The Hon. Roy DeFriend is a judge for the 77th District Court of Texas. DeFriend was elected to the bench on November 5, 2024, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Hon. Patrick Simmons.
The 77th District Court serves Freestone and Limestone counties.
Prior to his election, DeFriend was the district attorney with the Limestone County District Attorney’s Office, a position to which he was elected in 2000. Before that, he served as an assistant district attorney in Limestone County (1991 to 2000) and spent time in private practice as an associate at West, Adams, Webb & Allbritton (1990 to 1991) in Bryan.
He received an associate’s degree from Navarro College (1985) and a B.B.A. from Baylor University (1987). DeFriend then completed a J.D. at Baylor Law School in 1990. He was admitted to practice in Texas (1990).
DeFriend was named Prosecutor of the Year by the Central Texas Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Citizen of the Year by the Groesbeck Chamber of Commerce. He also received the Director’s Award from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
DeFriend, a native of Limestone County, was raised in Thornton, where his mother, Elsie DeFriend Williams, served as the city secretary for many years. He attended Groesbeck High School. DeFriend and his wife, Bonnie, raised two daughters.
He is registered as a Republican.
| Party Affiliation Republican | Republican |
| Current Appointment 77th District Court of Texas | 77th District Court of Texas |
| Election/Appointment November 5, 2024 - 77th District Court of Texas | November 5, 2024 - 77th District Court of Texas |
|
Education
J.D., Baylor Law School - 1990 B.B.A., Baylor University - 1987 Associate's degree, Navarro College - 1985 |
J.D., Baylor Law School - 1990 B.B.A., Baylor University - 1987 Associate's degree, Navarro College - 1985 |
| Current Court: | TX - 77th District Court of Texas |
|---|---|
| Clerk phone: | +1 (254) 729-5705 |
| Fax: | +1 (254) 729-2960 |
| Freestone County: | +1 (903) 389-4836 |
| Fax: | +1 (903) 389-0422 |
| Role | Employer | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | West, Adams, Webb & Allbritton | Brazos County, Texas |
| Assistant District Attorney | Office of the Limestone County District Attorney | Limestone County, Texas |
| District Attorney | Office of the Limestone County District Attorney | Limestone County, Texas |
| Judge | 77th District Court of Texas | None |
The Times: Limestone Attorney Roy DeFriend Announces Candidacy for 77th District Judge
Ballotpedia: Roy Defriend (Texas 77th District Court, Texas, Candidate 2024)
Martindale: Mr. William Roy Defriend
Baylor Law School: Alumni News - March 2025
LinkedIn: Roy DeFriend
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