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

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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.

From Our Dallas office (3300 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 700)

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.

From From Forney or Terrell

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 website

Operated 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 website

Prosecutes 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 website

Maintains 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 website

Operates the county jail, provides courthouse security, and serves warrants county-wide. 24/7 booking line: (972) 932-4337.

Law enforcement agencies

Kaufman County Sheriff's Office (469) 376-4500
Forney Police Department (972) 552-6625
Terrell Police Department (469) 474-2700
Kaufman Police Department (972) 932-3094
Crandall Police Department (972) 427-3767
Kemp Police Department (903) 498-8600
Mabank Police Department (903) 887-8500
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.

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Related Resources

Kaufman 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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