Felony vs. Misdemeanor Bail in Texas

Texas criminal classifications follow a clear ladder. Misdemeanors are divided into Class A (most serious, up to one year jail), Class B (up to 180 days), and Class C (fine only). Felonies are divided into state jail felony (lowest), third-degree, second-degree, first-degree, and capital felony (highest). Bail amounts and procedures scale with classification.

Most Class B and Class A misdemeanor bonds in Ellis County follow a preset bond schedule established by the courts. The bond schedule means the bail amount is established in advance based on the charge classification, allowing bond filing without waiting for individualized magistration in many cases. This speeds up release significantly for routine misdemeanor arrests.

Felony bonds always require individualized magistration. The magistrate reviews the specific charges, criminal history, alleged conduct, and circumstances before setting bail. Felony bonds typically range from $1,500 (state jail felony) up to several hundred thousand dollars (first-degree felony) or denied entirely (capital felony when proof is evident). Conditions of release on felony bonds are more extensive — GPS monitoring, no-contact orders, surrender of passports, drug testing.

Class C misdemeanors are typically fine-only and processed through municipal court without requiring a surety bond. Most Class C cases — public intoxication, traffic violations, minor city ordinance issues — are resolved through citation, payment of fines, or attendance at a defensive driving course. They generally do not result in jail time and rarely require Act Swift's services unless companion charges are also filed.