Galveston County Court at Law Number 1
Galveston County Court at Law Number 1 is located in the Galveston County Courthouse at is located at 600 59th Street Suite 2204 Galveston, TX 77551-4180. The Galveston Criminal Justice Center, opened in 2018, is a modern facility designed to enhance the efficiency and security of the local criminal justice system. It includes courtrooms, administrative offices, and detention areas, focusing on streamlining legal processes and improving public safety. The center serves as a key hub for law enforcement and judicial activities in Galveston County.
Jurisdiction for Criminal Cases
Misdemeanor Criminal Cases
The Galveston County Court at Law Number 1 has misdemeanor jurisdiction. This means that they can hear cases that are classified as a Class A or Class B misdemeanor. A Justice of the Peace Court of Municipal Court typically hears Class C misdemeanors. County Courts at Law can hear Class C misdemeanor cases only if they are appealed from their original court.
Common Types of Cases heard in County Court at Law Number 1
Driving While Intoxicated Class B
Driving While Intoxicated 2nd Class A
Theft $100-$750 Class B
Assault Family Member Class A
Assault Bodily Injury Class A
Parking for Galveston County Court at Law Number 1
There is parking around the Courthouse Building. Don't Confuse the Galveston County Criminal Justice Center with the Galveston Municipal Court. They are right next to each other. The one on the left in the picture below is the proper building for County Court at Law Number 1.
Judge of Galveston County Court at Law Number 1
John Grady
Law School - Texas Southern University
Licensed with the State Bar of Texas since June, 1997.
Bar Number: 24003706
Description: Judge John Grady of Galveston County Court at Law Number 1 presides over criminal misdemeanor cases, family and juvenile matters, as well as civil lawsuits. A county court at law judge in Texas interprets the law and makes rulings based on the evidence presented. In criminal cases, Judge Grady handles misdemeanor offenses. He also manages juvenile cases with sensitivity to the needs of minors. Civil disputes involve money damages and do not include jail time.
Court Staff of Galveston County Court at law Number 1
Lynnette "Bitty" Erskine
Court Reporter
(409) 766-2235
Description: A court reporter transcribes legal proceedings, such as trials and hearings, using shorthand or digital recording methods. They create accurate, verbatim records of everything said, which can be used for appeals or legal reviews. In addition to transcription, court reporters may manage exhibits and provide real-time captioning.
Chelsea Comeaux
Court Coordinator
(409) 766-2233
Description: A court coordinator can help with information requests like when your court date is or if you have been assigned a court appointed attorney. The Court Coordinator can also help with obtaining a "reset" or a continuance. This means that if you can't make it to court your lawyer can help you avoid having your bond forfeited because of a failure to appear. If you are unrepresented by a lawyer you typically should not speak with court staff on your own.
Rules about Contacting the Court.
Judges cannot speak with you about your case over the phone or at court. Only the opposing party like the State of Texas Prosecutor in a Criminal Case or the other party in a civil dispute may speak with you. The Judge may only interact with you when the other party is present. Judicial Code of Conduct rules prohibit the judge from answering questions so don't try to contact the court on your own. Have an attorney assist you with these matters.
Judicial Code of Conduct, Canon 3 Section B(8)
"A judge shall not initiate, permit, or consider ex parte communications or other communications made to the judge outside the presence of the parties between the judge and a party, an attorney, a guardian or attorney ad litem, an alternative dispute resolution neutral, or any other court appointee concerning the merits of a pending or impending judicial proceeding. A judge shall require compliance with this subsection by court personnel subject to the judge's direction and control..."
Judicial Code of Conduct, Canon 3 Section B(8)
Contact for Galveston County Court at Law Number 1
(409) 766-2233 Main Line
(409) 765-2945 Fax
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