---
title: "Eric Starnes | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/eric-starnes"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Eric Starnes

Texas County Criminal Court No. 7 · Statutory County Court Judge

## Profile

- Court: Texas County Criminal Court No. 7
- State: Texas
- Role: Statutory County Court Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-25

## 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

### civil remote appearances

Scope: statewide

In civil district and county court proceedings, the court may permit or require electronic participation after appropriate notice; compelled electronic participation for oral-testimony proceedings requires good cause or party agreement, and a jury trial requires party agreement.

Evidence excerpt: Upon appropriate notice by a party or the court, a court may allow or require a participant to appear at a court proceeding by videoconference, teleconference, or other available electronic means, except as otherwise provided in (2).

[Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### civil recording and broadcasting

Scope: statewide

Civil district and county trial courts may permit courtroom recording or broadcasting only under Supreme Court guidelines, with the required party and witness consent, or for ceremonial proceedings.

Evidence excerpt: A trial court may permit broadcasting, televising, recording, or photographing of proceedings in the courtroom only in the following circumstances:

[Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 18c, Recording and Broadcasting of Court Proceedings](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.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 Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.pdf)
- [Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 18c, Recording and Broadcasting of Court Proceedings](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.pdf)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Eric J. Starnes is the elected Republican judge for Tarrant County Criminal Court No. 7 in Texas, serving since January 1, 2023, and currently running for re‐election in 2026
- Starnes emphasizes efficiency, fairness, and fiscal responsibility in the court system, distinguishing himself as an “active” rather than “activist” judge
- He later held the role of Assistant Criminal District Attorney for four years

### Education

- Texas Wesleyan University School of Law — J.D. (2006)
- M.P.A. — University of North Texas (2000)
- B.A. in Criminal Justice — Sam Houston State University (1993)

### Additional information

- His term runs through December 31, 2026, and he advanced from the Republican primary on March 3, 2026.
- focusing on felony and misdemeanor cases.
- Eric Starnes presides over Tarrant County Criminal Court No. 7
- handling felony and misdemeanor cases in the county’s criminal justice system.
- A lifelong Texan, Starnes has over 23 years of law enforcement service with the Euless Police Department, rising from patrol officer to Lieutenant of Investigations Command, where he oversaw criminal investigations, managed a $1.6 million budget, and testified in trials.
- He also practiced law privately and has taught and written on the Fourth Amendment’s search and seizure clause.