George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building and New Tower

I came here for jury duty. It’s an impressive building! Very large, lots of natural light in the lobby. To get past the lobby you need to go through security, similar to but not quite as intense as airport security.
Everyone that I interacted with was friendly and helpful. More than once I was greeted with a smile and thanked for my time. My whole experience with jury duty only lasted a few hours, spent entirely in their large seating area. Either we were watching an introductory video, or we were waiting to hear if our number was selected. Or we were «on break», which meant we could go down to the cafeteria (which accepts cash only) or to the restroom. My number was never selected, so I was released with a letter proving that I showed up for service and a promise that they would mail a $ 6 check to my residence.
Overall, it’s a fairly normal courts building, maybe larger than your typical courts building (if you have a typical courts building… which you probably don’t). I think my juror experience was fairly painless in comparison to others, so not a terrible place to serve jury duty.

Pretty much a boring and uncomfortable day spent on jury duty, although I’ve experienced much worse (Harris County). Parking in the garage was easy enough. The security screening was quick so there’s no need to get there 45 minutes early as they state on the Jury Summons. Once I checked in and had a seat in the Central Jury Room, I was treated to a short film extolling the privilege of being a juror and how wonderful it is to get paid $ 6.00 for this honor. More helpfully, someone came out after the film and explained where the restrooms and vending machines were located. There is also an elevator you can take downstairs to the cafeteria, where I purchased a coffee to keep awake, as the excitement was wearing a bit thin. An announcement was then made that anyone with «flu like symptoms» would be allowed to reschedule. Sounded good, but since I had already postponed twice, it was made very clear I would not be released anytime soon. Then they began calling out groups of juror numbers. Evidently the first groups had to go back to their cars and drive somewhere else. I started feeling hopeful my number would not be called, but no such luck. By 10:30, a group of us were on the 6^th floor outside one of the courts, being told it would be a two-​day trial. 30 minutes later we were let in and the jury selection process started. For about 90 minutes, the attorneys asked a series of questions to determine who they might (or might not) select for the jury panel. I was quite vocal about my views as the bailiff had instructed, and felt fairly certain neither side wanted me on the panel. We then got to camp out on the hard and uncomfortable benches outside the court for another hour. Somewhat anticlimactically, the bailiff came out and announced that everyone was released. I guess they decided to settle without going to trial. So I was out by 3pm. with a sore back from the hard benches, light-​headed from starvation, and the firm hope I don’t have to do this again for a long time.

I hope I dont ever have to go down here to file for a divorce but if I do… the husband better brace himself because I already know how to get here.
I came here for jury duty and gosh almighty, it was horrible. Long wait and they send you to tons of breaks. When you’re done spending $ 20 on snacks, they tell you to leave. Hello? you could have told me that before I spent a ton on snacks!
big court building compare to some of the other ones. Security is tight so you don’t try to walk in there with a weapon. You will get shot and I will be watching you on tv.

Where should I begin?
I’ve seen a few reviews applauding the new wing of the George Allen courthouse, but I’m not sure what all the hype is about. The courtrooms in the new wing look exactly like the old ones (at least the 3^rd and 4^th floor courtrooms do), and there is nothing comfortable about them at all. The courtrooms must have been built using Ikea furnishings: plain, sterile, and functional. The seating in the gallery is just wooden benches, so your backside will start to ache if it takes a while to get to your hearing. The seating up front for lawyers isn’t much better, and it’s usually just a hodgepodge of whatever chairs they had laying around.
The one nice feature of the George Allen courthouse is the underground parking garage with the connecting walkway. Nice as it is though, they definitely make you pay for it. If you’re parked there any longer than 60 minutes, you’re paying $ 10.00 to park. I think I’ve gotten out of the parking garage for $ 9.00 one time, but otherwise I always end up paying the maximum. Kind of a rip off.

Parked at a meter… was in and out of here in an hour… sometimes you just have to get divorced… and this is the place you have to go… it is like paying taxes or going to work… you just do it and go about your life. Easy to get in and out of and the security lines are fast enough for me.

Well, I could never top Laura B’s review! LOL!
George Allen Courts Building: Need a divorce, getting sued by a major corporation? Suing someone in a big way? This is where it happens! Floors 1 thru 6 are District Courts. Floors 7 thru top are an extention of the county jail. Yes, while you’re getting your divorce, there are inmates right above you shoving rolls of toilet paper in the the toilet to clog them, making sewage run into the courtrooms. The smell in the summertime can be overwhelming. They just completed a new wing last year and it’s really top-​notch! It’s not under the jail, so it doesn’t smell as bad! Also, if you’re on parole and get violated, this is the building where your hearing will be. Fun place!

The following is an honest to God conversation between me, laura b., and one texas hillbilly trash hick (THTH) in front of this courthouse. it takes place on a sunny monday morning in Dallas, Texas. It’s about 150 F, 400% humidity aka laura b is sweating balls and is very fucking cranky.
texas hillbilly trash hick (THTH): can i bum a light?
laura b looks around, pretending to be unclear on who THTH is speaking to although it is painfully clear he is speaking to her.
THTH: hey, are you hard of hearing? can i bum a light?
laura b digs through her purse and finds matches. hands to THTH and walks away. THTH accepts matches, lights cigarette and follows laura b.
THTH: you’re not from around here are you?
laura b: no.
THTH: where you from?
laura b: san francisco.
THTH nods head as if to say, «so you’re a homosexual». laura b nods head as if to say, «yes, i am a homosexual.»
laura b. walks away. THTH follows.
THTH: why you in texas?
laura b: i might be tried as a terrorist and am here for some questioning.
THTH laughs.
laura b: i am serious. i am a domestic terrorist.
THTH: oh, shucks! you’re too cute to be a terrorist.
laura b: well, i am! i’m a terrorist!
THTH: where you staying?
laura b. tells him the name of an entirely different hotel from where she is staying.
THTH: oh, that place is run by some Indians! Them Indians and them Vietnamese own all the hotels in Dallas!
laura b: excuse me?
THTH: Oh, I’m just stating the facts, they own ‘em all. They’re a hardworking people.
laura b: i have to go inside and get something.
(laura b inner monologue continues, «before i kill you.»)
THTH: Oh, your stuff is safe! Ain’t a democrat within 30 miles of here!
THTH the laughs uproariously and slaps laura b way too close to the behind region. laura b is at a loss for words, mouth agape and just plain stupefied.
THTH: oh, did i offend you? you ain’t a democrat, are you?
laura b. just nods her head in bewilderment and backs away, turns around and then walks back towards the courthouse.
THTH yells after her: was a pleasure meeting you, little lady!
End Scene.
That experience sums up the Courthouse and the city of Dallas. The courthouse itself has air conditioning. Not a remarkable building by any means, I wouldn’t bother checking it out unless you are here on business and are forced to. That’s about all I have left to say.