Can I Get a Bail Bond for a Felony Charge in Texas?

 Posted on February 05, 2026 in Bail Bonds

The first thing anyone arrested and charged with a crime wants to understand is how they can get out of jail as quickly as possible. Posting bail in Dallas depends on the crime you’re charged with.

For misdemeanors and low-level offenses, a judge will often set lower bail, or even release you on a personal bond. Since felony charges are more serious, bail is typically set at higher amounts, and other restrictions will likely be placed on you before you can be released.

Fortunately, no matter the offense, you can usually get a bail bond that will allow you to get out of jail and get back to normal life while you wait for your court date. If you or someone you love is arrested in 2026, call our Dallas bail bondsmen now.

What Types of Felony Charges Can You Get Bail For in Texas?

The Texas Penal Code defines a wide variety of criminal offenses that are considered felonies. These are serious crimes; conviction for a felony in Texas can result in a prison sentence of at least one year. Felonies are grouped into different degrees, and higher-degree felonies carry more serious consequences.

Some examples of the different degrees of felonies include:

State Jail Felonies

Offenses include DWI with a child passenger in the vehicle, theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000, or check forgery. Bail for state jail felonies is usually around $500 to $1,500.

Third Degree Felonies

Offenses include stalking, indecent exposure to a child, a third DWI offense, deadly conduct with a firearm, or intoxication assault. Bail for third-degree felonies is usually around $1,500 to $5,000.

Second Degree Felonies

Offenses include intoxication manslaughter, aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery, or possession of 50 to 2,000 pounds of marijuana. Bail for second-degree felonies can range from $2,500 to $50,000.

First Degree Felonies

Offenses include sexual assault against a child, aggravated robbery, attempted murder, or arson of a residential building that resulted in someone's death. Bail for first-degree felonies can range from $5,000 to $100,000.

Capital Felonies

These offenses usually involve premeditated murder. Bail in these cases may be as high as $500,000 or more, or you may be denied bail altogether.

How Does the Bail Bond Process Work for Felony Charges?

Under Article 17.03 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a magistrate must set the amount of bail based on several factors. These include:

The seriousness of the offense

• Your criminal history
• Your ties to the community
• Whether you are on probation or parole
• Whether the judge considers you a danger to the public
• The likelihood you will appear for court proceedings.

The bail amount is meant to make sure you show up for your court dates, not to punish you before you have been convicted. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, judges consider flight risk as one of the most important factors when setting bail amounts.

Once bail is set, most people can’t afford to pay the full amount in cash. This is where a bail bond comes in. When you work with a bail bondsman, you typically pay a premium of about 10 percent of the total bail amount. The bail bondsman then posts the full bail amount with the court, guaranteeing that you will appear for all required court dates. This premium is a fee for the service and is not refunded, even if the charges are later dismissed or you are found not guilty.

For example, if your bail is set at $10,000, you would pay the bondsman $1,000 to secure your release. The bondsman takes on the risk that you might not show up to court. If you fail to appear, the bondsman could lose the full $10,000 they posted on your behalf.

Can a Judge Set Release Conditions Besides Bail? 

A judge may also set conditions on bail. Common conditions include:

• Requiring you to submit to electronic monitoring
• Restricting you from traveling outside of a geographical area
• Ordering you to avoid contact with alleged victims or witnesses
• Requiring you to check in regularly with a pretrial services officer

Violating any of these conditions can result in bail being revoked and the person being returned to jail.

What Happens After You Post Bail for a Felony Charge?

Once bail is posted and you are released from jail, you must follow all conditions set by the court. You will receive a court date for your next hearing, and you absolutely must appear on time. Missing a court date can result in a warrant for your arrest, forfeiture of your bail bond, and additional criminal charges for bail jumping.

While you are out on bail, you should work with a criminal defense attorney to prepare your defense. Being out of jail allows you to meet with your attorney, gather evidence, and take care of personal and work responsibilities. Many people find that being able to work and support themselves and their families during this time makes it much easier to make the best out of a tough situation.

Contact a Dallas Bail Bondsman Today

Even though Texas felony charges are serious, you will usually be eligible for release on bail. At Doc's Bail Bonds, we will work to make it as affordable as possible for you to post bail and get out of jail.

Whether you need to post bail for yourself or a friend or family member, we are here to make sure you take the right steps to get the bail bond you need. Available 24/7. Call our Collin County bail bond agent today at 214-747-4110 to get the help you need right away.