Harris County Criminal Court

Harris County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in Harris County. See below for more information about criminal cases in Harris County.

What happens in Harris County at an arraignment?

In Harris County the defendant is brought into court and informed by the judge of the charges that have been filed against them along with informing them of their rights. At this time, the defendant can plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, there will be no trial and the defendant may be sentenced immediately or at a later date. If the defendant pleads not guilty a trial date is set.

Harris County Prosecutor

For criminal cases in Harris County, the prosecutor will be a representative of Harris County. The Harris County prosecutor reviews all evidence and ultimately decides whether to file or dismiss charges in the case. Most of the time, the prosecutor has leeway in plea negotiations and determines how the case will be prosecuted.

Harris County Criminal Court

Harris County Criminal Court

The Right to Counsel

The Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the U.s. Constitution give defendants in criminal cases the right to counsel/attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed to represent you. Like other rights a defendant has, this one can be waived as well and alternatively you can choose to represent yourself.

Required Court Appearances in Harris County

Any required court appearances in Harris County Criminal Court must be attended by the defendant. Failure to appear in court at your required date and time may result in the judge issuing an arrest warrant.

Appealing a guilty verdict

A defendant may appeal a guilty verdict to an appellate court. This is not a request to have another trial, but a request for an appellate court to review the case and determine that it was handled in a correct legal manner. There are a number of outcomes in an appeal including an upholding of the conviction, a finding that errors were made resulting in a retrial or resentencing or possibly a complete disimissal of all charges.

Burden of Proof

The burden of proof is always on the prosecution in a criminal trial. In other words, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The defense must only prove that there is a reasonable possibility that the defendant did NOT commit the crime. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury will be instructed to find the defendant not-guilty.

Can I request a Plea Agreement?

In Harris County you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.

Jury by Trial Right

The US Constitution (Article 3 along with the 6th Amendment) ensures an accused defendant the right to a jury trial. This applies to crimes that have a $500 fine or a potential sentence of six months in jail (aka Serious Crimes). This right to trial by jury can also be waived by a defendant.

I need help for my Harris County criminal case

The best place to get information about your criminal case is from an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you which will assist in your case. For general information about your case the Harris County court clerk is able to provide general information about your specific case (e.g. date/time hearings, mandatory appearance, what will take place and what you will be required to do). The court clerk for Harris County will NOT be able to provide legal advice for your case, only an attorney can provide legal advice. The court clerk can provide legal information (like the information found on this website) about your case but cannot provide advice about what you should do in your legal manner.

Jury Deliberations in Harris County

In Harris County, jury deliberations will take place in a jury trial after the prosecution and defense have presented their cases and rested. At this point, the judge will provide a list of instructions to the jury about what they are allowed and not allowed to do and what verdict options are available for them to decide. The jury will be sent to a private room to discuss the evidence presented in the case and attempt to reach a unaminous decision. When a unaminous decision is reached, the jury will inform the judge that they have reached a verdict and will return to the courtroom for the verdict to be read allowed. In the event that the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the jury results in a deadlock and a mistrial is declared.

Sentencing in Harris County

In Harris County if the defendant is found guilty (by trial or plea), the defendant will be sentenced. This sometimes occurrs immediately after being found guilty, but can also take place at a later date. In most instances, a judge will impose the sentence that is requested by the prosecution, but they also have the descretion to impose a different sentence.

Harris County Criminal Court hearings

Criminal hearings in Harris County will take place at the Harris County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Harris County Criminal Court Locations.

Harris County Criminal Court Locations

  • Harris County 11th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 9th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6020

  • Harris County 55th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 9th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6055

  • Harris County 61st Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 9th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6070

  • Harris County 80th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 9th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6100

  • Harris County 113th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 10th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6113

  • Harris County 125th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 10th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6141

  • Harris County 127th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 10th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6161

  • Harris County 129th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 10th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6180 Fax: 713-368-6886

  • Harris County 133rd Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 11th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6200

  • Harris County 151st Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 11th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6222

  • Harris County 152nd Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 11th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6040 Fax: 713-368-6801

  • Harris County 157th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 11th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6230

  • Harris County 164th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 12th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6264

  • Harris County 165th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 12th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6270

  • Harris County 174th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 19th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6324

  • Harris County 176th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 19th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6328 Fax: 713-368-9211

  • Harris County 177th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 19th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6332

  • Harris County 178th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 19th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6336

  • Harris County 179th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 18th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6340 Fax: 713-368-9224

  • Harris County 180th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 18th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6344

  • Harris County 182nd Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 18th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6350

  • Harris County 183rd Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 18th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6354

  • Harris County 184th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 17th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6358

  • Harris County 185th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 17th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6362

  • Harris County 189th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 12th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6309

  • Harris County 190th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 12th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6310

  • Harris County 208th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 17th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6374

  • Harris County 209th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 17th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6378

  • Harris County 215th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 13th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6330

  • Harris County 228th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 16th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6650 Fax: 713-368-9178

  • Harris County 230th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 16th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6782

  • Harris County 232nd Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 16th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6778 Fax: 713-755-4425

  • Harris County 234th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 13th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6350

  • Harris County 245th Family District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 15th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-5900

  • Harris County 246th Family District Court

    Address: 1115 Congress St, 3rd Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6938

  • Harris County 247th Family District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 15th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6570

  • Harris County 248th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 16th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-7094

  • Harris County 257th Family District Court

    Address: 1115 Congress St, 6th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6950

  • Harris County 262nd Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 15th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6961

  • Harris County 263rd Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 15th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6944

  • Harris County 269th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 13th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6370

  • Harris County 270th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 13th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6400

  • Harris County 280th Family District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 15th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6420

  • Harris County 281st Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 14th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6433

  • Harris County 295th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 14th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6450

  • Harris County 308th Family District Court

    Address: 1115 Congress St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6230

  • Harris County 309th Family District Court

    Address: 1115 Congress St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6234

  • Harris County 310th Family District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 15th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6550

  • Harris County 311th Family District Court

    Address: 1115 Congress St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6242

  • Harris County 312th Family District Court

    Address: 1115 Congress St, 2nd Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6941

  • Harris County 313th Juvenile District Court

    Address: 1200 Congress St, 5th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-222-4900

  • Harris County 314th Juvenile District Court

    Address: 1200 Congress St, 5th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-222-4910

  • Harris County 315th Juvenile District Court

    Address: 1200 Congress St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-222-4950

  • Harris County 333rd Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 14th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6470 Fax: 713-368-7034

  • Harris County 334th Civil District Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 14th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6500

  • Harris County 337th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 15th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-7746 Fax: 713-368-9209

  • Harris County 338th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 15th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-7774

  • Harris County 339th Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 14th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-7784

  • Harris County 351st Criminal District Court

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 14th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-5620

  • Harris County District Clerk Office

    Address: 201 Caroline St, #420, PO Box 4651, Houston TX 77210
    Phone: 713-755-7300

  • Harris County Multi-District Litigation Civil Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 8th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6600

  • Harris County Constitutional Court

    Address: 201 Caroline St, #460, PO Box 1525, Houston TX 77251
    Phone: 713-755-6411 Fax: 713-755-4638

  • Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 1

    Address: 201 Caroline St, #740, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6794

  • Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 2

    Address: 201 Caroline St, #740, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6796

  • Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3

    Address: 201 Caroline St, 5th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6580

  • Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 4

    Address: 201 Caroline St, #740, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-368-6680

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 1

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6180 Fax: 713-755-4882

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 2

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6184 Fax: 713-755-4882

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 3

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6188 Fax: 713-755-9269

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 4

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6192 Fax: 713-368-9269

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 5

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6196 Fax: 713-368-9268

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 6

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6200 Fax: 713-368-9264

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 7

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6204 Fax: 713-368-9268

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 8

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6208 Fax: 713-368-9264

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 9

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6212 Fax: 713-368-9265

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 10

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-6216 Fax: 713-368-9265

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 11

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-7780 Fax: 713-368-9267

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 12

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-7738 Fax: 713-755-8931

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 13

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-7950 Fax: 713-755-4874

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 14

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-5683 Fax: 713-368-9281

  • Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 15

    Address: 1201 Franklin St, 7th Floor, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-4760 Fax: 713-755-4874

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 – Place 1

    Address: 7300 N Shepherd Dr, #138, Houston TX 77091
    Phone: 713-697-1224 Fax: 713-697-2251

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 – Place 2

    Address: 1302 Preston St, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-755-5125

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 – Place 1

    Address: 10851 Scarsdale Blvd, Houston TX 77089
    Phone: 281-481-9630 Fax: 281-484-2869

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 – Place 2

    Address: 101 Richey St, #B, Pasadena TX 77506
    Phone: 713-274-6100 Fax: 713-437-4346

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 – Place 1

    Address: 14350 Wallisville Rd, Houston TX 77049
    Phone: 713-450-2409 Fax: 713-451-8074

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 – Place 2

    Address: Phone: 281-427-7449 Fax: 281-428-7485 (Criminal/Traffic), 713-437-8609 (Civil)

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 – Place 1

    Address: 6831 Cypresswood Dr, #4, Spring TX 77379
    Phone: 281-401-7400 Fax: 281-401-7468

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 – Place 2

    Address: 7900 Will Clayton Pkwy, Humble TX 77338
    Phone: 281-446-7191 Fax: 281-540-2741

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 – Place 1

    Address: 6000 Chimney Rock Rd, #102, Houston TX 77081
    Phone: 713-661-2276

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 – Place 2

    Address: 16715 Clay Rd, #4, Houston TX 77084
    Phone: 713-274-0802 Fax: 281-463-1059

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 6 – Place 1

    Address: 333 Lockwood Dr, Houston TX 77011
    Phone: 713-921-1576 Fax: 713-921-1425

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 6 – Place 2

    Address: 1001 South Sergeant Macario Garcia Drive, Houston TX 77011
    Phone: 713-921-6141 Fax: 713-921-1408

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 7 – Place 1

    Address: 5737 Cullen Blvd, Houston TX 77021
    Phone: 713-747-3553 Fax: 713-747-3768

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 7 – Place 2

    Address: Phone: 713-643-1512 Fax: 713-437-4282 (Civil), 713-437-4284 (Criminal)

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 8 – Place 1

    Address: 7330 Spencer Highway, Pasadena TX 77505
    Phone: 281-479-6900 Fax: 281-479-1407

  • Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 8 – Place 2

    Address: 16603 Buccaneer Ln, Houston TX 77062
    Phone: 281-488-8780 Fax: 281-480-0553

  • Baytown Municipal Court

    Address: 3120 N Main St, Baytown TX 77521
    Phone: 281-427-9511

  • Bellaire Municipal Court

    Address: 5110 Jessamine St, Bellaire TX 77401
    Phone: 713-662-8105

  • Bunker Hill Village Municipal Court

    Address: 11977 Memorial Dr, Houston TX 77024
    Phone: 713-827-1772

  • Deer Park Municipal Court

    Address: 1302 Center St, Deer Park TX 77536
    Phone: 281-478-7238 Fax: 281-478-7290

  • El Lago Municipal Court

    Address: Phone: 281-326-4413, x10 Fax: 281-326-0165

  • Galena Park Municipal Court

    Address: 2000 Clinton Dr, PO Box 46, Galena Park TX 77547
    Phone: 713-672-2556

  • Hedwig Village Municipal Court

    Address: 955 Piney Point Rd, Houston TX 77024
    Phone: 713-465-6009 Fax: 713-465-6807

  • Hilshire Village Municipal Court

    Address: 1025 Campbell Road, Houston TX 77055
    Phone: 713-465-0333

  • Houston Municipal Court – Westside

    Address: 3203 S Dairy Ashford St, Houston TX 77082
    Phone: 281-584-4889

  • Houston Municipal Court – Clear Lake

    Address: 2855 Bay Area Blvd, Houston TX 77058
    Phone: 281-283-4946

  • Houston Municipal Court – Downtown

    Address: 1400 Lubbock St, Houston TX 77002
    Phone: 713-247-5479

  • Houston Municipal Court – Kingwood

    Address: 3915 Rustic Woods Dr, Kingwood TX 77339
    Phone: 281-361-6574

  • Houston Municipal Court – North Command Station/Acres Homes

    Address: 9455 W Montgomery Rd, Houston TX 77088
    Phone: 281-405-5319

  • Houston Municipal Court – Southeast

    Address: 8300 Mykawa Rd, Houston TX 77048
    Phone: 713-731-5155

  • Humble Municipal Court

    Address: 315 Bender Ave, Humble TX 77338
    Phone: 281-446-6574 Fax: 281-446-3748

  • Hunters Creek Village Municipal Court

    Address: 1 Hunters Creek Pl, Houston TX 77024
    Phone: 713-465-5646

  • Jacinto City Municipal Court

    Address: 10301 Market Street Rd, Jacinto City TX 77029
    Phone: 713-674-8424

  • Jersey Village Municipal Court

    Address: 16327 Lakeview Dr, Jersey Village TX 77040
    Phone: 713-466-2124 Fax: 713-466-2134

  • Katy Municipal Court

    Address: 5432 Franz Rd, Katy TX 77493
    Phone: 281-391-4810 Fax: 281-391-4845

  • La Porte Municipal Court

    Address: 3005 N 23rd St, La Porte TX 77571
    Phone: 281-471-4683 Fax: 281-842-0410

  • Morgan’s Point Municipal Court

    Address: 1415 E Main St, Morgan’s Point TX 77571
    Phone: 281-471-2171 Fax: 281-471-7473

  • Nassau Bay Municipal Court

    Address: 18100 Upper Bay Rd, Second Floor, Nassau Bay TX 77058
    Phone: 281-336-6297 Fax: 281-316-4123

  • Pasadena Municipal Court

    Address: 1001 Shaw Ave, Suite A, PO Box 1575, Pasadena TX 77501
    Phone: 713-475-5562

  • Piney Point Village Municipal Court

    Address: 7676 Woodway Dr, #300, Houston TX 77063
    Phone: 713-782-0275 Fax: 713-715-5916

  • Seabrook Municipal Court

    Address: 1700 First St, Seabrook TX 77586
    Phone: 281-291-5674 Fax: 281-291-5645

  • Shoreacres Municipal Court

    Address: 601 Shoreacres Blvd, Shoreacres TX 77571
    Phone: 281-471-3340 Fax: 281-471-8955

  • South Houston Municipal Court

    Address: 1019 Dallas St, South Houston TX 77587
    Phone: 713-947-7700

  • Southside Place Municipal Court

    Address: 6309 Edloe Ave, Houston TX 77005
    Phone: 713-668-2341

  • Spring Valley Village Municipal Court

    Address: 1025 Campbell Rd, Houston TX 77055
    Phone: 713-465-0333

  • Taylor Lake Village Municipal Court

    Address: 500 Kirby Blvd, Taylor Lake Village TX 77586
    Phone: 281-326-2843 Fax: 281-326-5456

  • Tomball Municipal Court

    Address: 401 Market St, Tomball TX 77375
    Phone: 281-351-7894 Fax: 281-351-6256

  • Webster Municipal Court

    Address: 101 Pennsylvania St, Webster TX 77598
    Phone: 281-338-6702 Fax: 281-316-4123

  • West University Place Municipal Court

    Address: 3800 University Blvd, West University Place TX 77005
    Phone: 713-662-5825 Fax: 713-662-5804

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.