---
title: "Desmond Cooks | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/desmond-cooks"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-27"
---

# Desmond Cooks

Dallas Municipal Court · Municipal Judge

## Profile

- Court: Dallas Municipal Court
- State: Texas
- Role: Municipal Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-27

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### limited criminal remote appearance

Scope: statewide

For the specific fine-and-cost hearings governed by Articles 45A.258 and 45A.259, a justice or municipal judge may allow a defendant to appear by telephone or videoconference when an in-person appearance would impose undue hardship.

Evidence excerpt: If the justice or judge determines that requiring a defendant to appear before the justice or judge in person for a hearing under Article 45A.258 or 45A.259 would impose an undue hardship on the defendant, the justice or judge may allow the defendant to appear by telephone or videoconference.

[Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 45A.260, Appearance by Telephone or Videoconference](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/pdf/CR.45A.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://card.txcourts.gov/directorysearch.aspx)
- [Official roster](https://card.txcourts.gov/directorysearch.aspx)
- [Texas Office of Court Administration official judicial roster](https://card.txcourts.gov/directorysearch.aspx)
- [Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 45A.260, Appearance by Telephone or Videoconference](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/pdf/CR.45A.pdf)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- His professional experience and prior judicial service reflect a strong background in courtroom management and legal practice, though he was not elected to the District Court seat in the 2026 primary
- Prior to this, he had also run unsuccessfully for Dallas County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2, in 2022.
- Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Texas and a law degree from Baylor University School of Law
- Served in the U.S. Navy as a second-class petty officer and has held a position as an associate at multiple law firms, as well as an assistant city attorney for the State of Texas

### Education



### Additional information

- Cooks ran for the Texas 194th District Court in the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026.
- He was defeated by Kim Cooks and Peggy Hoffman, who advanced to the runoff election on May 26, 2026.
- While Cooks’ campaign emphasized honesty, transparency, and accountability, his website did not provide detailed information on specific judicial issues as of January 2026.
- Desmond Cooks, also known as Dez, is a Dallas-based attorney and associate municipal judge with extensive legal experience.
- As an associate municipal judge for the City of Dallas for 10 years, Cooks oversaw cases involving traffic offenses, local ordinance violations, preliminary hearings in criminal cases, and issued search and arrest warrants.
- He also determined sentencing in certain minor criminal cases.
- In his legal career, he has led over 100 jury and bench trials, specializing in personal injury, criminal defense, and business law.



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 45A.260, Appearance by Telephone or Videoconference](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-7a6578736340dbebb75e89c7) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/pdf/CR.45A.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.
- [Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 45A.260, Appearance by Telephone or Videoconference](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-0fa5a7f51969f3609de00053) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/pdf/CR.45A.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.
