If someone you love was arrested in Denton County, you can find them using the Denton County Jail Inmate Search online, by calling (972) 434-5502, or by visiting the jail at 127 N Woodrow Ln #300 in Denton. Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for locating an inmate, understanding the booking process, and knowing when to hire a criminal defense attorney.
How Do I Find Someone in the Denton County Jail?
The fastest way to confirm whether someone is in custody at the Denton County Jail is to search online. The county maintains a public database that updates as inmates are booked and released.
To search for an inmate:
- Go to the Denton County Jail Inmate Search page.
- Enter the person’s first and last name.
- Review the results, which include booking date, charges, and bond amount.
If the search shows no results, the person may not have been fully processed yet. Booking can take several hours depending on how busy the jail is. You can also call the jail directly at (972) 434-5502 or visit in person at 127 N Woodrow Ln #300, Denton, TX 76205.
To check whether someone has already been released, use the Denton County Bond Records database.
How Long Does Booking Take at the Denton County Jail?
After an arrest in Denton County, the booking process typically takes 4 to 12 hours. During this time, jail staff collect personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, run background checks, and complete paperwork. The timeline varies based on the jail’s current population, the complexity of the charges, and whether the person has outstanding warrants.
Until booking is complete, the inmate won’t appear in the online search system. If you’ve been waiting several hours and still can’t find your loved one, call the jail to confirm they’re in custody.
What Is the Bond Process in Denton County?
Once someone is booked into the Denton County Jail, a magistrate will set their bond amount. Under Article 17.15 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, judges must consider several factors when setting bail, including the seriousness of the offense, the defendant’s ability to pay, and their ties to the community.
There are several types of bonds in Texas:
Cash bond: The full amount is paid directly to the jail. This money is returned (minus fees) when the case concludes, as long as the defendant appears at all court dates.
Surety bond: A bail bondsman posts the bond in exchange for a non-refundable fee, typically 10% of the total bond amount. For a $10,000 bond, you would pay $1,000 to the bondsman.
Personal recognizance (PR) bond: The defendant is released without paying money, based on their promise to appear in court. PR bonds are typically reserved for low-level offenses and defendants with strong community ties.
Attorney bond: In some cases, a criminal defense attorney can secure a defendant’s release by filing paperwork with the court. This can be faster and less expensive than using a bondsman.
Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney Before a Bondsman?
Yes. Hiring a criminal defense attorney before contacting a bondsman can save you money and protect your loved one’s rights from the start.
Here’s why timing matters. First, you have no way of knowing whether the bond amount is reasonable. An experienced attorney can review the charges and determine if the bond is within the normal range for Denton County. If it’s excessive, the attorney can file a motion to reduce the bond under Article 17.15 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. This could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Second, there may be ways to secure release without paying a bond at all. An attorney can petition for a personal recognizance bond or argue for release under mental health supervision when appropriate.
Third, early attorney involvement can shape the entire case. For felony charges, cases must go through the grand jury process before formal indictment. A skilled defense attorney can present evidence and arguments to the grand jury that may result in reduced charges or even a “no bill,” meaning the grand jury declines to indict.
The sooner an attorney gets involved, the more options you have.
Denton County Police Departments and Contact Information
Depending on where the arrest occurred, your loved one may have been taken to a local police station before being transferred to the Denton County Jail. Here are the police departments serving Denton County municipalities:
Bartonville Police Department
Flower Mound Police Department
Hickory Creek Police Department
If you’re unsure which agency made the arrest, the Denton County Sheriff’s Office can help you track down the information. Call them at (940) 349-1700.
How Varghese Summersett Can Help
When someone you care about is sitting in the Denton County Jail, you need answers fast. Varghese Summersett is a team of more than 70 legal professionals, including former state and federal prosecutors who now defend the accused. Our attorneys are board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by less than 2% of Texas attorneys.
We handle all criminal matters in Denton County, including DWI, drug offenses, assault, theft, white collar crimes, and federal charges. Our firm has secured dismissals, reduced charges, and acquittals in cases ranging from first-time misdemeanors to complex federal investigations.
If your loved one has been arrested, don’t wait. Call us at (817) 203-2220 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Denton County Jail
How do I put money on an inmate’s books at the Denton County Jail?
You can deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account online through the jail’s approved vendor, by phone, or using the kiosk in the jail lobby. Funds allow inmates to purchase food, hygiene items, and other approved goods from the commissary.
What are the visiting hours at the Denton County Jail?
The Denton County Jail uses a video visitation system. In-person visits are generally not permitted. You can schedule a video visit through the jail’s website or by calling (972) 434-5502. Remote video visits can also be conducted from home using an approved app.
Can I bail someone out of the Denton County Jail at night?
Yes. The Denton County Jail processes releases 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once bond is posted, release can take several hours depending on how busy the jail is.
What happens if someone misses their court date after bonding out?
Missing a court date in Texas results in a warrant for the defendant’s arrest and forfeiture of any cash bond posted. Under Chapter 22 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, judges may also increase bail or revoke bond entirely. If you’ve missed a court date, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately to address the warrant before you’re arrested again.
How can I find out what someone is charged with in Denton County?
The Denton County Jail Inmate Search lists current charges for each inmate. For more detailed information about the case, including court dates and case status, search the Denton County Courts Public Access portal.
Denton County Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Experienced criminal defense attorneys serving Denton County
Criminal Defense
Facing charges in Denton County? Get a free consultation.
