District Court - 434th | Important Notices
434th District Court
These policies also apply for all proceedings held in the 434th Associate District Court
In compliance with the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance regarding Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events, the Supreme Court of Texas’ 43rd Emergency Order Regarding the COVID-19 State Disaster, and out of a concern for public health, safety, and wellbeing, the 434th District Court will be holding limited in-person dockets.
CRIMINAL DOCKETS
- THE DOCKET CONTROL ORDER (provided below) SHALL APPLY TO ALL PENDING CRIMINAL CASES.
- The Docket Control Order shall be signed by ALL parties and filed with FBC District Clerk at the Arraignment Docket.
- ALL RESETS SHALL BE EFILED WITH THE DISTRICT CLERK’S OFFICE WITH NOTICE GIVEN TO THE FORT BEND COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE.
- The Reset provided below is to be used for ALL Electronic Resets. Please download to your P.C. before entering the required information.
- Electronic Resets are being accepted on all pending cases with scheduled court appearances. All resets must be submitted by 9:00 a.m. the day of, but no more than 3 days prior to, docket call. It is the attorney’s responsibility to get their Client’s Signature OR Sign by Permission (W/ NOTICE TO CLIENT). THIS INCLUDES CLIENTS IN CUSTODY. All cases not timely submitted will be subject to bond forfeiture.
- You will need to contact the District Attorney’s Office at 281-341-4460 to have any pleas worked out before court and to notify them of any essential hearings. Defendants will appear in person. Paperwork must be e-filed 48 hours in advance and notice given to the Court Coordinator and Prosecutors. Please note that all hearings will be done via Webex, unless deemed essential by the court for an in-person hearing.
- IF AN INTERPRETER IS NEEDED, please let the Court know at least one week in advance.
CIVIL DOCKETS
- Please contact the Court Coordinator for available hearing dates and times at 434DC@fortbendcountytx.gov.
- After obtaining a hearing date and time, please e-file a notice of hearing for all civil cases with the District Clerk’s Office.
- Civil Trials scheduled through June 30, 2022, will need a new Docket Control Order in place. Please email the court for new dates.
- For your convenience, please see attached CIVIL DOCKET CONTROL ORDER.
Download the E-Reset Form [PDF]
Download Criminal Docket Control Order [DOCX]
Download Civil Docket Control Order [PDF]
NOTICE OF LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE SERVICES
FORT BEND COUNTY COURTS AT LAW AND DISTRICT COURTS ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING MEANINGFUL ACCESS TO COURT SERVICES FOR LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT (LEP) PERSONS. LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT NO COST TO ANY PERSON ASSOCIATED WITH A COURT PROCEEDING WHO HAS DIFFICULTY COMMUNICATING IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE OR WHO NEEDS A DOCUMENT TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH, YOU MAY REQUEST LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE SERVICES FREE OF CHARGE. To request interpretation or translation services for the Fort Bend County Courts, please visit the Language Access webpage.
NOTICE OF ACCOMMODATIONS FOR AT-RISK INDIVIDUALS
Due to COVID-19 many individuals are considered “at-risk” members of the vulnerable population. These members include, but are not limited to, individuals who are over 65 and individuals with serious underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, obesity, asthma, and those whose immune systems are compromised. If you believe you are a member of this vulnerable population, please contact the Court Coordinator, Tonie Guevara, via email at 434DC@fortbendcountytx.gov and provide your full name, cause number, and contact information to advise the court regarding your need for special accommodations and a specialized docket to ensure your continued safety.
Presiding Judge/ Honorable J. Christian Becerra
Associate Judge/ Honorable Argie Brame
Court Staff
Court Coordinator: Tonie Guevara
- Email: 434DC@fortbendcountytx.gov
- Telephone: 281-633-7653
Court Reporter: Rhonda Colgin
- Email: Rhonda.Colgin@fortbendcountytx.gov
- Telephone: 281-633-7654
Bailiff: Rafael Ramos
Associate Judge Court Coordinator: Lena Smith
Bailiff: Gary Marin
Honorable J. Christian Becerra, Judge
Judge J. Christian Becerra is serving as the Judge of the 434th District Court in Fort Bend County, Texas. He was elected in 2020 and brings a wealth of experience, commitment to public service, and passion to his role as judge. During his tenure as judge, he has made a significant impact on individuals and the district court as a whole.
Judge Becerra was born and raised in Fort Bend County and is incredibly passionate about serving the community that has shaped who he is today. He attended B.F. Terry High School and earned a Bachelor's in Philosophy and Government from the University of Texas at Austin. He furthered his academic journey at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where he received his law degree. With over 25 years of legal experience, Judge Becerra has a comprehensive background in law, giving him a deep understanding of criminal, civil, and family law. He served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Fort Bend County DA’s office before establishing the Becerra, Colgin, & Perwin Law Firm in 2001, where he worked until he took the bench on January 1, 2021.
The 434th District Court is the home of the Felony Mental Health Court in Fort Bend County. Judge Becerra is especially passionate about addressing the important issue of mental health in the justice system. He is dedicated to ensuring that individuals with mental health challenges receive the support and resources they need. Under Judge Becerra's leadership, the Mental Health Court offers individualized treatment options and rehabilitation programs, aimed at reducing recidivism rates and helping people get back on their feet.
Backlog of cases in the courts due to COVID and the delay of justice for those involved has been a large issue in courtrooms across the country. To effectively tackle this issue, Judge Becerra has implemented innovative measures to address the backlog of cases in the court, including online platforms to allow for virtual hearings. These changes have greatly improved the efficiency of the court and ensures that cases are heard in a timely manner.
In addition to his judicial duties, Judge Becerra works with community outreach programs and charitable organizations. He is a proud board member of Fort Bend Family Promise, an organization whose goal is to provide comprehensive support to families without homes. By working closely with local organizations, including SEWA, Exchange Club, Heroes for Heroes, Attack Poverty, as well as conducting an annual food and toy drive, Judge Becerra contributes to initiatives that uplift the community.
As someone who has grown up in Fort Bend County and has witnessed its growth, Judge Becerra prioritizes creating a safe and secure environment for its residents. Through his role as Judge and his involvement in community programs, he strives to continue to protect and make a positive impact on Fort Bend County.
| Contact Us | |
|---|---|
| Physical Address | Fort Bend County Justice Center, Courtroom 3I, 1422 Eugene Heimann Cir, Richmond, TX 77469 |
| Mailing Address | 301 Jackson Street, Richmond, TX 77469 |
| Phone | 281-633-7653 |
Language Access | Important Notices
Notice of Language Assistance Services
FORT BEND COUNTY COURTS AT LAW AND DISTRICT COURTS ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING MEANINGFUL ACCESS TO COURT SERVICES FOR LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT (LEP) PERSONS. LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT NO COST TO ANY PERSON ASSOCIATED WITH A COURT PROCEEDING WHO HAS DIFFICULTY COMMUNICATING IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE OR WHO NEEDS A DOCUMENT TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH, YOU MAY REQUEST LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE SERVICES FREE OF CHARGE. TO REQUEST INTERPERETATION OR TRANSLATION SERVICED FOR THE FORT BEND COUNTY COURTS, PLEASE VISIT THE LANGUAGE ACCESS WEBPAGE.