Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney
Where Dallas criminal cases are heard, who prosecutes them, and which Dallas County programs can end a case without a conviction.
In short: Most fine-only Class C cases from the City of Dallas go to the Dallas Municipal Court at 2014 Main St. Class A and B misdemeanors, including most DWIs and family violence assaults, go to the Dallas County Criminal Courts, and felonies go to the Dallas County Criminal District Courts. Both county court levels sit in the Frank Crowley Courts Building at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., and the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office prosecutes those cases. Our office is in downtown Dallas at 325 N St. Paul Street.
Which court will hear my Dallas case?
| Type of case | Where it is heard |
|---|---|
| Class C fine-only offenses and city ordinance cases | Dallas Municipal Court, 2014 Main St., Dallas 75201 |
| Class A and B misdemeanors | Dallas County Criminal Courts, Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas 75207 |
| Felonies | Dallas County Criminal District Courts, Frank Crowley Courts Building, same address |
Source: Dallas Municipal Court Source: Dallas County Criminal Court No. 1 Source: Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 2
Some Class C cases are filed in a justice of the peace court instead, and some cities cross county lines. Always confirm the court printed on your citation, bond paperwork or court notice.
Who prosecutes criminal cases in Dallas?
Cases in the Dallas Municipal Court are handled by city prosecutors. Source: Dallas Municipal Court Prosecution Office The Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office prosecutes county misdemeanors and felonies. Its Family Violence Division handles intimate partner violence cases and represents applicants seeking protective orders. Source: Dallas County DA Family Violence Division
What happens after an arrest in Dallas?
After an arrest, the person must be taken before a magistrate without unnecessary delay and no later than 48 hours after arrest. The magistrate gives the required warnings and addresses bail and conditions if bail is allowed by law. Release is not automatic. Source: Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 15.17
In family violence cases, a magistrate may issue an emergency protective order, and must issue one when the arrest involves serious bodily injury or a deadly weapon. It generally lasts 61 to 91 days, or 91 to 121 days when the arrest involved a deadly weapon. Source: Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 17.292
What charges do Dallas clients face most?
- Assault and family violence. Assault causing bodily injury is usually a Class A misdemeanor, and some family violence cases are felonies. See Dallas Assault and Domestic Violence Lawyer.
- DWI. A first DWI is usually a Class B misdemeanor. It is a Class A misdemeanor if an analysis shows an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more, and a state jail felony if the driver was in a school crossing zone while its reduced speed limit applied. Source: Texas Penal Code § 49.04 See Dallas County DWI.
- Theft and shoplifting. The value of the property sets the charge. See Dallas Theft Lawyer.
- Drug charges and felonies. See Dallas County drug charges and Dallas County felonies.
- Protective orders. See Dallas County protective orders.
Can a Dallas case be dismissed through a program?
The Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office runs pretrial intervention programs:
- Felony Pre-Trial Intervention. Focused on first-time, non-violent felony offenders. Referrals must be submitted before indictment or within 120 days of indictment. On successful completion, the charge is dismissed. Eligibility is screened and admission is at the prosecutor's discretion.
- Misdemeanor Pre-Trial Intervention. For first-time misdemeanor offenders. On completion, the prosecutor submits a dismissal.
- AIM Court. For people age 17 to 24 with a first-time, non-aggravated felony case.
- DIVERT Court. For first-time, non-aggravated felony offenders with a substance use disorder diagnosis.
Source: Dallas County DA Restorative Justice
Texas law also allows deferred adjudication in most cases, at the judge's discretion and usually on a guilty or no contest plea. It is not available for some DWI cases, including those with an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more or a driver holding a commercial license. Source: Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 42A.102 See Deferred Adjudication in Texas.
What should I do right after a Dallas arrest?
- Do not discuss the facts with police, the alleged victim or anyone on a jail phone.
- Follow every bond condition exactly, including any no-contact order.
- For a DWI, act on the license suspension notice quickly. The ALR hearing request deadline is 15 days from the date a notice is served, or 20 days from the date DPS mails a notice after a blood test. Source: Texas DPS ALR Program
- Write down the court, case number and next court date from your paperwork. See What happens at an arraignment in Dallas County.
Common questions
Where is the Dallas County criminal courthouse?
Misdemeanor and felony cases are heard at the Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas. Most Class C tickets from the City of Dallas go to the Dallas Municipal Court at 2014 Main St.
Who prosecutes criminal cases in Dallas?
The Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office prosecutes county misdemeanors and felonies. City prosecutors handle cases in the Dallas Municipal Court.
When must I see a magistrate after an arrest in Dallas?
Without unnecessary delay and no later than 48 hours after arrest. That is a deadline for seeing a magistrate, not a promise of release.
Where is your Dallas office?
Our office is at 325 N St. Paul Street, Suite 3129, Dallas, TX 75201, in downtown Dallas.
Can a first offense in Dallas be dismissed?
Some can. The Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office runs felony and misdemeanor pretrial intervention programs for first-time offenders, and successful completion leads to dismissal.
Last updated October 2026
How do I get started?
Talk with Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC about your Dallas case. Call 214-305-9640 for a free consultation. Criminal defense consultations are free. Your consultation is with our Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney. If you hire us, an attorney handles your case.
Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC, 325 N St. Paul Street, Suite 3129, Dallas, TX 75201.
This page is general information about Texas law, not legal advice about your situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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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.