United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas is one of four federal district courts in the state of Texas. It covers a 43-county area across the easternmost part of the state, plus some of the north Dallas suburbs, although Dallas is not included in the district. The other districts include Western Texas, Northern Texas, and Southern Texas.
This district has jurisdiction over a wide array of civil and criminal matters arising under federal law, including, but not limited to, criminal offenses, intellectual property disputes, and employment discrimination.
If you are accused of a federal offense originating in East Texas, your case will likely be heard in one of the six court locations in the Eastern District. The following general overview should guide you in making informed decisions regarding your defense.
The William M. Steger Federal Building and United States Courthouse is located at 211 West Ferguson Street, Tyler, TX 75702, and the phone number is (903) 590-1370.
The Jack Brooks Federal Building is located at 300 Willow Street, Beaumont, TX 7701, and the phone number is (409) 839-2581.
The Lufkin United States Courthouse is located at 104 North 3rd Street, Lufkin, TX 75901, and the phone number is (936) 219-6412.
The Marshall United States Courthouse is located at 100 East Houston Street, Marshall, TX 75670, and the phone number is (903) 935-5737.
The Plano United States Courthouse is located at 7940 Preston Road, Plano, TX 75024, and the phone number is (214) 705-9850.
The Paul Brown United States Courthouse is located at 101 East Pecan Street, Sherman, Texas 75090, and the phone number is (903) 892-2921. The United States Courthouse Annex is located at 200 North Travis Street, Mezzanine Level, Sherman, Texas 75090.
The Texarkana United States Courthouse is located at 500 North State Line Avenue, Texarkana, TX 75504, and the phone number is (903) 793-8782.
The U.S. Courts were created under Article III of the Constitution to administer justice fairly and impartially within the jurisdiction established by the Constitution and Congress.
What is the Jurisdiction?
The Eastern District of Texas is tasked with hearing federal cases originating from East Texas counties. The district spans a sizeable geographical area, encompassing counties such as Anderson, Cherokee, Grayson, Harrison, Jefferson, Smith, and others.
This region includes both urban and rural areas, and the court handles cases ranging from large-scale corporate disputes to individual criminal proceedings.
As noted above, this district has jurisdiction over a wide array of civil and criminal matters arising under federal law, including but not limited to criminal offenses, intellectual property disputes, and employment discrimination.
Note that federal district courts do not hear cases related to violations of state laws, as these are handled within the state court system.
What is the Court Structure and Locations?
The Eastern District of Texas is divided into six divisions, each with its own courthouse serving the counties surrounding it. The court's divisions are spread out strategically to serve the needs of the district's large geographic area. These city-based divisions include:
- Beaumont division,
- Lufkin division,
- Marshall division,
- Texarkana division,
- Tyler division, which also serves as the district headquarters.
- Sherman division (encompasses three courthouse locations, including the Plano location)
Each location is equipped to handle civil and criminal trials, facilitate pretrial motions, and oversee grand jury proceedings.
The Eastern District is currently served by eight full-time district judges, two senior district judges (older judges who have served their tenure but continue to hear limited caseloads), and eight full-time magistrate judges. The district judges handle most of the district's civil and criminal federal cases, while the magistrates handle procedural motions and discovery processes and sometimes conduct trials of misdemeanors.
Common Types of Federal Criminal Cases
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas hears a wide range of federal criminal laws. Frequently prosecuted types of cases include:
- Drug Trafficking and Distribution: These cases often involve interstate or international smuggling of illicit substances. Such offenses frequently result from law enforcement operations targeting organized crime.
- White-Collar Crimes: Financial crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, and money laundering are routinely prosecuted in this district.
- Federal Firearm Offenses: Federal firearm regulations, such as unlawful possession by felons or gun trafficking, lead to many cases in this jurisdiction.
- Immigration Violations: Federal immigration offenses, such as re-entering the U.S. after deportation or smuggling undocumented individuals, appear in district dockets.
- Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Theft: The Eastern District of Texas is also notable for its prominence in patent law and intellectual property disputes. Cybercrime prosecutions related to fraud, hacking, or data breaches frequently occur.
- Public Corruption: Cases involving government officials or public figures who engage in corrupt practices, bribery, or other related offenses.
- Money Laundering: Financial transactions that involve the proceeds of criminal activity, often linked to organized crime or drug trafficking.
- Child Exploitation: This includes distribution and possession of child pornography and other offenses involving exploitation or harm to minors.
Information for Defendants Preparing for Trial
Federal criminal court cases operate with different protocols, procedures, and standards than state court systems do. Additionally, a conviction for a federal crime will likely carry a stiffer sentence than an equivalent crime at the state level. If you're charged with a federal crime in the Eastern District of Texas, here are some key tips to help you prepare:
- Understand Federal Rules of Procedure: Federal trials operate under distinct rules and timelines compared to state courts. Defendants should familiarize themselves with these, particularly regarding evidence submission, jury selection, and sentencing phases.
- Location-Specific Considerations: Each division in the Eastern District has unique procedures, judges, and filing requirements. Ensure you are prepared for local procedures in the division where your case will be heard.
- Expect Rigorous Prosecution: U.S. Attorneys representing the federal government are highly skilled and have substantial resources. Defendants should anticipate thorough investigations and aggressive courtroom tactics.
- Plea Bargains and Sentencing Guidelines: Most federal cases don't make it to trial. Some are dismissed, but many others are resolved through plea agreements. Defendants should fully grasp the implications of accepting a plea offer before trial.
How a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
Because federal criminal cases are different in scope than state cases-and considering the higher stakes-your best hope of success when accused of a crime in the Eastern District of Texas is to hire a federal criminal defense attorney who has experience in these courts. Some advantages of doing so include:
- Knowledge of Local Rules and Practices: Understanding local processes is critical for proper case management.
- Familiarity with Judges and Prosecutors: Attorneys experienced in this district understand the tendencies and preferences of local judges and prosecutors, allowing them to tailor their strategies effectively.
- Efficient Handling of Federal Processes: Federal cases involve stringent timelines and procedures; an experienced attorney can ensure compliance and avoid costly delays.
- Negotiation Skills: Skilled attorneys can negotiate plea agreements or reduced charges where appropriate.
For additional information, contact our federal criminal defense law firm, Eisner Gorin LLP, based in Los Angeles, California.
Related Content: