In most cases, a hearing is delayed until a personal appearance in court is possible, he added.

Mr. Koppell's personal appearance in court, in a year in which he is seeking election to the post, was unusual for an attorney general.

His unusual personal appearance in court underscored what the Justice Department has called an increased effort to oppose the use of racial quotas to integrate subsidized housing.

Hidalgo County's district attorney, Rene Guerra, who is not related to the judge, had vowed to put Mr. Perez behind bars, and he made a rare personal appearance in court to prosecute the case.