Line to Get In Frank Crowley Criminal Court Dallas

Do I Have to Go to Court for My Misdemeanor Case in Dallas County?

One of the most common questions we get at Texas Defenders is: “Do I have to go to court for my misdemeanor case?” If your case is in Dallas County, the good news is that in most situations, you do not have to appear in court for your misdemeanor charges once you've hired us.

Here's how it works.

What Happens After You Hire Us

Once you retain our firm to represent you in your Dallas County misdemeanor case, the very first step we take is to file a Letter of Representation with the court. This is an official legal document that notifies the judge, the court staff, and the prosecutor that you now have an attorney handling your case.

Filing this letter is important for two main reasons:

1. It protects your rights and keeps you from missing critical deadlines.

2. It allows us—your legal team—to appear in court on your behalf for most misdemeanor settings, so you don't have to take off work, travel to the courthouse, or sit in a crowded courtroom for hours.

What the Law Says in Dallas County

In Dallas County, misdemeanor court procedures allow attorneys to appear for their clients without the client needing to be present—as long as a Letter of Representation is on file and the case is not set for trial, plea, or a specific court order requiring personal appearance.

This is especially helpful for people facing charges like:

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

• Possession of Marijuana

• Theft or Shoplifting

• Assault (Class A or B misdemeanor)

• Criminal Mischief

• Traffic-related offenses

For these types of charges, we handle the court appearances—including initial arraignments, announcements, and status settings. You can go on with your daily life while we fight to resolve your case efficiently and effectively.

Are There Times You Might Need to Go to Court?

Yes, there are limited situations where your appearance may be required:

• If the judge specifically orders your attendance

• If your case is set for trial

• If we are entering a plea deal that requires your signature and personal presence

• If there are bond condition violations or other urgent issues

When that happens, we will make sure you know well in advance. Our firm uses an automated notification system that will send you both a text and email reminder two weeks before your court date, and again the day before your scheduled appearance. This ensures you'll never be caught off guard or miss an important date.

And of course, if you ever have any questions or are unsure whether you need to appear, we're only a phone call away.

Why This Matters

Missing a court date without permission or coverage by your lawyer can lead to a warrant for your arrest. That's why it's so important to have experienced criminal defense attorneys like Texas Defenders handling your case.

We make sure all documents are filed correctly, court dates are tracked, and appearances are handled. You can trust us to be your voice in the courtroom, even if you never step foot in it.

What You Should Do Next

• If you haven't hired a lawyer yet, don't wait. Let us take this burden off your shoulders.

• If you're already our client and you're unsure whether you need to attend a court date, just call or text us at 214-306-9696. We'll tell you exactly what's required and make sure you're covered.

At Texas Defenders, we know how stressful it can be to face a criminal charge. Our job is to protect your rights, keep you informed, and fight for the best possible outcome—all while minimizing the impact on your daily life.

So in short: No, you usually don't need to go to court for your Dallas County misdemeanor case—because we go for you. And if you ever do need to appear, we'll make sure you're fully informed and prepared.