DWI / DUI
Texas Penal Code §49.04 classifies DWI as a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, escalating to felony status with prior convictions or aggravating factors.
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Bail Bond Services
DALLAS COUNTY BAIL BONDS BY CHARGE TYPE
Under Texas law, bail bond costs are based on the offense classification — from Class B misdemeanor DWI charges carrying up to 180 days in county jail to first-degree felonies carrying 5 to 99 years or life in prison. A licensed bail bond agent charges a non-refundable premium that depends on the bail amount set by the magistrate during magistration at Lew Sterrett Justice Center. Act Quick Bail Bonds has posted bonds for all 24 charge types listed below at every Dallas County facility since 1997 — call (214) 744-1414 around the clock for immediate help.
All Bond Types
BAIL BONDS BY CHARGE TYPE
Select a charge type below to learn about the bond process, typical bond amounts, and what to expect at every stage — from arrest through release.
Drug Possession
Texas Health and Safety Code §481 governs drug possession charges, with penalties ranging from a Class B misdemeanor to a first-degree felony based on substance type and quantity.
Learn More →Assault
Texas Penal Code §22.01 defines assault charges ranging from Class C misdemeanor for threats to second-degree felony for assaults against public servants.
Learn More →Theft
Texas Penal Code §31.03 classifies theft by the value of property stolen, from Class C misdemeanor for items under $100 to first-degree felony for values exceeding $300,000.
Learn More →Domestic Violence
Family violence charges in Dallas County carry enhanced penalties and mandatory protective orders that significantly impact the bond process and release conditions.
Learn More →Warrant Bonds
Outstanding warrants in Dallas County can result in arrest at any time. Acting proactively with a bail bond agent can minimize jail time and simplify the surrender process.
Learn More →Evading Arrest
Evading arrest under Texas Penal Code §38.04 ranges from a Class A misdemeanor for fleeing on foot to a felony when a vehicle is involved or someone is injured.
Learn More →Weapons Charges
Texas weapons charges under Penal Code Chapter 46 cover unlawful carry, possession by prohibited persons, and use of weapons during other offenses.
Learn More →Aggravated Assault
Texas Penal Code §22.02 classifies aggravated assault as a second-degree felony, escalating to first-degree when the victim is a public servant or family member.
Learn More →Robbery
Robbery under Texas Penal Code §29.02 is a second-degree felony, while aggravated robbery involving a weapon or serious injury rises to a first-degree felony.
Learn More →Probation Violation
Probation violations in Dallas County can result in immediate arrest and revocation proceedings where the original sentence may be imposed.
Learn More →Failure to Appear
Bail jumping and failure to appear under Texas Penal Code §38.10 is a separate criminal charge that compounds the original offense and increases total bond requirements.
Learn More →Sexual Assault
Sexual assault under Texas Penal Code §22.011 is a second-degree felony, with aggravated sexual assault rising to first-degree felony carrying 5 to 99 years.
Learn More →Terroristic Threat
Terroristic threat charges under Texas Penal Code §22.07 range from Class B misdemeanor to third-degree felony depending on the nature of the threat and its target.
Learn More →Trespassing
Criminal trespass under Texas Penal Code §30.05 is a Class B misdemeanor that escalates when the trespass involves a habitation or the defendant carries a weapon.
Learn More →Murder / Homicide
Murder charges under Texas Penal Code §19.02 are first-degree felonies carrying 5 to 99 years, with capital murder eligible for the death penalty or life without parole.
Learn More →Federal Bonds
Federal bail bonds in Dallas County are processed through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas and follow different procedures than state charges.
Learn More →Burglary Bonds
Burglary charges in Dallas County range from state jail felonies to first-degree felonies depending on the type of structure entered and the circumstances of the offense.
Learn More →Credit Card Abuse Bonds
Credit card abuse in Texas covers unauthorized use, possession of stolen cards, and fraudulent transactions — charges that can range from misdemeanors to felonies based on the amount involved.
Learn More →Public Intoxication
Public intoxication under Texas Penal Code §49.02 is a Class C misdemeanor, but repeated offenses or additional circumstances can complicate the release process.
Learn More →Fraud / Forgery
Texas prosecutes fraud and forgery offenses under multiple Penal Code sections, with charge levels ranging from Class C misdemeanors to first-degree felonies based on the amount involved and type of instrument.
Learn More →Criminal Mischief
Criminal mischief in Texas covers intentional damage to property and is classified from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony based on the dollar amount of damage caused.
Learn More →Identity Theft
Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information under Texas Penal Code §32.51 is a state jail felony that escalates rapidly with the number of victims involved and any aggravating factors.
Learn More →Manufacture & Delivery
Manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance under Texas Health and Safety Code §481.112 carries far higher penalties than simple possession, with bond amounts that scale sharply by penalty group and quantity.
Learn More →Texas Penalty Classifications
TEXAS OFFENSE CLASSIFICATIONS & PENALTY RANGES
Texas law defines specific penalty ranges for each offense classification. The charge classification determines the statutory penalty range and directly influences the bond amount a Dallas County magistrate sets during magistration at Lew Sterrett Justice Center.
| Classification | Jail / Prison Range | Maximum Fine | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class C Misdemeanor | Fine only — no jail | $500 | Public intoxication, minor traffic offenses |
| Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days | $2,000 | First-offense DWI, possession of marijuana under 2 oz |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | $4,000 | Assault causing bodily injury, DWI with BAC ≥ 0.15 |
| State Jail Felony | 180 days – 2 years | $10,000 | THC vape pen possession, theft $2,500–$30,000, burglary of a building |
| Third-Degree Felony | 2 – 10 years | $10,000 | Third-offense DWI, evading arrest with vehicle, assault family violence with prior |
| Second-Degree Felony | 2 – 20 years | $10,000 | Aggravated assault, robbery, burglary of a habitation |
| First-Degree Felony | 5 – 99 years or life | $10,000 | Aggravated robbery, aggravated sexual assault, murder |
| Capital Felony | Life without parole or death | N/A | Capital murder — bail may be denied when proof is evident |
Source: Texas Penal Code §12.21–§12.42. Bail amounts are set by the magistrate based on these classifications plus individual factors including criminal history, flight risk, and community ties.
Browse by Category
BAIL BOND RESOURCES & GUIDES
Explore our guides on bond types, felony vs. misdemeanor charges, and the walk-through bond process.
Bond Types Explained
Learn the difference between surety bonds, cash bonds, PR bonds, and transfer bonds in Dallas County.
Read Guide →Felony Charge Bonds
Bond information for first, second, and third-degree felony charges in Dallas County courts.
View Felonies →Misdemeanor Charge Bonds
Bond information for Class A, B, and C misdemeanor charges processed in Dallas County.
View Misdemeanors →Walk-Through Bonds
How pre-arranged walk-through bonds work for outstanding warrants in Dallas County.
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