What Is the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center?

Bexar County’s Central Criminal Courthouse

The Cadena-Reeves Justice Center at 300 Dolorosa Street, San Antonio TX 78205 is the central courthouse handling all criminal matters in Bexar County. Misdemeanor DWI and criminal cases are heard in the Bexar County Courts at Law on the lower floors. Felony cases are heard in the Bexar County District Courts. The Bexar County District Attorney’s office is housed in this building. Mark Hull and Allison Tisdale have appeared in the Courts at Law and District Courts at Cadena-Reeves for over 20 years.

Courts at Law — Misdemeanor Cases

The Bexar County Courts at Law handle all Class A and Class B misdemeanor criminal cases — first and second-offense DWI, simple assault, drug possession, theft, and all other misdemeanor charges. Cases are assigned to the Courts at Law after magistration at the Bexar County Jail. The Bexar County DA’s misdemeanor trial section prosecutes these cases. Most first-offense misdemeanor cases see an initial setting within 2 to 6 weeks of arrest and resolve within 3 to 12 months with experienced representation.

District Courts — Felony Cases

The Bexar County District Courts handle all felony cases — felony DWI, intoxication assault, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, and all other felony charges. Felony cases require grand jury indictment before proceeding in District Court. Grand jury presentation typically occurs within 90 to 120 days of arrest. After indictment, the case proceeds through pretrial hearings, motion practice, and resolution through plea or trial. The DA’s felony trial section prosecutes these matters.

What Happens at Magistration Before Cadena-Reeves

Before your case is assigned to a court at Cadena-Reeves, you will be through magistration at the Bexar County Jail within 24 to 48 hours of arrest. A magistrate reviews the charges, sets bond conditions, and issues any Emergency Protective Order required. For DWI arrests, the 15-day ALR clock is already running by the time magistration occurs. We file the ALR request and appear at magistration to argue for bond conditions from day one of representation.

Local Court Knowledge at Cadena-Reeves

Knowing the specific judges, DA units, and administrative practices at Cadena-Reeves produces different conversations and different outcomes than a lawyer making occasional appearances. The Hull Firm has appeared at Cadena-Reeves for over 20 years across all court levels. Our San Antonio criminal defense practice is built around this specific courthouse.