Johnson County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Facing a felony charge in Johnson County can be an overwhelming experience. The stakes are high, and the potential consequences are life-altering. At Varghese Summersett, we bring decades of combined criminal defense experience to the table. From the days when Dale Hanna served as District Attorney to the current leadership of Tim Good, our firm has defended countless individuals against serious felony charges in the Johnson County courts. We understand the local legal landscape, the prosecutors, and the judges who will handle your case. Our proven track record and in-depth knowledge of the Johnson County criminal justice system ensure that we stand ready to protect your rights and fight aggressively on your behalf.
The Johnson County Criminal Court Process
Johnson County’s criminal justice system is served by several district courts and county courts at law, each with its own judge, coordinators, and procedures. Understanding the local courts is crucial to building a strong defense.
District Courts in Johnson County
- 18th District Court: Judge Sydney B. Hewlett
- 249th District Court: Honorable Tiffany Strother
- 413th District Court: Honorable William Bosworth
Guinn Justice Center
204 S Buffalo Ave
Cleburne, Texas 76033
| Johnson County Courts Guinn Justice Center 204 S. Buffalo Ave., Cleburne, TX 76033 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Court Details | District Court 18th | District Court 249th | District Court 413th | County Court at Law 1 | County Court at Law 2 |
| Judge | Sydney Hewlett | Tiffany Strother | William Bosworth | Robert Mayfield III | Steve McClure |
| Room | 304 | 208 | 207 | 408 | 409 |
| Civil Coordinator | Teresa Steed 817-556-6193 #1206 Fax: 817-556-6831 | Velda Johnson 817-556-6825 #1130 Fax: 817-556-6849 | Kori Everett 817-556-6040 #1137 Fax: 817-556-6043 | Cindy Monger 817-556-6353 #1340 Fax: 817-556-6399 | Debbie Elmore 817-556-6395 #1353 Fax: 817-556-6190 |
| Criminal Coordinator | Joy Penny 817-556-6820 Fax: 817-556-6831 | Lynda Canty 817-556-6830 #1132 Fax: 817-556-6850 | Kori Everett 817-556-6040 #1137 Fax: 817-556-6043 | Reba Henry | Maralyn Wheeler |
Understanding the Felony Case Timeline
The felony case process in Johnson County typically involves these key stages:
- Arrest and Booking: Following an arrest, charges are filed, and the accused is booked into jail.
- Initial Appearance and Bond: The defendant appears before a judge, who sets bond and reviews the charges.
- Preliminary Hearings: Attorneys discuss evidence, motions, and possible plea agreements.
- Indictment: A grand jury reviews evidence to determine if there is probable cause to proceed. In Johnson County, discovery has generally only become formally available after indictment. However, our attorneys understand the process through which discovery can be viewed before an indictment. Reviewing discovery and preparing materials to be considered from the defense side has been a key to getting cases no-billed for our firm.
- Pretrial Motions and Hearings: Both sides prepare for trial, negotiating and filing motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial where a jury determines guilt or innocence.
Who is the Johnson County District Attorney?
How to Look Up a Johnson County Criminal Case
Looking up a criminal case in Johnson County is a straightforward process using the county’s online Public Access system. You can find detailed information about your case, including court dates, document filings, and case status, by visiting the Johnson County Public Access Portal.
To search for your case:
1. Visit the Public Access Portal
2. Click “Search” under the Criminal Case Records section
3. Enter either your case number or your name
4. For name searches, enter your last name first, followed by your first name
5. Use the % symbol as a wildcard if you’re unsure of the exact spelling
Why Choose Our Firm for Felony Defense
Our attorneys have cultivated intimate knowledge of the Johnson County court system over the years with its judges, prosecutors, and staff. This foundation of local knowledge, combined with our proven track record of favorable outcomes, positions us to navigate your case with precision and confidence. We have built a reputation for a firm that does not hesitate to go to trial if that is the best option for our client. We are known in Johnson County for our success both in trial and through resolving cases without the need to go to trial.
What Sets Us Apart
- Aggressive Defense Strategies: We don’t back down when your freedom is at stake.
- Personalized Attention: Every client is treated with respect, understanding, and dedication.
- Negotiation Experience: We know the arguments that impact Johnson County prosecutors and when appropriate use ours knowledge and skills to secure plea agreements that minimize consequences.
- Comprehensive Investigations: We have the resources to thoroughly investigate your charges and challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
- Local Insight: Our understanding of Johnson County juries and community factors helps us prepare a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.
Call our Johnson County Criminal Defense Lawyers
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Johnson County, don’t leave your future to chance. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Varghese Summersett understand what’s at stake and stand ready to protect your rights and freedom. Take the first step toward strong legal representation by calling us at 817-203-2220. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain how we can help. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin building your defense.
