Arrested in Johnson County? Here's What Happens Next
A Johnson County DWI or criminal case, whether the stop was in Cleburne, Burleson, or Alvarado, is heard at the Guinn Justice Center in Cleburne. Here is how the courts, the jail, and the bond process work.
Guinn Justice Center
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
| Court | Judge | Hears | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18th District Court | Judge Sydney B. Hewlett | Felonies | also serves Somervell County; Guinn Justice Center |
| 249th District Court | Judge Tiffany Strother | Felonies | also serves Somervell County; Guinn Justice Center |
| 413th District Court | Judge William Bosworth | Felonies | Johnson County only; Guinn Justice Center |
| County Court at Law No. 1 | Judge John Neill | Misdemeanors, family law, and probate | |
| County Court at Law No. 2 | Judge Steven McClure | Misdemeanors, family law, and probate |
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
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
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
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
Website
Operates the county jail, provides courthouse security, and serves warrants county-wide. 24/7 dispatch: (817) 556-6045.
Law Enforcement Agencies
| Agency | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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
- Johnson County Case Search (Tyler Odyssey Portal) — Search felony and misdemeanor case records and court settings online.
- Johnson County Jail / Inmate Search — Look up current inmates in the Johnson County Corrections Facility by name.
- Johnson County District Clerk Records — Search district-court felony, civil, and family case records.
- 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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Johnson County Case Results
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DWI charge dismissed
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is decided on its own facts.
Johnson County Court FAQ
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