Dallas Bail Bonds | How to Get a Bond

What Is a Bail Bond in Dallas, Texas?

A bail bond is a legal agreement that allows someone arrested in Dallas to leave jail before their court date. The court sets a dollar amount as security, and once that amount is posted through cash, a bondsman, or a personal recognizance agreement, the defendant is released with the obligation to appear at all future hearings.

If you or a loved one was just arrested in Dallas, the bail bond process can feel overwhelming. This guide explains exactly how bail works in Texas, what your options are, and how a Dallas bail bonds lawyer can help secure a faster release.

Should You Hire a Lawyer Before a Bail Bondsman?

Yes. An experienced criminal defense attorney can often save you thousands of dollars and get you released faster than going straight to a bondsman.

Here’s why. A lawyer can evaluate whether your bail amount falls within the normal range for Dallas County. If it’s set too high, your attorney can file a motion to reduce it. A $50,000 bond reduced to $25,000 means paying a bondsman $2,500 instead of $5,000.

More importantly, an attorney may be able to get you released without paying anything. In many cases, defendants qualify for personal recognizance bonds or mental health supervision releases that a bondsman won’t tell you about.

At Varghese Summersett, our team includes four Board Certified criminal defense attorneys and former prosecutors who understand how Dallas County magistrates set bonds. We’ve helped hundreds of clients secure reduced bonds or avoid paying bail entirely.

Need help now? Call 214-903-4000 for a free consultation. We answer 24/7.

What Are the Three Types of Bail Bonds in Texas?

Texas law allows three ways to post bail: cash bonds, surety bonds, and personal recognizance bonds. Each works differently and has different costs.

Cash Bond

A cash bond means paying the full bail amount directly to the court. If your bail is set at $10,000, you pay $10,000 in cash. The major advantage is that you get this money back when your case ends, as long as you appear at all required court dates.

The downside is obvious. Most people don’t have thousands of dollars available immediately after an arrest.

Surety Bond

A surety bond is what most people think of when they hear “bail bond.” You pay a bail bondsman a fee, typically 10% of the total bail amount, and the bondsman posts the full amount on your behalf.

The fee you pay the bondsman is not refundable. It’s the cost of their service. So on a $10,000 bond, you pay the bondsman $1,000 and never see that money again, even if you’re found not guilty.

If you fail to appear in court, the bondsman loses their money. That’s why they have a strong financial incentive to find you, often using bounty hunters, if you skip your court date.

Personal Recognizance Bond

A personal recognizance bond, often called a PR bond, releases you from jail based solely on your promise to return to court. You pay nothing upfront.

PR bonds are typically granted after a pretrial services interview determines you’re likely to appear for court. Factors include your ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, and the nature of the current charge.

Under Article 17.03 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, magistrates cannot grant PR bonds for certain serious offenses including capital murder, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated robbery, and burglary. For these charges, only the judge assigned to your case can authorize release on personal bond.

How Do Magistrates Set Bail Amounts in Dallas?

Within 48 hours of your arrest, you must be brought before a magistrate. This judge will explain your rights and set your bail amount based on rules in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Texas magistrates consider five factors when setting bail:

1. Ensuring court appearance. Bail must be high enough that you have a financial reason to show up for court.

2. Avoiding oppressive amounts. The bail shouldn’t be so high that it’s punitive rather than practical.

3. Nature of the offense. More serious charges typically mean higher bail. A first-degree felony will carry a higher bond than a Class B misdemeanor.

4. Ability to pay. Magistrates should consider what you can actually afford. Setting a $500,000 bond for someone who makes $40,000 a year defeats the purpose.

5. Community safety. If the magistrate believes you’re dangerous to the alleged victim or the public, bail may be set higher or denied entirely.

Magistrates can also attach conditions to your release. Common conditions include no-contact orders with alleged victims, drug testing, GPS monitoring, home confinement, or surrendering your passport.

Does Texas Have Set Bail Amounts for Specific Crimes?

No. Texas has no statewide bail schedule that dictates what bond should be set for each offense. This is a frequent criticism of the Texas bail system because it creates inconsistency.

Some counties, including Dallas County, publish recommended bond schedules. But these are guidelines, not requirements. Aggravating factors like prior convictions, flight risk, or violence can push bonds well above the recommended range.

This unpredictability is exactly why having an experienced local attorney matters. We know what’s normal in Dallas County and can spot when a bond is excessive.

How Long Can Dallas Police Hold You Without Setting Bail?

Special rules apply when you’re arrested without a warrant. The police must get a magistrate to confirm probable cause within a specific timeframe, or you must be released.

For misdemeanor arrests, probable cause must be determined within 24 hours. If not, you must be released on a bond of no more than $5,000. If you can’t afford that, you must be released on personal recognizance.

For felony arrests, the deadline is 48 hours. If the magistrate doesn’t confirm probable cause by then, your bond cannot exceed $10,000. Again, if you can’t afford it, personal recognizance is required.

Can Bail Be Denied in Texas?

Yes. Under the Texas Constitution, bail can be denied in several situations. These include capital offenses where the evidence is strong, defendants with multiple prior felonies, and those accused of committing a new crime while already on bail or probation for another felony.

If bail is denied, you remain in custody until your case is resolved through trial, plea agreement, or dismissal.

What Happens If You Violate Your Bond Conditions?

Violating bond conditions is serious. If you miss a court date, contact a protected person, fail a drug test, or break any other condition, the judge can revoke your bond and issue a warrant for your arrest.

Once your bond is revoked, getting released again becomes much harder. The judge may set a higher bond, impose stricter conditions, or deny bail entirely.

If you accidentally violate a condition, contact your attorney immediately. It’s often possible to address the issue proactively before a warrant is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Bail Bonds

How much does a bail bondsman charge in Dallas?

Most bail bondsmen in Dallas charge 10% of the total bail amount as their fee. On a $20,000 bond, you’d pay the bondsman $2,000. This fee is not refundable, even if your case is dismissed or you’re found not guilty.

Can I get my bail money back?

If you paid a cash bond directly to the court and appeared at all required hearings, yes. The full amount is returned when your case concludes. If you used a bail bondsman, no. The fee you paid them is their charge for the service and is never refunded.

How long does it take to get out of jail after posting bail in Dallas?

Processing times vary depending on the facility and how busy it is. At the Dallas County jail, release typically takes 4 to 12 hours after bail is posted. Weekend and holiday arrests often take longer.

Can a lawyer get my bail reduced?

Yes. If your bail is set unreasonably high, an attorney can file a motion for bond reduction. The judge will hold a hearing to consider your ties to the community, employment, criminal history, and the strength of the case against you. Successful motions can reduce bail significantly, sometimes by 50% or more.

What’s the difference between bail and bond?

In everyday conversation, these terms are used interchangeably. Technically, “bail” refers to the amount of money set by the court, while a “bond” is the method used to pay it. But when someone says they need to “post bail” or “post bond,” they mean the same thing.

Need Help With a Dallas Bail Bond? Call Varghese Summersett.

Being arrested is frightening. The uncertainty about how long you’ll be in jail, how to contact family, and what happens next makes everything worse.

At Varghese Summersett, our criminal defense team has helped thousands of clients navigate the Dallas bail bond process. We’ll evaluate whether your bond is fair, fight to reduce it if it’s excessive, and work to get you or your loved one released as quickly as possible.

Our team includes four Board Certified specialists in criminal law, former prosecutors, and over 100 years of combined experience. We’ve earned more than 1,100 five-star reviews because we deliver results and treat our clients with respect during the most stressful time of their lives.

Call 214-903-4000 now for a free, confidential consultation. We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.