District Attorney

This article explains the mission, structure, and day-to-day work of the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney, with plain-English guidance for residents, victims, witnesses, defendants, and public officials. You’ll learn 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 right place for help or information.

Understand the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s 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 enhancing public safety through rigorous yet ethical enforcement of both criminal and civil laws, supporting rehabilitation where appropriate, maintaining transparency with the public, and assisting and educating 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 sets out the mission and leadership information and is the best starting point for current announcements, services, and contact details. You can also explore deeper background on staffing, caseloads, and the District Attorney’s career path on the county’s About Us section, which explains that more than 45,000 criminal cases are filed each year in Tarrant County and handled by dedicated prosecutors across felony and misdemeanor courts, supported by a 300-plus-member team serving approximately 1.9 million residents.

Learn more from District Attorney
Read the office’s profile at About Us

Navigate the Office by Division: Who Handles What and Why It Matters

The DA’s work is organized into distinct divisions. Each division exists to specialize, speed up case handling, and provide high-quality service in its niche—from violent crime prosecution to civil counsel and investigative support. The county maintains a clear directory of these groups, with descriptions of their core responsibilities and links to more details.

Explore the organization at Divisions

Criminal Division: Prosecute Offenses, Coordinate With Law Enforcement, and Protect the Public

The Criminal Division is the engine of the office’s prosecution work. It receives and screens incoming cases from law enforcement, presents selected cases to the grand jury when required, and prosecutes across the spectrum—from capital murder to misdemeanor theft. Cases are assigned to appropriate courts, and specialized trial teams tackle sensitive or complex areas. Within the division, units focus on:

Felony and Misdemeanor Prosecution: Trial teams manage dockets for 11 felony courts and 10 misdemeanor courts, moving cases from arraignment through plea or trial.

Grand Jury: Prosecutors present felony matters for indictment consideration, explaining the law and summarizing the evidence to grand jurors.

Intake: Specialists review probable cause affidavits, evaluate legal sufficiency, and determine the most appropriate charges based on evidence and law.

Specialized Units: Dedicated groups concentrate 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.

These specialized efforts ensure consistent enforcement while recognizing that sexual assault, intimate partner violence, juvenile offenses, and organized criminal activity require tailored strategies, trauma-informed practices, and experienced courtroom advocacy.

See responsibilities at Criminal Division

How a Criminal Case Moves Through the System

While every case is unique, the Criminal Division uses a familiar sequence designed to safeguard rights, protect victims, and promote efficiency:

Law Enforcement Investigation and Arrest: Police agencies investigate, gather evidence, and—if probable cause exists—make an arrest or submit the case to the DA for review.

Intake Review: Prosecutors analyze officer reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and digital 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 to develop the record, consult with victims, and evaluate plea options.

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 addresses appeals and writs, responds to new evidence, and participates in post-judgment proceedings in the interest of justice.

This workflow reflects the office’s commitment to honest and just enforcement, balanced with a willingness to consider rehabilitation when appropriate and lawful.

What “Special Victims” Means in Practice

Special Victims work typically involves survivors of sexual or physical violence, children, or other vulnerable individuals. Prosecutors in this unit are trained to navigate sensitive interviews, coordinate with victim advocates, and present complex trauma-related evidence to juries. Their collaboration with Victim Services ensures that survivors receive timely updates, courtroom accompaniment, and referrals to services.

Civil Division: Advise County Government, Safeguard Vulnerable Residents, and Enforce Protective Orders

While prosecutions are the public face of the DA’s office, the Civil Division performs essential legal work for the county and the State in civil matters. The division provides broad counsel to elected officials and county departments and carries specific enforcement roles that affect public safety and welfare.

Key responsibilities include:

Protective Orders for Family Violence: Civil prosecutors assist victims in obtaining protective orders that restrict abusers and provide enforceable safeguards for individuals, families, and pets.

Mental Health Commitments: The Civil Division represents the State in seeking involuntary commitments when two physicians diagnose a mental condition that presents a danger to the person or others, even when no crime has been charged.

Counsel to County Government: Attorneys act as general counsel for county leadership and administrators on a wide range of issues, helping to ensure legal compliance and risk management across departments.

Residents considering a protective order, or families navigating a mental-health-related legal process, benefit from early contact with the Civil Division to understand timelines, documentation, and hearing expectations.

Read more at Civil Division
Review survivor protections at Protective Orders

Investigation Division: Build Strong Cases and Support Prosecutors

Investigators assigned to the DA’s office bring law-enforcement experience to complex case development. They help locate witnesses, execute investigative subpoenas as authorized, collect supplemental records, reconstruct timelines, and coordinate with local, state, and federal partners. Their work is critical in cases that hinge on digital evidence, financial records, confidential informants, or forensic corroboration.

Division overview: Investigation Division

Chief of Staff: Manage Resources, Policy, and Strategic Initiatives

The Chief of Staff Division supports the DA with administrative oversight, policy coordination, communications priorities, and strategic initiatives that affect how the office serves the public. This division ensures that staffing, training, and budget resources align with the office’s mission and caseload pressures, while maintaining consistent standards across all teams.

Learn about responsibilities at Chief of Staff

Prioritize Victim Services: Information, Advocacy, and Courtroom Support

Victims who report crimes often face a legal system that is unfamiliar and stressful. The DA’s office invests in services that keep victims informed, supported, and heard. Through Victim Services, survivors receive case updates, help understanding subpoenas and court procedures, and accompaniment during hearings and trials. Advocates coordinate with prosecutors to convey impact statements, safety concerns, and restitution information. They also provide referrals for counseling and other assistance as appropriate.

Connect with this team through Victim Services

What to Expect as a Victim or Witness

Timely Communication: Prosecutors and advocates work to keep you informed about settings, plea discussions, and trial schedules.

Safety Planning: When protective orders or no-contact conditions are available, staff will explain eligibility and logistics.

Respectful Process: The office’s mission calls for ethical, honest, and just handling of cases, which includes treating victims and witnesses with dignity.

See What’s Happening in Court: Weekly Trial Lineups and Dockets

Community members who want to follow high-profile cases or learn how the system works can review the office’s published trial calendar. The county posts regularly updated previews of trials slated for the week, which helps victims, witnesses, and the public anticipate courtroom schedules. Those updates complement court dockets and provide a user-friendly snapshot of active prosecutions.

Check the schedule at This Week’s Trials

Where the DA Fits in Tarrant County’s Justice System

Tarrant County’s justice system includes a network of district courts, county courts, magistrate courts, juvenile courts, and justice of the peace courts. The DA’s office appears in felony and misdemeanor courts to prosecute offenses, works with juvenile courts in youth matters, and collaborates with civil courts on mental-health and protective-order proceedings. The office also interfaces with the Sheriff, Constables, police departments, and the Medical Examiner in investigations that require specialized expertise.

The DA’s legal counsel function assists county officials with policy implementation, contract review, and compliance, ensuring that public business is conducted within the law and that litigation risks are managed responsibly.

Follow Transparent Practices: Public Information and Media Access

Transparency is a pillar of public trust. The DA’s site provides routes for media professionals and residents to request information permitted by law. Journalists can find 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 that explains how to submit a request, what to expect, and the statutory timelines that apply.

Media professionals can route inquiries via the DA’s DA OFFICE DIRECTORY
Residents can learn how to request records under the Public Information Act

Engage the Community: Outreach, Education, and Prevention

Effective prosecution is only one part of public safety. The DA’s office also invests in outreach—meeting residents where they are, listening to concerns, and offering education on crime prevention and the justice process. Community presentations demystify grand jury service, jury duty, trial timelines, and the rights of victims and witnesses. Internship programs invite students to learn about public service careers in prosecution, building the next generation of courtroom and investigative talent.

Residents can stay informed about new initiatives, public presentations, and hiring or internship announcements through the office’s official channels.

Explore programs at Community Outreach Programs

When and How 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 court schedules, or a public official needing legal guidance, contacting the DA’s office early helps route your request to the right 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 to reach communications staff quickly.

The DA OFFICE DIRECTORY link above provides the official pathway to the correct desk for your situation, and the main number will route calls to the appropriate division during business hours.

Practical Tips for Residents Interacting With the DA’s Office

Bring Documents: If you have texts, emails, photos, or other evidence related to a criminal case, keep them organized and bring copies when requested.

Keep Contact Info Current: Victims and witnesses should promptly update phone and email information so prosecutors and advocates can reach them about settings and subpoenas.

Ask About Protective Orders: If you’re experiencing family violence, discuss civil protective orders and safety planning with staff; they can explain eligibility and timelines.

Use Official Pages for Accurate Information: For trial calendars, outreach events, and contact details, stick to the county’s official pages linked in this article to avoid outdated or unofficial sources.

Leadership, Staffing, and Caseload at a Glance

The District Attorney, Phil Sorrells, leads a professional staff of attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and administrative specialists. The office notes an annual caseload of more than 45,000 filings distributed across felony and misdemeanor courts. That volume demands disciplined intake processes, specialized prosecution units, and ongoing coordination with law enforcement agencies throughout the county.

The office’s mission statement underscores another priority: promoting rehabilitation where justified. That perspective supports diversion programs when permitted by law and appropriate to the facts, all without compromising public safety. On the back end, post-conviction reviewers consider new information that may affect judgments, reflecting the office’s commitment to justice that endures beyond the verdict.

Location, Hours, and Access

The DA’s teams work in the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in downtown Fort Worth, a central complex that also hosts courts and other justice partners. Posting hours, main routing numbers, and media contacts publicly helps residents find the right channel quickly. When in doubt about which division to contact, call the main number and ask to be directed based on your role (victim, witness, defendant, attorney, or resident seeking records).

The county also provides a general telephone operator line that can direct callers to county departments, including the DA’s office.

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 running preview of matters expected in court, updated by week so residents, victims, and witnesses can follow schedules at a glance. 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 concise, 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. (Related civil resources include mental-health and DFPS matters on the same official site.)

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.