April 9, 2025
Being charged with a crime in Richmond—or anywhere in Fort Bend County—can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time facing the legal system. The uncertainty about what happens next often adds to the stress. At The Napier Law Firm, we believe knowledge is power. This guide breaks down what you can expect from the criminal court process in Richmond, Texas, step-by-step—so you can face your case with more clarity and confidence.
Step 1: Arrest and Booking in Fort Bend County
A criminal case in Richmond typically begins with an arrest. Fort Bend County law enforcement agencies (like the Richmond Police Department, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, or nearby constables) may arrest you if they believe there is probable cause that you committed a crime. Once arrested, you’ll likely be taken to the Fort Bend County Jail in Richmond for booking. There, your information will be recorded, and you’ll be fingerprinted, photographed, and informed of the charges.
You have the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. Within 48 hours of arrest, you must be brought before a magistrate judge for what’s called a “magistration” or probable cause hearing. The judge will review your case, formally notify you of the charges, advise you of your rights, and address the issue of bail.
Step 2: Bail and Bond in Richmond
At the initial hearing, the judge will typically set a bail amount. This depends on several factors, including the seriousness of the offense, your criminal history, and your ties to the community. In Fort Bend County, you may be released under one of the following:
- Cash Bond – You (or someone on your behalf) pay the full amount to the court, refundable if you attend all hearings.
- Surety Bond – You hire a licensed bail bondsman, usually for a non-refundable fee of around 10%.
- Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond – You’re released without payment, based on your promise to appear. These are typically granted for non-violent offenses or first-time charges.
If your bail is too high, your defense attorney can file a motion to reduce it. Being released allows you to assist with your defense and continue your day-to-day life while your case progresses.
Step 3: Arraignment in Fort Bend County Courts
The next major step is arraignment, which happens in a Fort Bend County court. Misdemeanor cases are usually handled by the Fort Bend County Courts at Law, while felonies go to the 240th, 268th, 400th, or 434th District Courts, all located at the Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond.
At arraignment, the judge will formally read the charges and ask how you plead—“guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.” In most cases, defendants initially plead “not guilty” to preserve all legal options. The court will confirm your legal representation and schedule upcoming hearings. Bail conditions may also be revisited.
Step 4: Pre-Trial Proceedings and Plea Negotiations
After arraignment, your case moves into the pre-trial phase. This is when your defense attorney begins a deep investigation of the facts, challenges the evidence, and starts discussions with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office about potential resolutions.
This phase may include:
- Motions to Suppress Evidence (if obtained unlawfully),
- Motions to Dismiss (if there’s insufficient evidence), or
- Discovery Requests (to obtain the State’s evidence against you).
Many criminal cases in Fort Bend County are resolved without trial through plea bargaining. Your attorney may negotiate a reduced charge, deferred adjudication, or probation agreement depending on the strength of the case and your record.
If your charge is a felony, it must go through a grand jury first. If the grand jury issues a “no-bill,” your case may be dropped. If it returns a “true bill,” your case proceeds toward trial.
Step 5: Trial in Richmond
If a plea agreement isn’t reached, your case will go to trial. Trials in Fort Bend County follow a structured process:
- Jury Selection – The prosecution and defense select a jury (6 jurors for misdemeanors, 12 for felonies).
- Opening Statements – Each side outlines what they intend to prove.
- Presentation of Evidence – The State presents its case first; the defense may present evidence afterward.
- Closing Arguments – Both sides summarize their case before the jury deliberates.
You can choose a bench trial (where the judge decides the case) instead of a jury, but that decision must be agreed upon by both parties.
The jury’s verdict must be unanimous. If you’re found “not guilty,” the case ends there. If “guilty,” the process moves to sentencing.
Step 6: Sentencing in Fort Bend County
After a guilty verdict—or a guilty plea—the judge (or jury, if you chose jury sentencing) decides your punishment based on Texas law. Sentences may include:
- Jail or prison time,
- Probation or community supervision,
- Fines and court costs,
- Mandatory programs or treatment.
Your attorney can present mitigating factors, such as a clean record, employment, or family support, to seek a lighter sentence. Fort Bend County also offers alternatives like pretrial diversion programs, especially for first-time offenders.
Step 7: Appeals and Post-Conviction Options
If you’re convicted, you may still appeal to a higher court—often the 1st or 14th Court of Appeals, which hear cases from Fort Bend County. Appeals focus on legal mistakes made during the trial. They don’t involve presenting new evidence or retrying the case.
Appeals must be filed quickly and are highly technical, so having an experienced appellate lawyer is critical. In certain cases, federal appeals or habeas corpus petitions may also be available.
Common Criminal Defenses in Texas Courts
Even if you’ve been arrested or charged, you’re not automatically guilty. An experienced criminal defense lawyer in Richmond may raise one or more of these defenses:
- Mistaken Identity or False Accusation
- Lack of Intent or Accident
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others
- Constitutional Violations (like illegal searches or Miranda rights violations)
- Insanity, Duress, or Entrapment
Each case is unique, and the right defense depends on the facts. A strong legal strategy could lead to reduced charges, a dismissal, or a not-guilty verdict.
Why You Need a Richmond Criminal Defense Lawyer
Facing the Fort Bend County criminal court system on your own is risky. An experienced local defense attorney offers critical advantages:
- Knows the procedures, judges, and prosecutors in Richmond and Fort Bend County.
- Can advocate for lower bail and favorable plea deals.
- Investigates the case fully and finds legal issues the State may have overlooked.
- Negotiates skillfully and defends you confidently at trial if necessary.
- Supports you through each step, keeping you informed and involved.
The earlier you involve a defense lawyer, the better your chances of achieving a positive outcome.
We’re Here to Defend Your Rights in Richmond
At The Napier Law Firm, we understand how stressful and life-changing criminal charges can be. Whether you were arrested in Richmond, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, or anywhere else in Fort Bend County, we’re here to help. We’ll guide you through each stage of your case, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible result.Call us today at (713) 470-4097 or reach out through our website for a free, confidential consultation. Don’t wait. The sooner we start building your defense, the better prepared you’ll be for what lies ahead.