Texas Bail for Repeat Offenders: Is It Even Possible?

 Posted on August 06, 2025 in Bail Bonds

Getting arrested once is stressful enough, but facing a second or third arrest (or multiple charges) can bring a new set of challenges. This includes securing bail. If you are a repeat offender or are facing multiple charges, you may wonder whether you have a chance of being released on bail before your trial. The answer to that question depends on the circumstances.  

Further, Senate Bill 9, the recent Texas bail reform bill, could significantly affect repeat offenders seeking bail. This bill restricts personal bonds for certain violent or repeat offenders. The bill requires elected judges, rather than magistrates, to make bail decisions in severe cases.  

The bill grants prosecutors the authority to appeal certain bail decisions while prohibiting the use of public funds to secure bail for individuals accused of a crime. The legislation also includes measures that limit eligibility for cashless bonds. Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 9 on June 16, 2025, and it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

When you work with a knowledgeable McKinney, TX bail bondsman from Doc's Bail Bonds, you will have the best chance of getting the information you need, while getting all your questions answered in a thorough, yet understandable manner. We are one of the largest and oldest bail bond companies in North Texas, and we are ready to help you through this difficult situation.

Will a Repeat Offender Be Granted Bail?

Typically, even a repeat offender in Texas can be granted bail, but it is more challenging than for a first-time offender. Repeat offenders, like first-time offenders, are entitled to the presumption of innocence. Bail is not intended to be a punishment; rather, its purpose is to ensure the individual's appearance at court dates.

The court will certainly scrutinize a repeat offender’s criminal history, particularly the severity and nature of past offenses, prior convictions, compliance with previous bail terms, and any history of failure to appear. Bail could be denied if the individual is considered a danger to the community or a flight risk.

If bail is granted to a repeat offender, it will likely come with much stricter conditions. Electronic monitoring and more frequent check-ins are some of these potential conditions. The bail amount is also likely to be significantly higher than for a first-time offender. Once Senate Bill 9 takes effect statewide, the difficulty of securing bail for repeat offenders is likely to increase dramatically.

Who Is Considered a Repeat Offender?

A repeat offender is typically defined as an individual who has a prior conviction for a felony and is subsequently convicted of another felony offense. In terms of granting bail, the judge may consider anyone with a previous felony conviction a repeat offender, even though the individual has not yet been found guilty of the current charges. A "habitual offender" designation typically refers to an individual who has been convicted of two or more felonies and is now facing another felony charge.

 It makes a difference whether the current charge is a misdemeanor or a felony offense, as well as whether the prior conviction was for a felony or a misdemeanor. It also makes a difference whether the crimes are considered violent crimes and whether weapons are involved. Certain crimes in Texas may trigger bail denial, including capital murder, sexual assault, the use of a deadly weapon, or when a defendant is considered a danger to public safety. If the new offense occurred while the individual was out on bond, he or she is unlikely to be granted bail.

Contact a Denton County, TX Bail Bondsman

If you or a loved one has been arrested again in Texas, do not assume that bail is off the table. While you will undoubtedly face more scrutiny, release on bail is still possible. Choosing a Dallas, TX bail bondsman from Doc's Bail Bonds is your best course of action in such a situation. Doc understands what it takes to build a strong team with a stellar reputation thanks to his experience managing a professional baseball team. Call 214-747-4110 to speak to a highly skilled Texas bail bondsman.