What Happens when you get arrested in Houston, Texas in 2025?

What Happens when you get arrested in Houston, Texas in 2025? by Brian Foley

What Happens when you get arrested in Houston, Texas in 2025?

Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC, we believe that understanding the criminal justice process can make a significant difference for those facing charges. Below, we outline the key steps of how a criminal case proceeds in Texas, from arrest to potential expunction, to help you navigate this challenging time with clarity and confidence.

What Happens when you get arrested in Houston, Texas in 2025?Step 1: Arrest and Bail

When someone is arrested for a criminal offense in Texas, they are typically taken to jail. In most cases—approximately 99%—a bond is set, except in severe cases like capital murder or for individuals with prior prison sentences. The bond can be paid in two ways:

• Cash Bond: Paid directly to the jail for the full bond amount.

• Surety Bond: Through a bail bondsman, where you pay approximately 10% of the bond amount (e.g., $100 for a $1,000 bond). The bondsman covers the remainder, assuming the risk if you fail to appear in court.

Our team at Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC can guide you through the bail process to ensure you or your loved one can return home as quickly as possible.

Step 2: Evidence Disclosure

Once a bond is secured, the next phase involves the prosecution sharing evidence with your defense attorney, as required by Texas law (Article 39.14). This includes police reports, videos, photos, and other relevant materials. However, due to safety concerns—such as protecting a victim’s personal information—the law prohibits attorneys from providing clients with copies of this evidence. Instead, we arrange meetings to review the evidence together, ensuring you understand the case while adhering to legal restrictions.

Step 3: First Court Appearance (Arraignment)

The first court date, known as the arraignment, is where the court confirms your presence and may ask for a plea (guilty or not guilty). In practice, most arraignments in Texas are procedural, ensuring you’ve appeared in court. If you have an attorney, you’ll typically wait in the audience while your lawyer handles the proceedings. At Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC, we use this opportunity to begin negotiations with the prosecutor to explore favorable outcomes.

Step 4: Negotiating a Plea Bargain

Many cases are resolved through a plea bargain, an agreement between the defense and the prosecution. This could involve:

• A fine

• Probation

• Community service

• A class (e.g., drug awareness for drug-related charges)

• Or, in some cases, a jail sentence

For example, in a possession of marijuana case, we might present evidence of your good character, such as letters of recommendation, or argue that the traffic stop was invalid (e.g., failing to maintain a single lane with no other cars on the road). If the prosecutor agrees to dismiss the case after completing community service or a class, this can be a faster and more cost-effective resolution than pursuing a jury trial. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome, ideally leading to a dismissal.

Step 5: Expunction – Clearing Your Record

The ultimate goal for many clients is an expunction, which removes all records of the criminal case from government databases. Once granted, you can legally state that the arrest never occurred. The timeline for expunction varies:

• Class C misdemeanors: Up to 6 months

• Other misdemeanors: Up to 1–3 years, depending on the charge

• Assault family member cases with a filed information: Up to 3 years

At Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC, we prioritize achieving an expunction as quickly as possible to help you move forward without the burden of a criminal record.

Why a Skilled Attorney Matters

Having an attorney who is prepared to go to trial is crucial, even if a trial isn’t your goal. Prosecutors consider an attorney’s trial experience when negotiating plea deals. At our firm, we leverage our reputation for being trial-ready to negotiate favorable agreements. Whether it’s securing a dismissal, reducing charges, or minimizing penalties, our team is committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best outcome.

Contact Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC

Navigating a criminal case can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC, we provide experienced, compassionate representation to guide you through every step of the process. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, contact us today at www.houstoncriminaldefenseattorneyspllc.com or leave a comment below with your questions.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, consult with an attorney.