How Felony Cases Move Through Red River County Courts (Clarksville, Texas)

Felony cases in Red River County follow a structured and deadline-driven process that reflects both Texas law and local court practices. While every case is different, most felony matters in Clarksville move through the system in a predictable sequence. Understanding that sequence—particularly bond, indictment timing, and pretrial procedure—can significantly affect how a case develops.

For a county-specific overview of felony defense in Clarksville, see:
https://www.johnhickmanlaw.com/red-river-county-criminal-defense

Arrest and Magistration in Felony Cases

Felony cases usually begin with an arrest, either pursuant to a warrant or following a warrantless arrest authorized by Texas law. After arrest, the defendant appears before a magistrate for magistration, where:

The felony charge is stated
Bond is set
Constitutional rights are explained

At this stage, many felony cases exist without an indictment, and the State may still be completing its investigation.

Bond and Pretrial Release in Red River County Felony Cases

Bond in Red River County felony cases may take several forms:

Surety bond through a bondsman
Cash bond
Personal recognizance (PR) bond in limited circumstances

Bond amounts and conditions are influenced by:

The seriousness of the charge
Any alleged violence or weapons involvement
Criminal history
Community-safety concerns

Bond conditions may include no-contact orders, reporting requirements, travel restrictions, or other limitations.

The 90-Day Felony Jail Deadline Under Texas Law

If a defendant remains in jail, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 17.151 creates a critical deadline.

In felony cases:

If the State is not ready for trial within 90 days of detention, the court must either
- release the defendant on a personal bond, or
- reduce bail to an amount the defendant can make

This requirement is mandatory, though statutory exceptions apply. In practice, the State often cannot announce ready without an indictment, making indictment timing especially important in felony custody cases.

Grand Jury Indictment

Felony cases must be formally charged by a grand jury indictment before trial can proceed.

Once an indictment is returned:

The case posture changes substantially
The State can generally announce ready
Discovery obligations expand
Plea negotiations often accelerate

The timing of grand jury sessions in Red River County can meaningfully affect how long a case remains in a pre-indictment posture.

Monthly Felony Arraignment and Pretrial Docket (6th District Court)

In Red River County, felony arraignments and pretrial matters for the 6th District Court are typically handled on a single consolidated docket each month. Many of these cases involve serious allegations, including drug offenses, which are commonly addressed in this court.
Related: https://www.johnhickmanlaw.com/drug-charges-defense-texas

When it occurs:

First Monday of each month
Begins at 9:00 a.m.
Typically concludes by around noon

The 6th District Court is located on the second floor of the Red River County Courthouse in Clarksville. During this docket, inmates housed in the Red River County Jail are escorted across the street to the courthouse in small groups so they can appear before the court.

What Happens During This Docket

Defendants Appearing for the First Time After Indictment

For defendants newly appearing after indictment, the court will:

Conduct the felony arraignment
Allow the defendant to apply for court-appointed counsel
Appoint an attorney if the defendant qualifies financially
Take a plea (most commonly not guilty)
Allow the reading or waiver of the indictment

Defendants Who Already Have Counsel

For defendants who have already been arraigned and are represented:

Defense counsel is asked whether there are any pretrial motions, discovery issues, or other impediments to trial
The defense may announce ready or explain outstanding issues
The court addresses scheduling and trial posture

By the time of this monthly docket, the County Attorney has typically extended any plea offers. The defendant may choose to accept a plea agreement or proceed toward trial. All plea agreements remain subject to the court’s approval.

Discovery Practices in Red River County Felony Cases

Felony discovery in Red River County is handled differently than in many nearby jurisdictions.

Unlike counties that use cloud-based systems such as Odyssey or Axon to distribute discovery electronically, the Red River County Attorney’s Office typically provides discovery on compact disc (CD). Discovery materials are not uploaded to an online portal.

As a result:

Defense counsel must physically travel to the courthouse
Go to the County Attorney’s Office on the second floor
Request discovery in person
Sign for receipt of the materials

This approach can be unfamiliar to attorneys accustomed to automated electronic uploads and affects the timing of discovery review, motion practice, and plea evaluation.

Limited Office Hours and Their Impact on Communication

Because Red River County is a smaller jurisdiction, county offices are closed on Fridays. This has practical implications for felony cases.

Communication with the County Attorney’s Office is generally limited to Monday through Thursday, which can affect:

The timing of discovery requests and follow-up
Plea negotiations close to court settings
Resolution of time-sensitive issues before scheduled dockets

Planning around the county’s operating schedule is an important part of managing felony cases efficiently in Red River County.

Jury Trials in Red River County Felony Cases

If a felony case proceeds to trial in Red River County:

The jury consists of 12 jurors
Trial is divided into two phases:
1. Guilt or Innocence
2. Punishment, if there is a conviction

The defendant may typically choose whether punishment is assessed by the judge or the jury.

In many felony cases, jury selection is held the Wednesday following the first Monday felony docket, meaning cases can move quickly from pretrial posture to trial.

Why Timing Matters in Red River County Felony Cases

Felony cases in Red River County are often shaped early by:

Bond and custody status
The 90-day readiness deadline
Indictment timing
Discovery logistics
Pretrial motion practice and plea negotiations

Once a felony case is firmly on the trial calendar, flexibility decreases and options narrow.

Final Thoughts

Felony court in Red River County is deliberate, structured, and influenced by both statutory deadlines and local court operations. Understanding how cases move—from arrest and bond, through indictment and arraignment, and into pretrial and trial—helps clarify what to expect when facing a felony charge in the Clarksville courts.