How Crime Severity Affects Bail Amounts in Dallas County
When someone is arrested in Tarrant or Dallas County, posting bail is the fastest way to secure their release while awaiting trial. This guide explains the bail process in these counties, including payment options and how a bail bondsman can help. Whether it’s a first-time offense or a repeat arrest, understanding the bail system can speed up release and reduce stress.
Determine the Bail Amount
After an arrest, the court sets the bail amount based on the severity of the charges, the defendant’s criminal history, and flight risk. Bail schedules in Tarrant and Dallas Counties provide general guidelines, but a judge may adjust the amount during a hearing. You can find out someone’s bail amount by:
- Checking the county jail’s online inmate search tool.
- Calling the jail directly.
- Contacting a bail bondsman for assistance.
Factors That Influence Bail Amounts:
- Nature of the Crime: Felonies generally have higher bail amounts than misdemeanors.
- Prior Offenses: Defendants with criminal histories are less likely to be granted low bail.
- Flight Risk: Individuals without community ties may have higher bail.
- Public Safety: If a defendant poses a danger to others, bail may be denied or set high.
Understand Bail Payment Options
There are several ways to post bail in Tarrant and Dallas County jails:
- Cash Bail – Paying the full amount in cash or cashier’s check at the jail.
- Surety Bond – Using a bail bond agency like Just Bail Bonds to cover the bail for a fee (typically 10% of the total bail amount).
- Property Bond – Pledging property as collateral to secure release (less common and requires court approval).
- Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond – A judge releases the defendant without requiring payment, based on their reputation and the nature of the crime.
Choosing the Right Option
While cash bail offers full refund upon case closure, many families prefer surety bonds for affordability and ease. Property bonds take longer and PR bonds aren’t guaranteed.
Contact a Bail Bondsman
If you cannot afford to pay the full bail amount, working with a licensed bail bondsman is the best option. Just Bail Bonds provides 24/7 service in Tarrant and Dallas Counties, helping secure release quickly.
What You Need to Provide the Bondsman:
- Defendant’s full name and date of birth.
- Jail location and booking number.
- Bail amount set by the court.
- Your valid ID and payment for the bond fee.
Why Choose Just Bail Bonds
With over 26 years of experience, Just Bail Bonds ensures professionalism, transparency, and speed in every bail transaction. They are state-licensed, speak Spanish, and offer mobile bond services when you can’t come to them.
Posting Bail at the Jail
After securing a bail bond or paying cash bail, the process to post bail at Tarrant or Dallas County jails includes:
- Waiting for jail staff to process the payment and prepare the defendant for release.
- Completing any additional paperwork required by the jail.
- Understanding that release times may vary depending on the time of day, jail workload, and administrative delays.
Estimated Release Times:
- Tarrant County: 1–4 hours on average.
- Dallas County: 2–6 hours depending on jail activity.
Just Bail Bonds helps expedite the process by handling paperwork and maintaining communication with jail staff.
Make Sure the Defendant Follows All Conditions
Once the person is released on bail, they must comply with all court-ordered conditions, which may include:
- Attending all scheduled court appearances.
- Avoiding further legal trouble or arrests.
- Staying within county or state boundaries.
Violating these conditions may result in bail forfeiture and re-arrest. Bail bondsmen often help defendants track court dates and follow legal requirements to avoid such issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Bail Someone Out Online in Texas?
Yes. Many Texas counties, including Tarrant and Dallas, allow you to start the process online with a licensed agency like Just Bail Bonds. You’ll need to fill out a form, submit payment, and confirm personal information.
How Much Does a Bail Bond Cost?
Bail bond fees typically range from 10%–15% of the total bail amount. For example, a $10,000 bail will cost $1,000–$1,500 depending on the agency.
Is Bail Refundable?
Cash bail is refundable if the defendant meets all court requirements. Surety bond fees paid to an agency are not refundable, as they are a service fee.
What If Bail Is Denied?
If a judge denies bail (due to flight risk or severity of the crime), the defendant must remain in jail until trial. An attorney may file a motion to reconsider bail under special circumstances.
Trust Just Bail Bonds for Fast, Local Service
Just Bail Bonds has decades of experience posting bail across Tarrant and Dallas Counties. Whether you need a quick release for a misdemeanor or felony charge, our team provides fast, reliable service 24/7. With licensed professionals ready to assist day or night, we make the bail process less stressful for you and your loved ones.
Call 817-803-2319 now to contact a trusted bail bondsman and begin the release process immediately.