
About criminal court in Kaufman County
If you have been arrested or charged with a criminal offense in Kaufman County, your case will be heard at the Kaufman County Justice Center on East US Highway 175 in the city of Kaufman, 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.
Kaufman County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, anchored by Forney, Terrell, Crandall, Kemp, and Mabank, and its court system has expanded to keep pace, most recently adding the 489th District Court in 2024. Felony cases are heard in the 86th, 422nd, and 489th District Courts, while misdemeanors and many lower-level matters move through the two County Courts at Law. The District Clerk maintains felony and district-court records and the County Clerk handles misdemeanor records, both at the Justice Center. Knowing which court your case is assigned to before you arrive will save you time.
Criminal courts in Kaufman County
86th District CourtJudge Casey Blair
Felonies, civil, and family · local administrative judge
422nd District CourtJudge Shelton T.W. Gibbs IV
Felonies, civil, and family
489th District CourtJudge Tracy Gray
Felonies, civil, and family · newest court (created 2023)
County Court at Law No. 1Judge Joseph Russell
Misdemeanors, civil, and probate
County Court at Law No. 2Judge Bobby Lloyd Rich Jr.
Misdemeanors, civil, and probate
Attorneys Who Appear Here
Meet the team that regularly practices in this building.
What to expect at the Kaufman County Justice Center
Where to park
Free surface parking is available at the Justice Center complex on US Highway 175. 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 and floor to report to.
Finding your courtroom
The Justice Center houses the district courts, the County Courts at Law, the District Clerk, and the County Clerk under one roof. 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 Kaufman County Detention Facility on US Highway 175, 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 Kaufman County Justice Center passes through security screening run by the 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 Kaufman County Justice Center is on East US Highway 175 in Kaufman, southeast of Dallas. Use the Get Directions button for a live route from where you are.
Head southeast from Dallas on US-175 toward Kaufman; the Justice Center is on East US Highway 175. Roughly 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic.
Take US-175 to the city of Kaufman; the Justice Center is on the east side of town on US Highway 175.
Jail, bond, and county offices
Kaufman County Detention Facility (County Jail)
1900 E. US Highway 175, Kaufman, TX 75142 (972) 932-4337 Visit websiteOperated by the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office. After an arrest, defendants are booked here following any municipal hold. The booking line is available 24/7, and inmate records are on the Sheriff's Office website. Non-emergency dispatch: (469) 376-4500.
Kaufman County Criminal District Attorney — Erleigh N. Wiley
Kaufman County Justice Center, 1902 E. US Highway 175, Kaufman, TX 75142 (469) 376-4100 Visit websiteProsecutes felony and misdemeanor cases in the county. Appointed in 2013 and elected to a third term in 2022.
Kaufman County District Clerk — Rhonda Hughey
Kaufman County Justice Center, 1902 E. US Highway 175, Kaufman, TX 75142 (469) 376-4640 Visit websiteMaintains felony and district-court records; e-filing required for attorneys.
Kaufman County Sheriff's Office
1900 E. US Highway 175, Kaufman, TX 75142 (469) 376-4500 Visit websiteOperates the county jail, provides courthouse security, and serves warrants county-wide. 24/7 booking line: (972) 932-4337.
Law enforcement agencies
Online court resources
- Kaufman County Case Search (Tyler Odyssey Portal) Search felony and misdemeanor case records and court settings online.
- Kaufman County Jail / Inmate Records Look up current inmates in the Kaufman County Detention Facility by name.
- Kaufman County District Clerk Felony and district-court records, e-filing, and jury information.
- Texas DPS ALR hearings Request a hearing on a license suspension after a DWI arrest. You have 15 days from the date of notice to request one.
Charges We Defend Here
The charges our attorneys defend at this courthouse, grouped by practice area.
Criminal Defense
- Adderall
- Aggravated Assault
- Aggravated Sexual Assault
- Assault
- Assault Causing Bodily Injury
- Assault on a Public Servant
- Burglary
- Capital Murder
- Carjacking
- Child Endangerment
- Cocaine
- Continuous Family Violence
- Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
- CPS Investigation
- Crimes Against Children
- Criminally Negligent Homicide
- Deadly Conduct
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes
- Drug Delivery & Trafficking
- Drug Manufacturing
- Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Penalty Groups Explained
- Drug-Free Zone
- Ecstasy / MDMA
- Federal Child Sexual Assault
- Federal Sexual Exploitation and CSAM
- Federal Weapon Charges
- Felony Murder
- Fentanyl
- Fentanyl Murder
- Gun & Weapon Crimes
- Heroin
- Indecency with a Child
- Indecent Exposure
- Injury to a Child
- Interference with Child Custody
- Kidnapping
- Leaving a Child in a Vehicle
- Manslaughter
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Murder
- Online Solicitation of a Minor
- Probation Violation
- Prohibited Weapons
- Prostitution and Solicitation
- Protective Order Violation
- Robbery
- Robbery vs. Theft vs. Burglary
- Self-Defense Murder
- Sex Crimes
- Sex Offender Registration
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Sudden Passion
- Terroristic Threat
- THC Vape Pens & Concentrates
- Theft
- Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon
- Unlawful Transfer of a Firearm
- Warrants
- Weapons in Prohibited Places
- White-Collar Crimes
Our Offices Near This Courthouse
Visit a Deandra Grant Law office serving clients at this courthouse.

Related Resources
BookSurviving Your DWI in Kaufman County
Get the BookKaufman County court FAQs
How do I find out my court date in Kaufman County?
Search the Kaufman 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 Kaufman County criminal courthouse?
Felony and misdemeanor criminal cases are heard at the Kaufman County Justice Center, 1902 E. US Highway 175, Kaufman, TX 75142, on the east side of the city of Kaufman.
Which court will hear my case?
Felonies are heard in the 86th, 422nd, and 489th District Courts; misdemeanors are heard in the two County Courts at Law. Your attorney can confirm which court before your 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 Kaufman County?
After booking at the Kaufman County Detention Facility on US Highway 175, 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?
Free surface parking is available at the Justice Center complex on US Highway 175. 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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