Tough Law Firm Blog

Official data from the Texas Department of State Health services shows the staggering toll of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Lone Star State with more than 700,000 confirmed cases and 15,000 fatalities as of September 24, 2020.

What many Texans might not know, however, is that since March 13, when there were just 30 confirmed cases and no deaths, the state has been under a disaster declaration. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued the March emergency order in response to the coronavirus under the powers granted to him by the Texas Disaster Act. He has renewed the disaster declaration every 30 days since the initial order, with the latest renewal on September 7.

Even for Texas, Harris County is considered big and sprawling, with the third-largest population in the U.S., and a major American city within its borders. In the era of Covid-19, that can make keeping track of current regulations even trickier than usual. But knowing what penalties you could incur by not following them — and in which areas — is more crucial than ever.

As of July 2020 and like many agencies that have in-office employees, Both Montgomery and Harris County government offices are generally remaining open during regular business hours with modifications to protect the public and employees. While most offices and services in both counties are open from either 7 or 8 A.M. in the morning until at least 4 P.M., Monday through Friday, every county office in Texas has been working to meet state safety guidelines to avoid the spread of COVID-19 and help slow its impact in communities.

The Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 has changed just about every aspect of life, from the way that we shop and socialize to the way that we conduct business. Just about every industry has had to search for a “new normal” that will help them survive and stay ahead through these times, and law services are no exception. While presence in the courtroom has long been an established norm within the field of law, more and more areas are shifting to allow all connected parties to participate in trials virtually, therefore limiting the amount of exposure that anyone has to another person. The use of services like Zoom in law procedures is especially helpful in ensuring that there is no prolonged contact between people, which is incredibly important in minimizing the spread of the virus.

Montgomery County is a burgeoning community that boasts several cities including its namesake Montgomery, The Woodlands, Shenandoah and the county seat of Conroe, TX. In fact, it is in the city of Conroe in which the majority of Montgomery County Texas Courts are situated for most of the legal needs of this region. From getting birth records or paying a ticket to fighting claims against you, these facilities are hubs you may visit.

Board Member Bruce Tough recently attended the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber monthly September luncheon to see a presentation by guest speaker Missy Herndon, CEO and President of  Interfaith. Bruce has proudly supported, and continues to support, Interfaith and the HOPE Gala supporting Missy’s son, Will Herndon. Also pictured is Steve Leakey, who is being honored as a Hometown Hero 2018 for his community giving and leadership.

Each year the Boy Scouts of America’s Tall Timbers District hosts an annual Business and Community Leadership Dinner. The goal of this dinner is to bring together local community leaders to share with them the mission of Scouting and simultaneously report on the progress of the Scouting program in their community.