Understanding the Criminal Case Process in Bexar County

(Bexar County Criminal Defense Insights)

If you've been charged with a crime in Bexar County, you're likely wondering what happens next — and why your case is taking so long to move through the courts. Understanding the criminal case process is the first step toward protecting your rights and making informed decisions.

Here's a general overview of how a typical criminal case moves through the Bexar County system. You can also view our full Step-by-Step Guide to a Texas Criminal Case for more detailed information.

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Step-by-Step Overview of a Bexar County Criminal Case

Step 1: Investigation and Arrest

Police investigate crimes and arrest suspects when they believe probable cause exists.

Step 2: Magistrate Hearing

Within 48 hours of arrest, you must appear before a magistrate judge who will set bail and explain your charges.

Step 3: Filing of Charges

The Bexar County District Attorney's Office will review the police reports and decide whether to pursue formal charges. Felony cases must be presented to a grand jury.

Step 4: Arraignment

At arraignment, you are formally informed of your charges and asked to enter a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

Step 5: Pretrial Motions and Hearings

Both sides can file motions, such as motions to suppress evidence. Discovery, where evidence is exchanged, happens here too.

Step 6: Plea Negotiations

Your defense attorney and prosecutors often negotiate plea deals to avoid trial.

Step 7: Trial

If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to trial before a jury or judge.

Step 8: Sentencing

If you're convicted, the judge will issue a sentence based on the charges and circumstances.

Step 9: Appeals

If mistakes were made during your case, you might be eligible to appeal.

For a full breakdown of each step, check out our Step-by-Step Guide to a Texas Criminal Case.

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Why Does a Criminal Case Take So Long in Bexar County?

Even without additional problems, criminal cases can take months (or longer) to resolve. But in Bexar County, the system is facing extraordinary challenges that slow things down even further.

Here's what's happening:

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System-Wide Problems in Bexar County: Technology, Staffing, and Court Backlogs

1. Technology Failures: Odyssey Software Rollout

In 2024, Bexar County launched a new court management software called Odyssey — and almost immediately, chaos followed:

• The Sheriff's Office reported over 5,100 inmates were incorrectly listed in custody, forcing staff to manually verify records (KSAT News).

• The public portal leaked expunged criminal records and incorrectly showed innocent people as guilty (News 4 San Antonio).

Instead of speeding up cases, the system created new bottlenecks and confusion for Bexar County criminal defense lawyers and defendants.

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2. Staffing Shortages at the DA's Office and Courts

Another major source of delay: there just aren't enough people to handle the caseload.

• The Bexar County District Attorney's Office lost 70% of departing prosecutors to better-paying jobs elsewhere. As of early 2025, 29 prosecutor positions were unfilled (San Antonio Express-News).

• The courts are facing a shortage of certified court reporters, slowing down trials and hearings (San Antonio Express-News).

Without enough attorneys and reporters, criminal cases grind to a halt.

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3. Backlog of Cases and Overcrowded Jails

Even before these staffing and technology issues, Bexar County had a serious case backlog:

• As of late 2023, over 6,300 felony cases were waiting to be resolved.

• Although the county claims the number has dropped, officials simply changed how they count cases to make the numbers look better (San Antonio Express-News).

Meanwhile, the jail is bursting at the seams:

• Over 2,900 inmates await indictment.

• The county is paying $300,000 per month to send inmates to other counties (San Antonio Express-News).

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How a Bexar County Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

Navigating the Bexar County criminal courts is more complicated — and more frustrating — than ever before. That's why having an experienced San Antonio criminal defense lawyer matters.

At Texas Defenders, we help our clients by:

• Monitoring your case closely to avoid unnecessary delays

• Filing speedy trial demands if your rights are violated

• Pushing for bond reductions or dismissals when courts are too slow

• Negotiating aggressively for favorable plea deals

• Fighting for full dismissal if your rights are compromised by delays

You can read more about each step of the criminal defense process in our full Step-by-Step Guide to a Texas Criminal Case.

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Conclusion

The justice system in Bexar County is facing unprecedented challenges — from broken software to overwhelmed prosecutors. But your right to a fair and timely resolution still matters.

If you or a loved one is charged with a crime in Bexar County, don't wait. Get an experienced team on your side to fight for your future.

Call Texas Defenders at 210-942-4441 today for a free consultation.