An affiliate of Martine Law, serving Texas, Minnesota and North Carolina. In Texas, legal services are provided by Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC, 325 N St. Paul Street, Suite 3129, Dallas, TX 75201.
What happens at Lew Sterrett after an arrest?
In this article
- Booking
- Magistration
- Bond conditions
- Emergency protective orders
- What family members can do
- How long does release take?
- What kinds of bonds are used?
- Can I get a court-appointed lawyer?
- What should I avoid while in jail?
- What happens after release?
- What should I bring to a consultation?
- Where are these cases heard outside Dallas?
- What information should I have ready when I call?
- Key terms
- Common mistakes to avoid
- How do I get started?
- Related pages
- Sources: Texas statutes cited
In short: After an arrest in Dallas County, the person is usually booked into the Lew Sterrett Justice Center and taken before a magistrate, who explains the charge and rights and addresses bail if allowed by law (Code of Criminal Procedure 15.17, 17.15). In family violence cases the magistrate may also issue an emergency protective order. Court settings then happen at the Frank Crowley Courts Building next door.
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). When bail is allowed by law, the magistrate applies the factors in article 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
Key terms
- Magistration
- The appearance before a magistrate required without unnecessary delay and no later than 48 hours after arrest. Rights are explained and bail is addressed if allowed by law; release within 48 hours is not guaranteed.
- 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?
Criminal defense consultations are free. Call (214) 239-2013 or start a chat.
Last updated October 2026
Common questions
How long does it take to get out of Lew Sterrett?
It varies with booking volume, the charge and how bond is posted. Felony cases may take longer since the 2025 bail changes.
Are jail calls recorded?
Yes, generally. Do not discuss the facts of the case on jail calls.
How long does it take to get out of Lew Sterrett?
It varies from several hours to longer, depending on booking volume, magistration, holds from other cases and how bond is posted.
Are jail calls recorded in Dallas County?
Yes. Do not discuss the facts of a case on jail calls or video visits.
Can family members post bond at Lew Sterrett?
Yes. Bond can be posted in cash or through a bail bond company, once bond is set.
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This page provides general information about Texas law. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.