Tarrant County District Attorney
This article explains the mission, structure, and day-to-day work of the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney, with general guidance for residents, victims, witnesses, defendants, and public officials. It covers what the District Attorney (DA) prosecutes, how cases move from arrest to trial, which divisions handle specialized matters, which civil responsibilities the office carries for the county, and how to reach the appropriate office for information.
This page is an independent overview of the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. It is not operated by the County or the DA, and it does not provide legal advice. Always confirm procedures, office hours, and case information through official Tarrant County sources or with your attorney before making decisions about a specific case.
District Attorney Office Mandate
The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney is the county’s chief prosecutor and the legal representative of the State in criminal cases filed in local courts. The office’s published mission emphasizes public safety through ethical enforcement of criminal and civil laws, support for rehabilitation where appropriate, transparency with the public, and assistance and education for crime victims. The office is led by Criminal District Attorney Phil Sorrells and is headquartered at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in downtown Fort Worth.
For an official overview of the office, visit the District Attorney page on the county’s website, which provides mission and leadership information and serves as the main starting point for current announcements, services, and contact details. The county’s About Us section also provides background on staffing, caseloads, and office leadership, noting that more than 45,000 criminal cases are filed each year in Tarrant County and handled by prosecutors and support staff serving approximately 1.9 million residents.
Learn more from District Attorney
Read the office’s profile at About Us
Divisions and Roles
The DA’s work is organized into separate divisions. These divisions help the office manage different types of cases and services, from criminal prosecution to civil counsel and investigative support. The county maintains a directory of these divisions, with descriptions of their responsibilities and links to additional detail.
Explore the organization at Divisions
Criminal Division
The Criminal Division handles the office’s prosecution work. It reviews incoming cases from law enforcement, presents selected cases to the grand jury when required, and prosecutes matters ranging from capital murder to misdemeanor theft. Cases are assigned to the appropriate courts, and specialized units address more sensitive or complex case types. Within the division, units focus on:
Felony and Misdemeanor Prosecution: Trial teams manage dockets for felony and misdemeanor courts, moving cases from arraignment through plea or trial.
Grand Jury: Prosecutors present felony matters for indictment consideration and explain the applicable law and evidence to grand jurors.
Intake: Staff review probable cause affidavits, evaluate legal sufficiency, and determine the appropriate charges based on the evidence and the law.
Specialized Units: Dedicated groups focus on adult sexual assault, family violence, gangs, narcotics, financial fraud, juvenile matters, special victims, and post-conviction issues. The office also maintains a Conviction Integrity function to review questions raised after judgment.
Read more at Criminal Division
How a Criminal Case Moves Through the System
While every case is different, the Criminal Division generally works within the following sequence:
Law Enforcement Investigation and Arrest: Police agencies investigate, gather evidence, and may make an arrest or submit the case to the DA for review.
Intake Review: Prosecutors analyze reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and other records to decide whether charges are supported and which offenses to file.
Grand Jury (Felony Cases): When required, prosecutors present the case to a grand jury for indictment.
Arraignment and Pretrial: Defendants are formally charged in court, discovery is exchanged, and motions are litigated. Prosecutors continue reviewing the case, consulting with victims, and evaluating possible resolutions.
Trial: If no resolution is reached, the case goes to trial. Prosecutors present evidence and witness testimony, and jurors determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Post-Conviction: The office handles appeals and writs, responds to new evidence, and participates in post-judgment proceedings.
Special Victims Work
Special Victims work typically involves survivors of sexual or physical violence, children, or other vulnerable individuals. Prosecutors in this area work with victim advocates, coordinate sensitive witness issues, and present evidence that may require a more specialized approach. Their coordination with Victim Services helps provide updates, courtroom accompaniment, and referrals.
Civil Division
In addition to prosecutions, the Civil Division performs legal work for the county and the State in civil matters. The division advises elected officials and county departments and handles specific proceedings that affect public safety and welfare.
Key responsibilities include:
Protective Orders for Family Violence: Civil prosecutors assist victims seeking protective orders that place enforceable restrictions on abusers and may provide protections for individuals, families, and pets.
Mental Health Commitments: The Civil Division represents the State in seeking involuntary commitments when statutory requirements are met.
Counsel to County Government: Attorneys act as counsel for county leadership and departments on a range of legal issues.
Read more at Civil Division
Review survivor protections at Protective Orders
Investigation Division
Investigators assigned to the DA’s office support complex case development. They may help locate witnesses, collect supplemental records, reconstruct timelines, and coordinate with local, state, and federal partners. Their work is especially important in cases involving digital evidence, financial records, confidential informants, or forensic corroboration.
Division overview: Investigation Division
Chief of Staff Division
The Chief of Staff Division supports the DA with administrative oversight, policy coordination, communications priorities, and strategic initiatives. This division helps align staffing, training, and budget resources with office operations and caseload demands.
Learn about responsibilities at Chief of Staff
Victim Services
Victims who report crimes often need help understanding court procedures and case progress. Through Victim Services, the DA’s office provides case updates, information about subpoenas and hearings, courtroom accompaniment, and referrals to other services where appropriate. Advocates also coordinate with prosecutors regarding impact statements, safety concerns, and restitution information.
Connect with this team through Victim Services
What to Expect as a Victim or Witness
Case Communication: Prosecutors and advocates may provide updates about settings, plea discussions, and trial schedules.
Safety Planning: When protective orders or no-contact conditions are available, staff can explain the general process and requirements.
Court Support: Victims and witnesses may receive help understanding courtroom procedures and hearing timelines.
Weekly Trials and Dockets
The county posts trial calendars that allow victims, witnesses, and members of the public to review upcoming trial activity. These updates complement court dockets and provide a weekly summary of selected matters set for trial.
Check the schedule at This Week’s Trials
DA in the Justice System
Tarrant County’s justice system includes district courts, county courts, magistrate courts, juvenile courts, and justice of the peace courts. The DA’s office prosecutes felony and misdemeanor offenses, works with juvenile courts in youth matters, and participates in civil matters such as mental-health commitments and protective-order proceedings. The office also works with the Sheriff, Constables, police departments, and the Medical Examiner when investigations require coordination.
The DA’s legal counsel function also assists county officials with policy implementation, contract review, and legal compliance.
Public Information and Media
The DA’s office provides routes for media professionals and residents to request information that may be released under Texas law. Journalists can use the media line for time-sensitive inquiries. Members of the public seeking records under the Texas Public Information Act can use the county’s page explaining how to submit a request and what timelines apply.
Media professionals can route inquiries via the DA’s Office Directory
Residents can learn how to request records under the Public Information Act
Outreach and Prevention
The DA’s office also maintains community outreach and education efforts. These may include public presentations about the justice system, crime prevention, jury processes, victims’ rights, and related topics. Internship programs are also listed through the office’s official channels.
Explore programs at Community Outreach Programs
When to Contact the DA’s Office
If you are a victim seeking updates, a witness with new information, a community member with a question about trial schedules, or a public official seeking legal guidance, contacting the DA’s office early can help route the request to the appropriate division. The Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center houses the DA’s teams and is open on weekdays during business hours. Media should use the dedicated line for communications-related inquiries.
The DA office directory provides the official routing path for division-specific questions, and the main number can be used to reach the appropriate desk during business hours.
Resident Tips
Bring Documents: If you have texts, emails, photos, or other evidence related to a criminal case, keep them organized and provide copies when requested.
Keep Contact Information Current: Victims and witnesses should update phone and email information so prosecutors and advocates can reach them about settings and subpoenas.
Ask About Protective Orders: If you are experiencing family violence, ask staff about protective orders and related civil procedures.
Use Official Pages: For trial calendars, outreach events, and contact details, use the county’s official pages linked in this article.
Leadership, Staffing, and Caseload
The District Attorney, Phil Sorrells, leads a staff of attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and administrative personnel. The office reports an annual caseload of more than 45,000 filings distributed across felony and misdemeanor courts. That volume requires structured intake, specialized prosecution units, and coordination with law enforcement agencies throughout the county.
The office also states that rehabilitation may be considered where appropriate and lawful, including diversion programs when available. Post-conviction review functions address new information that may affect prior judgments.
Location, Hours, and Access
The DA’s teams work in the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in downtown Fort Worth, a central justice complex that also houses courts and related agencies. Public posting of hours, main numbers, and media contacts helps residents identify the appropriate contact point. When you are unsure which division handles your issue, the main number or the county telephone operator can assist with routing.
District Attorney Offices and Contacts
Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney — Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, 401 West Belknap, Fort Worth, Texas 76196. Main: 817-884-1400.
Media Requests (District Attorney’s Office) — Phone: 817-884-3120.
County Telephone Operator (for routing to county departments, including the DA) — Phone: 817-884-1111.
Tarrant County District Attorney FAQs
How can I track upcoming trials and weekly courtroom activity?
The office publishes a weekly preview of matters expected in court. To review the latest lineup and plan courthouse visits accordingly, use This Week’s Trials.
Which divisions handle specific case types and services?
Operations are organized into four divisions—Criminal, Civil, Investigation, and Chief of Staff—with specialized units for areas such as Adult Sexual Assault, Intimate Partner Violence, Juvenile, Financial Fraud, Narcotics, Gang, Post-Conviction, Conviction Integrity, Grand Jury, Intake, and Worthless (Hot) Checks. A unit-by-unit index with role descriptions is available under Divisions.
What protections and civil remedies are available for victims and families?
Civil prosecutors assist with protective orders that place enforceable limits on abusers and can cover individuals, families, and pets. The Civil Division also represents the State in certain mental-health commitment proceedings when statutory criteria are met. For eligibility, process steps, and forms, consult Protective Orders.
How do I request public information or records from the office?
Record access follows the Texas Public Information Act. Requests to the Criminal District Attorney are routed through the office’s open-records portal with instructions, timelines, and delivery options. Start with Open Records Requests for the correct submission path and statutory guidance.