s discretion.
Document Type
Letter
Filing & Service rules
Chambers Communication Rules
Photographing, recording, broadcasting, or televising prohibited without court authorization
The photographing, recording, broadcasting or televising of any person, object, or proceeding inside the United States Courthouse (Midland, Pecos, and Alpine) IS not permitted, unless authorized by the Court.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Page 1 | ORDER REGARDING CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Violations result in removal, fines, and forfeiture of devices
Anyone violating this Order is subject to removal from the United States Courthouse, being fined for disobedience of this Order, and having the electronic device(s) forfeited to the United States Marshals Service.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Page 1 | ORDER REGARDING CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Only attorneys and associates may bring electronic devices into courthouse
At the discretion of the Court, only attorneys and accompanying associates may bring cellular telephones and other electronic devices into the United States Courthouse (200 E. Wall Street, Midland, Texas; 410 S. Cedar, Pecos, Texas; and 2450 N. Highway 118, Alpine, Texas). No other individuals are permitted this privilege.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Page 1 | ORDER REGARDING CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phones must be turned off in courtrooms
Cellular telephones must be turned off while inside any courtroom.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Page 1 | ORDER REGARDING CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phones may be used outside courtroom if reasonable and non-disruptive
Cellular telephones may be used outside the courtroom provided they are used in a reasonable and non-disruptive manner.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Page 1 | ORDER REGARDING CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES