If a person is arrested on a City of Arlington Class C Misdemeanor warrant, he or she has the option to either post a bond or pay the fine. The following information applies if you are arrested on an Arlington warrant.
Posting a Bond
The Judge will accept the following types of bonds in order to release a person from jail.
Cash Bond
A cash bond is usually for the amount equal to the fine plus $65 in additional fees. This money must be paid in the form of cash, cashiers check, or money order. You will receive a receipt for your payment and a copy of the bond, which will indicate a court date.
You will be requested to enter into a plea of "Nolo Contendere" or "No Contest." By entering into this plea, you are giving the Judge permission to take the bond money and apply it to the fine in event you do not appear on your court date. After your hearing, the judge will allow you credit for time spent in jail and order the Clerks' office to process any refund amount due. NOTE: You are not required to enter into the above plea. You have right to appear in court and request any available option you wish for disposing of the charge.
Surety Bond
A local bondsman or an attorney usually provides this bond. Upon payment of sum set by the surety, they could give a bond for your release. In this situation, you will receive a copy of the bond and a court date.
Personal Bond
The Judge may authorize the release of an individual from jail on a "Personal Recognizance Bond" based on the nature and circumstances of the offense charged, employment, financial resources, character, mental condition record of convictions, etc. A release on recognizance is a condition under which an individual is released in lieu of bail, i.e., upon his promise to appear and respond to a criminal charge against him or her. Upon release on a personal bond, you will receive a copy of the bond and a court date.
In all cases where a bond is posted, please keep your copy of all documents. You must appear on the assigned date or you may make an appointment for walk-in court. You must pay fines and fees that are assessed on or before the due date in accordance with the Judge's order. If you do not appear in court, a charge of "Failure to Appear in Court" may be filed and another warrant of arrest may be issued. In this situation, you will be liable to pay additional fine.
You have a responsibility to make sure that your address is kept current with the court. If you are unable to come to court on the date given, you must make a written request or come in person to request a new court date. Please bring paperwork related to your case when you visit the court for a new date.
Arrests Made by Arlington Police for Class C Misdemeanor Warrants from Other Cities
If you are arrested in Arlington for a warrant issued by another city, you may post bonds as described in the section on "ARRESTS." The bonds are processed in the same way. The City of Arlington will forward monies collected at time of arrest or when posting a bond to the appropriate city. This process takes about 30 days.
You are required to contact the Municipal Court in the city where the citation was issued by the date given on the bond. Please do not visit the Arlington Municipal Court for citations issued in other cities. Note: When inquiring about a bond that you posted in Arlington for a citation issued in another city, keep your paperwork with you as the Arlington Municipal Court will need appropriate information in order to assist you. The City of Arlington will not refund bond money to you. All monies will be refunded by the city where the citation was issued.
Arrests for Cases to be Filed in Tarrant County
If you are arrested in Arlington for an offense other than a Class C Misdemeanor, the judge may allow you to post a bond as described in the section on "Arrests." The Tarrant County District Attorney's Office will make the decision if the case will be filed against you. Once this decision is made, the City of Arlington will forward the bond monies taken at time of arrest to appropriate authority within 10 days thereafter. The bond money will be refunded to you if the District Attorney's Office decides not to pursue a case against you. The refund will be issued at least 10 days after the notification by the District Attorney's Office. Tarrant County Clerk is responsible for processing bond money for cases tried in Tarrant County Court. Always keep the paperwork given to you when you bond out of jail.