Montgomery County judges maintain high case clearance rates despite having fewer courts, but warn that a new $160 million courthouse is needed to keep up with the rapid growth.
Montgomery County courts are maintaining pace with — and in some instances surpassing — their counterparts in Texas in the resolution of criminal and civil cases. However, local justices assert that the system is at capacity due to the increasing population and the increasing number of cases.
In February, several justices presented their case to the Montgomery County commissioners in support of a new $160 million courthouse. Judge Mark Keough, Judge Claudia Laird of Probate Court No. 1, and Judge Keith Stewart of County Court at Law No. 5 were among those who emphasized that the court personnel are operating at "maximum velocity."
"We can observe the increase in the numbers," stated Keough. "We are exerting ourselves to the fullest, but the number of cases being filed is increasing, and we are operating at our highest capacity."
Montgomery County is among the top jurisdictions in Texas for case clearance rates, as reported by the Texas Office of Court Administration. Among Texas' 20 most populous counties, Montgomery, Collin, and Denton counties maintained an average clearance rate of 97% from 2020 to 2024. The list was crowned by McLennan County at 102%, followed by Midland at 100% and Tarrant at 98%. While Travis and Williamson counties achieved clearance rates of 92%, Hidalgo County achieved a clearance rate of 90%.
However, Judge Keough observed that Montgomery County is distinguished by its ability to accomplish more with fewer resources.
"The counties that performed better have between 20 and 32 elected judges." He stated, "That is six to 18 more courts than we currently have."
According to Judge Phil Grant of the 9th District Court, the district attorney's office, defense attorneys, and judges collaborate to resolve criminal cases.
Grant stated, "I was able to resolve three cases in a single week, thanks to other judges contacting me after their trials concluded." "We have a diligent defense bar and a hardworking DA's office that contribute to the criminal side."
Defense attorney Tay Bond concurred with this sentiment, asserting that the majority of criminal cases are resolved through plea agreements between prosecutors and defense attorneys.
"When an agreement cannot be reached, it is typically because the prosecution holds a different perspective on the case's value than the defense," Bond stated. "The prosecution and defense are the impediment, whether jointly or individually, if a plea is not being offered to the court for final disposition."
The county's justices assert that they are approaching their capacity, despite the current efficiency. Montgomery County may soon be required to emulate the actions of other counties that are expanding swiftly, including Harris, Brazoria, and Fort Bend, in their request for additional district courts to the Legislature.
The current system's accuracy and quickness were commended by District Attorney Brett Ligon.
"Due to the rapid scheduling of cases, the information is still fresh in the minds of the individuals who testify, which leads to a lower number of cases being overturned," Ligon stated. "The community, the prosecution, and the defense all endorse the legal decisions of these judges." They are so extraordinary as a collective of jurists that they are only ordinary in comparison to one another.
County officials are increasingly pressured to balance the increasing demand for resources. A new courthouse is merely the initial stage in ensuring that Montgomery County's justice system remains innovative and effective.
