Arrests that take place in Austin are typically processed through the Travis County Jail. A criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of David Reed can represent individuals charged with misdemeanors or felonies. Defendants go through several procedures after an arrest, and these steps occur before they address their criminal charges in court. Here is more information about the Travis County criminal court process:
Booking Process
After an arrest in Austin, the booking process depends on whether the individual has sustained injuries. Injured defendants are taken to the hospital for treatment, and they remain there until they are released. Uninjured individuals are screened at a central booking facility.
The initial screening process involves completing a questionnaire about physical and emotional health. If needed, a medical team performs an evaluation, and this determines if they require immediate medical care. Medics can contact the individual’s loved one to ask them to bring needed medication. The medical team also establishes whether the individual requires specific housing or diet restrictions.
The person then goes to Holding, where staff members take the defendant’s booking photos and fingerprints. Individuals can also make a free phone call. Travis County Jail inmates are able to meet with attorneys over video calls; having a lawyer present is beneficial when speaking with officers.
Magistrate Meeting
Defendants meet with a magistrate or judge to review their case and answer questions about the circumstances of their arrest. Magistrates usually read the charges and make a formal decision on whether the individual can post bail. The decision depends on the defendant’s criminal history and the severity of the charges. The magistrate sets both the bond type and amount. After this meeting, individuals turn in their personal property, and they receive an inmate number and uniform. They may be able to make a collect call, depending on availability. The person then waits to be transported to the Travis County Correctional Complex.
Bond Posting
Bonds allow individuals to be released from jail, as they serve as financial assurances that the defendant will appear in court for trial. The bond type appears on the bond line on the charge. Cash bonds are set at a specific amount and are paid at the jail facility in cash, cashier’s check, or money orders. If the defendant appears in court, the bond money may be refunded. The Travis County clerk manages misdemeanors; the district clerk processes bonds for felonies.
A bond company manages a surety bond, while an attorney is required for a personal bond. A criminal defense attorney from the Law Office of David Reed can submit a personal bond request. This sworn agreement requires the individual to appear in court and does not require a payment amount. The defendant must pay a pretrial service fee of either $40 or 3% of the bond.
Release Process
If bond is paid or arranged, the defendant is released with their possessions and court date. Release timing can depend on whether the arrest happened within Travis County. Defendants should request their arrest paperwork or citation as soon as possible and make sure they have a copy. If a DWI was involved, the defendant should also request an Administrative License Revocation hearing. An ALR hearing is separate from trial, and the individual has 15 days to request it. Without the hearing, the defendant’s license is suspended. An attorney from the Law Office of David Reed helps with paperwork, meeting court filing deadlines, and represents the person during the hearing.
Attorney Meeting and Negotiation
A defendant can meet with a criminal defense attorney to review the case and build a defense. An attorney reviews related facts and case documents, including witness statements and reports. Some lawyers also interview witnesses. With domestic abuse allegations, the attorney may review text messages and emails; these act as evidence of the person’s character and help with parental rights.
The lawyer reviews the case to determine whether technical errors occurred or evidence was gathered improperly. Officers may violate the defendant’s rights during an arrest, and these violations sometimes affect the case. Attorneys have the option to file a motion to suppress improper evidence.
Attorneys also negotiate plea agreements with prosecutors; this can help the defendant receive a reduced charge or sentence. In some cases, attorneys have the grounds to ask for charges to be dismissed. They fight for alternatives to jail time, such as community service. Completing diversion programs, such as drug rehabilitation, can lead to dropped charges. We build a trial defense for court, using experience with local courts, Texas law, and county-specific legal processes.
Meet With a Criminal Defense Attorney
Understanding the criminal court process helps defendants meet court-required deadlines, and it can help them get released on bail. A criminal defense attorney assists with different cases, including assault and theft. A lawyer also helps appeal convictions. Contact the Law Office of David Reed for a free consultation today.