Community Supervision
Defendants can avoid jail time by complying with conditions set by a judge.
Texas Penal Code
Overview The Texas Penal Code is a collection of most of the criminal laws of the State of…
Texas Rangers
Understanding the role of the Texas Rangers in state law enforcement
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Paroles and pardons can give prisoners a fresh start.
Texas Juvenile Justice System
Overview The Texas juvenile justice system is responsible for adjudicating criminal cases involving pre-teen and teenage children, housing…
County Courts at Law
County Courts at Law, also called Statutory County Courts, are a type of trial court presided over by…
Jury Trial
Understanding the role of juries in the court system, and the responsibilities of jurors.
Texas Department of Public Safety
Overview The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is responsible for statewide law enforcement functions in Texas, including…
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) is the regulatory agency for law enforcement officers and standards in Texas, offering…
Law Enforcement in Texas
Texas has one of the largest and most complex law enforcement systems in the USA.
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Overview The Texas Commission on Jail Standards is a regulatory agency responsible for monitoring compliance with state laws…
County Jails in Texas
Role of county jails in the criminal justice system in Texas, standards, and how they operate
Specialty Courts in Texas
Overview Specialty courts in Texas are established by county governments to handle a particular type of crime or…
State Prosecuting Attorney
The State Prosecuting Attorney is the highest criminal prosecutor in Texas, and the head of a very small…
Grand Jury
Understanding the role of grand juries in the criminal process.
District Courts in Texas
Overview District courts in Texas are trial courts where a judge or jury decides a criminal or civil…
District Attorneys in Texas
Texas district attorneys are felony prosecutors empowered to gather criminal evidence and present cases to trial if there…
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Overview of the state prison system in Texas, key statistics, and FAQ
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Overview The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is the highest appeals court for criminal matters in the State…
County Sheriffs in Texas
Understanding the role of sheriffs in Texas' law enforcement system.