Felony defense in Ellis County
Local court, prosecutor and program details for Ellis County, from our office in downtown Dallas.
In short: Ellis County felonies are heard in the district courts at 109 S. Jackson St., Waxahachie, and prosecuted by the combined County and District Attorney. Its felony pretrial intervention program is limited to non-violent state jail felony drug cases for people aged 17 to 24 with no prior record, and the 378th District Court runs a veterans treatment court.
This page covers felony cases in Ellis County: where they are heard, who prosecutes them and the local programs the county and its prosecutors run. Our office is in downtown Dallas at 325 N St. Paul Street; we handle cases in the Ellis County courts. For Texas-wide law, see our felony charges guide, and for other charges see the Ellis County criminal defense page.
Which courts hear felony cases in Ellis County?
Ellis County felonies are heard in the district courts at 109 S. Jackson St., Waxahachie, including the 378th, 443rd and 504th District Courts. Misdemeanors go to County Courts at Law No. 2 and No. 3 on the third floor of the same building.
Who prosecutes felonies in Ellis County?
Ellis County has a combined County and District Attorney's Office, so one office prosecutes felonies, misdemeanors and juvenile cases. Its offices are at 109 S. Jackson St. in Waxahachie.
What happens after a felony arrest in Ellis County?
After a felony arrest in Ellis County, booking is usually at the Ellis County Jail, 300 S. Jackson St., Waxahachie. A magistrate gives the warnings and sets bond. Felony bond conditions can include reporting, testing and travel limits, and a violation can lead to a new warrant.
What diversion and specialty programs does Ellis County have?
Ellis County runs a Felony Pretrial Intervention Program administered by the county's community supervision department (CSCD) at 202 Clift St. It is narrow: it is available only for non-violent state jail felony drug offenses committed on or after January 1, 2019, by people aged 17 to 24 at the time, with no prior arrests, no prior adjudications and no documented history of violence. Supervision lasts up to 12 months. Eligibility is decided solely by the County and District Attorney's Office, with no appeal, and the office asks applicants to direct questions through their attorney. The state specialty court registry also lists a 378th District Veterans Treatment Court in Ellis County.
How does a felony move through a Texas court?
After arrest, a person must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay and no later than 48 hours (Code of Criminal Procedure 15.17). The magistrate gives the legal warnings and sets bond using the factors in article 17.15. A felony case then generally needs a grand jury indictment before it goes forward in a district court. Texas felonies run from state jail felonies to first-degree and capital felonies, and the punishment range depends on the level and any prior convictions.
Many felony cases end with community supervision (probation) under Code of Criminal Procedure chapter 42A, either as regular probation after a conviction or as deferred adjudication, which can avoid a conviction if completed. Whether a program, a reduction or a trial is the better path depends on the evidence, which is why early review of the police reports, video and lab results matters.
What are the Texas felony punishment ranges?
| Level | Prison range | Maximum fine |
|---|---|---|
| First degree | 5 to 99 years or life | $10,000 |
| Second degree | 2 to 20 years | $10,000 |
| Third degree | 2 to 10 years | $10,000 |
| State jail felony | 180 days to 2 years in a state jail | $10,000 |
What should I do now?
- Note your court number and every setting, and keep your bond paperwork.
- Do not discuss the facts with anyone except your lawyer, including on jail phones, which are recorded.
- Collect records that show who you are: work, school, treatment and family responsibilities.
- Ask early about diversion deadlines, since some run from the first appearance or indictment.
How do I get started?
The first consultation is free. It is with a Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney. Clients who hire us work with an attorney. Call (214) 239-2013 or start a chat. Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
Last updated October 2026
Common questions
Which courts hear felonies in Ellis County?
The district courts at 109 S. Jackson St., Waxahachie, including the 378th, 443rd and 504th District Courts.
Does Ellis County have felony pretrial intervention?
Yes, but only for non-violent state jail felony drug offenses by people aged 17 to 24 with no prior arrests, adjudications or history of violence. The DA decides eligibility.
Is there a veterans court in Ellis County?
Yes. The state specialty court registry lists the 378th District Veterans Treatment Court.
Is the first consultation free?
Yes. The first consultation is free and is with a Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney. Clients who hire us work with an attorney.
Do not wait for your court date to get help. Call (214) 239-2013.
Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
This page provides general information about Texas law. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.