About Rick

Judge Magnis entered public service shortly after receiving his law degree from the University of Tulsa in 1983 by running a legal clinic for senior citizens in Oklahoma. Upon moving to Dallas to be closer to his family, he worked briefly in private practice before returning to public service in 1989, when he joined the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office. He was elected to preside over the 283rd Judicial (Criminal) District Court in 2006.

Rick is a devoted husband to Ellen and has three children – Amy, Kristen and Nick. He has been an inspired leader in his church for more than two decades where he has served as the vice president of the congregation, on the board of trustees, a Sunday school teacher, and co-chair of the annual campaign.

Judge Magnis and his staff have worked very hard since assuming responsibility for the 283rd by moving more cases than any other Dallas felony court in 2008 and 2009. Judge Magnis has spearheaded a new court appointment system to assure that court appointments in Dallas County are distributed fairly and that appointed lawyers are competent and reliable. Because he is somewhat of a computer nerd the Dallas County District Clerk asked that the Judge pilot a paper-less court file system in order to increase efficiency and reduce costs to the taxpayers.

Judge Magnis believes that violent and predatory offenders should receive a swift and fair trial and if convicted receive the appropriate punishment. On the other hand the Judge believes that many non-violent offenders commit crimes because of drug addiction, mental illness and poverty. While not excuses for behavior, the Judge believes, that by providing the services necessary to address these issues under close supervision, we can change the behavior of many these offenders. Doing so reduces recidivism, thereby increasing public safety and saves taxpayer money as well thought out and close supervision is much more cost effective than incarceration. In addition to his responsibilities as a District Judge Judge Magnis devotes additional time presiding over problem solving courts which directly supervise probationers. The Judge works very closely with the Dallas County Probation Department and other agencies to target this population with evidence based treatment and supervision plans. Of course after reasonable efforts are made those who continue to resist change find themselves incarcerated.

Judge Magnis is a proud third-generation Democrat who looks forward to your support as he continues to preside over the 283rd Judicial District Court.