About criminal court in Denton County

All criminal cases in Denton County, from Class B misdemeanors to capital murder, are heard at the Denton County Courts Building. The four-floor facility houses all 5 County Criminal Courts (misdemeanor) and all 12 District Courts (felony), along with the District Attorney’s Office and the clerks’ offices. The County Criminal Courts also carry concurrent felony jurisdiction over intoxication offenses, so some felony DWI cases may stay in a county court rather than transfer to a district court.

Criminal courts in Denton County

County Criminal Court 1Judge Lauri Ragland

Misdemeanors · 1st Floor · (940) 349-2200

County Criminal Court 2Judge Susan Piel

Misdemeanors · 2nd Floor · (940) 349-2210

County Criminal Court 3Judge Forrest Beadle

Misdemeanors · 2nd Floor · (940) 349-2220

County Criminal Court 4Judge Chance Oliver

Misdemeanors · 2nd Floor · (940) 349-2230

County Criminal Court 5Judge Coby Waddill

Misdemeanors and felony intoxication offenses · 2nd Floor · (940) 349-2240

16th District CourtJudge Sherry Shipman

Felonies · 3rd Floor · (940) 349-2310

158th District CourtJudge Steve Burgess

Felonies · 3rd Floor · (940) 349-2320

211th District CourtJudge Brody Shanklin

Felonies · 2nd Floor · (940) 349-2330

362nd District CourtJudge Bruce McFarling

Felonies · 3rd Floor · (940) 349-2340

367th District CourtJudge Brent Hill

Felonies · 3rd Floor · (940) 349-2350

393rd District CourtJudge Karen Alexander

Felonies · 4th Floor · (940) 349-2360

431st District CourtJudge Jim Johnson

Felonies · 2nd Floor · (940) 349-4370

442nd District CourtJudge Tiffany Haertling

Felonies · 2nd Floor · (940) 349-4380

462nd District CourtJudge Lee Ann Breading

Felonies · 4th Floor · (940) 349-2110

467th District CourtJudge Derbha Jones

Felonies · 4th Floor · (940) 349-2100

477th District CourtJudge Michael Dickens

Felonies · 3rd Floor · (940) 349-2100

481st District CourtJudge Crystal Levonius

Felonies · 4th Floor · (940) 349-2100

Recent Results Here

A sample of outcomes our attorneys have secured at this courthouse.

Case Dismissed

Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct charge dismissed

2026
Case Dismissed

DWI

DWI charge dismissed

2025
Case Dismissed

Accident Involving Damage

Accident involving damage charge dismissed

2025
Charges Dropped

Duty on Striking a Car

Duty on striking a vehicle charge dropped

2025
Case Dismissed

Domestic Violence Assault

Domestic violence assault charge dismissed

2025
Case Dismissed

Domestic Violence Assault

Domestic violence assault charge dismissed

2024

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Attorneys Who Appear Here

Meet the team that regularly practices in this building.

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What to expect at the Denton County Courts Building

Where to park

Parking at the Denton courthouse is all around the building — there are no parking garages. You'll find street parking and several public lots near the Denton County Courts Building in downtown Denton. Plan extra time to park and to clear security on busy docket mornings.

What to bring

Bring a photo ID, any paperwork or letters about your case, and your attorney's contact information. Coordinate with your lawyer beforehand so you arrive knowing which court your case is in.

How to dress

Treat court like a job interview. Business or business-casual clothing shows the judge you take the matter seriously. Avoid shorts, tank tops, hats, and clothing with offensive images or wording.

Finding your court

Denton County has 5 County Criminal Courts for misdemeanors and 12 District Courts for felonies, all inside the four-floor Denton County Courts Building. Confirm your court before you arrive and check the posted docket outside the courtroom.

Arraignment, pretrial, and trial

Your first setting is usually an initial appearance where the charge and bond conditions are confirmed and future dates are set. Pretrial settings are where your attorney reviews the State's evidence and negotiates. Most cases resolve before trial, but if yours does not it is set for a contested hearing or jury trial.

How bond works

After booking at the Denton County Jail, bond must be posted before release. Bond can be paid as a cash bond to the county or posted through a licensed bondsman as a surety bond. A magistrate sets the amount and conditions, weighing your ties to the community and any risk you pose.

How dockets move

Denton County cases move at a moderate pace, and the County Criminal Courts carry concurrent felony jurisdiction over intoxication offenses, so a felony DWI may stay in a county court rather than transfer to a district court. Resets are common in the early stages while evidence is exchanged.

If you have to miss a setting

Missing a setting can lead to a bond forfeiture and a warrant for your arrest. If you cannot attend, contact your attorney right away so they can ask the court to reset the date before the setting is missed.

Security and what you can bring inside

Everyone entering the Denton County Courts Building passes through a security checkpoint with a metal detector, and bags are subject to search. Arrive early enough to clear the line, which is longest during the morning docket.

Leave anything that could be considered a weapon in your vehicle, including pocket knives and pepper spray. Firearms are not permitted, even with a License to Carry. Phones are generally allowed but must be silenced, and most courtrooms prohibit photography or recording.

Getting here

Free and paid parking nearby. Quick directions from the most common starting points.

From Our Denton office (1317 E. McKinney Street, Suite 101A)

The courthouse is directly across the street at 1450 E. McKinney Street, a walk of less than a minute.

From Downtown Denton

Street parking and nearby public lots serve the courthouse. Allow extra time to park and clear security before your setting.

Jail, bond, and county offices

Denton County Jail

1060 E McKinney Street
Denton, TX 76209
(940) 349-1700

Lewisville and Flower Mound may hold arrestees before transfer.

Denton County District Attorney

1450 E McKinney Street, Suite 3100
Denton, TX 76209
(940) 349-2700

Denton County Sheriff's Office

127 N Woodrow Lane
Denton, TX 76205
(940) 349-1600

Law enforcement agencies

Denton Police Department (940) 349-8181
Lewisville Police Department (972) 219-3600
Flower Mound Police Department (972) 539-0525
Little Elm Police Department (972) 377-3535
The Colony Police Department (972) 625-1887
Highland Village Department of Public Safety (972) 317-6551
Corinth Police Department (940) 498-7240
Argyle Police Department (940) 464-7254
Denton County Sheriff's Office (940) 349-1600

Online court resources

Charges We Defend Here

The charges our attorneys defend at this courthouse, grouped by practice area.

DWI

Criminal Defense

Our Offices Near This Courthouse

Visit a Deandra Grant Law office serving clients at this courthouse.

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What Clients Say

Reviews from clients whose cases were heard at this courthouse.

★★★★★

Denton, TX now has a dedicated criminal defense team. I wholeheartedly recommend Deandra Grant law to protect you from the Government in Denton. They won’t back down.

Kim Keheley FryeCase Won • Denton County
★★★★★

Incredible work. As soon as I started working with the team I felt a peace of mind wash over me and that’s just in their welcoming Texan DNA. They are trustworthy, kind, hardworking, diligent and talented professionals. I promise you don’t need to go anywhere else in Denton County.

Will SnyderDenton County
★★★★★

Deandra grant law helped me when no other law firm would take on my case. I was hit with no bonds for several charges while on probation in 3 county’s they came to my rescue and got me a bond within the 1st week of retaining them. The firm worked very well together and even reached out to my attorney in another county and helped me resolve my felony case with out any prison time with only 3 days time served, and within 2 court dates got me off 5 years drug court probation with time served. I really think this firm is one of the best in Denton county.

James JordanBond Secured; Felony Resolved — No Prison (Time Served) • Denton County

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Related Resources

View More Resources

Denton County court FAQs

How do I find out my court date in Denton County?

Look up your case by name or cause number through the Denton County online case search (dentoncounty.gov/920). You can also call the District Clerk at (940) 349-2012.

What is the address of the Denton County criminal courthouse?

The Denton County Courts Building is located at 1450 E McKinney Street, Denton, TX 76209. The main phone number is (940) 349-2012.

What happens at a first court appearance in Denton County?

At your first setting the court confirms bond and bond conditions and takes an initial plea. The State then provides discovery and negotiations with the assigned prosecutor begin. Most first settings are brief.

How do I post bond in Denton County?

After arrest a magistrate sets bond, usually within 24 to 48 hours. You can post a cash bond (the full amount paid to the county) or a surety bond through a licensed bail bondsman, typically around 10 percent of the bond amount.

Can I bring my phone into the Denton County courthouse?

Every visitor passes through security screening. Weapons, recording devices, cameras, and smart glasses are prohibited; cell-phone rules vary by courtroom, so silence your phone and follow posted notices and the bailiff’s instructions.

What should I wear to court in Denton County?

Dress neatly and conservatively: business or business-casual clothing. Avoid shorts, tank tops, hats, and clothing with offensive graphics. Arriving early and dressing respectfully signals seriousness to the court.

What if I miss my court date in Denton County?

Missing a setting can lead the judge to issue a bench warrant (capias) for your arrest and may forfeit your bond. If you miss or expect to miss a date, contact your attorney immediately so it can be addressed before a warrant issues.

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