About criminal court in Johnson County

If you have been arrested or charged with a criminal offense in Johnson County, your case will be heard at the Guinn Justice Center on South Buffalo Avenue in Cleburne, the county seat. This guide explains where the courthouse is, which courts hear which cases, who the judges are, and what to expect when you appear.

Johnson County sits at the southern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and includes Cleburne, Burleson, Joshua, Alvarado, Keene, Grandview, Venus, and Godley. Felony cases are heard in the 18th, 249th, and 413th District Courts, while misdemeanors move through the two County Courts at Law. The 18th and 249th District Courts also serve neighboring Somervell County; the 413th serves Johnson County only. The District Clerk maintains felony and district-court records and the County Clerk handles misdemeanor records, both at the Guinn Justice Center. Knowing which court your case is assigned to before you arrive will save you time.

Criminal courts in Johnson County

18th District CourtJudge Sydney B. Hewlett

Felonies · also serves Somervell County · Guinn Justice Center

249th District CourtJudge Tiffany Strother

Felonies · also serves Somervell County · Guinn Justice Center

413th District CourtJudge William Bosworth

Felonies · Johnson County only · Guinn Justice Center

County Court at Law No. 1Judge John Neill

Misdemeanors, family law, and probate

County Court at Law No. 2Judge Steven McClure

Misdemeanors, family law, and probate

Attorneys Who Appear Here

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What to expect at the Guinn Justice Center

Where to park

Parking is available around the Guinn Justice Center and the downtown Cleburne government district. Arrive early, especially on busy docket mornings, so you have time to park and clear security.

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 know which court to report to.

Finding your courtroom

Felony cases are heard in the 18th, 249th, and 413th District Courts; misdemeanors are heard in the two County Courts at Law. Check the lobby directory and confirm your court ahead of time, because reporting to the wrong courtroom is a common mistake.

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.

Arraignment, pretrial, and trial

Misdemeanor cases move through initial settings, discovery, and negotiation in the County Courts at Law. Felony cases first go to a grand jury, and if an indictment is returned the case is assigned to a district court for hearings, motions, and either a plea or trial. Timelines vary by charge and court.

How bond works

After booking at the Johnson County Corrections Facility, a magistrate sets bond and conditions, usually within 24 to 48 hours of arrest. Bond can be posted as a cash bond paid to the county or as a surety bond through a licensed bondsman, typically about 10 percent of the amount.

How dockets move

Resets are common in the early stages while evidence is exchanged, but they are granted at the court's discretion. Each court handles plea offers and bond conditions a little differently.

If you have to miss a setting

Missing a court date 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 Guinn Justice Center passes through security screening run by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, similar to airport security. Lines are longest during morning docket hours, so plan to arrive early.

Prohibited items generally include weapons and ammunition of any kind, sharp objects and tools, lighters, aerosols, pepper spray, vapes, and glass or metal containers. Phones are generally allowed but may not be used to photograph or record inside the courtrooms. Confirm the current prohibited-items list with the Sheriff’s Office before you go.

Getting here

The Guinn Justice Center is at 204 S. Buffalo Avenue in downtown Cleburne. Use the Get Directions button for a live route from where you are.

From Our Fort Worth office (4500 Airport Freeway, Suite 101)

Head south on I-35W toward Cleburne, then west into downtown; the Guinn Justice Center is on South Buffalo Avenue. Roughly 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

From From Burleson

Take TX-174 south into Cleburne; the courthouse sits in the downtown government district on South Buffalo Avenue.

Jail, bond, and county offices

Johnson County Corrections Facility (County Jail)

1800 Ridgemar Drive, Cleburne, TX 76031
(817) 556-6000 Visit website

Operated by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. After an arrest, defendants are booked here following any municipal hold. The line is available 24/7, and inmate lookup is on the county website.

Johnson County District Attorney — Hon. Timothy M. Good

Guinn Justice Center, 204 S. Buffalo Ave, Room 209, Cleburne, TX 76033
(817) 556-6802 Visit website

Prosecutes felony cases in Johnson and Somervell Counties.

Johnson County District Clerk — David R. Lloyd

Guinn Justice Center, 204 S. Buffalo Ave, Cleburne, TX 76033
(817) 556-6839 Visit website

Maintains felony and district-court records; e-filing required for attorneys.

Johnson County Sheriff's Office — Sheriff Byron K. Roberson

1800 Ridgemar Drive, Cleburne, TX 76031
(817) 556-6058 Visit website

Operates the county jail, provides courthouse security, and serves warrants county-wide. 24/7 dispatch: (817) 556-6045.

Law enforcement agencies

Johnson County Sheriff's Office (817) 556-6058
Cleburne Police Department
Burleson Police Department
Joshua Police Department
Keene Police Department
Alvarado Police Department
Grandview Police Department
Venus Police Department
Godley Police Department
Texas Department of Public Safety (traffic enforcement on state highways)

Online court resources

Charges We Defend Here

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

Our Offices Near This Courthouse

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

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Johnson County court FAQs

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

Search the Johnson County case records portal (Tyler Odyssey) by name or case number, or call the District Clerk for felonies or the County Clerk for misdemeanors. If you have an attorney, they will track every setting for you.

Where is the Johnson County criminal courthouse?

Felony and misdemeanor criminal cases are heard at the Guinn Justice Center, 204 S. Buffalo Avenue, Cleburne, TX 76033, in the downtown government district.

Which court will hear my case?

Felonies are heard in the 18th, 249th, and 413th District Courts; misdemeanors are heard in the two County Courts at Law. The 18th and 249th also serve Somervell County. Your attorney can confirm your court before the date.

What happens at my first court setting?

Your first setting is usually an arraignment or announcement, where the charge is confirmed and future dates are set. It is not a trial. Your attorney uses the time afterward to request the State’s evidence and begin negotiations.

How do I post bond in Johnson County?

After booking at the Johnson County Corrections Facility on Ridgemar Drive, a magistrate sets bond, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Bond can be paid in full to the county as a cash bond or posted through a licensed bondsman as a surety bond, typically about 10 percent of the amount.

Where can I park at the courthouse?

Parking is available around the Guinn Justice Center and the downtown Cleburne government district. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early so you have time to park and clear security before your case is called.

Can I bring my phone into the courthouse?

Phones are generally allowed but cannot be used to photograph or record. Weapons, sharp objects, lighters, pepper spray, vapes, and glass or metal containers are not allowed through security, so leave them in your vehicle.

What happens if I miss my court date?

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 you miss it.

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