Understanding How Bail Works in Tarrant and Dallas Counties
Getting arrested in Tarrant or Dallas County can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s a minor offense or something more serious, the first priority is getting released as quickly as possible. That’s where the bail process comes in.
Posting bail allows the arrested individual—called the defendant—to leave jail while waiting for court proceedings. The bail amount is set by a judge and serves as a guarantee that the defendant will appear for all scheduled hearings. Once bail is posted, the defendant can return home, continue working, and prepare for court without spending days or weeks behind bars.
At Just Bail Bonds, our licensed Arlington TX bail bond agents have helped thousands of people secure quick jail release from Tarrant County and Dallas County jails. We’re here to make the process simple, stress-free, and affordable.
The Bail Process: Step-by-Step
Let’s walk through exactly how posting bail works in both counties—so you’ll know what to expect if you or a loved one is ever in this situation.
1. The Arrest and Booking
When someone is arrested, they’re taken to the nearest city or county jail for booking. This includes fingerprinting, photographs, a background check, and entering the individual’s information into the system.
Depending on the time of day and workload at the jail, booking can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours.
2. Bail Amount Is Set
Once booked, the defendant’s bail amount is determined. In most cases, Tarrant and Dallas counties use a standard bail schedule—a chart that assigns bail amounts based on the charge.
For more serious offenses or repeat offenders, a judge may hold a bail hearing to determine the amount based on:
- The nature of the crime
- The defendant’s criminal history
- Flight risk (likelihood of skipping court)
- Community ties (family, employment, residence history)
For example, a Class B misdemeanor in Texas might have bail set around $1,000–$3,500, while a felony could range from $10,000 to over $100,000.
This is where a licensed bail bond company like Just Bail Bonds becomes invaluable—because paying that full amount out of pocket isn’t always realistic.
3. Options for Posting Bail in Tarrant & Dallas County
There are a few ways bail can be posted, depending on your situation:
Option 1: Cash Bail
You can pay the full bail amount directly to the jail in cash or by cashier’s check. Once the defendant attends all required court appearances, the money is refunded—minus any court fees.
However, most families don’t have thousands of dollars readily available, especially when the arrest happens unexpectedly.
Option 2: Surety Bond (Bail Bond)
This is the most common and practical option. With a bail bond, you only pay a small percentage of the total bail amount—usually 10%—to a licensed bail bondsman like Just Bail Bonds.
Our team then posts the full bail with the court, securing the defendant’s release. You don’t have to pay the entire bail yourself, and we handle all the paperwork, phone calls, and court coordination.
Option 3: Property Bond
In rare cases, property (like real estate) can be used to secure a defendant’s release. The court places a lien on the property equal to the bail amount. However, property bonds take much longer to process and are rarely used for quick release.
Option 4: Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond
Sometimes, for low-level, non-violent offenses, a judge may release a defendant on a PR bond—meaning no money is required. The person signs a written promise to attend all court hearings.
However, this type of bond is granted at the judge’s discretion and typically reserved for defendants with no criminal history and strong community ties.
How to Post Bail in Tarrant County
The Tarrant County Jail is one of the largest in North Texas, located at 100 N. Lamar Street in Fort Worth. If your loved one has been arrested in Arlington, Hurst, or surrounding cities, they’ll likely end up here.
Here’s how posting bail typically works in Tarrant County:
- Contact Just Bail Bonds immediately at 817-803-2319.
- We’ll verify the inmate’s booking status and bail amount.
- Our licensed agent will meet you (or handle the process remotely) to complete paperwork.
- We post the bond electronically or in person with the jail.
- The release process begins—typically within 1 to 3 hours once bail is posted.
The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department allows licensed bail bond agents to submit bonds 24/7, so release can happen even in the middle of the night.
How to Post Bail in Dallas County
If the arrest occurs in Dallas or surrounding suburbs (Irving, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, etc.), the defendant will likely be booked into the Dallas County Jail, located at 111 W. Commerce Street in downtown Dallas.
The Dallas County process is similar to Tarrant County but can take longer due to higher inmate volume.
Just Bail Bonds agents regularly work with Dallas County clerks, judges, and jail staff to expedite release whenever possible.
Whether it’s early morning or late night, our Dallas County agents are available to process your bail electronically or in person.
Common Questions About Posting Bail
How Long Does It Take to Get Out of Jail After Posting Bail?
Once the bond is accepted, the release process can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the jail’s workload and staffing.
Our agents track the process from start to finish to ensure no unnecessary delays.
Do I Get My Money Back?
The 10% bail bond fee paid to a bondsman is non-refundable—it’s the service charge for guaranteeing the full bail amount and managing all court requirements.
If you post the full cash bail yourself, the court refunds it (minus any fees) after the case closes, assuming the defendant appears for all hearings.
What Happens If the Defendant Misses Court?
If a defendant fails to appear, the court issues a bench warrant for their arrest, and the bail bond may be forfeited.
At Just Bail Bonds, we work closely with clients to remind them of court dates and help avoid bond violations.
Can I Post Bail Over the Phone?
Yes. We can complete most of the paperwork digitally and process payment via phone or online.
We also offer mobile bond service—an agent can come to your home or meet you at the jail to finalize documents in person.
Why Work with a Licensed Bail Bondsman
Texas law requires bail bond agents to be licensed and regulated by the state. Choosing a licensed company protects you from scams and ensures transparency.
At Just Bail Bonds, our team meets all state licensing and insurance requirements, and we provide:
- Written receipts for every transaction
- Copies of all contracts
- A clear explanation of bond conditions
- 24-hour availability
- English and Spanish-speaking agents
With over 26 years of experience, we know the court systems, clerks, and procedures in both Dallas and Tarrant counties—which means we can get your loved one home faster.
What Makes Just Bail Bonds Different
Not all bail bond companies operate the same way. Our clients choose us because we:
- Answer calls 24/7 – Day or night, someone will pick up the phone.
- Offer mobile bond services – We come to you when you can’t get to us.
- Accept flexible payment options – Cash, card, or approved collateral.
- Have bilingual agents – Our team speaks both English and Spanish fluently.
- Prioritize discretion and respect – Every situation is handled privately.
Our founder, Rick Wade, has spent more than two decades helping people through some of their most stressful moments. His reputation in Arlington and across DFW is built on trust, professionalism, and compassion.
Key Tips for Families Posting Bail
- Stay calm and gather information. Write down the inmate’s full name, date of birth, and arrest location.
- Don’t delay contacting a bail bondsman. The faster you call, the faster the release process begins.
- Understand your obligations. Once bail is posted, ensure the defendant attends every court date.
- Ask questions. A good bail bond company will walk you through everything before you sign.
- Keep copies of all paperwork. You’ll need this information for court and legal follow-ups.
Working With Both Counties: Tarrant and Dallas
Because the DFW area overlaps between counties, Just Bail Bonds maintains strong working relationships with both court systems.
Whether the arrest happens in Arlington (Tarrant County) or Grand Prairie (Dallas County), our agents know the jail procedures, booking systems, and release requirements for each.
That local experience means faster processing, fewer errors, and less waiting.
Your Trusted Partner for Quick Jail Release
At Just Bail Bonds, we understand that time matters most when someone you care about is behind bars.
Our mission is to simplify the process, explain every step, and handle the paperwork so you can focus on getting your loved one home.
We take pride in offering professional, confidential, and compassionate bail bond services across Dallas/Fort Worth. Whether it’s day or night, weekday or weekend—you’ll always reach a live, licensed bond agent ready to help.
Call 817-803-2319 today for immediate assistance in Tarrant County or Dallas County.
Let Just Bail Bonds handle the details so you don’t have to. Fast, reliable, and always available—because your freedom can’t wait.