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Court Reminder Program
Fort Bend County District and County Courts now offer text message reminders for individuals with criminal cases who enroll in the program. This service helps defendants stay informed about upcoming court dates and reduces the likelihood of missed appearances.
How to Enroll
Text reminder notifications are available for defendants who are facing criminal charges and may enroll in-person when appearing in magistrate court or in any of the following Judicial District and County Courts-at-Law:
- 240th District Court
- 268th District Court
- 400th District Court
- 434th District Court
- 458th District Court
- 502nd District Court
- County Court at Law 1
- County Court at Law 2
- County Court at Law 3
- County Court at Law 4
- County Court at Law 5
- County Court at Law 6
How the Program Works
Participants receive multiple text reminders before each scheduled court appearance. Each message includes:
- Case number
- Court date and time
- Court location, and additional information
To receive reminders, defendants must have a current mobile phone number on file with the court and access to a device capable of receiving text messages. Once enrolled, reminders are automatically sent ahead of every court setting.
Program Purposes
The Court Reminder Program is designed to support the public administration of justice. The purposes behind this legislative program include the following:
- Reducing costs associated with defendants who fail to appear for scheduled court dates;
- Improving court efficiency; and
- Reducing the number of individuals held in county jail solely because they failed to appear for a scheduled court setting.
Why It Matters
By improving communication and reducing failures to appear, the program helps ensure cases move forward efficiently while minimizing unnecessary jail stays and associated costs.
Future Expansion
The Court Reminder Program is expected to expand to additional case types and court settings in the future.