Criminal defense for Fort Worth cases
In short: Class C tickets from Fort Worth go to the Fort Worth Municipal Court at 1000 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth 76102. Class A and B misdemeanors and felonies go to the appropriate county or district court; confirm the county on your case documents. Protective orders can be filed where either person lives or where the violence allegedly happened, and the hearing is generally within 14 days.
Our office is in downtown Dallas. We do not have an office in Fort Worth, but we defend people charged in Fort Worth and across Tarrant County.
Which court will hear my Fort Worth case?
| Type of case | Where it is heard | Who prosecutes |
|---|---|---|
| Class C (fine-only) tickets and city ordinance cases | Fort Worth Municipal Court (A.D. Marshall Public Safety and Courts Building), 1000 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth 76102 | City prosecutor |
| Class A and B misdemeanors, including most DWIs and family violence assaults | the Tarrant County Criminal Courts | County prosecutor (see below) |
| Felonies | the Tarrant County Criminal District Courts | County or district prosecutor (see below) |
Municipal courts handle city ordinance violations and fine-only criminal offenses, including some Class C assault cases. Class A and B misdemeanors and felonies are handled by the appropriate county or district court. For conduct in the Tarrant County portion of Fort Worth, consult the Tarrant County court information below. Some cities cross county lines; use the county and court on your citation, bond papers or court notice. The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office prosecutes both misdemeanors and felonies.
Fort Worth is the Tarrant County seat. County-level criminal cases are heard downtown at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, 401 W. Belknap St.
What happens after an arrest in Fort Worth?
After an arrest, a magistrate explains the rights and addresses bail and conditions if allowed by law. Release is not automatic. Tarrant County operates a post-plea Misdemeanor DWI Court program through County Criminal Court No. 4. It is a treatment-focused program for eligible people after a plea, not a dismissal program.
For a DWI, check the suspension notice immediately. The ALR hearing deadline is generally 15 days after service, or 20 days after DPS mails a notice following blood-test results. DPS explains these notice deadlines. Read the Tarrant County DWI page for local DWI details.
Protective orders in Fort Worth cases
A protective order from a Fort Worth incident is usually filed in Tarrant County, but Family Code 82.003 also allows the county where either person lives. The hearing is generally within 14 days. Read the Tarrant County protective order page or our full Texas protective order guide.
How do I get started?
Criminal defense consultations are free. Call (214) 239-2013 or start a chat.
Last updated October 2026
Common questions
Do you have an office in Fort Worth?
No. Our office is at 325 N St. Paul Street in downtown Dallas. We handle cases from Fort Worth and the rest of Tarrant County.
Is a DWI in Fort Worth handled by the municipal court?
No. The Fort Worth Municipal Court hears fine-only Class C cases. A DWI is at least a Class B misdemeanor. The correct county or district court depends on the charge and where the alleged offense occurred; check your case documents.
Where is the Fort Worth municipal court?
Fort Worth Municipal Court (A.D. Marshall Public Safety and Courts Building), 1000 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth 76102.
Where is a protective order from Fort Worth filed?
In the county where the applicant lives, where the respondent lives, or where the family violence allegedly happened (Family Code 82.003). For most incidents in the city, that is Tarrant County.
How soon is the protective order hearing?
Generally within 14 days after the application is filed (Family Code 84.001). A temporary ex parte order can last up to 20 days and be extended.
Free consultation
A few quick questions, under a minute. Then we call you.
Do not wait for your court date to get help. Call (214) 239-2013.
Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
This page provides general information about Texas law. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.