What happens at Lew Sterrett after an arrest?

Booking

Booking includes fingerprints, photographs and recording personal property. Family members can usually look up the person through the Dallas County inmate search.

Magistration

A magistrate informs the person of the accusation, the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer, including how to request appointed counsel (15.17). The magistrate sets bail using the factors in 17.15. Since 2025, a person charged with a felony must appear before a magistrate who considers a public safety report before release (SB 9).

Bond conditions

Conditions can include no contact with an alleged victim, an ignition interlock in many DWI cases (17.441), alcohol monitoring, or GPS in some family violence cases (17.49).

Emergency protective orders

In family violence cases, the magistrate may issue an order for emergency protection, and must in cases of serious bodily injury or a deadly weapon (17.292).

What family members can do

Write down the booking number and charge, keep the bond paperwork, and do not discuss the facts of the case on recorded jail calls.

How long does release take?

It varies. Booking, magistration and processing a bond can take several hours or longer, depending on how busy the jail is, whether a hold exists from another case or county, and how the bond is posted. Family members should keep the booking number handy and check the county's online jail lookup for status.

What kinds of bonds are used?

• Surety bond through a bail bond company, which charges a nonrefundable premium
• Cash bond posted in full, refundable subject to court rules if the person appears
• Personal bond, release on a promise to appear, which is restricted for many offenses

Can I get a court-appointed lawyer?

Yes, if you cannot afford a lawyer and the charge carries possible jail time. The magistrate informs you of the right to request appointed counsel and how to apply (Code of Criminal Procedure 15.17, 26.04). You can also hire a lawyer of your choice at any time.

What should I avoid while in jail?

• Do not discuss the facts on jail phones or video visits; calls are recorded.
• Do not talk about the case with other people in custody.
• Do not sign statements or answer investigators' questions without a lawyer.

What happens after release?

Read the bond conditions immediately. Conditions can include no-contact orders, alcohol monitoring, an ignition interlock or GPS. Note your first court date if one is listed, and keep all paperwork. If you were arrested for DWI, the 15-day ALR deadline is already running. See the first 15 days after a DWI arrest.

What should I bring to a consultation?

• Bond paperwork, citations and any order you were given
• Court dates and case numbers, if you have them
• A written timeline of what happened
• Names of witnesses
• Any documents, messages or photos that relate to the case

Where are these cases heard outside Dallas?

Misdemeanor cases are heard in the county-level criminal courts, and felonies in the district courts, of the county where the offense is alleged to have happened. We handle cases from our only office, in downtown Dallas, in 12 North Texas counties. Each county page lists the courthouse, the prosecutor's office and the jail: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, Kaufman, Ellis, Johnson, Parker, Wise, Hunt, Navarro.

What information should I have ready when I call?

• The full name and date of birth of the person arrested
• The booking number, if known
• The charge and the arresting agency
• Whether bond has been set, and the amount
• Any conditions or protective orders mentioned
• Whether the person has other pending cases or holds

Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.

Key terms

Magistration

The first appearance before a magistrate after arrest, within 48 hours, where rights are explained and bail is set.

Bond

The security posted to obtain release before trial, with conditions set by the magistrate or court.

Personal bond

Release on a promise to appear, without a cash or surety deposit.

Emergency protective order

A magistrate's order after an arrest that can require the accused to stay away from the alleged victim.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Talking about the facts with police, friends or on social media
• Missing a court date or a bond condition
• Assuming the case will be dropped without action
• Waiting until the last minute to gather records and witnesses

How do I get started?

The first consultation is free. It is with a Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney. Clients who hire us work with an attorney. Call (214) 239-2013 or start a chat. Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.

Last updated October 2026