Tarrant County Bonds: A Statistical Analysis of Bonds Set in 2025

If you’ve been arrested in Fort Worth or anywhere in Tarrant County, one of your first questions is likely: How much will my bond be? The answer depends on the specific charge, your criminal history, and other factors the magistrate considers when setting bail. We analyzed over 52,000 Tarrant County bonds for the year of 2025 to write this article.

At Varghese Summersett, our Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys have helped thousands of clients navigate the Tarrant County criminal justice system. We’ve secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions across our four Texas offices. Below, we break down typical bond amounts by offense category so you can understand what you’re facing and how an experienced defense lawyer can help.

How Tarrant County Sets Bond Amounts

When you’re arrested in Tarrant County, a magistrate reviews your case and sets a bond amount. This typically happens within 24 to 48 hours of your arrest. The magistrate considers several factors, including the severity of the charge, your criminal history, whether you’re a flight risk, and whether you pose a danger to the community.

Tarrant County cases are processed through the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in downtown Fort Worth. The bond amount is designed to ensure you appear for court dates while balancing your constitutional right to reasonable bail. In some cases, defendants receive a personal bond (also called a PR bond), which means they’re released without paying cash. Our analysis found that about 11.5% of Tarrant County cases received personal bonds in 2025.

Understanding bond categories helps put these numbers in perspective. Misdemeanor bonds are typically under $2,000, while felony bonds range from $3,000 to well over $100,000 depending on the severity. Capital felonies can carry bonds exceeding $1 million.

Talk to a Fort Worth bail bonds lawyer if you need help understanding your options. Call (817) 203-2220 for a free consultation.

DWI and Intoxication Offenses

Driving while intoxicated is one of the most common charges in Tarrant County. In 2025, more than 6,000 DWI and intoxication-related bonds were set. The good news for first-time offenders is that bonds for standard DWI charges are relatively modest.

Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, a first DWI offense is a Class B misdemeanor. The most common bond set for first-offense DWI in Tarrant County is $500. If your blood alcohol concentration was 0.15 or higher, the charge becomes a Class A misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code § 49.04(d), and the typical bond increases to $1,000.

Repeat offenses carry significantly higher bonds. A second DWI under Texas Penal Code § 49.09(a) is a Class A misdemeanor with typical bonds around $1,500. A third or subsequent DWI becomes a third-degree felony, and bonds commonly reach $5,000 or higher. The average bond for felony DWI in Tarrant County was over $14,000 in 2025.

DWI with a child passenger under 15 years old is a state jail felony under Texas Penal Code § 49.045, with typical bonds around $1,500 to $3,700. These cases carry additional consequences including potential CPS involvement.

Typical DWI Bond Amounts in Tarrant County

• First-offense DWI: $500 (most common)
• DWI with BAC 0.15 or higher: $1,000 (most common)
• DWI Second Offense: $1,500 (most common)
• DWI Third or More (Felony): $5,000 (most common)
• DWI with Child Passenger: $1,500 (most common)
• Intoxication Assault: $15,000 (most common)
• Intoxication Manslaughter: $75,000 (most common)

Our Fort Worth DWI lawyers have extensive experience defending these cases. In a recent case, we helped a Tarrant County client facing DWI Over 0.15 and unlawful carrying of a weapon get accepted into the Veterans Court program rather than face conventional prosecution.

Drug Offenses

Drug charges represent the largest category of criminal cases in Tarrant County, with nearly 12,000 drug-related bonds set in 2025. Bond amounts vary dramatically based on the substance, quantity, and whether the charge involves possession or delivery.

Simple marijuana possession under two ounces is a Class B misdemeanor under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.121. The typical bond is $500. Larger quantities carry progressively higher bonds, with possession of marijuana between 5 and 50 pounds averaging around $5,000.

Controlled substance possession in Penalty Group 1 (which includes methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl) carries more serious consequences. Under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.115, possession of less than one gram is a state jail felony with typical bonds around $1,500. Possession of 1 to 4 grams commonly carries $2,500 bonds, while 4 to 200 grams typically sees bonds of $10,000.

Delivery or manufacture charges under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.112 carry substantially higher bonds. Manufacturing or delivering 4 to 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 substance had an average bond of over $62,000 in Tarrant County.

Typical Drug Bond Amounts in Tarrant County

• Marijuana possession under 2 oz: $500
• Marijuana possession 2-4 oz: $1,000
• Marijuana possession 4 oz to 5 lbs: $1,500
• PCS Penalty Group 1 under 1 gram: $1,500
• PCS Penalty Group 1, 1-4 grams: $2,500
• PCS Penalty Group 1, 4-200 grams: $10,000
• PCS Penalty Group 2 under 1 gram: $1,500
• Delivery of Marijuana (quarter oz to 5 lbs): $2,500
• Manufacturing/Delivery PG 1, 4-200 grams: $20,000 (most common)

Drug free zone enhancements can increase both the charges and the bond amount. If you’re facing drug charges, contact our Fort Worth drug lawyers immediately. We recently secured a dismissal for a client charged with possession of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone in Tarrant County.

Protect your future. Schedule a free consultation: (817) 203-2220

Assault and Violent Crimes

Assault charges in Tarrant County range from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. More than 6,400 assault and violence-related bonds were set in 2025, making this the second-largest category after drug offenses.

Simple assault causing bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code § 22.01. The most common bond for this offense is $1,000. However, assault charges involving family members carry higher stakes and often higher bonds.

Assault causing bodily injury to a family member is also a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense, with typical bonds around $1,000. If the assault involves impeding breathing or circulation (strangulation), the charge becomes a third-degree felony under Texas Penal Code § 22.01(b)(2)(B), and the most common bond jumps to $10,000.

Prior convictions significantly increase both the charge level and bond amounts. Assault family member with a prior conviction is a third-degree felony with typical bonds of $10,000. Repeat strangulation offenses carry bonds averaging over $34,000.

Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon under Texas Penal Code § 22.02 is a second-degree felony with typical bonds of $10,000, though the average in Tarrant County is over $35,000 due to the wide range of circumstances. Aggravated assault against a public servant averages over $100,000.

Typical Assault Bond Amounts in Tarrant County

• Assault causing bodily injury: $1,000
• Assault family member (first offense): $1,000
• Assault family member with prior conviction: $10,000
• Assault impeding breath/circulation: $10,000
• Assault on a pregnant person: $5,000
• Assault on public servant: $5,000
• Assault on peace officer/judge: $5,000
• Aggravated assault with deadly weapon: $10,000 (most common)
• Terroristic threat (family): $1,500
• Deadly conduct: $2,500

In April 2025, we secured a dismissal for a client charged with Assault Family Member with Previous Conviction and Impeding Airway in Tarrant County. Another client facing Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon had their case dismissed that same month. These results demonstrate what’s possible with aggressive defense representation. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Facing assault charges? Our Fort Worth assault lawyers can help. Free consultation: (817) 203-2220

Theft and Property Crimes

Theft charges in Tarrant County range from Class C misdemeanors to first-degree felonies depending on the value of the property taken. Nearly 7,000 theft and property crime bonds were set in 2025.

Under Texas Penal Code § 31.03, theft is classified by the value of the property. Theft of property valued at $100 to $750 is a Class B misdemeanor with typical bonds of $500. Theft of $750 to $2,500 is a Class A misdemeanor with bonds commonly set at $1,000.

Felony theft begins at $2,500. State jail felony theft ($2,500 to $30,000) typically carries bonds of $2,500. As values increase, so do bond amounts, with theft over $300,000 (first-degree felony) averaging over $46,000.

Burglary of a habitation is a second-degree felony under Texas Penal Code § 30.02 with typical bonds of $10,000. Robbery is also a second-degree felony with similar bond expectations. Aggravated robbery under Texas Penal Code § 29.03 is a first-degree felony with bonds commonly reaching $25,000 or more.

Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle under Texas Penal Code § 31.07 is a state jail felony with typical bonds around $1,500.

Typical Theft Bond Amounts in Tarrant County

• Theft $100-$750: $500
• Theft $750-$2,500: $1,000
• Theft $2,500-$30,000: $2,500
• Theft $30,000-$150,000: $5,000
• Theft over $300,000: $25,000 (most common)
• Burglary of building: $2,500
• Burglary of habitation: $10,000
• Robbery: $10,000
• Aggravated robbery: $25,000
• Unauthorized use of motor vehicle: $1,500
• Criminal trespass: $500

In July 2025, we helped a Tarrant County client facing both burglary of habitation and assault on public servant. The burglary was reduced to assault bodily injury with 90 days county time served, and the assault on public servant was dismissed entirely.

Don’t face theft charges alone. Contact our Fort Worth theft lawyers: (817) 203-2220

Weapons Offenses

Texas has relatively permissive gun laws, but certain weapons offenses still carry serious penalties. Nearly 3,500 weapons-related bonds were set in Tarrant County in 2025.

Unlawful carrying of a weapon under Texas Penal Code § 46.02 is a Class A misdemeanor for most people, with typical bonds of $1,000. However, if you have a prior felony conviction, unlawful carrying becomes a third-degree felony under Texas Penal Code § 46.04, with typical bonds of $5,000 and averages exceeding $24,000.

Discharging a firearm within certain municipalities is a Class A misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code § 42.12 with typical bonds of $1,000. Prohibited weapons under Texas Penal Code § 46.05 carry bonds typically set at $10,000.

Typical Weapons Bond Amounts in Tarrant County

• Unlawful carrying weapon: $1,000
• Unlawful carrying weapon with prior felony: $5,000
• Felon in possession of firearm: $5,000
• Discharge firearm in municipality: $1,000
• Prohibited weapon: $10,000
• Aggravated assault with deadly weapon: $10,000

Our Fort Worth gun lawyers understand both state and federal firearms laws. Get answers to your weapons charge questions: (817) 203-2220

Sexual Offenses

Sexual offense charges carry some of the highest bond amounts and most severe consequences in the Texas criminal justice system. More than 800 sexual offense bonds were set in Tarrant County in 2025.

Sexual assault under Texas Penal Code § 22.011 is a second-degree felony with typical bonds of $50,000. Sexual assault of a child carries typical bonds of $50,000, while aggravated sexual assault of a child under Texas Penal Code § 22.021 commonly sees bonds of $100,000.

Continuous sexual abuse of a child under Texas Penal Code § 21.02 is one of the most serious charges in Texas. This is a first-degree felony with a minimum 25-year sentence if convicted. Typical bonds are $50,000, though averages exceed $140,000.

Indecency with a child by sexual contact under Texas Penal Code § 21.11 is a second-degree felony with typical bonds of $30,000. Indecency by exposure carries typical bonds of $50,000.

Sex offender registration violations under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62 carry bonds ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on the registration requirement violated.

Typical Sexual Offense Bond Amounts in Tarrant County

• Sexual assault: $50,000
• Sexual assault of child: $50,000
• Aggravated sexual assault of child: $100,000
• Continuous sexual abuse of child: $50,000
• Indecency with child (contact): $30,000
• Indecency with child (exposure): $50,000
• Online solicitation of minor: $25,000
• Failure to register as sex offender: $10,000
• Prostitution: $500
• Solicitation of prostitution: $1,500

In July 2025, we secured a dismissal for a client charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child in Johnson County. In another Tarrant County case involving 11 counts of continuous sexual abuse of child, we negotiated a plea to one count of indecency by exposure with deferred adjudication, and 10 counts were waived. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Sexual offense charges require immediate legal representation. Contact our Fort Worth sex crimes lawyers: (817) 203-2220

Murder and Homicide

Homicide charges carry the highest bond amounts in the Tarrant County criminal justice system. Only 104 murder and homicide bonds were set in 2025, but the stakes in these cases are extraordinary.

Murder under Texas Penal Code § 19.02 is a first-degree felony carrying 5 to 99 years or life in prison. The most common bond for murder in Tarrant County is $100,000, though the average exceeds $445,000 due to the range of circumstances.

Capital murder under Texas Penal Code § 19.03 is punishable by death or life without parole. These cases carry bonds averaging over $1 million. Capital murder of multiple persons averaged $1.125 million, while capital murder of a child under 10 saw a bond of $10 million in one Tarrant County case.

Manslaughter under Texas Penal Code § 19.04 is a second-degree felony with typical bonds of $50,000. Intoxication manslaughter under Texas Penal Code § 49.08 carries typical bonds of $75,000. Criminally negligent homicide is a state jail felony.

Typical Homicide Bond Amounts in Tarrant County

• Criminally negligent homicide: $150,000
• Manslaughter: $50,000
• Intoxication manslaughter: $75,000
• Murder: $100,000 (most common)
• Murder under sudden passion: $500,000
• Capital murder (multiple persons): $1,000,000
• Capital murder of child under 10: $10,000,000

If you or a loved one faces homicide charges, time is critical. Contact our Fort Worth homicide lawyers immediately: (817) 203-2220

Family Violence and Continuous Violence

Continuous violence against the family under Texas Penal Code § 25.11 is a third-degree felony. This charge applies when a defendant commits two or more assaults against a family member within a 12-month period. In Tarrant County, the typical bond is $5,000, though the average exceeds $13,000.

These cases carry serious collateral consequences, including potential protective orders, loss of firearm rights, and immigration consequences. The designation of family violence on any conviction can affect custody proceedings and employment opportunities.

In April 2025, we handled a continuous family violence case in Tarrant County that we reduced to a Class C assault by contact with 6 months deferred adjudication and a $500 fine. We achieved a similar result in Parker County the same month, where the DA rejected the felony case entirely after we met with prosecutors to present mitigating factors.

Protect your rights in family violence cases. Contact our Fort Worth domestic violence lawyers: (817) 203-2220

Child-Related Offenses

Charges involving children carry enhanced penalties and higher bonds in Texas. Six hundred child-related offense bonds were set in Tarrant County in 2025, not including sexual offenses against children (which are categorized separately).

Injury to a child under Texas Penal Code § 22.04 ranges from a state jail felony to a first-degree felony depending on the severity of injury and mental state. Injury to a child with intent to cause bodily injury typically carries bonds of $2,500. If serious bodily injury or mental deficiency results, bonds commonly reach $100,000.

Child abandonment or endangerment under Texas Penal Code § 22.041 typically carries bonds ranging from $2,000 to $7,500 depending on the circumstances.

Possession of child pornography under Texas Penal Code § 43.26 carries bonds ranging from $25,000 for fewer depictions to $150,000 or more for larger quantities.

Typical Child-Related Offense Bond Amounts in Tarrant County

• Injury to child (bodily injury): $2,500
• Injury to child (serious bodily injury): $100,000
• Abandonment/endangerment of child: $2,000 to $7,500
• Online solicitation of minor: $15,000 to $25,000
• Possession of child pornography: $25,000 to $150,000
• Child grooming: $15,000

In June 2025, we handled an injury to child case in Fort Bend County that we were able to secure a rejection for at the intake level. In another pre-indictment injury to child case, we secured a 24-month pre-trial diversion contract for a client employed by a professional sports organization.

Other Common Offenses

Several other offense categories appear frequently in Tarrant County courts.

Criminal trespass under Texas Penal Code § 30.05 is typically a Class B misdemeanor with bonds of $500. Evading arrest under Texas Penal Code § 38.04 is a Class A misdemeanor with typical bonds of $1,000, though evading with a vehicle can be a felony with bonds of $5,000 or higher.

Resisting arrest under Texas Penal Code § 38.03 typically carries bonds of $1,000. Failure to identify under Texas Penal Code § 38.02 also carries typical bonds of $1,000.

Tampering with evidence under Texas Penal Code § 37.09 is typically a third-degree felony with bonds commonly set at $2,500.

Violation of a protective order under Texas Penal Code § 25.07 is typically a Class A misdemeanor with bonds of $2,500. Repeat violations or violations involving assault can be felonies with significantly higher bonds.

Bond by Offense Level

Understanding Texas offense classifications helps predict bond amounts. Here’s what our analysis of 52,320 Tarrant County bonds revealed about average bonds by offense level:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Average $1,183, typical $500
• Class A Misdemeanor: Average $1,817, typical $1,000
• State Jail Felony: Average $5,968, typical $2,500
• Third-Degree Felony: Average $12,750, typical $5,000
• Second-Degree Felony: Average $29,545, typical $15,000
• First-Degree Felony: Average $94,095, typical $50,000
• Capital Felony: Average $980,357, typical $750,000

These numbers reflect the significant jump in bond amounts as charges become more serious. The gap between misdemeanors and felonies is substantial, and the jump from first-degree felonies to capital felonies is even more dramatic.

Factors That Affect Bond Amounts

While offense type is the primary factor in determining bond, magistrates also consider several other elements that can increase or decrease your bond amount.

Criminal history plays a significant role. Repeat offenders typically face higher bonds than first-time defendants charged with the same offense. Our data shows that enhancement allegations (such as “with prior conviction”) routinely double or triple typical bond amounts.

Flight risk is another major consideration. If you have ties to the community, stable employment, and family in the area, you’re more likely to receive a lower bond or personal bond. Defendants with out-of-state connections or a history of failing to appear may face higher bonds.

The circumstances of the offense matter as well. Aggravating factors such as use of a weapon, injury to vulnerable victims, or commission of the offense while on probation or parole typically increase bond amounts.

Having an attorney present at the magistrate hearing can make a difference. A lawyer can advocate for reasonable bond, present mitigating factors, and argue for personal bond when appropriate.

What to Expect From Varghese Summersett

When you hire Varghese Summersett to defend your criminal case in Tarrant County, you get a team of more than 70 legal professionals working on your behalf. Our attorneys include board-certified specialists in criminal law who have handled every type of charge covered in this guide.

We begin by analyzing the facts of your case and developing a defense strategy tailored to your situation. We negotiate with prosecutors for charge reductions and dismissals when possible, and we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to protect your rights.

Our track record includes more than 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions. We’ve helped clients facing everything from misdemeanor marijuana possession to capital murder.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after my arrest will bond be set?

In Tarrant County, you must be taken before a magistrate within 48 hours of arrest. This often happens within 6-12 hours of book-in at Tarrant County, and often happens by video conference. The magistrate will inform you of the charges and set your bond amount.

Can I get a personal bond in Tarrant County?

Yes. Our analysis found that about 11.5% of defendants in Tarrant County received personal bonds in 2025. Personal bonds are more common for misdemeanor offenses and defendants with no criminal history, stable community ties, and a low flight risk. Having an attorney advocate for a personal bond can improve your chances.

What if I can’t afford my bond?

If you cannot afford the full bond amount, you have several options. You can use a bail bondsman, who typically charges 10% of the bond amount as a non-refundable fee. Your attorney can also file a motion for bond reduction, arguing that the current amount is excessive under the circumstances.

How can an attorney help with bond?

If your bond is set too high, we can present mitigating factors, argue for personal bond, and explain your ties to the community. We can file a motion for bond reduction and present evidence at a hearing before the judge.

Will my bond amount change if I’m indicted?

Bond can be reset when a case moves from magistrate court to district court. In some cases, the district court judge may increase or decrease bond based on new information or the specific charges in the indictment. This is another reason why having an attorney throughout the process is valuable.

Protect Your Rights. Call Now.

If you’ve been arrested in Fort Worth or anywhere in Tarrant County, don’t wait to get legal help. The decisions you make in the first days after arrest can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys are available around the clock to answer your questions and start building your defense.

Call Varghese Summersett today for a free consultation: (817) 203-2220