Denton County Courthouse

The Denton County Courts Building, often referred to as the Denton County Courthouse, is the primary judicial facility for Denton County, Texas. As criminal defense attorneys practicing in this jurisdiction, we at Whalen Law Office understand the importance of familiarity with this facility and its operations.

Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor charge or a felony indictment, knowledge of this courthouse can significantly impact your case proceedings.

Courthouse Location and Contact Information

Website: https://www.dentoncounty.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Denton-County-Courts-Building-28

Address: 1450 E. McKinney Street, Denton, TX 76209

Main Phone: (940) 349-2000

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

While the main building closes at 5:00 PM, some court proceedings may extend beyond these hours. Always confirm your specific court time with your attorney or the court clerk.

Denton County Courts Overview

District Courts

Denton County houses several district courts that handle felony criminal cases, including:

  • 16th District Court
  • 158th District Court
  • 211th District Court
  • 362nd District Court
  • 367th District Court
  • 431st District Court
  • 442nd District Court
  • 462nd District Court

County Courts at Law

For misdemeanor cases, you’ll likely appear in one of these county criminal courts:

  • County Criminal Court 1
  • County Criminal Court 2
  • County Criminal Court 3
  • County Criminal Court 4
  • County Criminal Court 5

Justice Courts

Justice of the Peace courts handle Class C misdemeanors and traffic violations:

  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6

Specialty Courts

Denton County also operates several specialty courts, including:

  • Drug Court — Provides treatment and supervision for non-violent offenders with substance abuse issues.
  • Mental Health Court — Offers specialized support for defendants with mental health disorders.
  • Veterans Court — Serves military veterans with tailored interventions addressing service-related issues.

These courts focus on rehabilitation and may offer alternative sentencing options for eligible defendants.

Key Departments for Criminal Cases

Several key departments in Denton County handle different aspects of criminal cases. Here’s an overview of the main offices you may interact with during your case:

District Clerk’s Office

Website: https://www.dentoncounty.gov/230/District-Clerk
Location: 1450 E. McKinney Street, 1st Floor, Denton, TX 76209
Phone: (940) 349-2200
Services: Filing of documents for felony cases, record requests

County Clerk’s Office

Website: https://www.dentoncounty.gov/173/County-Clerk
Location: 1450 E. McKinney Street, Suite 1100, Denton, TX 76209
Phone: (940) 349-2010
Services: Filing of documents for misdemeanor cases, record requests

Denton County Criminal District Attorney’s Office

Website: https://www.dentoncounty.gov/223/District-Attorney
Location: 1450 E. McKinney Street, Suite 3100, Denton, TX 76209
Phone: (940) 349-2600

Local Court Procedures

Here’s what you can expect when you arrive at the Denton County Courthouse:

  1. Security Screening: Upon entering the courthouse, you’ll go through a security checkpoint similar to those at airports. You’ll need to:
    1. Walk through a metal detector
    2. Place personal items (keys, phone, wallet) in a tray for X-ray screening
    3. Have any bags or briefcases inspected
  2. Prohibited Items: Certain items are not allowed in the courthouse, including:
    1. Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives)
    2. Cameras or recording devices (unless pre-approved)
    3. Food and drinks
  3. Check-In Procedures: Once you’ve cleared security:
    1. Locate your designated courtroom in the building directory
    2. Arrive at the courtroom at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time
    3. Check-in with the court clerk or bailiff upon entering the courtroom
  4. Courtroom Etiquette:
    1. Dress appropriately in business or business casual attire
    2. Turn off or silence all electronic devices
    3. Stand when the judge enters or leaves the courtroom
    4. Address the judge as “Your Honor”
  5. Waiting Areas: If your case isn’t immediately called, there are designated waiting areas outside the courtrooms where you can sit quietly.

Remember, courthouse staff cannot provide legal advice, but they can help with general questions about procedures and locations within the building.

For specific questions about your case or representation, please contact our office. We’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process and ensure you’re prepared for your court appearance.

Local Resources for Defendants

Denton County offers several resources to support defendants throughout the legal process.

Pretrial Services

Location: 1505 E. McKinney Street, Suite 100, Denton, TX 76209
Phone: (940) 349-2950
Services: Risk assessments, supervised release programs

Probation Office (Community Supervision and Corrections Department)

Website: https://www.dentoncounty.gov/626/Community-Supervision-Corrections-Depart
Location: 650 S. Mayhill Road, Denton, TX 76208
Phone: (940) 349-3300

Services: Supervision of probationers, court-ordered programs

Useful Links

Denton County Courts Website: https://www.dentoncounty.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Denton-County-Courts-Building-28
Online Case Information: https://www.dentoncounty.gov/920/Judicial-Law-Enforcement-Records-Search
Local Rules: https://www.dentoncounty.gov/492/Local-Rules

Whalen Law Office Services

At Whalen Law Office, we provide comprehensive criminal defense services in Denton County, including:

  • Case evaluation and strategy development: We thoroughly analyze your case, examining all evidence and potential legal issues to develop a robust defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.
  • Representation at all court proceedings: From arraignment to trial, we stand by your side at every court appearance, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
  • Negotiation with prosecutors: We leverage our experience and relationships within the Denton County legal community to negotiate favorable plea deals or dismissals when appropriate.
  • Trial defense: If your case goes to trial, we provide aggressive courtroom advocacy, challenging evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and presenting a compelling case to the jury.
  • Post-conviction services: Our support doesn’t end at trial. We assist with appeals, expungements, and other post-conviction matters to help you move forward.
  • Bond hearings: We fight for reasonable bail terms to secure your release while your case is pending.
  • Pretrial motions: We file strategic motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or otherwise strengthen your position before trial.
  • Sentencing advocacy: If conviction is unavoidable, we work tirelessly to minimize penalties and explore alternative sentencing options.

Our familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures allows us to navigate your case effectively through the Denton County judicial system.

Protect Your Rights With Experienced Criminal Defense

At Whalen Law Office, we’re committed to defending your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.

Don’t wait to get the legal representation you deserve. Take the first step towards protecting your future.

Remember, the decisions you make now can impact the rest of your life. Let our experienced team guide you through this challenging time and work tirelessly to protect your freedom and reputation.

Contact Whalen Law Office today and put our knowledge of Denton County courts to work for you.