Pre-Trial Release Requirements

When you’re in a sticky legal situation, your best defense is knowledge. It’s important to know what you can expect from your hearing, bail arrangements and trial so that you’re not surprised or unprepared. Every Texas court starts by following a bond schedule, in which your bail amount depends on the crime.

Bail is the guarantee that you’ll be in court for the hearing. Once your bail is set, there are three options.

First, if you have the cash – you simply pay the total amount and you’ll be released pending trial. Alternatively, you can apply for a bail bond with a company like 1st Call Bail Bonds. You pay 10 percent of the bail amount upfront, and the bail bond agent posts the bail. This means we’re responsible for making sure you appear for your trial.

If that 10 percent is still too high, and you can’t get it from friends or family, you may have to stay in jail for the duration of your case.

You, or the agent if you get a bond, will get that money back when you appear in court as promised.

2023 Changes to Texas Bail Law

Before January 2023, Texas law required a pre-trial screening for anyone seeking a bail reduction including the severity of the offense, your personal history, and your risk of flight. Very high bonds were assessed, and many people couldn’t produce the 10% necessary for bail. As of January 2023, Texas bail law has changed greatly. 

The new law stipulates that most offenders can now be released on their personal recognizance. Every defendant gets a pre-trial release hearing within 48 hours of their jailing.

Defendants are entitled to an attorney at that hearing, even on weekend bail settings. Defendants are entitled to at least 3 phone calls within 3 hours of being detained.

If you fail to appear in court while out on bond you’ll no longer get an automatic warrant. Instead, you’ll be set for another hearing. If you miss that one, the judge may issue an arrest warrant.

Pre-Trial Requirements in Texas

It’s important to note that your bail amount is adjusted depending on the situation. The more questions to which you can answer “No” in the list below; the lower your bail is apt to be. The lower your bail, the more likely you’ll be able to secure release until your trial.

• Were you already out on bail during the arrest?
• Were you on probation for another criminal offense?
• Do you have prior criminal convictions?
• Are you a flight risk?
• Do you present a risk to society?

Depending on the facts of your case and history and the offense, you may instead get “conditional” release and/or release with supervision, which includes medical, mental health or drug treatment, diversion programs, or alternative adjudication. While these are types of pretrial release, they don’t mean you get to leave on your own recognizance.

Know Your Rights

Your attorney can advise you on your plea and eventually on the trial itself. As for the bail setting, you’ve got at least one group on your side. 1st Call Bail Bonds is the #1 source for Dallas and McKinney bail bonds.

We get you out of jail so you can plead your case without spending days in jail.

1st Call Bail Bonds can help get you or a loved one out of jail quickly. We use only licensed agents, and we’re caring, empathetic and highly experienced with bonds. Our goal is to get you out of jail as soon as possible. The Dallas and McKinney offices of 1st Call Bail Bonds are open 24/7. Reach out immediately and we’ll get the process started.