Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers | August 11, 2026 | Criminal Defense
If you are arrested in Fort Worth, Texas, you may remain in jail while your criminal case is pending. There is no single deadline that requires every defendant to be released or brought to trial within a set number of days. The length of your detention can depend on the charge, your bond, and how the case progresses.
Texas law does, however, place limits on pretrial detention in certain situations. These rules can affect whether you are entitled to a personal bond or a reduction in your bond while you wait for your case to move forward.
How Long Can You Be Held in Jail Before Trial in Texas?
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 17.151 provides important protections for defendants who remain jailed when the State is not ready for trial.
Subject to statutory exceptions, a defendant generally must be released on a personal bond or have the bond reduced to an amount they can afford if the State is not ready within:
- 90 days for a felony
- 30 days for a Class A misdemeanor
- 15 days for a Class B misdemeanor
- 5 days for a Class C misdemeanor
These deadlines do not automatically result in dismissal of the charges. Instead, Article 17.151 addresses the defendant’s continued detention and eligibility for release or reduced bond.
How Does Bond Affect How Long You Stay in Jail?
Bond allows you to leave jail while your criminal case is pending. If the court sets bond and you post the required amount, you can generally remain out of custody as long as you follow the conditions of your release.
A judge may consider the charge, your criminal history, ability to make bail, community ties, and public safety when setting bond. In certain cases, Texas law allows a defendant to be held without bond.
What Happens If You Cannot Afford Your Bond?
If you cannot afford your bond, you may remain in jail while your case is pending. However, an attorney may ask the court to lower the amount based on your financial circumstances and other factors.
In some cases, you may also qualify for release on a personal bond. This allows you to leave jail without paying the bond amount upfront, subject to any conditions imposed by the court.
How Long Can a Criminal Case Take to Go to Trial?
Texas does not have one standard timeline for taking a criminal case from arrest to trial. Some cases are resolved within months, while complicated cases may take much longer.
Factors that can affect how quickly a case proceeds include:
- The seriousness of the charges
- The amount and complexity of the evidence
- Pretrial motions and hearings
- Witness availability
- Requests for continuances
- Competency proceedings
- Court scheduling
A case also may never reach trial. Charges can be dismissed, or the defendant and prosecution may reach a plea agreement before the scheduled trial date.
What Can You Do If You Have Been Held in Jail While Your Case Is Pending?
Remaining in jail while charges are pending can affect your work, finances, and family. Depending on why you are still being held and how long the case has been pending, there may be ways to seek release or address delays.
A criminal defense attorney may be able to:
- Request a bond reduction
- Determine whether Article 17.151 applies
- Seek a personal bond when permitted
- Raise a speedy-trial claim when supported by the circumstances
- Address delays in the criminal proceedings
What can be done will depend on your charges, custody status, and the procedural history of the case.
Contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers to Speak With a Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney
Being held in jail while your case is pending can affect your job, finances, and family. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to seek a lower bond, request release, or raise concerns about delays in your case.
For more information, please contact the criminal defense law firm of Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for a consultation. Give us a call at (682) 777-3336 or visit our convenient location:
We serve the surrounding areas of Tarrant County and Fort Worth, TX.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers
604 E 4th St Ste 101
Fort Worth, TX 76102
