Arrested in Kaufman County? Here's What Happens Next
A Kaufman County DWI or criminal case, from Forney, Terrell, or Kaufman itself, is heard at the Kaufman County Justice Center. Here is how the courts, the jail, and the bond process work.
Kaufman County Justice Center
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
| Court | Judge | Hears | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86th District Court | Judge Casey Blair | Felonies, civil, and family | local administrative judge |
| 422nd District Court | Judge Shelton T.W. Gibbs IV | Felonies, civil, and family | |
| 489th District Court | Judge Tracy Gray | Felonies, civil, and family | newest court (created 2023) |
| County Court at Law No. 1 | Judge Joseph Russell | Misdemeanors, civil, and probate | |
| County Court at Law No. 2 | Judge Bobby Lloyd Rich Jr. | Misdemeanors, civil, and probate |
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
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
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
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
Website
Operates the county jail, provides courthouse security, and serves warrants county-wide. 24/7 booking line: (972) 932-4337.
Law Enforcement Agencies
| Agency | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
How to Look Up Kaufman County Court Records
Kaufman County court records are public and searchable online through the county's Tyler Odyssey portal. The District Clerk keeps felony and district-court records, the County Clerk keeps misdemeanor records, and the Sheriff's Office keeps jail and inmate records separately.
Kaufman County Court Records Search
- Open the county case search. Kaufman County runs a Tyler Odyssey portal at portal-txkaufman.tylertech.cloud, which covers felony and misdemeanor case records and court settings.
- Search by name or case number. A case number returns the file directly. By name, use the exact spelling from the charging paperwork and add a filing year to narrow duplicates.
- Read the court listed on the result. The 86th, 422nd, or 489th District Court means a felony. County Court at Law No. 1 or No. 2 means a misdemeanor.
- Call the clerk if the portal comes up empty. Newly filed cases can take several business days to post. District Clerk Rhonda Hughey's office is at (469) 376-4640.
Kaufman County Jail Records
Jail records are separate from court records. The Kaufman County Detention Facility at 1900 E. US Highway 175 confirms custody and bond status on a 24/7 booking line at (972) 932-4337, and inmate records are searchable by name on the Sheriff's Office website.
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.
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