Dallas County Court Process
Court Information
Dallas County Criminal Courts
Address
133 North Riverfront Boulevard, Dallas, TX
Phone
(214) 653-7099Hours
Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM
Arraignment Timeline
30
First court appearance where charges are read and bail is set
Court Process Timeline
1
Arraignment
First court appearance, typically 30 after arrest.
What Happens:
- Judge reads charges against you
- You enter initial plea (usually Not Guilty)
- Bail is set or reviewed
- Next court date is scheduled
- Public defender appointed if needed
2
Pre-Trial Hearings
Multiple court dates over 2-6 months where your attorney negotiates with prosecutors.
Attorney Activities:
- Review police reports and evidence
- File motions to suppress evidence
- Challenge breathalyzer/blood test results
- Negotiate plea bargains
- Discuss diversion program eligibility
3
Plea Bargain or Trial
Most cases (over 90%) resolve through plea bargaining, not trial.
Plea Bargain (Common)
- Reduced charges
- Lower penalties
- Faster resolution
- Certainty of outcome
Trial (Rare)
- Jury or bench trial
- Higher risk/reward
- Expensive legal fees
- Takes 6-12 months
4
Sentencing
Judge imposes penalties based on plea agreement or trial verdict.
Possible Outcomes:
- Probation (most common for 1st offense)
- Jail time (days to months)
- Fines ($300-$2,000+)
- License suspension
- Ignition interlock device
- Community service & alcohol education
What to Bring to Court
Required Documents
- Court summons/notice
- Photo ID (driver's license)
- Bond paperwork
- Attorney contact information
- Proof of insurance (if available)
Court Appearance Tips
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Dress professionally
- Turn off cell phone
- Be respectful to judge
- Let your attorney speak
Potential Penalties in Texas
Understanding what you could be facing helps you make informed decisions about plea offers.
First Offense
- • 3-180 days jail
- • $300-$2,000 fine
- • 90-365 day suspension
- • Possible probation
Second Offense
- • 30 days - 1 year jail
- • $600-$4,000 fine
- • 180 days - 2 years suspension
- • Ignition interlock required
Third Offense (Felony)
- • 2-10 years prison
- • Up to $10,000 fine
- • 180 days - 2 years suspension
- • Permanent record
Do NOT Do These Things
Miss any court date - warrant will be issued immediately
Talk to prosecutors without your attorney present
Post about your case on social media
Discuss your case with anyone except your attorney
Drive with a suspended license
Violate any bail conditions
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