Overview of the Denton County Court System
The Denton County court system is organized into several tiers, each handling different types and levels of cases. Understanding which court has jurisdiction over a case helps defendants and their families know what to expect as the case progresses through the legal system.
Criminal cases in Denton County are handled at three primary levels: Justice of the Peace Courts (for the lowest-level offenses), County Courts at Law (for misdemeanors), and District Courts (for felonies). Each level operates under different procedural rules and carries different potential penalties.
Justice of the Peace Courts
Justice of the Peace (JP) courts in Denton County handle Class C misdemeanors — the lowest level of criminal offense in Texas. Class C misdemeanors are punishable by a fine only, with no jail time. Common Class C offenses include minor traffic violations, theft under $100, and public intoxication when charged as a fine-only offense.
Denton County has multiple JP precincts distributed throughout the county. Because Class C misdemeanors do not involve jail time, bail bonds are generally not required for these cases. However, if a defendant fails to appear at a JP court hearing, a warrant may be issued that can result in arrest.
County Courts at Law
Denton County's County Courts at Law handle Class A and Class B misdemeanor criminal cases. Class B misdemeanors — such as first-offense DWI, criminal trespass, and marijuana possession under two ounces — carry penalties of up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Class A misdemeanors — such as assault causing bodily injury and DWI second offense — carry penalties of up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
These courts handle a significant volume of the criminal cases in Denton County. Defendants charged with Class A or B misdemeanors will have their cases heard in one of the County Courts at Law, and bail bonds are commonly posted for these charges.
District Courts
District Courts in Denton County handle all felony criminal cases, which are the most serious criminal charges. Felonies range from state jail felonies (such as certain drug possession and theft charges) to first-degree felonies (such as aggravated robbery and certain sexual offenses).
Denton County is served by the 16th, 158th, 362nd, 367th, and 431st Judicial District Courts. Cases are assigned to specific courts, and the defendant must appear in the court assigned to their case for all hearings, motions, and trial proceedings. Bail amounts for felony charges are typically significantly higher than for misdemeanors, reflecting the severity of the offenses.
The Denton County District Attorney’s Office
The Denton County District Attorney's Office prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the State of Texas. The DA's office reviews arrest reports, files formal charges, and represents the state in all criminal proceedings — from arraignment through trial and sentencing. The District Attorney also has the authority to offer plea agreements and recommend sentencing.
For defendants, understanding that the DA's office — not the arresting officer — controls the prosecution of the case is important. Charges can be modified, reduced, or dismissed by the prosecutor at any stage of the proceedings.
How Cases Move Through the System
After arrest and magistration, a criminal case in Denton County follows a structured path through the court system. The defendant is arraigned (formally charged), and the case enters a series of pre-trial hearings where the defense and prosecution exchange evidence, file motions, and negotiate potential resolutions. If the case does not resolve through a plea agreement, it proceeds to trial.
Throughout this process, the defendant must attend every hearing and comply with all bond conditions. The bail bond remains in effect until the case reaches a final disposition — dismissal, acquittal, or sentencing. At that point, the bond is exonerated by the court.
Navigating the Denton County court system can be complex. If you have questions about an upcoming case or need a bail bond posted, Act Rapid Bail Bonds is here to help. Call us at (940) 442-5353 — our licensed agents are available around the clock.