Felony Defense in Tarrant County

This page covers felony cases in Tarrant County: where they are heard, who prosecutes them and the local programs the county and its prosecutors run. Our office is in downtown Dallas at 325 N St. Paul Street; we handle cases in the Tarrant County courts. For Texas-wide law, see our felony charges guide, and for other charges see the Tarrant County criminal defense page.

Which courts hear felony cases in Tarrant County?

Tarrant County felonies are heard in eleven courts at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, 401 W. Belknap St., Fort Worth: Criminal District Courts No. 1 through 4 and the 213th, 297th, 371st, 372nd, 396th, 432nd and 485th District Courts. The county lists these courts on floors 5 through 8 of the building. Your court number appears on your bond paperwork and in the county's case records.

Who prosecutes felonies in Tarrant County?

The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office prosecutes felonies. As in other Texas counties, most felony cases need a grand jury indictment, and the time before indictment can be used to give the prosecutor information that supports a reduction, a no-bill or a program.

What happens after a felony arrest in Tarrant County?

After a felony arrest in Tarrant County, booking is generally at the Tarrant County Corrections Center, 100 N. Lamar St., Fort Worth. The county also operates other jail facilities, including the Lon Evans Corrections Center. A magistrate gives the warnings and sets bond. Felony bond conditions can include reporting, testing and travel limits.

What diversion and specialty programs does Tarrant County have?

The Criminal District Attorney's Deferred Prosecution Program is aimed at first-time offenders aged 17 to 26 and can include certain felonies. Its published disqualifiers include a prior juvenile adjudication, a prior conviction or supervision for a Class B or higher offense, a gang-related offense and any offense in which someone was injured or placed in danger. Admission is at the DA's discretion, and the office runs it from the basement of the Tim Curry building. The county also lists post-plea specialty programs, such as the DIRECT felony drug program in the 485th District Court, a Felony Alcohol Intervention Program, mental health diversion, a Veterans court and a SAFPF re-entry court.

How does a felony move through a Texas court?

After arrest, a person must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay and no later than 48 hours (Code of Criminal Procedure 15.17). The magistrate gives the legal warnings and sets bond using the factors in article 17.15. A felony case then generally needs a grand jury indictment before it goes forward in a district court. Texas felonies run from state jail felonies to first-degree and capital felonies, and the punishment range depends on the level and any prior convictions.

Many felony cases end with community supervision (probation) under Code of Criminal Procedure chapter 42A, either as regular probation after a conviction or as deferred adjudication, which can avoid a conviction if completed. Whether a program, a reduction or a trial is the better path depends on the evidence, which is why early review of the police reports, video and lab results matters.

What are the Texas felony punishment ranges?

What should I do now?

• Note your court number and every setting, and keep your bond paperwork.
• Do not discuss the facts with anyone except your lawyer, including on jail phones, which are recorded.
• Collect records that show who you are: work, school, treatment and family responsibilities.
• Ask early about diversion deadlines, since some run from the first appearance or indictment.

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