Conroe Criminal Defense Attorney - What happens after being arrested in Conroe, Texas

Conroe Criminal Defense Attorney - What happens after being arrested in Conroe, Texas

What Happens After You Get Arrested in Conroe, Texas? A Guide for the Arrested in Montgomery County and The Woodlands

Being arrested can be a confusing and stressful experience, but understanding the process can help make it a little easier to navigate. If you or someone you love has been arrested in Montgomery County—specifically in Conroe or The Woodlands—here’s what you can expect to happen next.

1. The Arrest Process

In Texas, police officers are required to have "probable cause" to make an arrest. This means that based on the circumstances, they must believe a crime has either just occurred or is about to occur. Texas law allows for arrests without a warrant in certain situations, which includes cases where the officer observes the offense (like a DWI), or if the officer believes there’s a risk of future violence (such as in family violence assault cases).

For example, if you're pulled over for something like a speeding violation, and the officer suspects you’re intoxicated, they can arrest you on the spot without a warrant. Similarly, if there's a risk of ongoing violence in a domestic situation, officers can arrest without seeing the assault firsthand.

In theft cases, like shoplifting, officers can arrest you even if they didn’t witness the crime directly—so long as they have evidence linking you to the offense.

2. Booking and Fingerprints

Once you're arrested, you'll be taken to the Montgomery County Jail. Here, you'll go through the "booking" process. This includes taking your mugshot, fingerprints, and running your details through the state and federal criminal databases to ensure your identity and check for any criminal history.

You’ll also be given a TRN (Temporary Registration Number) that’s tied to your case. This helps identify you throughout the judicial process.

3. The First Court Appearance: PC Court

In Montgomery County, after you're booked, you’ll typically appear in what's known as PC (Probable Cause) Court or an Article 15.17 hearing. This usually happens the morning after your arrest. During this hearing, the judge will inform you of your rights—such as your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. The judge will also set a bond, which determines the amount of money you need to pay in order to be released from jail while your case is pending.

If you're arrested in the early morning, you might have to wait until the next morning for your hearing, as the docket can get crowded. If you're facing serious charges like capital murder or aggravated felony charges, the judge might deny bond, but this is rare.

4. Bonding Out of Jail

If you have the ability to pay your bond, or if a family member can pay it on your behalf, you can be released from jail. You can either pay a cash bond, which is the full amount in cash or a money order, or you can use a bail bondsman. If you don’t have the full amount of cash on hand, a bail bondsman can be a helpful option. They will charge a fee to post your bond, but they make the process of getting out of jail more accessible.

Once your bond is posted and you're released, you'll be given documents that include your bond conditions and your next court date. For offenses like DWI, you'll receive a notice regarding your driver’s license, and for serious charges like assault family violence or felony offenses, you may be subject to bond conditions—basically terms of your release that you must follow while the case is pending.

5. The Arraignment

Once you’re out on bond, your next step is to attend your arraignment. This is your first official court appearance, where you'll be formally charged and asked to enter a plea. It’s critical to have a criminal defense attorney before this date so that you have professional representation to guide you through the next steps of your case.

Being arrested is never easy, but knowing the process ahead of time can help reduce some of the stress. If you or someone you know has been arrested in Conroe, Montgomery County, or The Woodlands, it's important to reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney will help you understand your rights, navigate the court system, and work towards the best possible outcome for your case.

If you need legal assistance, don't hesitate to contact me, Brian Foley, a criminal defense attorney with experience both as a prosecutor and a defense lawyer in Montgomery County.