---
title: "Thomas C. West | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-c-west"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Thomas C. West

Texas 19th District Court · District Judge

## Profile

- Court: Texas 19th District Court
- State: Texas
- Role: District 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

- The current District Judge for the 19th Judicial District Court in McLennan County, Texas, serving since January 1, 2021, and is running for re‐election in 2024
- Private Practice: Partner at Dunnam & Dunnam, LLP (2006–2021), managing felony and misdemeanor cases in state and federal courts
- Prosecutor: Felony prosecutor in McLennan County District Attorney’s Office (1991–2000)
- Judge West emphasizes experience, integrity, and a commitment to the rule of law, stating he will remain impartial, strictly interpret the law, and maintain a tough‐on‐crime stance to keep communities safe

### Education

- Baylor University School of Law — J.D. (1990)
- in English: University of Mississippi — B.A. (1987)

### Additional information

- Other judicial roles: Associate judge for the City of Hewitt (2018–present).
- Recognition: Named a “Super Lawyer” multiple times (2009–present) and listed among the Top 100 National Trial Attorneys (2015–present).
- Certifications: Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (2002).
- handling felony, misdemeanor, and CPS cases.
- Courtroom innovations: Implemented the most technologically advanced courtroom in the county, enabling more efficient case handling.
- Impact: Disposed of over 4,000 felony cases, conducted more than 15,000 hearings, and presided over about 76 jury trials since taking office.



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-119ce7e69a3752f1da3cfce0) — 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://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.
- [Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21d, Appearances at Court Proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-a5f587f769df9f3231ef4f9a) — 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://www.txcourts.gov/media/1462948/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure-july-1-2026.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.