How Long Does a Criminal Case Take in Dallas County?
Provides realistic timelines for misdemeanor and felony cases in Dallas County — from arraignment through trial or plea, continuances, and how long your bail bond obligation lasts.
The length of a criminal case in Dallas County depends on the severity of the charge, the complexity of the facts, and whether the case resolves through a plea agreement or proceeds to trial. Most misdemeanor cases in Dallas County are resolved within four to six months, though contested cases that go to trial can extend to a year or longer. Felony cases move more slowly through the system — the average felony in Dallas County takes between one and two years from arrest to final disposition, and complex cases involving multiple defendants, forensic evidence, or capital charges can stretch well beyond that. All criminal cases are heard at the Frank Crowley Courts Building at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207.
After the initial arraignment — which typically occurs two to six weeks after charges are filed — Dallas County judges generally schedule no more than four additional court settings, spaced roughly one month apart, before the case must either resolve through a plea or be set for trial. During this pretrial phase, the defense attorney and prosecutor exchange evidence through discovery, negotiate potential plea agreements, and file any pretrial motions such as motions to suppress evidence or reduce bond. A plea agreement can resolve a case in as few as two to four months from arrest, while a case that proceeds through a jury trial at the Frank Crowley Courts Building adds several additional months to the timeline.
Throughout the entire duration of the case, the defendant’s bail bond obligation remains active. The cosigner’s financial responsibility under the indemnity agreement does not end until the bond is formally exonerated after case disposition. This means that on a felony case that takes two years to resolve, the cosigner and defendant are bound by the bond agreement for that entire period. Under Article 17.151 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a defendant who has not been indicted within 90 days for a felony may be entitled to release on personal bond or reduced bail. For questions about case timelines and bond obligations in Dallas County, call Act Quick Bail Bonds at (214) 744-1414.