Desmond is from Dallas, Texas. He attended the University of North Texas. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Texas. He has a law degree from Baylor University School of Law, where he received certification in criminal practice.

Criminal Defense Attorney | Cooks Law Firm | Dallas

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Desmond "Dez" Cooks is from Dallas, Texas. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Texas and a law degree from the Baylor University School of Law. Desmond lives in Dallas, Texas.

Desmond is an Associate Municipal Judge. He works at the City of Dallas, where he has served since 2016. He previously represented the State of Texas in criminal matters and served as a criminal defense attorney.

Desmond currently serves as an associate municipal judge for the city of Dallas. He previously served as an associate for Scheef & Stone, the Willis Law Group, and Helms & Greene, along with an assistant city attorney for the State of Texas. He served in the U.S. Navy as an second class petty officer.

Desmond Cooks - Ballotpedia

Desmond previously ran for Dallas County Justice of the Peace Place 2 in Precinct 5 in 2022, but did not win.

As an associate municipal judge for the City of Dallas for 10 years, oversees cases involving traffic offenses and local ordinance violations, conducts preliminary hearings in criminal cases, issues search and arrest warrants, and determines sentencing in certain minor criminal cases.

Has served as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and judge.

As an associate for various law firms for six years, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients as lead lawyer on 100+ jury and bench trials, specializing in personal injury, criminal defense, and business law.

As a criminal defense attorney, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients, specializing in commercial and business litigation, real estate disputes, and complex commercial disputes.

As a criminal defense attorney for the State of Texas for three years, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients, specializing in commercial and business litigation, real estate disputes, and complex commercial disputes.

- As an associate municipal judge for the City of Dallas for 10 years, oversees cases involving traffic offenses and local ordinance violations, conducts preliminary hearings in criminal cases, issues search and arrest warrants, and determines sentencing in certain minor criminal cases.
- As an associate for various law firms for six years, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients as lead lawyer on 100+ jury and bench trials, specializing in personal injury, criminal defense, and business law.
- As a criminal defense attorney for the State of Texas for three years, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients, specializing in commercial and business litigation, real estate disputes, and complex commercial disputes.

Legal Experience

As of January 22, 2026, Desmond (Dez) Cooks’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Believes in being guided by honesty, transparency, and accountability, and promises to uphold the highest ethical standards while serving the needs of the community.

- Believes in being guided by honesty, transparency, and accountability, and promises to uphold the highest ethical standards while serving the needs of the community.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Desmond (Dez) Cooks

Believes in acting with fairness and trustworthiness.

Believes in being "dedicated to serving the needs of the community."

Promises to "Uphold the highest ethical standards in every decision."

Promises to "uphold the highest ethical standards in every decision."

Believes in being "guided by honesty, transparency, and accountability."

Believes in being "guided by honesty, transparency, and accountability" and acting with fairness and trustworthiness.

Desmond currently serves as an associate municipal judge for the City of Dallas. He previously served as an associate for Scheef & Stone, the Willis Law Group, and Helms & Greene, along with an assistant city attorney for the State of Texas. He served in the U.S. Navy as an second class petty officer.

- Believes in being "guided by honesty, transparency, and accountability" and acting with fairness and trustworthiness.
- Promises to "uphold the highest ethical standards in every decision."
- Believes in being "dedicated to serving the needs of the community."

- District judges manage Texas district courts, which are trial courts with general jurisdiction, and have exclusive authority over felony cases. A judge may be presiding over a civil, criminal, juvenile, or special court. They also share jurisdiction with Texas county courts.
- Texas has over 470 district courts, each presided over by a single judge. Some courts cover multiple counties, while others are assigned to single counties based on population size.
- District judges are elected through partisan elections for four-year terms. Candidates must be between 25 and 75 years old, have lived in the district for at least 2 years, and be licensed lawyers with at least 4 years' experience.
- The annual salary for district judges ranges from $175,000 to $245,500, depending on years of service.