John Winkelmann at a glance
- Current role
- District Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Texas · State
- Judicial service
- Active
John Winkelmann
District Judge · Texas 335th District Court
Biography
Professional career
- In summary, John D. Winkelmann combines extensive legal experience with community engagement and currently serves as the judge of the 335th District Court in Texas, with a term extending through 2028
- In July 2016, he opened a private practice in Brenham, Texas, and has held the role of the presiding municipal court judge since January 2020
- Began his legal career in January 2013 as a prosecutor for the Washington County Attorney’s Office
- John D. Winkelmann is a Republican attorney and judge who currently holds the office of Texas District Court Judge for the 335th Judicial District, which covers Washington, Bastrop, Burleson, and Lee counties
- His experience spans roles as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and municipal court judge, providing him with a broad perspective on the legal system
Education
- Law license in November 2012 after studying at St. Mary’s University.
Additional information
- He ran for this position in the 2024 Texas General Election and assumed office following the election.
- Winkelmann emphasizes fairness and ensuring that all parties receive adequate docket time to present their cases.
- The 335th Judicial District Court presides over a wide range of cases, including felony criminal cases, juvenile cases, family law matters, civil cases involving $200 or more, election contests, and property disputes.
- Winkelmann is a member of the Republican Party, aligning with its principles of fiscal conservatism, limited government intervention, and personal responsibility.
- Outside the courtroom, Winkelmann is active in his community.
- He serves as president of the Christ Lutheran Day School Board of Directors and is a board member of the Brenham Children’s Chorus.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Remote appearances
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.
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 ↗
Recording and broadcasting
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.
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 ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings
Texas 335th District Court
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 ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings
Texas 335th District Court
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 ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 25, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 10, 2026.
Texas Office of Court Administration official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 25, 2026
View Texas Office of Court Administration official judicial roster ↗Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings
Statewide source · PDF · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings ↗Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 18c, Recording and Broadcasting of Court Proceedings
Statewide source · PDF · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 18c, Recording and Broadcasting of Court Proceedings ↗Texas 335th District Court official directory
Identity source · HTML · Source checked October 11, 2026
View Texas 335th District Court official directory ↗