Bond Process
How the Bond Process Works at the Ennis City Jail
01
Arrest & City Booking
The defendant is arrested within Ennis city limits and booked at the Ennis City Jail at 1700 Lake Bardwell Drive for initial processing and holding.
02
Arraignment or Transfer
Municipal cases may be arraigned locally. County-level charges result in transfer to the Ellis County Jail in Waxahachie, approximately 18 miles west.
03
Magistration at Ellis County
After transfer and booking at the county jail, a magistrate judge sets the bail amount and conditions of release.
04
Contact Act Swift
Call (972) 923-0313. We track the transfer, confirm booking at the county facility, and prepare the surety bond.
05
Bond Filing & Release
We file the bond at the Ellis County Jail. Once accepted, the facility processes the defendant's release according to internal procedures.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ennis City Jail
What types of cases are typically held at the Ennis City Jail?
The Ennis City Jail handles temporary holding following arrests within Ennis city limits, including municipal ordinance violations, Class C misdemeanors, and initial processing for more serious charges. The facility also houses individuals serving sentences for Ennis Municipal Court misdemeanor cases. Charges requiring county-level processing — such as felonies, DWI, and higher-level misdemeanors — are transferred to the Ellis County Jail for magistration and bond filing.
What determines whether someone is transferred from the Ennis City Jail to Ellis County?
Transfer depends on the nature and severity of the charges. If the offense requires county-level prosecution or if the individual is not released within the city's authorized holding period, they are transferred to the Ellis County Jail. Most charges that require a surety bond will result in a transfer to the county facility.
Can a bail bond be filed while someone is still at the Ennis City Jail?
Surety bonds for county-level charges must be filed at the Ellis County Jail after the individual has been transferred and magistrated. Bail bond agents cannot file county bonds at the municipal facility. However, intake paperwork can be started in advance so the bond is ready to file once the transfer and magistration are complete.
How does the daily arraignment schedule at the Ennis City Jail work?
The Ennis City Jail conducts arraignments for municipal cases on a regular schedule, typically in the morning. Municipal arraignments address city-level charges and may result in release, fines, or time served. County-level charges follow a separate process and require transfer to the Ellis County Jail for magistration before a surety bond can be filed.
What is the release process at the Ennis City Jail for municipal cases?
Individuals released from the Ennis City Jail are picked up at the Communications Center lobby. A government-issued ID and signed release form are required for property claims. For county-level cases, release occurs at the Ellis County Jail after the surety bond is accepted by the Sheriff's Office.