Williamson County District Court

The Williamson County District Court handles serious criminal and civil cases in the county, including felony offenses and major civil disputes. It is a central part of the county’s legal system and serves residents, attorneys, and parties involved in high-stakes legal matters. These courts ensure that complex cases are heard with full legal authority and follow Texas state laws.

Williamson County Court offers an accessible entry point for individuals seeking information on local judicial functions that connect with district-level proceedings. It serves as a practical reference for residents who need clarity on where cases are handled, how records are maintained, and what types of matters move to the 26th, 277th, and 368th District Courts. By outlining basic processes and directing users to the correct divisions, Williamson County Court helps people understand how major felony and civil cases progress through the county’s legal system.

What are the District Courts in Williamson County

The district courts in Williamson County handle major criminal cases, such as felonies, along with high-value civil disputes and complex family law matters. Other local courts—county courts at law, justice of the peace courts, and municipal courts—manage smaller criminal, civil, and traffic cases.

How the Courts Work in Williamson County

Different courts serve specific purposes in the county:

District courts handle the most serious cases, while other courts help manage less severe or local matters efficiently.

Main Courthouse: Williamson County Justice Center

The central courthouse for district and county courts is the Williamson County Justice Center, located at:

405 Martin Luther King Street, Georgetown, TX 78626

This building houses the majority of district courts and county courts at law.

Public Access, Security, Parking & Layout

Visitors must pass through security screening, and all bags are checked.

Parking & Transportation

• Free public parking is available across the street from the Justice Center.
• A nearby parking garage is also open to visitors.

Inside the Building

• The main entrance has a help desk and display boards listing court dockets for the day.
• Pre‑trial and probation offices are near the entrance for quick access.
• The District Clerk’s office, which manages felony cases and official records, is located on the first floor.
• Several district courts operate on the first floor, including courts handling civil, criminal, and family cases.

Search for Cases, Dockets

To search Williamson County district court records, users need to know the correct search method, including entering party names, case numbers, or filing dates. Once the method is clear, cases and jury schedules can be found on official online portals.

How to Search District Court Cases

Searching for a district court case requires a few simple steps:

• Decide the type of case: civil, criminal, or family.
• Gather basic information: party name, case number, or filing date.
• Use the search portal to enter this information carefully.
• Review the results for the case docket, upcoming hearings, and court location.
• For multiple parties or partial numbers, try variations to ensure complete results.

This process helps users quickly locate the right case and understand its status and schedule.

Where to Search

You can access Williamson County district court records and jury schedules through these official portals:

26th District Court

Portal / Website: https://www.wilcotx.gov/455/26th-District-Court
Purpose: Search civil & criminal cases, view dockets

277th District Court

Portal / Website: https://www.wilcotx.gov/466/277th-District-Court
Purpose: Case lookup, docket details

368th District Court

Portal / Website: https://www.wilcotx.gov/487/368th-District-Court
Purpose: Jury trial schedule, case details

Downloadable Records & Fees

Some courts allow downloading or requesting official case documents. Below is an overview:

District Clerk Contact for Records:

• Phone: (512) 943-1270
• Website: https://www.wilco.org/Departments/District-Clerk

Which Courts Handle What: 26th, 277th & 368th District Courts

Each of the three district courts in Williamson County handles distinct case types. The 26th District Court covers civil, criminal, and felony mental‑health cases; the 277th handles criminal and juvenile matters, including the Transformative Justice Program; and the 368th handles civil and criminal matters, focusing on felony DWI and related cases.

26th District Court

The 26th District Court primarily manages a wide range of civil and criminal matters. It also provides specialized handling for defendants whose mental‑health conditions are a factor in felony cases, offering structured support through the Felony Mental Health Docket.

Jurisdiction & Special Docket
The 26th District Court manages civil and criminal cases and presides over the Felony Mental Health Docket for defendants with mental‑health issues contributing to felony charges.

Judge / Court Administrator Contact

• Judge: Donna King
• Court Administrator: Deb Lewis
• Address: 405 Martin Luther King Jr St, Box 2, Georgetown, TX 78626
• Phone: (512) 943‑1226

Typical Case Types & Assignment Procedures

• Felony criminal cases
• Civil disputes
• Mental-health-related felony cases

Cases are assigned based on local filing rules and rotation. The court follows district statutes and administrative rules for filings, consolidations, or severance when multiple cases are involved.

277th District Court

The 277th District Court focuses on criminal and juvenile cases. It emphasizes rehabilitation and alternative solutions for eligible defendants through the Transformative Justice Program, helping reduce recidivism and support positive outcomes.

Jurisdiction & Special Program
The 277th District Court handles criminal and juvenile cases. It oversees the Transformative Justice Program, which provides pretrial diversion for eligible youth or adult offenders seeking rehabilitation.

Judge / Court Administrator Contact

• Judge: Stacey Mathews
• Court Administrator: Wanda Davidson
• Address: 405 Martin Luther King Jr St, Box 6, Georgetown, TX 78626
• Phone: (512) 943‑1277

Typical Case Types & Program Structure

• Juvenile delinquency cases
• Felony criminal cases for juveniles or young adults
• Serious misdemeanors

The Transformative Justice Program offers interventions such as counseling, community service, or treatment. Successful completion can result in dismissal of charges.

368th District Court

The 368th District Court handles civil and criminal matters with a focus on repeat or serious DWI offenses. Through its Felony DWI/Drug Court Program, it combines court oversight with rehabilitation and treatment for qualifying defendants.

Jurisdiction & Specialty Docket
The 368th District Court manages civil and criminal cases and presides over the Felony DWI/Drug Court Program for felony DWI and repeat offenses.

Judge / Court Administrator Contact

• Judge: Sarah Bruchmiller
• Court Administrator: Jennifer Tredemeyer
• Address: 405 Martin Luther King Jr St, Suite 117, Box 8, Georgetown, TX 78626
• Phone: (512) 943‑1368

Typical Case Types & DWI/Drug Court Procedures

• Felony DWI
• Drug‑related felonies
• Civil cases

The DWI/Drug Court Program emphasizes treatment, probation, and regular court reviews in place of standard incarceration. It supports rehabilitation and public safety.

Quick Comparison Table

Case Assignment & Filing Rules in Williamson County District Courts

All civil cases in Williamson County District Courts are assigned at random among the three main civil‑case courts (26th, 277th, and 368th), except for tax cases, which follow strict rotation. Felony criminal cases are also assigned to these courts, ensuring clear management of serious criminal matters. The Court Docket organizes all cases, hearings, and motions, allowing attorneys, parties, and the public to track proceedings and stay informed about upcoming court dates and the status of ongoing cases.

Civil Case Filing & Assignment

When someone files a civil lawsuit in Williamson County District Courts, the case clerk assigns it on a blind, random basis to one of the following courts: 26th District Court, 277th District Court, or 368th District Court — unless the case involves taxes, which are assigned in rotation.

Once assigned, the case receives a cause number and a court designation according to its type (civil, family, tax, probate, etc.).

Special Civil Case Rules

• Garnishment suits follow the court of the original case. If the main case moves, the garnishment action moves with it.
• Writs of error, bill of review, or any attempt to attack a prior judgment must be filed in the same court that issued the original judgment.
• Consolidation / joint hearings — if two or more related civil cases are being combined — are handled in the court where the first case was filed.
• Severance (splitting a case into separate actions) leads to a new cause number, but the new case remains in the same court as the original.

These local rules help manage civil filings, avoid conflicts, and keep garnishments or post‑judgment challenges tied to the right court.

Criminal / Felony Case Assignment

For felony and serious criminal cases, Williamson County routes all cases to the same three District Courts: 26th, 277th, and 368th.

Key points:

• When a grand jury indicts a case, it typically files in the court that empaneled that jury.
• If a defendant has multiple charges arising from the same facts, all related charges are often assigned to the same court, usually the one with the lowest cause number if there is no agreement otherwise.
• If the defendant already has a pending case in one of the District Courts, any new felony case may be transferred to that same court.

This system avoids conflicting court assignments and reduces duplication when multiple criminal matters involve the same parties or events.

Consolidation, Severance & Multiple‑Case Filings

For multiple civil cases involving the same parties or issues:

• A consolidation request goes to the court where the first‑filed case is pending. If approved, the consolidated case stays in that same court.
• If a party asks to sever a claim, the newly severed case gets a new cause number, but remains assigned to the same court as the original filing.
• For garnishment, writs of error, bill of review, or other post‑judgment relief, such filings must go to the same court that heard the original matter.

These rules create order when multiple lawsuits or post‑judgment actions arise.

Finding Case: Dockets, Jury Schedules & Public Records

Finding case information in Williamson County District Court is straightforward through official resources. Users can access dockets, jury schedules, and public records to stay informed about case status and court events. A docket is an organized summary of all case activity in a court. It includes filings, scheduled hearings, charges, attorney information, and other essential details. In Williamson County, each district court maintains its docket to provide transparency and ensure public access. The main courts include the 26th, 277th, and 368th District Courts.

How to Search Dockets in Williamson County

To search dockets, the official https://judicialrecords.wilco.org/ Odyssey portal provides comprehensive records for district court cases.

Users can search by:

• Case number
• Party name
• Filing date
• Attorney name

This portal covers:

• Criminal cases: Felonies, misdemeanors, and related court proceedings.
• Civil and family cases: Divorce, custody, and civil litigation.
• Jail and bond records: Information on current inmates and bond amounts.

Jury Trial Schedule

Jury weeks in Williamson County are scheduled regularly throughout the year. Voir dire, the jury selection process, typically occurs on the first day of the jury week. Each district court maintains its schedule:

• 26th DC: Jury weeks occur roughly every six weeks.
• 277th DC: Similar bi-monthly schedule.
• 368th DC: Follows a comparable calendar.

For 2025, schedules are published on the https://www.wilcotx.gov/ official website. Users can check the exact week and courtroom assignment.

Special Court Programs

Some cases follow unique docket procedures, including:

• Mental Health Docket: Focuses on defendants with mental health concerns.
• Felony DWI Court: Handles repeat driving under the influence cases.
• Transformative Justice Programs: Alternative sentencing and rehabilitation-focused hearings.

These specialized dockets may have separate filing, hearing, and reporting protocols.

Practical Information for Litigants & Public Users

This section provides essential guidance for anyone attending court or requesting records in Williamson County. Litigants, attorneys, and members of the public can find practical steps, contact details, and courthouse information to ensure smooth interactions with the district courts.

Contact Information

• District Clerk, 26th, 277th, 368th DC: Contact via https://judicialrecords.wilco.org/
• Court Administrators: Can assist with scheduling, case questions, and filing procedures.

Courthouse Logistics

The Williamson County Justice Center is the primary courthouse location. Key details include:

• Entrances and security screening areas
• Parking facilities for the public and attorneys
• First floor access for district courts, district clerk, pre-trial services, and probation offices

How to Request Records

Requesting court records involves contacting the appropriate clerk, depending on case type:

• District Clerk: Criminal cases, district civil cases, felony records
• County Clerk: Marriage, divorce, property records, and civil cases filed at the athe t county level

Fees: Certified copies carry a fee; non-certified copies are usually less expensive.

What to Expect Depending on Case Type

• Felony Cases: Involve serious criminal charges, multiple hearings, and potential jury trials.
• Civil Cases: May involve monetary disputes, custody, or contract issues.
• Juvenile Cases: Handled with privacy protections and a habilitation focus.
• DWI Cases: Often follow specialized court programs for repeat offenders.
• Mental Health Docket: Prioritizes treatment and monitoring alongside legal proceedings.

Key Court Programs & Specialty Dockets

Williamson County District Court operates several specialized dockets to handle specific types of cases efficiently and fairly. These programs focus on targeted approaches, combining legal accountability with treatment, rehabilitation, or alternative resolutions.

Mental Health Docket (26th District Court)

The Mental Health Docket addresses felony cases where a defendant’s mental health plays a central role. It is specifically designed for felony mental health cases, aiming to provide court-supervised treatment alongside traditional criminal proceedings.

Purpose:

• Reduce recidivism among defendants with mental health conditions.
• Provide structured treatment programs under judicial supervision.
• Connect defendants with local mental health resources and support networks.

Which Cases Are Included:

• Felony charges where mental illness may affect behavior or judgment.
• Repeat offenders with documented mental health issues.

Why a Case Might Be Assigned Here:

• The court identifies that standard sentencing may not address the underlying mental health issues.
• Defendants benefit from rehabilitation and treatment rather than only incarceration.

This mental health docket ensures that defendants receive both legal accountability and necessary mental health care, making the judicial process more effective for participants and the community.

Felony DWI Court Program (368th District Court)

The Felony DWI Court handles serious DWI offenses that qualify as felonies due to repeat offenses or high-risk circumstances. Unlike regular criminal dockets, this special docket combines strict supervision with treatment programs.

Key Features:

• Focuses on felony DWI cases involving repeated offenses or accidents causing serious injury.
• Provides structured treatment programs such as substance abuse counseling and rehabilitation.
• Employs regular monitoring, including court check-ins and compliance checks.

How It Differs from Standard Courts:

• Emphasizes rehabilitation alongside punishment.
• Encourages accountability while addressing underlying substance use issues.

By using a DWI court model, the 368th District Court aims to reduce repeat offenses and improve public safety while offering defendants a path to recovery.

Transformative Justice Program (277th District Court)

The Transformative Justice Program focuses on alternative sentencing and rehabilitation for juvenile cases and certain criminal cases. This program seeks to redirect offenders from traditional punitive measures toward restorative and constructive outcomes.

Purpose:

• Provide alternatives to incarceration through community-based programs.
• Focus on rehabilitation and accountability.
• Promote long-term behavioral change for eligible participants.

Eligible Cases:

• Juvenile offenses where intervention can prevent future criminal behavior.
• Select adult criminal cases suitable for diversion or alternative sentencing.

Program Highlights:

• Restorative justice initiatives involving victims and communities.
• Counseling, education, and skill-building programs.
• Structured supervision to ensure compliance with program goals.

The transformative justice program reflects a forward-thinking approach that addresses the root causes of criminal behavior while supporting rehabilitation and reintegration.

Legal & Procedural Framework: Local Rules and Statutes

Williamson County District Courts follow specific local rules and statutes that govern civil case filing, assignment, consolidation, severance, and appeals. These rules ensure fairness and efficiency in court proceedings.

Civil Case Procedures:

• Filing: Civil cases must be filed according to the local administrative rules.
• Assignment: Cases are assigned to specific courts, often based on rotation or subject matter.
• Consolidation: Multiple related cases may be consolidated into one docket to avoid conflicting decisions.
• Severance: When a case involves multiple parties or claims, courts may sever it into separate actions for clarity.
• Ancillary Actions: Filing of garnishments, injunctions, or related motions follows prescribed procedures.

Impact on Litigants:

• Consolidation helps streamline proceedings but requires compliance with notice rules.
• Severed cases proceed independently but retain connections to the original matter for reference.
• Transfers between courts may occur to ensure equitable case distribution or subject-matter expertise.
• Writs of error and bills of review allow litigants to challenge or review court decisions under defined rules.

Exceptions and Special Considerations:

• Tax cases often follow strict rotation rules regardless of consolidation or severance practices.
• Courts maintain procedural equity to ensure fairness for all parties while respecting statutory requirements.

By following these local procedural rules, Williamson County District Courts maintain an organized, fair, and predictable legal process for civil and criminal litigants.

(FAQ) About District Courts

Williamson County District Court handles a wide range of cases, from serious criminal matters to civil disputes and family law issues. The following questions address common concerns for residents, helping them understand court processes, schedules, programs, and how to access records or contact court staff.

What is the difference between a district court and a county court at law in Williamson County?

District courts handle serious criminal cases, high-value civil disputes, and family law matters like divorces and child custody. County courts at law manage smaller civil cases, misdemeanors, probate matters, and administrative issues. In Williamson County, district courts have authority over felony criminal cases, larger civil lawsuits, and appeals from lower courts, while county courts at law focus on misdemeanor offenses, small claims, and probate administration. Knowing the distinction helps residents determine the correct court for filing or attending a case.

How do I know which district court I am assigned to?

Court assignments in Williamson County depend on the type of case and the location of the parties involved. Family law matters, for example, may be assigned to one judge, while felony criminal cases are directed to another. Residents can confirm their assigned court by checking official court notices, citations, or by contacting the District Clerk. Court assignments are influenced by filing location and precinct, ensuring that cases are heard by the proper court.

How can I look up my case docket or court date?

Case dockets and court dates can be checked through the Williamson County District Court’s public online system or directly with the courthouse. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney information to see scheduled hearings and past case history. For cases with restricted access, only authorized parties or attorneys may view detailed information. Residents are encouraged to verify their court dates early to avoid missing any hearings.

How often are jury trials scheduled?

Jury trials in Williamson County are scheduled throughout the year based on case type and court availability. Criminal jury trials are often prioritized because of legal requirements, while civil jury trials are scheduled according to judges’ calendars and the availability of the parties involved. Residents who are summoned for jury duty should check notifications carefully and confirm dates in advance to ensure timely participation.

How do I request records or certified copies? What are the fees?

Records can be requested from the District Clerk’s office by completing a records request form either in person, by mail, or online. Fees vary depending on the document type, with charges generally ranging from one to five dollars per page, plus certification fees. Certified copies are often required for legal matters, property transfers, or personal record-keeping. Contacting the District Clerk directly ensures accurate guidance and helps residents obtain the correct documents efficiently.