Introduction
In 2025, Texas lawmakers passed Senate Bill 9 (SB 9), a sweeping bail reform package that changes how bail is handled across the state—including right here in Collin County. For families, these new laws raise important questions:
- How will bail be set after an arrest?
- What offenses are no longer eligible for personal (cashless) bonds?
- What does this mean for loved ones awaiting trial in Collin County?
If someone you care about has been arrested in Collin County, understanding SB 9 and the new bail laws is crucial. Let’s break it down in simple terms so families know exactly what to expect.
What Is SB 9?
Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) is part of the Texas Bail Reform Act of 2025 signed by Governor Greg Abbott. It was designed to tighten restrictions on bail for violent crimes and repeat offenders.
Lawmakers argued the old system allowed dangerous individuals to be released too easily, sometimes on low bonds or personal recognizance bonds (PR bonds). SB 9 changes that by:
- Making it harder for defendants charged with certain crimes to get out on a PR bond.
- Giving prosecutors more authority to challenge low bail amounts.
- Requiring courts to use public safety risk reports before granting bail.
For families, this means that release after an arrest may be slower, more expensive, and more complex.
Key Changes Under SB 9
1. Expanded List of Offenses Ineligible for PR Bonds
Under the old system, some defendants could be released without paying money, just by promising to appear in court. SB 9 restricts that.
Now, people arrested for the following are not eligible for personal bonds:
- Violating family violence protective orders
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
- Certain fentanyl-related crimes
- Terroristic threats and violent assaults
Impact on Families: If your loved one is charged with one of these offenses in Collin County, you will almost certainly need to post a cash or surety bond to secure release.
2. Stricter Judicial Oversight of Bail
Magistrates (lower-level judges) used to handle many bail hearings quickly after arrest. SB 9 shifts more authority to district and county judges for serious cases.
Impact on Families: This may delay release because families must wait until a higher-level judge reviews the case.
3. Prosecutors Can Appeal Bail Decisions
Prosecutors now have the power to appeal if they believe bail is set too low. This could mean a defendant is re-arrested or bail is increased after release.
Impact on Families: Even after posting bail, your loved one could face stricter conditions if prosecutors intervene.
4. Mandatory Public Safety Risk Reports
Courts must now use a statewide Public Safety Reporting System (PSRS) to evaluate risk before setting bail.
Impact on Families: Defendants with prior criminal records may receive higher bail amounts, making release more expensive.
How SB 9 Impacts Collin County Arrests
Collin County has already started aligning with these reforms. One major change is the end of writ bonds, a process attorneys once used to secure fast release from jail. With writ bonds gone and SB 9 in effect, families face:
- Higher bail amounts for certain charges.
- Fewer release options (no charitable bail funds, no writ bonds, fewer PR bonds).
- Longer jail stays while waiting for judges to set bail.
- More financial pressure to hire a licensed bail bondsman.
For example, in cases of domestic violence or DWI with repeat offenses, families in Collin County should expect stricter bail terms and higher costs.
What This Means for Families in Collin County
- Financial Strain: Bail could cost thousands more than before, depending on the charge. Families may need to rely on payment plans with bondsmen.
- Emotional Stress: Loved ones could spend longer in jail, creating anxiety for spouses, children, and parents.
- Fewer Options: Community bail funds and quick legal release methods are no longer available.
- Stricter Conditions: Judges may impose curfews, ankle monitors, or travel restrictions as part of bail conditions.
24/7 Trusted Collin County Bail Bonds – Fast Release for Felony, Gun, DWI & Bail Reform Cases
If your loved one is arrested in Collin County under the new Texas SB 9 bail laws, you need an experienced and affordable bondsman on your side. Our licensed McKinney bail bond company offers 24-hour bail bonds, quick Collin County jail release, low down payments, and confidential family bail assistance across North Texas.
- Available 24/7 – emergency bail bonds in McKinney, Plano, Frisco, Allen, Richardson, Wylie, and every Collin County city.
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- Free inmate search & warrant check for faster release under Collin County’s updated bail process.
- Specialized in gun and weapon charge bail bonds, felony & misdemeanor cases, DWI/DUI bail bonds, probation violations, domestic violence charges, and Texas bail reform cases under SB 9.
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SJR 5: What’s Next in Texas Bail Reform?
Alongside SB 9, lawmakers introduced Senate Joint Resolution 5 (SJR 5). If approved by voters in November 2025, judges could deny bail completely for certain violent felonies like:
- Murder
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Aggravated robbery
- Assault with a deadly weapon
If this passes, some Collin County families will have no chance at bail at all when facing these charges.
Tips for Families Navigating the New Bail Laws
- Call a Licensed Collin County Bail Bondsman Quickly – Time matters; faster action can shorten jail time.
- Know the Charges – Some are ineligible for PR bonds under SB 9. Be prepared for cash or surety bail.
- Plan Financially – Ask about payment options or collateral before the bond process.
- Stay Updated on Court Dates – Missing court could lead to bail jumping charges and financial loss.
- Seek Legal Advice – An experienced criminal defense attorney can sometimes request bail reductions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is SB 9 in Texas?
SB 9 is a 2025 Texas law that restricts personal bonds for violent and repeat offenders, requires risk assessments, and allows prosecutors to appeal bail amounts.
2. How does SB 9 affect bail in Collin County?
Families will face higher bail amounts, fewer personal bond options, and longer wait times for release. Judges, not just magistrates, handle more cases now.
3. Can my loved one still get out of jail on a personal bond?
Yes, but only for low-level, non-violent charges. For many offenses like family violence or firearm possession, PR bonds are no longer allowed.
4. What if bail is too expensive?
You can work with a licensed Collin County bail bondsman who usually charges 10% of the bail amount as a fee, often with payment plans.
5. When does SB 9 go into effect?
Most parts take effect September 1, 2025, with additional changes rolling out in 2026.
6. Could bail be denied completely?
Yes—if SJR 5 passes in November 2025, judges could deny bail altogether for violent felony charges.
Conclusion
SB 9 represents one of the biggest bail law changes in Texas history. For Collin County families, the impact is real: higher bail, fewer release options, and more stress after an arrest.
The good news is that licensed bail bondsmen are still available 24/7 to help navigate this new system. If your loved one is arrested in Collin County, acting quickly is the best way to reduce the financial and emotional burden of SB 9.
