If a person is arrested for a felony in Mount Pleasant or anywhere in Titus County, the next steps usually lead into the Titus County district court system. For many defendants and families, the process can feel confusing at first. Understanding where court takes place, how cases are assigned, and what local procedures look like can make the process far less intimidating.
Felony cases in Titus County are primarily handled in the district courts, including the 276th District Court, which sits in Mt. Pleasant.
Where Felony Court Is Held in Titus County
One of the first practical questions is simply where to go for court.
In downtown Mt. Pleasant, the historic Titus County Courthouse (100 W. 1st Street) sits at the center of the square. However, many felony criminal proceedings for the district courts—including the 276th District Court—take place next door in the Titus County Courthouse Annex, located at 105 W. 1st Street.
Defendants and visitors should plan to:
Arrive early
Allow time to pass through security screening
Confirm the specific courtroom assignment
District court proceedings typically begin promptly at 9:00 AM, and arriving late can create unnecessary complications for the case.
The Titus County District Courts: Concurrent Jurisdiction
Titus County operates with two district courts handling felony cases:
76th District Court
276th District Court
These courts have concurrent jurisdiction, meaning either court may hear felony cases arising in Titus County. After an arrest, a case may be filed in either court and assigned accordingly.
For defendants, this means the specific judge handling the case may vary, and the scheduling and procedural rhythm of the case can depend on which court receives the filing.
Understanding how the concurrent jurisdiction works is an important part of navigating the local court system.
The 276th District Court in Titus County
The Honorable Michael Kopech currently presides over the 276th District Court. Like many district courts in Northeast Texas, the court operates on a structured docket system with regular appearances required as cases progress.
One important practical point: defendants are generally required to be present for docket call.
Failing to appear can lead to serious consequences, including potential bond issues or additional court orders. Anyone with a scheduled court date should make sure they know:
The correct courtroom location
The correct reporting time
Whether their presence is required for that specific setting
Court staff and attorneys take docket call seriously, and preparation ahead of time helps avoid unnecessary problems.
The Role of the District Attorney’s Office
Felony prosecutions in Titus County are handled by the Titus County District Attorney’s Office, currently led by District Attorney Charles Bailey.
The DA’s office is responsible for evaluating felony charges, presenting cases to the grand jury, and prosecuting cases through plea negotiations or trial. Like most prosecutors’ offices in Texas, their decisions are guided by the available evidence, criminal history, and the seriousness of the alleged offense.
Understanding how the prosecutor evaluates a case is often a key part of developing an effective defense strategy.
Common Felony Charges Seen in Titus County
The district courts in Titus County regularly handle a range of felony cases, including:
Drug-Related Crimes
Possession, manufacture, or delivery of controlled substances can carry serious penalties depending on the substance and quantity involved.
Felony DWI
A third or subsequent DWI, or a DWI involving serious injury, may be charged as a felony under Texas law.
More information about these cases can be found here:
https://www.johnhickmanlaw.com/dwi-dui-defense-texas
Assault and Family Violence Felonies
Certain assault charges can become felonies when they involve prior family violence findings, serious injury, or the alleged use of a weapon.
More about these cases can be found here:
https://www.johnhickmanlaw.com/assault-family-violence-defense-texas
Property Crimes
Felony theft, burglary, robbery, and related offenses are also commonly prosecuted in Titus County district courts.
Understanding the Local Process Matters
Every county has its own rhythms and expectations when it comes to criminal court. Knowing where to go, when to appear, and how cases move through the district courts can make the process significantly less stressful for defendants and their families.
For those interested in how criminal defense cases are handled in Northeast Texas more broadly, additional information about the regional practice can be found here:
https://www.johnhickmanlaw.com/lamar-county-criminal-defense
While every case depends on its specific facts, understanding the structure of the Titus County district courts is an important first step in navigating the process.