In Dallas County, we've found that most misdemeanor cases are usually resolved within 4 to 6 months, while felony cases can take 1 to 2 years or more. A lot of cases go through the Dallas courts every year, so the process is slower than in other Texas counties.
Complicated cases — such as murder — can take longer than two years. Delays to give both the prosecutors and defense more time are common.
The Truth: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Timeline
One of the first questions people ask after an arrest is, “How long is this going to take?”
The arrest and booking will be short (generally no longer than a day or two), but the resolution will probably take months or even years. The truth is that it depends on the case and the type of charge you're facing.
What matters most is understanding where delays happen and what actually moves cases forward in Dallas County courts.
Related: Dallas County criminal courts guide
The Typical Stages of a Dallas Criminal Case
Most criminal cases in Dallas follow a general timeline, though the timing can vary.
1. Arrest, Booking, and Bond
After an arrest, most people are booked at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center.
You will be called before a judge or magistrate, who will review your case and set bail. This is usually set within 24 to 48 hours. Many people incorrectly think this is the arraignment, but it's not. That will come later.
This part moves quickly, sometimes much faster than people expect.
2. Charges Are Filed (or Not)
After your arrest, your case is passed along to the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office for review.
This can take:
- A few days
- Several weeks
- Occasionally longer in more complex cases
Not every arrest leads to formal charges. Some cases are rejected or reduced at this stage.
3. Arraignment (Your First Court Date)
Arraignment usually happens 2 to 6 weeks after charges are filed.
This hearing is often short, but it officially starts the court case and sets the tone for what comes next. Your charges will be read. By this point, you should have an attorney.
The longest part of the arraignment will be waiting at the courthouse for your case to be called. In Dallas County, hundreds of arraignment hearings are held each day.
4. Pretrial
This is where most of the time is spent.
During pretrial:
- Evidence is exchanged
- Police reports and videos are reviewed
- Motions may be filed
- Negotiations with prosecutors take place
In Dallas County, many cases don't go to trial. They're resolved during pretrial. How thoroughly the case is prepared during this phase often determines how long it lasts and how it ends.
5. Trial (If the Case Doesn’t Resolve)
Trials take time to schedule and prepare. If a case goes to trial, it can add several additional months to the timeline.
That said, trials aren't as common as most people think. We've found that most of our cases are resolved before they get to that point.
Related: Dallas County criminal court process
Typical Dallas Criminal Case Timelines
Here’s a general snapshot of how long cases often take:
| Offense | Timeline |
| Minor misdemeanor | 2–6 months |
| Standard misdemeanor | 4–12 months |
| Felony case | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Case going to trial | Often 1 year or longer |
These are averages, not guarantees. Some cases move faster; others take longer.
Related: Misdemeanors vs. felonies
Why Dallas Cases Can Feel Faster (or Slower) Than Other Counties
Dallas County courts tend to move faster than many surrounding counties, especially early in the process.
That’s because:
- Prosecutors review cases early
- Court dockets are crowded
- Judges push cases forward quickly
At the same time, full calendars cause delays as cases progress. It’s a system that starts off fast, but slows considerably as cases are negotiated and set for trial.
What Can Slow a Case Down?
Delays are a normal part of the process. Not every delay means there's a problem with your case. Some common reasons your case may slow down include:
- Waiting on lab results
- Delayed or missing video evidence
- Complex legal motions that need to be argued
- Multiple defendants or witnesses
- Busy court calendars
Sometimes the delays are strategic. Other times, they’re simply part of how the system works.
That said, you need to stay on top of your case at all times. A missed deadline or being unprepared for the next step can reduce leverage. The key is making sure time is working for you — not against you.
What Can Speed a Case Up?
Cases often move more smoothly when things are handled early.
For example:
- A lawyer gets involved right away
- Evidence is requested and preserved quickly
- Witness information is gathered and preserved
- Complications are identified before they become problems
- The case is assigned to a court with a faster-moving docket
Being prepared won't guarantee a quick resolution. But it prevents unnecessary setbacks and helps you feel like you have the situation under control.
Does a Longer Case Mean a Better Outcome?
Not necessarily.
Lab results, in particular, can take time. Sometimes a plea deal is negotiated quickly, but in other instances, prosecutors won't negotiate until they have a chance to review all of the specifics.
It doesn't matter how long the case lasts. The outcome is the important part.
In Dallas County, rushing a case can be just as risky as dragging one out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do misdemeanor cases move faster than felonies in Dallas?
Yes. Misdemeanors usually resolve more quickly than felony cases.
Can a case be resolved before trial?
Yes. Many Dallas cases are resolved during pretrial negotiations.
Does going to trial always mean a long case?
Usually, yes. Trials add months to most timelines.
Can my lawyer appear on my behalf to keep things moving?
In many misdemeanor cases, yes—depending on the court and stage.
The Bottom Line
Criminal cases in Dallas all follow the same steps, but they don’t follow a strict timetable. Some move fast, while others take years, but almost all outcomes will be influenced by what happens early on.
It's important to understand which delays are normal, which may not be, and when delays actually signal a complication or problem. It's more important to stay focused on the strategy than to constantly wonder what comes next.
About Michael & Associates
Michael & Associates is a Texas-based criminal defense firm that represents clients in all types of Dallas County misdemeanor and felony cases, including DWI, DUI, drug DWI, marijuana DWI, drug charges, assault and domestic violence, theft, and shoplifting. The firm regularly handles cases arising from Dallas County jail intake, magistrate hearings, bond proceedings, arraignments, and pretrial litigation.
We are currently accepting clients across Texas's major metropolitan areas.
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential case review.
Sources: Michael & Associates research and internal case records, Dallas County Courts, Dallas County District Attorney's Office.
Note: This article was written by Ben Michael, Managing Partner of Michael & Associates (Texas Bar Card #24088055). It was originally published on February 27, 2026, and has been reviewed for accuracy by the Michael & Associates research team and the firm's Dallas attorneys, who are familiar with Dallas County court timelines.
