Bail bond amounts in Texas depend heavily on where you’re arrested. Our analysis of more than 238,000 bail bonds across five major Texas counties reveals that for the same offense, one county may set bond amounts several times higher than a neighboring county. Dallas County emerged as a outlier, with average bond amounts nearly five times higher than some neighboring jurisdictions.
The data, drawn from public bail dashboards in Bexar, Collin, Dallas, Fort Bend, and Harris counties, paints a picture of a fragmented bail system. While reporting variations exist in any dataset of this size, the patterns are too pronounced to dismiss as statistical noise.
How Much Does Bail Cost Across Texas Counties?
Among the five major metropolitan counties analyzed, average bail amounts ranged from $14,203 in Bexar County to $42,752 in Dallas County. That means a defendant in Dallas faces average bond amounts roughly three times higher than someone arrested in San Antonio for the same type of offense.
| County | Total Cases | Average Bond | Median Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bexar | 54,647 | $14,203 | $4,000 |
| Collin | 11,334 | $14,977 | $3,000 |
| Dallas | 64,136 | $42,752 | $2,500 |
| Fort Bend | 10,241 | $16,165 | $3,000 |
| Harris | 45,519 | $15,733 | $3,000 |
The stark difference between average and median in Dallas tells an important story. Dallas’s median bond was just $2,500, yet its average soared to $42,752. This gap indicates that while many defendants receive relatively low bonds, a significant number face extraordinarily high bond amounts that skew the average dramatically upward.
Why Is Dallas County an Outlier for Bail Amounts?
Dallas County sets bail amounts dramatically higher than its neighbors. The average bond in Dallas was nearly three times higher than Harris County (Houston) and almost three times higher than Collin County (Plano, McKinney). This disparity exists despite similar crime types and comparable population densities across these metropolitan areas.
Our Dallas County bond data analysis of 64,136 cases from January through September 2025 reveals the scope of this discrepancy. The most common bond set in Dallas was just $500, yet extremely high bonds in serious cases pull the overall average to levels seen nowhere else in the state.
For defendants, this means the county of arrest matters as much as the nature of the charge. If you’re facing the same offense in Dallas versus Houston, you could be looking at a difference of tens of thousands of dollars to secure your release.
How Do Drug Offense Bail Amounts Compare?
Drug offenses represent the largest category of arrests leading to bond hearings across all counties studied. In Dallas County alone, 14,091 drug cases resulted in bond settings during the analysis period. The average bond for drug offenses in Dallas was $20,004, with $5,000 being the most commonly set amount.
Here’s how specific drug charges break down in Dallas County:
| Drug Offense | Cases | Average Bond | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Possession CS PG 1 under 1 gram | 5,062 | $14,034 | $5,000 |
| Possession CS PG 1 (1-4 grams) | 1,701 | $17,564 | $5,000 |
| Possession Marijuana under 2 oz | 1,480 | $862 | $500 |
| Possession CS PG 2 under 1 gram | 959 | $6,315 | $1,000 |
| Manufacturing/Delivery CS PG 1 (4-200g) | 667 | $71,843 | $100,000 |
| Possession CS PG 1 (4-200 grams) | 618 | $29,308 | $10,000 |
| Manufacturing/Delivery CS PG 1 (200-400g) | 39 | $94,256 | $100,000 |
| Manufacturing/Delivery CS PG 1 (400+ grams) | 42 | $205,357 | $50,000 |
The most striking finding: even low-level drug possession charges in Dallas carry average bonds exceeding $14,000. For a state jail felony involving less than one gram of a controlled substance, $14,034 represents a significant barrier to pretrial freedom. Compare this to the $500 bonds commonly set for marijuana possession under two ounces, and the inconsistency within even a single county becomes apparent.
Drug-free zone enhancements add another layer. Possession of less than one gram in a drug-free zone averaged $12,357 in Dallas, with $5,000 being most common. For defendants arrested near schools or other protected areas, these enhancements can substantially increase bond requirements.
What Are Typical DWI Bail Amounts in Texas?
Unlike overall bond amounts where Dallas stands as a dramatic outlier, DWI bonds show more consistency across Texas counties. Fort Bend County averaged $4,999 across 1,174 DWI cases, while Collin County averaged $4,490. Dallas County averaged $4,933 across 6,396 DWI cases. The real disparity emerges with repeat offenders and felony-level intoxication offenses, where judicial discretion creates wider variation.
Here’s how Fort Bend County DWI bonds break down by offense type:
| Fort Bend DWI Offense | Cases | Average Bond | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Offense DWI | 658 | $2,476 | $1,500 |
| DWI BAC 0.15 or Higher | 149 | $4,760 | $2,000 |
| DWI Second Offense | 139 | $5,964 | $3,000 |
| DWI Third or More (Felony) | 111 | $18,959 | $10,000 |
| DWI with Open Container | 78 | $1,881 | $2,000 |
| DWI with Child Passenger | 38 | $10,553 | $5,000 |
Comparing Fort Bend to Dallas reveals interesting patterns. First-offense DWI bonds are similar: $2,476 in Fort Bend versus $1,901 in Dallas. But felony DWI (third or more) shows more variation: $18,959 in Fort Bend compared to $23,755 in Dallas. For DWI with child passenger cases, Fort Bend averages $10,553 and Dallas averages $9,783.
In Dallas County, DWI bond amounts follow a clear escalation pattern based on offense severity:
| DWI Offense Type | Cases | Average Bond | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Offense DWI | 3,597 | $1,901 | $500 |
| DWI with Open Container | 1,054 | $1,811 | $500 |
| DWI BAC 0.15 or Higher | 293 | $2,492 | $2,500 |
| DWI Second Offense | 766 | $3,667 | $2,500 |
| DWI with Child Passenger | 169 | $9,783 | $5,000 |
| DWI Third or More (Felony) | 436 | $23,755 | $25,000 |
| Intoxication Manslaughter | 25 | $285,000 | $100,000 |
The jump from second to third DWI is substantial. A second DWI averages $3,667, while a third or subsequent offense averages $23,755. For intoxication manslaughter cases, the average bond reaches $285,000, reflecting the severity of charges involving death.
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in Dallas County, understanding these ranges can help you prepare for the bond hearing. An experienced attorney can often argue for bond amounts at the lower end of these ranges based on your specific circumstances.
How Do Assault and Violence Charges Affect Bail?
Assault and violence charges represent the second-largest category in our Dallas County analysis, with 10,449 cases. The average bond for assault-related offenses was $28,621, though this varies dramatically based on the specific charge.
| Assault Offense | Cases | Average Bond | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assault Bodily Injury (Family Member) | 3,711 | $2,837 | $1,500 |
| Assault Bodily Injury | 1,035 | $2,715 | $1,000 |
| Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon | 1,951 | $63,306 | $25,000 |
| Assault Family Member (Impeding Breath) | 1,098 | $27,175 | $15,000 |
| Assault Family Member (Prior Conviction) | 483 | $37,911 | $25,000 |
| Assault Peace Officer/Judge | 263 | $26,554 | $25,000 |
| Assault of Pregnant Person | 223 | $26,803 | $10,000 |
| Aggravated Assault (Serious Bodily Injury) | 126 | $53,359 | $50,000 |
| Intoxication Assault | 54 | $52,093 | $10,000 |
Family violence cases show a particular pattern. A first-time assault causing bodily injury to a family member averages $2,837, but this escalates sharply with aggravating factors. Impeding breath or circulation raises the average to $27,175. A prior conviction pushes it to $37,911. These escalations reflect Texas law’s treatment of repeat family violence offenders and the enhanced penalties they face.
Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon carries an average bond of $63,306 in Dallas County. The most commonly set bond is $25,000, but complex cases involving serious injury can push bonds much higher.
What Are Theft and Property Crime Bail Amounts?
Theft and property crimes accounted for 8,193 cases in our Dallas County analysis. This category showed the highest average bond of any non-violent offense category at $154,859, though this figure is heavily skewed by high-value theft and robbery cases.
| Theft/Property Offense | Cases | Average Bond | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $100-$750 | 1,885 | $1,315 | $500 |
| Theft $750-$2,500 | 512 | $3,814 | $1,000 |
| Theft $2,500-$30,000 | 668 | $18,499 | $10,000 |
| Theft with 2+ Prior Convictions | 1,017 | $17,352 | $5,000 |
| Theft of Firearm | 81 | $15,562 | $10,000 |
| Theft $30,000-$150,000 | 229 | $26,271 | $10,000 |
| Theft over $300,000 | 23 | $92,652 | $50,000 |
| Burglary of Vehicle | 382 | $4,031 | $1,000 |
| Burglary of Habitation | 388 | $33,552 | $25,000 |
| Robbery | 332 | $339,512 | $50,000 |
| Aggravated Robbery | 552 | $111,943 | $100,000 |
The data shows how prior convictions dramatically affect bond amounts. A theft between $100 and $750 averages just $1,315. But theft under $2,500 with two or more prior convictions averages $17,352. Texas law treats habitual offenders more severely, and bond amounts reflect this enhanced scrutiny.
Robbery cases show the most dramatic bond amounts in the property crime category. Standard robbery averages $339,512 in Dallas, while aggravated robbery averages $111,943. These figures reflect the violent nature of robbery charges and their classification as serious felonies under Texas Penal Code Chapter 29.
How Are Weapons Charges Handled at Bond Hearings?
Weapons offenses accounted for 3,577 cases in Dallas County, with an average bond of $11,032. The most common charge was unlawful carrying of a weapon, which averaged $2,351 with $1,000 being the most frequently set bond.
| Weapons Offense | Cases | Average Bond | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful Carrying Weapon | 1,972 | $2,351 | $1,000 |
| Unlawful Possession Firearm by Felon | 792 | $27,735 | $10,000 |
| Discharge Firearm in Municipality | 210 | $2,790 | $1,000 |
| Unlawful Carry with Felony Conviction | 96 | $30,109 | $10,000 |
| Prohibited Weapon | 95 | $21,334 | $5,000 |
| Aggravated Kidnapping with Deadly Weapon | 16 | $210,625 | $250,000 |
Felon in possession cases show significantly higher bonds. Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon averages $27,735, while unlawful carry with a prior felony conviction averages $30,109. These enhanced bond amounts reflect the federal and state prohibitions on firearm possession by convicted felons and the seriousness with which prosecutors pursue these charges.
What Are Murder and Homicide Bond Amounts?
Murder and homicide charges represented 200 cases in the Dallas County dataset. These cases carry the highest bond amounts of any offense category, with average bonds exceeding $1.6 million.
| Homicide Offense | Cases | Average Bond | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 129 | $1,384,302 | $1,000,000 |
| Manslaughter | 35 | $3,117,857 | $500,000 |
| Capital Murder (During Felony) | 22 | $1,640,909 | $1,000,000 |
| Capital Murder for Remuneration | 5 | $710,000 | No Bond |
| Capital Murder of Child 10-15 | 3 | $833,333 | $1,000,000 |
| Criminally Negligent Homicide | 2 | $22,500 | $15,000 |
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 17, defendants charged with capital offenses may be denied bail entirely when the proof is evident. Several capital murder cases in our dataset showed no bond set at all, reflecting judicial determinations that the defendant should be held without bail pending trial.
Watch: Understanding Bail Bonds in Texas
What Factors Affect Bail Amounts in Texas?
Texas law gives judges significant discretion in setting bail. Under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, magistrates must consider the nature of the offense, the defendant’s ability to make bail, ties to the community, employment history, criminal record, and any potential danger to the community or victim.
Our data reveals several patterns in how these factors play out in Dallas County:
Prior Convictions Matter Significantly. Across virtually every offense category, prior convictions drive bond amounts substantially higher. A first-time assault averages $2,715, but assault with a prior family violence conviction averages $37,911. The same pattern holds for theft, drug offenses, and weapons charges.
Enhancement Factors Add Up. Drug-free zone enhancements, use of a deadly weapon, targeting vulnerable victims (children, elderly, pregnant women), and impeding breath in family violence cases all trigger higher bond amounts. These aren’t just legal technicalities. They represent real differences in how magistrates view the severity of alleged conduct.
Offense Level Tracks Bond Amounts. Dallas County data shows clear stratification by offense level. State jail felonies average around $4,100. Third-degree felonies average $9,100. Second-degree felonies average $23,800. First-degree felonies average $66,500. Capital felonies average over $1.1 million.
Time of Year Shows Variation. Dallas County bonds showed a 64.9% increase between the first and second half of 2025, from an average of $6,825 to $11,253. November showed the highest average bonds at $14,769, while July showed the lowest at $5,985. The reasons for this seasonal variation warrant further study.
Can a Lawyer Help Reduce Your Bail Amount?
Yes. An attorney can file a motion to reduce bond and present arguments about your ties to the community, employment, family responsibilities, and ability to pay. Judges have authority to modify bail amounts based on changed circumstances or compelling arguments.
At Varghese Summersett, our criminal defense team has secured bond reductions for clients across Texas. We understand how different counties approach bail decisions and can tailor our strategy accordingly.
In Dallas County, our analysis identified magistrates with notably different approaches to bond setting. Average bonds ranged from around $5,200 to over $10,000 depending on the magistrate. Personal bond rates varied from under 10% to over 19%. Understanding these patterns can inform defense strategy.
Don’t assume the initial bond amount is final. An experienced Dallas criminal defense attorney can often secure a reduction that makes the difference between freedom and continued detention. Call us at (214) 903-4000 for a free consultation.
What Does This Data Mean for Texas Defendants?
These findings reveal a system where pretrial freedom depends heavily on geography. For defendants in Dallas County, the numbers are particularly stark. Average bond amounts nearly three times higher than neighboring jurisdictions create real barriers to pretrial release.
For defendants, this underscores the importance of having an attorney who understands local practices. The right lawyer can advocate effectively within any county’s judicial culture and work to secure the most favorable conditions possible.
For the justice system as a whole, this data points to a need for greater standardization. When the county of arrest determines the price of pretrial freedom more than the nature of the alleged offense, fundamental questions of fairness arise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Bail Bonds
How is bail determined in Texas?
Texas magistrates consider the offense charged, criminal history, ties to the community, employment status, ability to pay, and potential danger to the public. However, as our data shows, local judicial practices vary significantly from county to county. Dallas County averages nearly three times higher than Harris County despite similar populations and crime types.
Can you get bail reduced in Texas?
Yes. Your attorney can file a motion for bond reduction and present evidence about your circumstances. Dallas County magistrates reduced bonds in hundreds of cases during our analysis period, with average reductions of over $2,000. An experienced attorney understands which arguments resonate with local judges.
Why are Dallas County bail amounts so high?
Dallas County’s average bail of $42,752 is nearly three times higher than neighboring counties. While specific reasons vary by case, the data suggests differences in local judicial practices rather than differences in offense types. The median bond in Dallas was only $2,500, indicating that extremely high bonds in serious cases pull the average upward.
What happens if you can’t afford bail in Texas?
Defendants who can’t post bail remain in custody until their case resolves. This can take months and often leads to job loss, housing instability, and family separation. Research consistently shows that detained defendants are more likely to plead guilty and receive harsher sentences than those who secure pretrial release.
Get Help With Your Bail Bond
If you or someone you love has been arrested in Texas, the bond amount doesn’t have to be the final word. At Varghese Summersett, our team includes board-certified specialists in criminal law. We’ve secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions for our clients.
We have offices in Dallas, Houston, and Southlake, giving us deep familiarity with bail practices across Texas’s major metropolitan counties. Whether you’re facing charges in Dallas, Harris, Fort Bend, Collin, or Bexar County, we can help you understand your options and fight for your freedom.
Protect your rights and your record. Call us today at (214) 903-4000 for a free consultation.
Dallas Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Experienced criminal defense attorneys serving Dallas County
Main Pages
DWI & Intoxication
Drug Crimes
Assault & Violent Crimes
Theft & Property
Weapons & Other
Facing charges in Dallas? Get a free consultation.
