Craig A. Gargotta at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Court
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas
- Jurisdiction
- Texas · Federal
- Judicial service
- October 1, 2007–present
Craig A. Gargotta
Judge · U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas
Available research
Biography
Judicial service
- Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court, W.D. Texas, 2007-present
Courtroom rules and guidance
Electronic Trial Exhibits
The Western District of Texas publishes JERS guidance for electronically capturing trial evidence and provides evidence-presentation equipment to members of the bar practicing in the district.
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas uses the Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS) to capture evidence electronically during a trial. The Court provides evidence presentation equipment to any member of the bar practicing within the Western District of Texas.JERS, Jury Evidence Recording System ↗
Electronic Exhibit Submission
For JERS electronic exhibit submission, the Western District of Texas publishes a single-storage-device requirement and directs parties to submit files by the deadline set by the assigned courtroom deputy.
All files must be provided on a single storage device such as a CD, DVD, or USB drive. ... All files must be submitted based on the deadline set by the CRD associated with your case.JERS, Jury Evidence Recording System ↗
Motion Form
Request an order by written motion unless the rules authorize an application or the request is made during a hearing. State the grounds with particularity and specify the requested relief or order.
A motion must state its grounds with particularity and set forth the relief or order requested.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Motion Notice Timing
Unless a motion may be heard ex parte or another period applies, serve the written motion and hearing notice at least seven days before the hearing. Serve supporting affidavits with the motion.
A written motion (other than one that may be heard ex parte) and notice of any hearing must be served at least 7 days before the hearing date, unless the court or these rules set a different period.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Contested Matter Notice
In a contested matter not otherwise governed by the bankruptcy rules, request relief by motion and give the opposing party reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard. A response is required only if the court orders one.
Reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard must be given to the party against whom relief is sought. No response is required unless the court orders otherwise.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Disputed Fact Testimony
Present witness testimony on a disputed material factual issue in the same manner as testimony in an adversary proceeding.
A witness's testimony on a disputed material factual issue must be taken in the same manner as testimony in an adversary proceeding.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Evidentiary Hearing Notice
Use the court's procedure to determine, reasonably before a scheduled hearing, whether it will be an evidentiary hearing at which witnesses may testify.
The court must provide procedures that allow parties-at a reasonable time before a scheduled hearing-to determine whether it will be an evidentiary hearing at which witnesses may testify.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Evidence Rules
Prepare evidence under the Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 43, 44, and 44.1, which apply in bankruptcy cases.
The Federal Rules of Evidence and Fed. R. Civ. P. 43, 44, and 44.1 apply in a bankruptcy case.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Oath Or Affirmation
A solemn affirmation may substitute when an oath is required. The national rule identifies the bankruptcy judge, clerk, deputy clerk, U.S. trustee, and other authorized officers as persons who may administer it.
If an oath is required, a solemn affirmation suffices.Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure ↗
Sources
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas current judicial profile
Identity source · HTML · checked August 2, 2026
https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8978/craig-a-gargotta/JERS, Jury Evidence Recording System
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.txwd.uscourts.gov/for-attorneys/jers-jury-evidence-recording-systemFederal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure
Judge research source · PDF · checked July 30, 2026
https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/federal-rules-of-bankruptcy-procedure.pdf