Texas Criminal Justice System Overview

Police Investigating Crimes in Texas

Most criminal investigations start with a 911 call.

An initial call will sometimes lead to witness interviews.

Once law enforcement has identified a suspect then police will try to interview the person. Many cases are made easy for police, because people speak to police without a criminal defense attorney.

If a criminal investigation has already started then police may get a search warrant before going to a scene.

Arrest for Criminal Charges in Texas

Arrest based on a warrant.

Arrest without a warrant.

Bail, Bond, and Release During Criminal Cases

Getting “magistrated” or “arraigned” for your charge. Setting a bond.

Posting a bond.

You may have bond conditions.

Criminal Cases in Texas Courts

Filing of Charges in Court

“Pleadings” is the general term for papers filed in court cases by parties. In Texas, criminal cases are law suits brought by the government against a person for committing a crime. Most people don’t think about criminal prosecution as a “law suit.” But like other law suits, criminal prosecutions are started by the filing of a “pleading.” Texas has three types of criminal pleadings that begin prosecution:

• Complaint
• Information
• Indictment

Find more information about this initial pleading or charging instrument. Also, felony court cases are started by the filing of an Indictment that is “returned” by a Grand Jury. Read more about how the Grand Jury works.

There are more than 500 district courts in Texas. Tarrant County has 20 criminal courts: 10 for felonies; and 10 for misdemeanors.

Getting the Best Criminal Defense Attorney

Things to do and look for.

Plea Bargains in Criminal Cases

Of the criminal charges making it to court then, most settle with a plea bargain. Our criminal justice system is set up to allow cases to settle by agreement, because the courts could not possibly bare the load of trial in every case. So, a premium is put on efficiency, and unfortunately sometimes justice is sacrificed in the process. Depending on the county where your criminal case is pending the “plea bargain” can vary substantially for the same charge.

Jury Trial for Guilt-Innocence in Texas

General overview of steps.

Criminal Sentencing at Trial in Texas

Judge or jury.

Bifurcated system.

Appeal After Jury Trial

Texas has 14 courts of appeals.

The highest criminal court in Texas is the Court of Criminal Appeals.

Law Enforcement Officers in Texas

Who is considered “law enforcement.”

Who investigates what?

Prosecutors in Texas

District Attorneys and County Attorneys.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor

Special prosecution units.

Jail and Prison Systems in Texas

Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

County jails.

City jails.

Board of Pardons and Parole.

Civil Commitment for Sexually Violence Offenders

State Mental Health Hospitals