Arrested in Dallas County? Here's What Happens Next

Booking at Lew Sterrett

After an arrest anywhere in Dallas County, you are booked at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center at 111 W. Commerce Street, next door to the courthouse. Some suburban cities hold arrestees in their own jail for 24 to 72 hours before the transfer, so do not panic if someone is not in the county system yet. Inmate lookup is on the county website, and the jail’s information line answers 24/7.

Magistration and Bond

Within roughly 24 to 48 hours of booking, a magistrate sets bond and bond conditions. Bond can be posted as a cash bond paid to the county or as a surety bond through a licensed bondsman, typically around 10 percent of the amount. What happens at magistration and how bond works are covered in detail in our guides.

The Two Clocks That Start Immediately

If the arrest was for DWI, two deadlines are already running: 15 days to request the ALR hearing that protects your license, and a short window to preserve the video evidence your defense may turn on.

Filing and Your First Setting

Misdemeanors move through initial settings, discovery, and negotiation in the County Criminal Courts. Felonies go to a grand jury first, and if an indictment is returned, the case is assigned to a Criminal District Court for hearings, motions, and either a plea or trial. Timelines vary widely by charge and court. For the full walkthrough, read our court process guide.

Criminal Courts in Dallas County

What to Expect at the Frank Crowley Courts Building

Where to Park

Paid parking is available at the courthouse complex, and DART bus routes stop nearby (there is no rail station at the courthouse itself). Arrive early, especially on busy docket mornings, so you have time to park and clear security.

What to Bring

Bring a photo ID, any paperwork or letters about your case, and your attorney’s contact information. Coordinate with your lawyer beforehand so you know which floor and courtroom to report to.

Finding Your Courtroom

Misdemeanor County Criminal Courts are on the 3rd and 4th floors; felony Criminal District Courts are on the 5th, 6th, and 7th floors. Check the directory in the main lobby, and confirm your court ahead of time, because reporting to the wrong courtroom is a common mistake in a building this size.

How to Dress

Treat court like a job interview. Business or business-casual clothing shows the judge you take the matter seriously. Avoid shorts, tank tops, hats, and clothing with offensive images or wording. Our guide to your first court date has the full prep list.

How Dockets Move

Dallas County courts carry heavy dockets, and individual courts vary in how they handle plea offers and bond conditions. Resets are common in the early stages while evidence is exchanged, but they are granted at the court’s discretion.

If You Have to Miss a Setting

Missing a court date can lead to a bond forfeiture and a warrant for your arrest. If you cannot attend, contact your attorney right away so they can ask the court to reset the date before the setting is missed.

Security and What You Can Bring Inside

Everyone entering the Frank Crowley Courts Building passes through security screening run by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, similar to airport security. Lines are longest during morning arraignment and plea hours, so plan to arrive early.

Prohibited items include weapons and ammunition of any kind, sharp objects and tools, lighters, aerosols, pepper spray, vapes, glass or metal containers, and cameras or recording devices. Phones are generally allowed but may not be used to photograph or record inside the courtrooms.

Getting Here

The Frank Crowley Courts Building is on Riverfront Boulevard just west of downtown Dallas, next to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center. Use the Get Directions button for a live route from where you are.

From Our Dallas office (3300 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 700)
A short drive southwest toward Riverfront Boulevard; the courthouse is only minutes away.

From Downtown Dallas by transit
Use the DART trip planner with Frank Crowley Courts Building as your destination. There is no rail station at the courthouse, but several bus routes connect from nearby rail stations.

Jail, DA & County Offices

Dallas County Jail (Lew Sterrett Justice Center)

111 W. Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 761-9025
Website

Operated by the Dallas County Sheriff's Office and one of the largest county jails in Texas. After an arrest, defendants are booked here following any municipal hold. The general information line is available 24/7, and inmate lookup is on the county website.

Dallas County District Attorney

133 N. Riverfront Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 653-3600
Website

Prosecutes all felony and misdemeanor cases in the county, organized into specialized divisions including crimes against children, vehicular crimes, family violence, and public corruption.

Dallas County Sheriff's Office

133 N. Riverfront Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 653-3450
Website

Operates the jail, provides courthouse security, serves civil process, and executes warrants county-wide.

Law Enforcement Agencies

Online Court Resources

• Dallas County Case Search — Search active and historical felony and misdemeanor cases by name or case number.
• Dallas County Jail Lookup — Search current and recently released inmates by name.
• Dallas County Defense Portal — Licensed defense attorneys can access discovery on adult and juvenile cases.
• Texas DPS ALR hearings — Request a hearing on a license suspension after a DWI arrest. You have 15 days.