What Happens After You’re Charged With a Crime in Texas: From Arrest to Trial

Facing Criminal Charges in Texas

Being charged with a crime can be one of the most overwhelming experiences of your life. You may be unsure what happens next, how serious your charges are, or what you should say—or not say—to law enforcement.

At The Law Office of Silverio Martinez, we believe that knowledge is the first line of defense. Understanding what to expect after an arrest in Texas can help you make informed decisions and protect your rights from the very beginning.

1. The Arrest and Booking Process

When a person is arrested in Texas, the first official stage of the criminal justice process begins. The arrest may happen with or without a warrant, depending on the circumstances.

After the arrest:

You will be taken to a local jail or detention center.

Law enforcement will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photos (“booking”).

Your property will be inventoried and held until release.

You will be informed of the charges against you and your right to remain silent and to an attorney.

⚠️ Important: Anything you say after an arrest can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.

2. Bail and Release Options

Once you’re booked, you may be eligible for bail—a financial guarantee that you will return for your court hearings.

Texas law allows several release options:

Cash bond – full payment of the bail amount.

Surety bond – payment through a bail bondsman (usually 10%).

Personal recognizance bond – release based on your promise to appear, often for low-risk or first-time offenders.

If bail is denied or set too high, your attorney can request a bond reduction hearing to argue for a fair amount based on your background and the nature of the charge.

Learn more about your legal rights after an arrest in our article What to Do If You’re Arrested.

3. The Arraignment and Plea

The arraignment is your first formal court appearance. Here, the judge will:

Read the charges against you.

Explain your rights.

Ask you to enter a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

Your attorney may advise entering a not guilty plea at this stage to preserve your right to review the evidence and negotiate with the prosecution later.

For details on how a Laredo criminal defense attorney can protect your rights during court proceedings, visit our Criminal Defense page.

4. Pre-Trial Hearings and Discovery

This stage is where much of the work happens behind the scenes. Your defense lawyer will:

Review the prosecution’s evidence during the discovery process.

File motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence (for example, from an illegal search or seizure).

Negotiate with prosecutors to potentially dismiss or reduce charges.

Prepare for trial if a fair resolution cannot be reached.

Many cases end at this stage with a dismissal, plea bargain, or reduction in charges—especially when handled by an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney.

5. The Trial Process

If your case goes to trial, a judge or jury will determine whether the State has proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Typical stages include:

Jury selection (voir dire)

Opening statements

Presentation of evidence and witnesses

Cross-examination by your attorney

Closing arguments

Verdict and sentencing

Having a trial-ready defense attorney is crucial. Even the possibility of going to trial can lead to more favorable plea offers.

Learn why hiring a local criminal defense lawyer in Laredo can make all the difference in your trial outcome.

6. Sentencing and Appeals

If convicted, sentencing will occur shortly after the verdict. Penalties in Texas can include:

Jail or prison time

Probation or community supervision

Fines, restitution, and mandatory classes

However, a conviction isn’t always the end. Your attorney may be able to file an appeal if there were errors during trial or violations of your rights.

Why Early Legal Representation Matters

From the moment of arrest, the State begins building its case against you. The earlier you hire an attorney, the stronger your defense becomes.

An experienced Laredo criminal defense lawyer can:

Protect you from self-incrimination

Challenge unconstitutional searches or confessions

Negotiate for reduced charges or dismissal

Represent you aggressively in court if necessary

Speak With an Experienced Laredo Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Texas, time is critical. Get experienced, local legal help from The Law Office of Silverio Martinez.
Our team defends clients across Texas in state and federal cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

📞 Call us today at 956-724-5047 or visit our Contact Page to schedule your free consultation.