Which McLennan County court has the case?
The level of the charge decides the court. In McLennan County it breaks down three ways:
- Felonies (state jail through first degree) go to one of the district courts at the courthouse, 501 Washington Avenue.
- Class A and Class B misdemeanors (for example, most first DWIs, theft of $100 to $2,500, possession of under two ounces of marijuana) go to one of the three County Courts at Law, which share Room 210.
- Class C misdemeanors (fine-only offenses such as most traffic tickets, public intoxication and minor-in-possession) go to a Justice of the Peace court or a city municipal court.
The bail bond itself shows the court. The Sheriff’s Office requires misdemeanor bonds to list “County Courts at Law,” so if a bondsman already posted the bond, the paperwork will tell you where the case is headed.
District courts and County Courts at Law
| Court | Main criminal docket | Location (Waco, TX) | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19th District Court | Felony | 501 Washington Ave., Suite 302 | (254) 757-5081 |
| 54th District Court | Felony | 501 Washington Ave., Suite 305 | (254) 757-5051 |
| 74th District Court | Felony | 501 Washington Ave., Suite 307 | (254) 757-5075 |
| 170th District Court | Felony and civil | 501 Washington Ave., Suite 211 | (254) 757-5045 |
| 414th District Court | Felony and civil | 501 Washington Ave., Suite 405 | (254) 757-5053 |
| 474th District Court | Juvenile | Bill Logue Juvenile Justice Center, 2601 Gholson Rd. | (254) 757-5047 |
| County Court at Law No. 1 | Class A and B misdemeanors | 501 Washington Ave., Room 210 | (254) 757-5030 |
| County Court at Law No. 2 | Class A and B misdemeanors | 501 Washington Ave., Room 210 | (254) 757-5030 |
| County Court at Law No. 3 | Class A and B misdemeanors | 501 Washington Ave., Room 210 | (254) 757-5030 |
Addresses and phone numbers come from the McLennan County Offices 2025 directory. The 170th and 414th also carry civil matters, and the 474th sits at the juvenile justice center rather than the downtown courthouse.
Justice of the Peace courts
McLennan County has six JP courts across five precincts, from downtown Waco to West and McGregor. They handle Class C cases, issue many warrants for missed fine-only cases, and often serve as the magistrate who sets bail after an arrest. See the full list with addresses in our Justice of the Peace guide.
Other offices you may need
- District Clerk (felony case files, records): 501 Washington Ave., Suite 300, criminal division (254) 757-5054.
- County Clerk (misdemeanor records): McLennan County Records Building, 215 N. 5th St., Room 223, (254) 757-5078.
- Criminal District Attorney: Courthouse Annex, 219 N. 6th St., Suite 200, (254) 757-5084.
- Pretrial Services / Personal Bond Office: (254) 757-5004.
- Indigent Defense Coordinators (court-appointed lawyer applications): Courthouse Room 109, (254) 759-7540, per the County Court at Law 1 page.
Going to the courthouse
Everyone entering passes a security check. Knives, guns and other weapons are not allowed, according to the county locations and phone numbers page. Pretrial Services asks defendants to dress appropriately, with no hats or shorts.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the McLennan County Courthouse?
The courthouse is at 501 Washington Avenue, Waco, TX 76701. Most district courts and all three County Courts at Law are in that building.
Which court handles a DWI in McLennan County?
A first or second DWI is usually a Class B or Class A misdemeanor, which goes to a County Court at Law. A third DWI or intoxication assault is a felony and goes to a district court.
How do I find out which court my case is in?
Check the bail bond paperwork, call the County Court at Law administrator at (254) 757-5030 for misdemeanors, or search the District Clerk case index for felonies.
Related McLennan County guides
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. County offices change phone numbers, rooms and schedules; confirm with the office before you drive over. This directory is independent and is not McLennan County, a court, or a law firm. Nothing here is legal advice.