Arrested in Tarrant County? Here's What Happens Next

Criminal Courts in Tarrant County

What to Expect at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center

Where to Park

There is metered street parking around the Justice Center and several paid garages within a short walk. Arrive early, especially on busy docket mornings — parking and the courthouse elevators can both add time.

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

County Criminal Courts (misdemeanors) and the felony district courts are spread across the 5th through 8th floors. Check the directory in the main lobby, and confirm your court ahead of time — 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.

Arraignment, Pretrial, and Trial

Misdemeanor cases move through magistration, initial settings, discovery, and negotiation. Felony cases first go to a grand jury, and if an indictment is returned the case is assigned to a felony district court for hearings, motions, and either a plea or trial. Timelines vary widely by charge and court.

How Bond Works

After booking at the Tarrant County jail, a magistrate sets bond and bond conditions, usually within 24 to 48 hours of arrest. Bond can be posted as a cash bond paid to the county or as a surety bond through a licensed bondsman, typically at about 10 percent of the amount. Some suburban cities hold arrestees in their own jail briefly before transfer to the county facility.

How Dockets Move

Tarrant 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 Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center passes through security screening run by the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, similar to airport security. Lines are longest during morning docket 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.