A plain-English walkthrough for families waiting on a phone call.
When someone you love is arrested in Dallas County, the hours that follow feel like a blur. Here is what is actually happening on the other side of the door, and where a bail bond fits in. This is general information, not legal advice.
Step 1: Arrest and Transport
After an arrest by Dallas police, a sheriff’s deputy, or another agency, the person is taken to the Dallas County Jail (Lew Sterrett Justice Center) for central booking. Our Dallas office sits at 1114 N. Riverfront Blvd, across the street from the jail’s North Tower at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd.
Step 2: Booking and Intake
Staff collect personal information, take fingerprints and a photo, check for warrants, and take property and clothing. Medical and mental-health screening happens here too. This can take several hours, and busy nights run longer. Expect your loved one to be hard to reach until intake finishes.
Step 3: Magistration (Seeing the Judge)
A magistrate judge informs the person of the charges and their rights, and sets or reviews bail. In Texas this generally must happen within 48 hours of arrest. Many people are magistrated sooner. Once bail is set, a bond can be posted.
Step 4: Bail and Release
There are three paths: pay the full bail in cash, post a surety bond through a licensed bondsman, or be released on a personal bond if the judge allows it. With a surety bond, you pay a premium and we guarantee the rest. Release usually follows a few hours after the bond is posted, depending on jail processing. See our bail pages for misdemeanors and felonies.
Call us early. You do not have to wait for the magistrate. Call (972) 900-7071 and we can start the paperwork while your loved one is still being processed.
How Long Can Dallas County Jail Hold You?
Without a bond, someone can stay in custody until the case is resolved. Holds from other counties or agencies, or a bail set too high to pay, can extend a stay. Charges from another county, such as a warrant out of Collin or Tarrant, can delay release even after bail is posted here.
What Information Do We Need From You?
The full legal name, date of birth, booking number or charge if known, and your own ID. If you will be the co-signer (indemnitor), we also ask about your job and residence. You can look up an inmate on the Dallas County Sheriff’s inmate search before you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does booking take at Dallas County Jail?
Often several hours, longer on busy nights or weekends. Release after bond is posted also takes processing time.
When will bail be set?
At magistration, which generally must happen within 48 hours of arrest.
Can I bail someone out before they see the judge?
Sometimes, if bail is already set by schedule for the charge. Call us and we will check
Do you have an office near the jail?
Yes. Our Dallas office is at 1114 N. Riverfront Blvd, across from the North Tower. We also have a Garland office.
Someone Just Got Booked? Call Now.
Licensed in Dallas County (License #246). Open 24/7.