On September 4, 2025, the Criminal Appeals Court of Texas convened to address significant complaints against process servers, highlighting issues of ethics and accountability within the profession. The meeting focused on two primary cases that raised concerns about the integrity of service processes.
In the first case, John Parker filed a complaint against Brandy Parton, alleging that she submitted a false return of service and failed to personally serve him. Parker claimed that the address listed on the return was uninhabitable, as it was his deceased mother's former home. Parton denied these allegations, asserting that she had served someone at that address. However, the board found multiple violations of the code of ethics, specifically codes 2(b), (c), (d), 10, and 14(e). As a result, the board recommended the permanent revocation of Parton's process server certification and imposed a penalty of $600, due within six months of the final order. The board consolidated certain violations to avoid repetitive penalties, demonstrating a structured approach to enforcement.
The second case involved Mona Ricks Dixon, who was accused by Judge Tisha Bien of filing a false return of service. Dixon did not attend the hearing to address the allegations, but the investigation revealed that the court's notices had failed to include her apartment number, complicating her ability to respond. Despite this, the board found sufficient evidence to support the complaint. Dixon admitted to not updating her contact information with the commission, leading to violations of codes 8 and 10.
The discussions during the meeting underscored the importance of ethical conduct among process servers, as their actions directly impact the judicial process. The board's decisions reflect a commitment to maintaining standards within the profession and ensuring accountability for those who fail to adhere to ethical guidelines. As these cases progress, the outcomes will likely influence future practices and reinforce the necessity for process servers to uphold their responsibilities diligently.