Types of Bail Bonds in Dallas County: Surety, Cash, PR & More
Compares every bond type available in Dallas County — surety bonds, cash bonds, personal recognizance bonds, attorney bonds, and property bonds — with pros, cons, and when each applies.
Dallas County recognizes several types of bail bonds, each with different requirements, costs, and processes. The most common is a surety bond, where a licensed bail bond agent posts the full bail amount on the defendant’s behalf in exchange for a non-refundable premium that depends on case specifics. A cash bond involves the defendant or their family depositing the entire bail amount directly with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office at Lew Sterrett Justice Center—this amount is refundable after the case concludes, minus any court costs or fines. A personal recognizance (PR) bond, authorized under Article 17.03 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, allows the defendant to be released without posting any money, based on a promise to appear—though Dallas County Pretrial Services must first evaluate the defendant’s eligibility.
Two less common bond types are also available in Dallas County. An attorney bond is a type of personal bond where a licensed Texas attorney personally guarantees the defendant’s appearance in court. A property bond involves pledging real estate as collateral to secure the defendant’s release—the property must have equity of at least 150 percent of the bail amount, and the court places a lien on the property until the case is resolved. Property bonds require a current appraisal and title documentation, which makes them slower to process than surety or cash bonds.
For most Dallas County families, a surety bond through a licensed bail bond agent is the fastest and most practical option. It requires only the non-refundable premium payment and standard paperwork, and an experienced agent can post the bond at Lew Sterrett within hours of being contacted. PR bonds, while appealing because they cost only a small administrative fee, are limited in availability—particularly for felony charges or defendants with prior bond forfeitures. To discuss which bond type makes sense for your situation, call Act Quick Bail Bonds at (214) 744-1414.