If you have a criminal case in Dallas County, you are going to the Frank Crowley Courts Building. Located at 133 N. Riverfront Boulevard in Dallas, this courthouse handles every felony and non-traffic misdemeanor criminal case in the county, from first-offense DWI to capital murder. For most people, walking into this building for the first time is overwhelming. This guide, from the criminal defense attorneys at Deandra Grant Law, will tell you what to expect so you can focus on what matters: your defense.
"Deandra Grant Law – Criminal & DWI Defense handled my case with diligence and professionalism. Deandra Grant's reputation is stellar and now I know why. She has a team of individuals who provide quality service."
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"Deandra Grant Law – Criminal & DWI Defense fights hard for their clients and is always willing to go above and beyond. They are the best firm for DWI cases in DFW and beyond. Definitely hire them to represent you in any pending cases."
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"Deandra Grant made a tough situation so much better. She listened to my concerns and helped me so much with my case. I would recommend her to anyone needing legal services."
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Before You Go: What to Know
Your court date and courtroom number are on your paperwork. Check your bond paperwork, court notice, or attorney’s correspondence for the court number (e.g., “County Criminal Court No. 5” or “Criminal District Court No. 3”). If you don’t know your court assignment, call the Criminal District Court Manager’s Office at (214) 653-5950.
Arrive early. Security lines at Frank Crowley are long, especially Monday mornings when dockets are heaviest. Plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before your scheduled time. If your docket call is at 9:00 AM, be in line at security by 8:15.
Dress appropriately. Business casual or better. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or clothing with offensive language or imagery. Judges notice, and first impressions in a courtroom matter. If you are unsure, err on the side of more formal.
Bring identification. A government-issued photo ID is required. Also bring any court paperwork, bond documents, and your attorney’s contact information.
Leave these at home: Weapons of any kind, pocket knives, pepper spray, and recording devices (unless your attorney has obtained permission). Cell phones are allowed but must be silenced in all courtrooms.
Getting There
Driving
The building is just west of downtown Dallas along the Trinity River levee. From I-35E, take the Commerce Street exit and head west. From I-30, take the Sylvan Avenue exit north. The address for GPS is 133 N. Riverfront Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75207.
Parking
There is a paid parking lot adjacent to the building on the south side. It fills up fast on heavy docket days. Arrive early or you may end up in overflow parking farther away. Street parking is extremely limited and metered. Budget $6–15 for parking.
Public Transit
DART bus routes serve the area. Use the DART trip planner with “Frank Crowley Courts Building” as your destination. There is no DART rail station at the courthouse, but several bus routes connect from nearby rail stations.
Inside the Building
Security Screening (Ground Floor)
Everyone entering the building passes through metal detectors and bag screening operated by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. The process is similar to airport security. Remove belts with large metal buckles, empty your pockets, and place bags on the conveyor. Be patient and cooperative. Remember that the deputies process hundreds of people every morning.
Finding Your Courtroom
The building directory is in the main lobby. Criminal courts are organized by floor:
- 3rd Floor: County Criminal Courts 1–6 (misdemeanors) and County Courts of Criminal Appeals 1–2
- 4th Floor: County Criminal Courts 7–11 (misdemeanors)
- 5th Floor: Criminal District Courts 5 and 363, plus the 282nd District Court and auxiliary courtrooms
- 6th Floor: Criminal District Courts 1, 3, 4, 6, and 283, plus the 292nd District Court
- 7th Floor: Criminal District Courts 2 and 7, plus the 194th, 195th, 203rd, 204th, 265th, and 291st District Courts
Elevators are in the center of the building. They get crowded. If you are going to the 3rd floor, consider taking the stairs.
What Happens in the Courtroom
Most criminal court appearances are not trials. They are what are referred to as announcement settings where the attorney checks in, discusses your case with the Assistant District Attorney and either resets the case for a future date announcement date or schedules a plea or trial date. A typical announcement appearance lasts only a few minutes per case, but you may wait some time for your attorney and the court to reach your case
If you need to speak with the judge make sure you stand when your case is called, approach the bench with your attorney, and follow their instructions. Refer to the Judge as “Your, Honor.”
If your case involves a plea, the judge will ask you questions directly to ensure you understand the terms. Answer clearly and honestly. Your attorney will have prepared you for these questions in advance.
The District Attorney’s Office
The Dallas County DA’s office occupies space in the Frank Crowley building. The current DA is John Creuzot, who has served since January 2019. The DA’s office handles prosecution of all felonies and Class A/B misdemeanors in Dallas County, with specialized divisions for intake, grand jury, trial, appellate, family violence, and public integrity cases.
The Lew Sterrett Jail
If you were arrested in Dallas County, you were likely processed through the Lew Sterrett Justice Center at 111 W. Commerce Street. Magistration hearings, where bond is set and the right to counsel is established, take place at the jail. If you have questions about a pending warrant or need to arrange a surrender, your attorney can coordinate with the jail and magistrate to minimize time in custody.
Case Results
Tips from a Defense Attorney Who Works Here Every Day
- Don’t discuss your case in public areas. The hallways, elevators, and parking lot of Frank Crowley are full of prosecutors, witnesses, officers, and other defendants. Say nothing about your case to anyone except your attorney.
- Be on time, even if you’ll wait. If you are late, the judge may issue a warrant for your arrest. Being early costs you time; being late can cost you your freedom.
- Bring something to read. Court settings sometimes involve a lot of waiting. A book or magazine helps pass the time. Keep your phone silenced.
- Know your court coordinator’s name. Each court has a coordinator who manages the docket. If your attorney needs to communicate something to the court before your appearance, the coordinator is the point of contact.
- If you don’t have a lawyer, get one before your court date. Walking into Frank Crowley without an attorney means navigating one of the largest criminal court systems in Texas alone. The decisions made at early court appearances such as bond conditions, plea offers and court date scheduling affect everything that follows.
Deandra Grant Law: Dallas County Criminal Defense
Deandra Grant Law has been defending clients at the Frank Crowley Courts Building for more than 30 years. Managing Partner Deandra Grant holds a Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Science, a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Toxicology and the ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation. These are credentials that enable our team to challenge forensic evidence at its scientific foundation. Partner Douglas Huff brings additional ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientistexpertise and Garrett Discovery digital forensics training. Senior Federal Defense Attorney James Lee Bright handles matters in the Northern District of Texas federal courthouse at 1100 Commerce Street.
Our Dallas office is at 3300 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 700. Call (214) 225-7117 or visit texasdwisite.com to schedule a free consultation.
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