When an arrest happens, it can feel like the world stops spinning. Suddenly, there's a rush of questions, fear, and urgency. We know firsthand how stressful this experience can be, and we're here to offer some peace of mind.

At the Texas Defenders, we've helped countless individuals understand their rights and secure release after an arrest. The legal system may seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance and resources, getting back home is possible.

Understanding the difference between bail and bond, knowing your options, and acting quickly are the keys to regaining freedom and preparing a strong criminal defense. Whether you're trying to help a loved one or you're facing charges yourself, we want to explain every step clearly and give you the confidence to move forward.

Attorneys Robert Abtahi and David Payma lead our firm with experience and compassion, and this guide is built from everything we've learned while helping people across Texas.

Making Sense of Bail and Bond

Before we explore the steps to take after an arrest, it's important to break down what bail and bond mean. These terms are often used together, but they have distinct differences.

• Bail: The amount of money set by the court that must be paid to secure a person's release from jail before trial.

• Bond: A method of paying the bail, either through cash, property, or a bail bond agent who charges a fee to cover the amount.

The court sets bail based on the charges, the person's criminal history, and the risk of flight. In some cases, the court may deny bail entirely if it believes that the defendant poses a threat to the community. But in most cases, bail is set to guarantee a return to court.

What To Do Right After an Arrest

When an arrest occurs, timing and action are everything. Getting legal help early can change the direction of your case completely.

You should take these steps immediately after an arrest:

• Remain calm and cooperative with the arresting officers.

• Exercise the right to remain silent until a lawyer is present.

• Contact a trusted criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

• Write down everything you remember about the arrest and the events leading up to it.

• Inform a family member or friend who can help coordinate with an attorney and secure bail or bond.

This is when having a criminal defense firm in your corner becomes vital. We act quickly to gather information, assess options, and protect your rights from the start.

How Bail Is Set

Bail amounts aren't random. They're based on specific guidelines and judicial discretion. The charges you're facing will weigh heavily on the bail amount, but that's not all.

Factors that influence bail decisions are:

• Type and severity of the offense

• Prior criminal record

• Ties to the local community (family, job, residence)

• Likelihood of appearing in court

• Threat level to others or public safety

In Texas, judges may follow a bail schedule, but they can also adjust the amount based on these circumstances. If we believe the bail is too high or unfair, we can request a bail reduction hearing to argue for a more reasonable amount.

Bond Options Available in Texas

Once bail is set, there are a few different ways to post it. Not everyone can pay the full amount upfront, which is where bond options come in.

Types of bond options in Texas are:

• Cash bond: Pay the full bail amount in cash. This is refunded (minus fees) if the defendant appears in court.

• Surety bond: Pay a bail bondsman a non-refundable fee (usually 10-15%) to cover the bail.

• Personal bond (PR bond): No money paid upfront. The defendant promises to appear in court. Often granted in less serious cases.

• Property bond: Use property as collateral. If the person fails to show up to court, the property may be forfeited.

We'll help determine which bond option fits your situation best, especially if cost is a concern. Our criminal defense firm works closely with reputable bail bond agents to secure fast release.

Getting a Bond Hearing

Sometimes, especially in serious cases, you won't be offered a set bail amount right away. In these cases, we request a bond hearing.

What happens at a bond hearing is:

• The judge reviews the charges and circumstances.

• We present evidence of your ties to the community, employment, and other stabilizing factors.

• Prosecutors may argue against bond or for a higher amount.

• The judge decides whether to grant bond and sets the amount.

Our role in a bond hearing is to highlight every reason the court should allow release. We've successfully argued for low or no bail in many cases, and we build a strategy that works in your favor.

What To Avoid When Dealing With Bail or Bond

There are common mistakes that can delay release or even cause more legal trouble. We work hard to help our clients avoid them.

Mistakes to avoid after an arrest include:

• Speaking to police without a lawyer present

• Missing court dates

• Posting bond without fully understanding the conditions

• Using unlicensed bail bond agents

• Sharing arrest details on social media

If you're unsure about any step, it's always best to speak with us before making a decision. One wrong move could affect your criminal defense and your ability to stay out of custody.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Helps

Securing release is just the first part of your legal journey. A strong criminal defense starts the moment we get involved.

We help from the beginning with the following actions:

• Evaluate bond options and negotiate bail amounts

• Represent you at bond hearings

• Prevent violations of bond conditions

• Build a strategy to fight charges

• Provide continuous updates and clear explanations

Attorneys like Robert Abtahi and David Payma lead with experience, strategy, and compassion. We don't just work the legal system-we work with you and your family to protect what matters most.

What Happens After Release

Once someone is released, there are conditions that must be followed to remain out of custody. Failing to follow these conditions can result in re-arrest.

Common release conditions to follow include:

• Appear at all scheduled court dates

• Stay in contact with your attorney

• Avoid new legal trouble or arrests

• Follow specific restrictions (such as no contact with alleged victims or no travel)

• Meet check-in requirements if set by the court or bail bondsman

We're with you every step of the way. Our job doesn't end with your release; it begins there. We guide you through court appearances, prepare you for trial (if necessary), and work toward the best resolution.

Transitioning Into Your Defense Strategy

After release, our focus shifts fully to the criminal defense strategy. This is where we dig deep into the case and begin building a plan that protects your freedom and reputation.

We start by reviewing all evidence, talking to witnesses, examining law enforcement conduct, and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Whether we push for dismissal, negotiate a deal, or prepare for trial, we're always working in your best interest.

If you or a loved one needs help in the DFW area - including Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Arlington, Grapevine, Plano, Garland, Frisco, Denton, McKinney, Greenville, Waxahachie, Mansfield, Burleson, Granbury, and Weatherford - we're here to help.

We also serve the San Antonio area - including Helotes, Leon Valley, Converse, Schertz, La Vernia, Lytle, and Castroville - and the Austin area - including Del Valle, Manor, Pflugerville, Lago Vista, Lakeway, and Bee Cave.

Contact The Texas Defenders Today

No one plans for an arrest, but when it happens, you don't have to face it alone. Securing bail or bond is the first step toward protecting your future. Our firm, the Texas Defenders, is ready to get to work on your behalf, starting with getting you home. Contact us today to get started.

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