The Clock On Your Case
Crim. Proc. art. 32A.01 — a jailed defendant's trial first, as far as practicable
Texas sets priorities rather than a count of days. Insofar as practicable, a criminal trial is given preference over civil trials, and the trial of a defendant detained in jail awaiting trial is given preference over other criminal trials.
- A trial where the alleged victim is younger than 14 years of age is given preference over other matters, civil or criminal, unless extraordinary circumstances require otherwise.
- So is the trial of a defendant who has been found restored to competency.
The constitutional right to a speedy trial runs alongside the statute and is decided on different terms; court rules, and the interstate agreement on detainers for charges in another state, are not on this page. Counting the days in a particular case, and what tolls them, is a question for a licensed Texas attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Crim. Proc. art. 32A.01 — Trial priorities
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Texas attorney.