Burgess took the bench as a Republican in 2011. His dad was a judge in Denton, and then mayor of a small town. But Burgess entered politics reluctantly. He became a Denton criminal defense attorney and grew tired of the cycle of drug use, mental health issues, lack of treatment options and overloaded court dockets.

Deadly Fake: Tears and heartache in Denton’s 158th District Court | The Dallas Morning News

Steve previously worked as a criminal defense attorney in Denton.

Deadly Fake: Tears and heartache in Denton's 158th District Court

State District Judge
(Denton)
Entered Office: 01-01-2011
Term Ends: 12-31-2026
District: 158

Texas Directory — Steve Burgess

Steve currently serves as the state district judge for Texas' 158th District. He entered office in 2011.

The Honorable Steve Burgess - Texas State Directory Online

Steve Burgess currently serves as the state district judge for Texas' 158th District. He entered office in 2011.

2026 Texas General Election

Worked as a criminal defense attorney in Denton, where he represented defendants in criminal cases.

- Worked as a criminal defense attorney in Denton, where he represented defendants in criminal cases.

Legal Experience

Since he started the first offenders drug program in 2016, 1,680 people have come through the program, and roughly 65% of them completed it. He also helped establish an intensive program for high-risk, repeat drug offenders. Through both programs, he hopes to chip away at the stigma that keeps people from seeking help.

“We’re trying to slow down the deaths. We’re trying to address the overdoses and the devastation this does to people’s families,” Burgess said. “These folks are my responsibility, and I don’t want them dead.”

“Please, for God’s sake, let us help you,” he says, his voice quivering. “Look around these walls. These are people I live with and see every month. I try to make sure we get new pictures up here so you understand this isn’t over. It doesn’t stop. It doesn’t go away. It just keeps on killing. This isn’t something you white-knuckle through. This is something you get help with.”

Works to reduce overdoses among people in court programs by urging them to seek addiction treatment.

- Works to reduce overdoses among people in court programs by urging them to seek addiction treatment.

Judicial Administration

As of July 22, 2026, Steve Burgess did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Steve Burgess

As of July 22, 2026, Steve Burgess’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Steve is a judge for Denton County, Texas. He previously worked as a criminal defense attorney in Denton.

Steve is currently a state district judge for the 158th Judicial District. He took the bench in 2011.

158th District Court | Denton County, TX

As a criminal defense attorney, Burgess became tired of the cycle of drug use, mental health issues, lack of treatment options and overloaded court dockets.

Buket Urgen

Mauricio Mendez

- 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.

Presides over a trial court with general jurisdiction. 