Arrested in Ellis County? Here's What Happens Next
An Ellis County DWI or criminal case, from Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, or the I-35E corridor, is heard at the county courts building in Waxahachie. Here is how the courts, the jail, and the bond process work.
Ellis County Courts Building
About Criminal Court in Ellis County
If you have been arrested or charged with a criminal offense in Ellis County, your case will be heard at the Ellis County Courts Building in Waxahachie, the county seat, just south of Dallas. This guide explains where the courts are, which courts hear which cases, who the judges are, and what to expect when you appear.
Criminal court is held in the Ellis County Courts Building at 109 S. Jackson Street, not the historic square courthouse. Felony cases are heard primarily in the 443rd District Court, which by agreement among the judges hears all felony criminal cases, while misdemeanors move through the three County Courts at Law. Ellis County includes Waxahachie, Ennis, Midlothian, Red Oak, and Ferris. The District Clerk maintains felony and district-court records and the County Clerk handles misdemeanor records. Knowing which court your case is assigned to before you arrive will save you time.
Criminal Courts in Ellis County
| Court | Judge | Hears | Floor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 443rd District Court | Judge Grace Pandithurai | Primary felony court | hears all felony criminal cases | |
| 40th District Court | Judge Bob Carroll | Civil, criminal, and family (general jurisdiction) | ||
| 378th District Court | Judge William D. Wallace | Family law | 3rd floor | |
| County Court at Law No. 1 | Judge Jim Chapman | Misdemeanors, probate, and guardianship | ||
| County Court at Law No. 2 | Judge A. Gene Calvert, Jr. | Misdemeanors and civil | ||
| County Court at Law No. 3 | Judge Joseph R. Gallo | Misdemeanors and civil |
What to Expect at the Ellis County Courts Building
Where to Park
Park in the parking garage adjacent to the Ellis County Courts Building in downtown Waxahachie. 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
Criminal court is in the Ellis County Courts Building at 109 S. Jackson Street. Felonies are heard in the 443rd District Court; misdemeanors are heard in the County Courts at Law. Check the lobby directory and confirm your court ahead of time.
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 proceeds in the 443rd District Court for hearings, motions, and either a plea or trial. Timelines vary by charge.
How Bond Works
After booking at the Wayne McCollum Detention Center on South Jackson 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 Ellis County Courts Building 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
Criminal court is held at the Ellis County Courts Building, 109 S. Jackson Street in Waxahachie, not the historic square courthouse. Use the Get Directions button for a live route from where you are.
From Our Dallas office (3300 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 700)
Head south on I-35E toward Waxahachie, then into downtown; the Courts Building is on South Jackson Street. Roughly 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
From From Ennis or Midlothian
Take US-287 or FM roads into Waxahachie; the Ellis County Courts Building is in the downtown government district on South Jackson Street.
Jail, Bond, and County Offices
Wayne McCollum Detention Center (County Jail)
300 S. Jackson Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165
(972) 825-4931
Website
Operated by the Ellis County Sheriff's Office. After an arrest, defendants are booked here following any municipal hold. Call jail information for custody and bond status; an inmate roster is on the Sheriff's Office website.
Ellis County & District Attorney — Patrick M. Wilson
109 S. Jackson Street, 4th Floor, Waxahachie, TX 75165
(972) 825-5035
Website
A combined county-and-district attorney who prosecutes both felony and misdemeanor cases in the county.
Ellis County District Clerk — Melanie Reed
109 S. Jackson Street, 2nd Floor, Waxahachie, TX 75165
(972) 825-5091
Website
Maintains felony and district-court records; e-filing required for attorneys.
Ellis County Sheriff's Office
300 S. Jackson Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165
(972) 825-4901
Website
Operates the county jail, provides courthouse security, and serves warrants county-wide. Jail information: (972) 825-4931; 24/7 dispatch: (972) 937-6060.
Law Enforcement Agencies
| Agency | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ellis County Sheriff's Office | (972) 825-4901 | |
| Waxahachie Police Department | ||
| Ennis Police Department | ||
| Midlothian Police Department | ||
| Red Oak Police Department | ||
| Ferris Police Department | ||
| Texas Department of Public Safety | traffic enforcement on state highways |
How to Look Up Ellis County Court Records
Ellis County court records are public, and there are three separate search tools depending on what you need. The District Clerk keeps felony and district-court records, the County Clerk keeps misdemeanor and property records, and the Sheriff's Office keeps jail records.
Ellis County Court Records Search
- Start with the state portal. The Texas Court Records Search covers Ellis County district and county court case records in one place.
- Use the District Clerk for felonies. Felony filings and official public records are searchable through Ellis County Official Public Records. District Clerk Melanie Reed's office is at (972) 825-5091.
- Use the County Clerk for misdemeanors. County Court at Law records are on the Ellis County Clerk online records search.
- Read the court listed on the result. The 443rd District Court is the primary felony court. County Court at Law No. 1, No. 2, or No. 3 means a misdemeanor.
Ellis County Jail Records
Jail records are separate from court records. The Wayne McCollum Detention Center at 300 S. Jackson Street in Waxahachie confirms custody and bond status at (972) 825-4931, and an inmate roster is posted on the Sheriff's Office website.
Online Court Resources
- Texas Court Records Search (Ellis County) — Search Ellis County district and county court case records through the state’s online portal.
- Ellis County Official Public Records (District Clerk) — District-court records and official public records search.
- Ellis County Clerk Online Records — Search County Clerk court and property records online.
- 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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Dallas Office
Our Dallas Office
Our nearest office is at 3300 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75219.
Ellis County Case Results
Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon
Unlawful carrying of a weapon charge dismissed
Felony Drug Possession
Felony drug possession charge dismissed
Assault
Assault charge dismissed
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is decided on its own facts.
Ellis County Court FAQ
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