Bond Process
How the Bond Process Works at the Midlothian City Jail
01
Arrest & Municipal Holding
The defendant is arrested by Midlothian PD and held at the city jail at 1111 George W. Raffield Jr. Way for initial processing and temporary detention.
02
Transfer to Ellis County
Defendants facing county-level charges are transported approximately 15 miles south to the Ellis County Jail in Waxahachie via US-287.
03
County Booking & Magistration
After arriving at the Ellis County Jail, the defendant is booked into the county system and a magistrate sets bail and release conditions.
04
Contact Act Swift
Call (972) 923-0313. We monitor the transfer process and begin preparing the surety bond while the defendant is in transit.
05
Bond Filing & Release
We file the bond at the Ellis County Jail once magistration is complete. After acceptance, the facility initiates the release process.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About the Midlothian City Jail
What types of cases are held at the Midlothian City Jail?
The Midlothian City Jail handles temporary holding following municipal arrests, including city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors. Individuals arrested on more serious charges that require county-level processing — including felonies, DWI, drug possession, and assault — are transferred to the Ellis County Jail in Waxahachie for magistration and bond filing.
How far is the Midlothian City Jail from the Ellis County Jail?
The Midlothian City Jail is approximately 15 miles north of the Ellis County Jail in Waxahachie, roughly a 20-minute drive via US-287 South. This transfer distance is a factor in overall processing time for Midlothian arrests that require county-level bond processing.
When does bail become available for Midlothian arrests?
Bail becomes available after magistration, which occurs after the defendant has been transferred to the Ellis County Jail and booked into the county system. The magistrate judge then sets the bond amount and conditions of release based on the charges and the defendant's criminal history.
Are individuals always transferred from the Midlothian City Jail to Ellis County?
Not always. Some lower-level offenses may be resolved at the municipal level through the Midlothian Municipal Court. However, when local release does not occur within the authorized holding period or when county processing is required for more serious charges, the individual is transferred to the Ellis County Jail in Waxahachie.
Can a bail bond agent begin working before the Midlothian-to-county transfer is complete?
Yes. A bail bond agent can begin intake and paperwork preparation while the defendant is still at the Midlothian facility or in transit to the county jail. This advance preparation ensures the surety bond is ready to file as soon as the transfer is complete and bail is set, which can help reduce overall processing time.