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Fort Worth Criminal Law Attorney
Defense for misdemeanor and felony charges filed and prosecuted in Fort Worth & Tarrant County.
Criminal Law in Tarrant County
What Fort Worth Clients Should Know
Our attorneys handle criminal law matters for clients throughout Fort Worth and greater Tarrant County, with attention to local court procedure, filing requirements, and timelines. Below are specific, checkable facts relevant to criminal law cases in Texas.
- Tarrant County criminal cases are commonly processed through the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in downtown Fort Worth.
- Texas classifies most crimes as either a misdemeanor (Class C, B, or A) or a felony (state jail, third, second, or first degree), with penalties set out in the Texas Penal Code.
- A person arrested in Tarrant County generally has the right to a magistrate hearing, at which bail conditions are set, typically within 48 hours of arrest.
General legal information only, not legal advice for your specific situation — laws and local procedures change, so confirm current requirements with an attorney before acting.
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What happens at a magistrate hearing in Tarrant County?
After an arrest, a person generally receives a magistrate hearing within about 48 hours, where the magistrate informs them of the charges and sets bail conditions before the case proceeds through the Tarrant County court system.
What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
Under the Texas Penal Code, misdemeanors (Class C, B, or A) generally carry fines or up to a year in jail, while felonies (state jail through first-degree) can carry prison sentences exceeding one year and substantially higher fines.
Can a criminal record be sealed or expunged in Texas?
Depending on the case outcome, Texas law allows expunction (complete removal, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55) for certain dismissed or acquitted charges, and nondisclosure orders for some other qualifying cases — eligibility depends heavily on the specific charge and outcome.
Where are Tarrant County criminal cases heard?
Tarrant County criminal cases are commonly processed through the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in downtown Fort Worth, though specific court assignments vary by charge type and severity.
What happens after an arrest in Tarrant County?
After booking, an arrested individual generally receives a magistrate hearing within about 48 hours, where bail and initial conditions are set. From there, the case proceeds through the Tarrant County criminal court system, often at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, toward arraignment and, if needed, trial.
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