Felony defense in Kaufman County

This page covers felony cases in Kaufman 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 Kaufman County courts. For Texas-wide law, see our felony charges guide, and for other charges see the Kaufman County criminal defense page.

Which courts hear felony cases in Kaufman County?

Kaufman County felonies are heard in the 86th, 422nd and 489th District Courts at the Kaufman County Justice Center, 1902 E. US Hwy 175, Kaufman. Misdemeanors go to the County Courts at Law in the same building, so a case that starts as a felony and is later reduced usually stays at the same address.

Who prosecutes felonies in Kaufman County?

The Kaufman County Criminal District Attorney's Office prosecutes both felonies and misdemeanors and presents felony cases to the grand jury. The county describes the office as having sole discretion over whether a case is prosecuted, which is why information that helps the defense is most useful before the grand jury acts.

What happens after a felony arrest in Kaufman County?

After a felony arrest in Kaufman County, booking is usually at the Kaufman County Jail, 1900 E. US Hwy 175, next to the Justice Center. A magistrate gives the legal warnings and sets bond. If you are later placed in the pretrial diversion program, supervision is handled by the county's Pretrial Bond Supervision Department.

What diversion and specialty programs does Kaufman County have?

The Criminal District Attorney runs a Pretrial Diversion Program. Under the published agreement, a person accepted into it is supervised for up to 18 months on a felony (up to one year on a misdemeanor), and on successful completion the prosecutor rejects or dismisses the charge. Entry is at the DA's sole discretion, it requires an application, and the agreement includes a sworn stipulation that can be used against the person if they fail the program. The state specialty court registry also lists the Kaufman County 422nd District Drug Treatment Court and a Kaufman County DWI Court.

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?

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