Ben Michael is the founder and managing partner of Michael & Associates. With over a decade of experience, he has defended hundreds of clients against charges from DWI to serious felonies.
Most of us don't pay much attention to what happens in court until after someone we know is arrested. The process seems complicated, but it's actually relatively simple once you understand the steps.
It starts with the arrest, then is followed by booking, posting bond, arraignment, pretrial negotiations, and (if the case isn't dismissed or resolved) ultimately ends with trial and sentencing.
In Dallas County, misdemeanor cases are handled in the Criminal Courts at Law, while felony cases are heard in the District Courts. Most hearings and trials take place at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center.
In Dallas County, things move quickly in the courts, especially compared to some of the surrounding areas. If you've got a case pending, what you do in the first few weeks can really make or break the outcome.
Last updated: March 2026
How the Dallas County Criminal Court Process Works
If you’re facing criminal charges in Dallas County, you're probably feeling panicked and overwhelmed. The court complex is intimidating. Each judge handles bond, probation, and sentencing differently.
Having a lawyer who understands the process (and the importance of timing) will help you avoid making mistakes that will be tough to fix later in the case.
Step 1: Arrest, Citation, or Warrant
Most criminal cases begin in one of three ways:
An arrest
A citation requiring a later court appearance
An arrest warrant issued by a judge
After an arrest, most people will be taken to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center for booking.
Step 2: Booking and Magistrate Review
Once you've arrived at the jail, you'll be booked. In Dallas County, this is typically called a "book-in." During this time, officers will fingerprint you and take your mugshot, compile your personal information, confiscate your belongings, formally enter the charges into the system, and hold you in a cell.
You should be allowed to make at least one phone call, though the jail charges one cent per minute for these calls. You can call an attorney, a bail bond company, or a family member who can help you. However, do not discuss your case on these calls. The calls are recorded, and the information can be used against you later.
Within about 24 to 48 hours, you’ll see a magistrate judge. The magistrate will review your arrest and decide whether the police had probable cause for your arrest. The magistrate will also set your bail amount and specify any conditions you must follow if you’re released.
There are a few different ways someone can be released from jail, including different types of bail. That might include posting a cash bond, using a surety bond through a bail bond company, or, in limited situations, being released on your own recognizance (this is called a PR bond).
If you’re released, the court will set bond conditions. These commonly include such requirements as:
No new arrests
Mandatory drug and alcohol screening
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
In Dallas County, judges expect you to comply with all bond conditions. One violation can be enough for your bond to be revoked, and if this happens, you could end up back in jail.
If you don't know how to post bond, the Dallas County Jail will provide you with a list of bail bond companies. There are several companies that are open 24/7 near the jail complex. Or you can contact our team at Michael & Associates. We're also available 24/7, and our Dallas attorneys regularly help clients post bail.
If you can't afford to post bail, you'll be held in jail, sometimes for weeks or months. The Dallas County Jail is sometimes at capacity, meaning you could be housed in a jail in a surrounding county or sent to a private jail facility. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), about 70% of inmates in Texas jails are in custody because they can't afford to post bail.
Once you've appeared before the magistrate, your case will be sent to the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. A prosecutor will review the police reports, body cam footage, lab results, and any other evidence before deciding whether to formally file charges against you.
One thing I always make sure our clients understand: Just because you were arrested does not mean you'll be charged. Prosecutors can reject the case, reduce the charge, or modify it. If the evidence is weak, incomplete, or if there were legal problems with the stop or arrest, your case could end here.
Step 5: Arraignment (Your First Court Date)
If charges are filed, the next step is your arraignment. This will be your first official court hearing. At this time, the judge will formally announce the charge, inform you of your rights, ask you to enter a plea, and set future court dates.
In most cases, we recommend pleading "not guilty" at your arraignment. To provide you with the best possible defense, we will need time to fully review the evidence, analyze any legal issues, and begin negotiations with the prosecutor. Starting early and taking time helps us develop leverage from the start.
Step 6: The Pretrial Phase (Where Most Cases Are Decided)
The pretrial phase is often the most important part of your case. This is where our real work happens.
During this phase, we will obtain and review all of the evidence. This includes police reports, videos, lab results, and witness statements. We may file legal motions to challenge evidence or raise constitutional issues. At the same time, we negotiate with the prosecutor.
About 88% of cases in Dallas County will be resolved during this time. Some are dismissed. Some are reduced. Less than 13% of cases in the county will go to trial.
Step 7: Trial (If the Case Doesn’t Resolve)
If we can’t reach a resolution that makes sense, a trial will be the next step.
A trial is a multi-step process that includes jury selection, opening statements, witness testimony, cross-examination, closing arguments, and jury deliberations. A settlement could still be offered at any point until the jury issues a verdict.
At Michael & Associates, we're never afraid to take a case to trial if it's necessary to get the best possible outcome.
Step 8: Sentencing (If There Is a Conviction)
If you're found guilty, whether by plea or jury verdict, you will then be sentenced. This may occur immediately or may take a few weeks. This will depend on the charge, the outcome, and the judge.
You could face probation, jail or prison time, fines and court costs, mandatory completion of treatment programs, or other supervision conditions.
Each judge has different sentencing practices. That’s why it's essential to have a lawyer who knows the judges and their preferences.
Felony cases are handled in the Dallas County District Courts. Examples of common felony charges include:
Aggravated assault
Felony DWI (repeat offenses or DWIs with aggravating factors)
Robbery
Drug distribution
Most criminal courts in Dallas County are located at the Frank Crowley Courts Building, which is part of the Lew Sterrett Justice Center complex.
It is located at:
133 N. Riverfront Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75207
Parking is available for a fee, or there is a nearby bus stop. Arrive early, particularly if your hearing is in the morning. Lines for security screening can be particularly long when jurors and court staff are arriving for the day.
How the Dallas County Process Differs From Other Texas Counties
Dallas County juggles an extremely high number of criminal cases. Because of this, the process tends to move more quickly than courts in smaller counties. Cases are reviewed quickly by prosecutors, court dockets are full, and you need to keep on top of any scheduled hearings.
Practices vary dramatically from one courtroom to another, particularly when probation terms and plea offers are involved.
In smaller counties, it may take months for a case to really get moving. In Dallas County, those same steps can happen within days or weeks, so early preparation is especially important.
Timeline: Typical Dallas County Criminal Case
Arrest / citation
Day 0
Magistrate & bond
0–2 days
Charges filed
Days to weeks
Arraignment
2 to 6 weeks
Pretrial negotiations
Several months
Trial or resolution
A few months to a year or more
Timelines depend on the charges, case complexity, and court assignment.
What Happens If You Do Nothing
In most cases, problems spiral out of control if you ignore them. You could end up facing:
Arrest warrants
Bond revocation
Additional charges
Additionally, we could lose some opportunities for negotiation.
How Defense Strategy Corresponds To Each Stage
Your lawyer plays an important role throughout each step of the process. Sometimes getting the best possible outcome comes down to timing your moves properly.
Stage
Steps we take
Arrest
Protect your rights, limit statements
Filing
Challenge the sufficiency of your charges
Arraignment
Advise you on how to plead, seek leverage in your case
Pretrial
Review evidence and file motions
Trial
Burden of proof is on the prosecution
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all arrests in Dallas County lead to formal charges?
No. After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors can decide to reject a case or reduce the charge.
Can a case be dismissed before trial?
Yes. Many cases are resolved during the pretrial phase, and some are dismissed before ever reaching a jury.
Do I have to personally attend every court date?
Not always. In certain types of cases, your attorney can appear on your behalf. That depends on the charge and the specific court.
Is Dallas County stricter than other counties?
Not necessarily stricter — but it does tend to move faster. Outcomes may differ markedly based on the courtroom and the judge assigned to the case.
Bottom Line
The Dallas County criminal court process is fast-moving and highly court-specific. Early decisions, especially during the pretrial period, often determine the outcome of your case.
About Michael & Associates
Michael & Associates is a Texas-based criminal defense firm that represents clients in 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, and pretrial litigation.
Sources: Michael & Associates research, Dallas County Courts, Dallas County District Attorney's Office, ACLU, The Dallas Morning News, Dallas County Sheriff'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 17, 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 jail intake procedures, magistrate hearings, and bond practices, including early-intervention defense strategy in the first 24–72 hours after arrest.
Ben Michael is the founder and Managing Partner of Michael & Associates, and has nearly a decade of experience in criminal defense here in Austin, TX. He is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has spent nearly a decade of helping those accused of a crime get the best outcome possible. He has successfully defended hundreds of clients, handling all sorts of legal issues including DWI, assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, possession of controlled substances, expungement cases, and …
