Arrested in Denton County? Here's What Happens Next

Criminal Courts in Denton County

What to Expect at the Denton County Courts Building

Where to Park

Parking at the Denton courthouse is all around the building — there are no parking garages. You’ll find street parking and several public lots near the Denton County Courts Building in downtown Denton. Plan extra time to park and to clear security on busy docket mornings.

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 arrive knowing which court your case is in.

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.

Finding Your Court

Denton County has 5 County Criminal Courts for misdemeanors and 12 District Courts for felonies, all inside the four-floor Denton County Courts Building. Confirm your court before you arrive and check the posted docket outside the courtroom.

Arraignment, Pretrial, and Trial

Your first setting is usually an initial appearance where the charge and bond conditions are confirmed and future dates are set. Pretrial settings are where your attorney reviews the State’s evidence and negotiates. Most cases resolve before trial, but if yours does not it is set for a contested hearing or jury trial.

How Bond Works

After booking at the Denton County Jail, bond must be posted before release. Bond can be paid as a cash bond to the county or posted through a licensed bondsman as a surety bond. A magistrate sets the amount and conditions, weighing your ties to the community and any risk you pose.

How Dockets Move

Denton County cases move at a moderate pace, and the County Criminal Courts carry concurrent felony jurisdiction over intoxication offenses, so a felony DWI may stay in a county court rather than transfer to a district court. Resets are common in the early stages while evidence is exchanged.

If You Have to Miss a Setting

Missing a setting 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 Denton County Courts Building passes through a security checkpoint with a metal detector, and bags are subject to search. Arrive early enough to clear the line, which is longest during the morning docket.

Leave anything that could be considered a weapon in your vehicle, including pocket knives and pepper spray. Firearms are not permitted, even with a License to Carry. Phones are generally allowed but must be silenced, and most courtrooms prohibit photography or recording.

Getting Here

Free and paid parking nearby. Quick directions from the most common starting points.

From Our Denton office (1317 E. McKinney Street, Suite 101A)
The courthouse is directly across the street at 1450 E. McKinney Street, a walk of less than a minute.

From Downtown Denton
Street parking and nearby public lots serve the courthouse. Allow extra time to park and clear security before your setting.

Jail, Bond, and County Offices

Denton County Jail

1060 E McKinney Street
Denton, TX 76209
(940) 349-1700

Lewisville and Flower Mound may hold arrestees before transfer.

Denton County District Attorney

1450 E McKinney Street, Suite 3100
Denton, TX 76209
(940) 349-2700

Denton County Sheriff's Office

127 N Woodrow Lane
Denton, TX 76205
(940) 349-1600

Law Enforcement Agencies

Online Court Resources

• Denton County Judicial Records Search — Search cases by name, case number, or citation.
• Inmate Search — Current inmates, bond amounts, and charges.