Getting that unexpected call that someone you love has been arrested is a gut-punch. Your stomach drops, panic sets in, and you’re scrambling to figure out where they are and how to get them out.
Your first idea will likely be to turn to the internet for help. However, the internet can be untrustworthy, and there is tons of bad information about the bail bond and arrest process in Texas.
When a loved one is arrested, you don’t have time to hope something is true. You need concrete answers. Here’s a closer look at 5 of the most common arrest myths in Texas and the truth behind them.
Myth #1: Only Guilty People Get Arrested
It makes sense that people assume this, but it’s not how the law works.
Officers make arrests based on probable cause — meaning they have reasonable grounds to believe a crime occurred. That’s a much lower bar than proof beyond a reasonable doubt, which is what’s required in court. As a result, people can be arrested even when they’re innocent, or when charges end up being reduced or dropped entirely.
An arrest starts the legal process. It doesn’t determine where it ends.
Myth #2: Police Have to Read Miranda Rights the Moment Someone Is Arrested
This one comes straight from TV, and it trips a lot of people up.
Miranda warnings are required before police question someone in custody — not automatically at the point of arrest. If officers make an arrest but don’t intend to question the person right away, they may not read those rights immediately. The warning exists to protect against self-incrimination during interrogation, not as a required ritual at the moment of handcuffing.
Miranda rights matter. They’re just not always given on the spot.
Myth #3: You Can Resist an Arrest You Think Is Unlawful
This is one of the most dangerous myths, and it’s worth being direct about it.
In Texas, resisting arrest can result in additional criminal charges — even if the original arrest turns out to be questionable or unlawful. The moment of arrest is not the time to fight that battle. The right move is to stay calm, comply, and let an attorney address any legal problems afterward through proper channels.
Pushing back in the moment almost always makes things worse, not better.
Myth #4: You Have to Answer Police Questions
A lot of people feel like they have no choice but to talk — either out of fear or the belief that staying quiet looks suspicious. Neither is true.
Everyone has the right to remain silent, and exercising that right is often the smartest thing you can do. Anything said during questioning can be used in court later. Most attorneys will tell you to stay calm, be polite, and wait until you’ve spoken with legal counsel before answering anything. It’s not about being uncooperative. It’s about protecting yourself.
Myth #5: Bail Is Always Too Expensive
Bail amounts can feel overwhelming, but “too expensive” isn’t the whole story.
Most families don’t pay bail directly — they work with a bail bond company instead. A bondsman covers the full bail amount in exchange for a percentage of the total, which is far more manageable upfront. It’s a faster path to release and means your loved one can come home while they prepare for their court dates rather than waiting in a cell.
For families in Denton, working with a local bondsman is usually the quickest and most practical option.
Break the Arrest Myths with Big Bubba’s Bail Bonds
When you get the call that a loved one’s been arrested, every minute counts. You need a bail bond agent who knows all of the answers and can help you dodge every myth that separates your loved one from their freedom.
At Big Bubba’s Bail Bonds, we walk you through the process, help you with paperwork, and ensure things move as quickly as possible.
Let us be the bondsmen in your corner.
If someone you love has been arrested in Denton or the surrounding area, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Big Bubba’s Bail Bonds is available around the clock to answer questions, explain your options, and help bring your person home. Reach out whenever you need us — we’re here.
