e-Filing
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This page provides general rules related to e-Filing case documents. Always check with the clerk in the presiding court for any additional requirements or restrictions.
Use the links below to navigate to the e-File Texas webpage, or review the Statewide Rules Governing Electronic Filing in Criminal Cases.
Before You Begin
There are two options when filing into an existing case in Lubbock County:
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Lubbock County - County Clerk
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Lubbock County - District Clerk
Magistrate cases should be sent to Lubbock County - County Clerk.
If there is no prosecuting attorney assigned to the case, list the the state party as crimefile@lubbockcounty.gov.
If your case is not listed, you should first confirm the correct case number in the correct format (omit non-numerical values) has been entered. Contact Sammy Smith in Court Administration at 806-775-1577 or sasmith@lubbockcounty.gov if you are still having difficulties.
The Process: An Overview
1
Envelope Preparation
The envelope contains all filing information pertinent to the filing clerk. It is composed of Case Information, Party Information, Filings, and Fees.
2
Envelope Submission
The digital submission of the envelope to the filing clerk.
3
Envelope Acceptance & Return
The digital submission of the envelope to the filing clerk.
1
Envelope Preparation
Filing into a New Case
Only applicable when filing a Writ to present a new case.
Filing into an Existing Case
Applicable for all other types of filings.
e-File Only v. e-File and Serve
e-File only will submit the document to the clerk and the State attorney. E-File and serve allows you to add additional contacts to be served a copy of the document. Service contacts are added after envelope preparation.
Case Information
Party Information
Filings
Fees
Case Information
Case Number, Court in which case is assigned, and the Charge Level Classification are all required, and typically autofill once you search your case. Always double-check these entries for accuracy.
Party Information
Provide at minimum the Defendant and State names. If applicable, also provide Defendant Witness and State witness email addresses. Always include opposing counsel's email for service if not automatically applied. Note that cases without an assigned prosecuting attorney should have crimefile@lubbockcounty.gov provided as the state's contact.
Filings
Upload the document(s) to be filed. There are several fields in this category, but not all are mandatory.
Filing Type
Efile
File document into court only
Efile and Serve
File document with court, and forward copies to a third party "Service Contact"
Filing Code
Over 20 options
Examples include Answer/Response, Bond, Election as to Punishment, Motion, Proposed Order
Filing Description
Title of document
Filing attorney
Only required for Writs
Fees
There are no fees associated with filing documents in a criminal case, however required fields must be populated.
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Payment Account: select your law office
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Party Responsible for Fees: the Defendant
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Total Filing Fee should remain at $0.00
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Filing Attorney: your name
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Filer Type: select "Not Applicable"
Remember to click "Save Changes" when making any changes.
2
Document Submission & Service
Submit Envelope
Click "Summary" to file the envelope, or click "Save as Draft" to return to your envelope at a later time.
Check for errors on the Summary page and click "Back" to make any corrections, or "Submit" to finalize envelope preparation.
Once the envelope is prepared, additional service contacts may be added.
Confirmation Email
Once submitted, you and any other contact included in the service of the document will receive an email detailing your submission. A confirmation code for the envelope and a link to the document is also provided.
3
Envelope Acceptance
Or Return
During this final stage of e-filing, the Clerk will verify whether your document(s) meet the basic pleading requirements. The Clerk will either accept or return your envelope.
Envelope Accepted
If the Clerk accepts your envelope, you and all service contacts will receive an email with a link to access a stamped copy of the document(s).
Note that the link is only active for 30 days, so you must download the marked copy for your records.
Envelope Returned
If the Clerk returns your envelope, you and all service contacts will receive an email providing reason for denial in the "Returned Comments" section.
Note that if your envelope is returned your document(s) is not considered filed.
Viewing Envelope Status
Depending on your E-Filing service provider, you can view your filing history and the envelopes' status by logging into your EFSP. Drafted envelopes may also be accessed to complete submission.
Pre-Trial Envelope e-filing
Motions
You must e-file each pre-trial motion as separate lead documents within one envelope.
Proposed Orders
Proposed orders must be submitted in a separate envelope from their associated motion.
Just as multiple motions may be filed in the same envelope but as separate lead documents, so should proposed orders be e-Filed.
e-File the motion first and the accompanying proposed order second. Always use "Proposed Order" as your filing code.
Documents that should not be e-Filed
Documents Filed Ex Parte, In Camera, & Under Seal
Any documents filed ex parte, in camera, or under seal should not be e-filed. These document should be filed over the counter.
Expunctions
When you submit a proposed order setting a hearing on an expunction case, list the applicant's name on the proposed order to facility the setting with the court coordinator.
E-Filing Deadlines
Is the Deadline Counted from End of Business or From Midnight?
Midnight. A document is considered filed any time before midnight in the court's time zone on the day of filing.
There is an exception if there is a statute, rule, or other special court order at play, in which case the special order will control.
When is a Document "Filed"?
If e-Filed on a weekday (Monday-Friday), the document is deemed filed once submitted. For documents e-Filed on a weekend (Saturday-Sunday) or a national holiday, the document is deemed filed on the following weekday.
What if you File your Document Prior to or on a Due Date, but the Clerk Returns it After Due Date?
The corrected envelope will be submitted after its due date, but the Clerk will likely honor your original filing date. It's best practice to communicate this request in the "Filing Comments" section of your re-submitted envelope.
Lubbock County Court Preferences
Each of the District Court Judges and County Court at Law Judges have their own preference regarding you bringing them copies of your e-filed motions. Always check with their court coordinator if you're unsure of how to proceed.
Judge McClendon of the 137th District Court
Judge McClendon prefers you file your motion(s) 48 hours prior to the hearing.
Bring your file-marked copies of your motion(s) with you to any hearings.
Judge Freitag of the 140th District Court
Judge Freitag prefers pre-trial motion(s) e-Filed at least 7 days prior to the hearing.
If you do not have your pre-trial motion(s) filed within 48 hours prior to the hearing, you need to bring file-marked copies of your motion(s) with you to show the Court.
Judge Eichman of the 364th District Court
Judge Eichman prefers you file your motion(s) 48 hours prior to the hearing.
Bring file-marked copies of your motion(s) with you to any hearings. Prefers printed copy of order to sign rather than e-Filed.
For ARP cases requesting bond, e-mail Judge or court coordinator prior to e-Filing motion to proceed.