Arrested in Rockwall County? Here's What Happens Next
A Rockwall County DWI or criminal case, from Rockwall, Royse City, Fate, or Heath, is heard at the Rockwall County Courthouse, minutes from our Rockwall office. Here is how the courts, the jail, and the bond process work.
Rockwall County Courthouse
About Criminal Court in Rockwall County
If you have been arrested or charged with a criminal offense in Rockwall County, your case will be heard at the Rockwall County Courthouse in downtown Rockwall. This guide explains where the courthouse is, which courts hear which cases, who the presiding judges are, and what to expect when you appear. Rockwall is the smallest county in Texas by area, but its courts handle the full range of criminal matters, from Class B misdemeanors to first-degree felonies.
Everything runs through a single courthouse, which keeps the system compact: the County Courts at Law, the District Courts, the District Attorney, and both the County and District Clerk offices are all in the same building just off the historic downtown square.
Criminal Courts in Rockwall County
| Court | Judge | Hears |
|---|---|---|
| County Court at Law No. 1 | Judge Keith Wheeler | Misdemeanors, including first-offense DWI, assault, and theft. Clerk (972) 205-6410. |
| County Court at Law No. 2 | Judge Stephani Woodward | Shares the misdemeanor docket with County Court at Law No. 1. Clerk (972) 205-6420. |
| 382nd District Court | Judge Brett Allen Hall | Felonies, assigned at random across the three district courts. Clerk (972) 204-6610. |
| 439th District Court | Judge David E. Rakow | Felony cases. Clerk (972) 204-6620. |
| 503rd District Court | Judge Brian Williams | Felony cases. Clerk (972) 204-6410. |
What to Expect at the Rockwall County Courthouse
Where to Park
The Rockwall County Courthouse sits on its own grounds at 1111 E. Yellowjacket Lane, just east of S. Goliad Street (SH 205) near I-30. Surface parking surrounds the courthouse on all sides.
What to Bring
Bring a photo ID, any paperwork or letters about your case, and your attorney’s contact information. If you have a lawyer, coordinate with them beforehand so you arrive knowing which courtroom to report to.
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.
Where to Check In
Find your court on the docket posted outside the courtroom, then check in with the court coordinator or clerk and let your attorney know you have arrived. The County Clerk is on the first floor and the District Clerk is on the second floor of the same building.
Arraignment, Pretrial, and Trial
Your first setting is usually an arraignment or announcement, where the charge is confirmed and future dates are set. Pretrial settings are where your attorney reviews the State’s evidence and negotiates. Most cases resolve before trial, but if yours does not, it is set for a contested hearing or jury trial.
How Continuances Work
Because the county has only a handful of courts, the judges manage their dockets closely and cases can move faster than in larger counties. Resets are common early on while evidence is gathered, but they are granted at the court’s discretion, so never skip a setting assuming it will be reset.
How Bond Works
Bond lets you stay out of custody while your case is pending. Lower-level charges often follow a bond schedule tied to the offense, while a judge sets bond at a hearing for serious charges, weighing your ties to the community and any risk you pose. Bond can be posted as cash, through a licensed bondsman, or, in some cases, on a personal recognizance basis.
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 Rockwall County Courthouse passes through a security checkpoint with a metal detector, and bags are subject to search. The line is longest during the morning rush before 9:00 AM, so plan to arrive early.
Leave anything that could be considered a weapon in your vehicle, including pocket knives, multi-tools, and pepper spray. Firearms are never permitted, even with a License to Carry. Phones are generally allowed but must be silenced, and most courtrooms prohibit photography or recording.
Getting Here
All criminal cases in the county are heard at this one courthouse, located on its own grounds at 1111 E. Yellowjacket Lane — about a third of a mile east of S. Goliad Street (SH 205), not on the downtown square.
From Our Rockwall office (1101 Ridge Road) (3 min)
Take Ridge Road south to I-30, head east one exit to Exit 68 (SH 205/Goliad Street), go north on Goliad, then turn right onto E. Yellowjacket Lane. The courthouse is on the right — about a five-minute drive.
From I-30
Take Exit 68 toward SH 205/Rockwall/Terrell and head north on S. Goliad Street. Turn right onto E. Yellowjacket Lane; the courthouse is on the right about a third of a mile down, with free parking surrounding the building.
Jail, Bond, and County Offices
Rockwall County Jail
972 T.L. Townsend Drive, Rockwall, TX 75087
(972) 204-7001
Website
Operated by the Sheriff's Office. After an arrest, a person is booked here and held until bond is posted. You can look up an inmate through the county website.
Rockwall County Sheriff's Office
972 T.L. Townsend Drive, Rockwall, TX 75087
(972) 204-7001
Also covers McLendon-Chisholm and the unincorporated areas of the county.
Rockwall County District Attorney
1111 E. Yellow Jacket Lane, Suite 300, Rockwall, TX 75087
(972) 204-6800
Led by District Attorney Kenda Culpepper. About 22 prosecutors, with divisions for felony, misdemeanor, family violence, and appeals.
Law Enforcement Agencies
| Agency | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rockwall Police Department | (972) 771-7724 | |
| Royse City Police Department | (972) 636-9422 | |
| Heath Department of Public Safety | (972) 771-6228 | |
| Fate Police Department | (972) 771-4601 | |
| Rockwall County Sheriff's Office | (972) 204-7001 | |
| Texas Department of Public Safety | highway patrol on I-30 and state highways |
Online Court Resources
- Rockwall County Judicial Records — Search cases, check bond amounts, and view court calendars.
- District Clerk (felony records) — Second floor of the courthouse. (972) 204-6610.
- County Clerk (misdemeanor records) — First floor of the courthouse. (972) 204-6000.
Defense for Rockwall County Cases
If your case is on this page's docket, these are the teams built for it.
Who Will Handle Your Case
Rockwall Office
Our Rockwall Office
Our nearest office is at 1101 Ridge Road, Suite 201, Rockwall, TX 75087.
Rockwall County Case Results
Assault
Assault charge dismissed
Domestic Violence Assault
Domestic violence assault charge dismissed
Possession of Marijuana
Marijuana possession charge dismissed
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is decided on its own facts.
What Rockwall County Clients Say
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There is no one more knowledgeable than Deandra Grant when it comes to DWI. Literally, she has written the book on it in Texas. As her colleague, I…
They were thorough with informing about my case and possible options. All the messages I had sent were quickly responded. They did a great job!! Highlt recommend.
Rockwall County Court FAQ
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