Arrested in Coryell County? Here's What Happens Next
A Coryell County DWI or criminal case, from Gatesville, Copperas Cove, or the Fort Cavazos side of the post, is heard at the county courthouse in Gatesville. Here is how the courts, the jail, and the bond process work.
Coryell County Courthouse
About Criminal Court in Coryell County
If you have been arrested or charged with a criminal offense in Coryell County, your case will be heard in Gatesville, the county seat. This guide explains where the courts are, which courts hear which cases, who the judges are, and what to expect when you appear.
Coryell County sits west of Waco and north of Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood) in Central Texas, and includes Gatesville, Copperas Cove, Oglesby, and Evant. Felony cases are heard in the 52nd and 440th District Courts, while misdemeanors move through the County Court at Law. The 52nd District Court sits on the second floor of the Coryell County Courthouse on East Main Street, and the 440th District Court sits in the County Annex on East Leon Street, a short walk across the courthouse square. The District Clerk maintains felony and district-court records and the County Clerk handles misdemeanor records. Knowing which court and building your case is assigned to before you arrive will save you time.
Criminal Courts in Coryell County
| Court | Judge | Hears | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52nd District Court | Judge Trent D. Farrell | Felonies | Coryell County Courthouse, 620 E. Main St, 2nd floor |
| 440th District Court | Judge Grant Kinsey | Felonies | Coryell County Annex, 702 E. Leon St |
| County Court at Law | Judge John R. Lee | Misdemeanors, civil, and probate |
What to Expect at the Coryell County Courts
Where to Park
Parking is available around the downtown Gatesville courthouse square. Note that the 52nd District Court is in the main courthouse on East Main Street while the 440th is in the County Annex on East Leon Street, so confirm which building you need. Arrive early 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 know which court and building to report to.
Finding Your Courtroom
Felonies are heard in the 52nd District Court (main courthouse, 620 E. Main St) and the 440th District Court (County Annex, 702 E. Leon St); misdemeanors are heard in the County Court at Law. Confirm your court and building ahead of time, because the courts sit in separate buildings.
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 Court at Law. Felony cases first go to a grand jury, and if an indictment is returned the case is assigned to the 52nd or 440th District Court for hearings, motions, and either a plea or trial. Timelines vary by charge and court.
How Bond Works
After booking at the Coryell County Jail on East Leon Street, 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 Coryell County courthouse buildings 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 Coryell County Courthouse is at 620 East Main Street in downtown Gatesville, with the 440th District Court a short walk away at the County Annex on East Leon Street. Use the Get Directions button for a live route from where you are.
From Our Waco office (605 Austin Avenue, Suite 5)
Head west on US-84 toward Gatesville, roughly 35 to 45 minutes; the courthouse is on the downtown square at East Main Street.
From From Copperas Cove
Take FM-116 north into Gatesville; the courthouse sits in the downtown government district on East Main Street.
Jail, Bond, and County Offices
Coryell County Jail
510 E. Leon Street, Gatesville, TX 76528
(254) 865-7201
Website
Operated by the Coryell County Sheriff's Office. After an arrest, defendants are booked here following any municipal hold. The line is available 24/7, and an inmate roster is on the Sheriff's Office website.
Coryell County District Attorney — Hon. Dusty Boyd
Gatesville Annex, 203 South 7th Street, Gatesville, TX 76528
(254) 865-5911
Website
Prosecutes felony cases for the 52nd Judicial District (Coryell County). Direct extension 2267.
Coryell County Attorney — Brandon Belt
210 South 7th Street, Gatesville, TX 76528
(254) 865-5911
Website
Prosecutes misdemeanor criminal cases in the County Court at Law.
Coryell County District Clerk — Becky Moore
Coryell County Courthouse, P.O. Box 4, Gatesville, TX 76528
(254) 865-5911
Website
Maintains felony and district-court records for the 52nd and 440th District Courts.
Coryell County Sheriff's Office
510 E. Leon Street, Gatesville, TX 76528
(254) 865-7201
Website
Operates the county jail, provides courthouse security, and serves warrants county-wide. A Sheriff's Annex is in Copperas Cove at 210 S. 1st Street, (254) 547-1693.
Law Enforcement Agencies
| Agency | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coryell County Sheriff's Office | (254) 865-7201 | |
| Gatesville Police Department | ||
| Copperas Cove Police Department | ||
| Oglesby Police Department | ||
| Evant Police Department | ||
| Texas Department of Public Safety | traffic enforcement on state highways |
Online Court Resources
- Texas Court Records Search (Coryell County) — Search Coryell County district and county court case records through the state’s online portal.
- Coryell County Sheriff / Inmate Roster — Look up current inmates in the Coryell County Jail by name.
- Coryell County Court at Law Records — View County Court at Law dockets, including criminal and probate matters.
- 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.
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