TDCJ News

TDCJ Expands Virtual Court Program to Enhance Public Safety and Improve Efficiency

January 28, 2025

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) announced the expansion of its Virtual Court Program, a groundbreaking initiative that leverages technology to modernize justice administration within the state.

The program addresses the public safety concerns of transporting inmates to county courthouses for legal proceedings. By utilizing secure video conferencing technology, the Virtual Court Program facilitates remote court appearances, minimizing the need for physical transport and significantly reducing costs and security risks associated with inmate transfers.

"The shift to videoconference platforms in Texas courts proved that access to courts need not be limited to traditional courtroom settings,” said TDCJ Chief of Staff Rachelle White. “Rather, technology can help remove barriers, reduce safety risks, and streamline legal proceedings.”

The Virtual Court Program enables court cases to be resolved more efficiently while individuals remain in custody. This reduces the need for bench warrants and extraditions from TDCJ to county custody, which in turn reduces transportation and housing costs at the county level.

"TDCJ Virtual Court is such a wonderful asset to our court system," said Jennifer M. Dillingham, 81st Judicial District Judge representing Atascosa, Frio, Karnes, LaSalle, and Wilson counties. "By allowing a defendant to appear remotely, it greatly improves court efficiency and allows the defendant to minimize disruption while having access to open court. The program has helped us improve the flow of our docket, and we were grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program."

To support these efforts, TDCJ’s Administrative Review and Risk Management (ARRM) and Information Technology (IT) divisions have equipped unit law libraries with new equipment and expanded broadband access to meet the demands of modern case management.

Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, the agency is committed to further modernizing access to courts by expanding technological resources that streamline remote case management for both civil and criminal matters.