Everything You Need To Know About Travis County Bond When Arrested

We’re Adamo & Adamo Law Firm a nationally respected criminal defense law firm in Austin. When our clients go to bond court, it’s often early in the process of a criminal charge. Many people don’t know how important it is to get a defense team working early on their case, but bond court is an early example.

With our assistance and guidance, we can help pursue early release after an arrest. We begin the fight to protect your freedom and interests early. Bond court is a stressful time, and most of our clients and their families have a lot of questions. We are here to help you get answers such as:

What Is A Bond?

The primary purpose of a bond (a.k.a. bail or pretrial release) is to ensure the accused’s presence in court while waiting for trial. The Texas Constitution, Article 1, Section 11, grants an absolute right to bond in all but a few limited circumstances (see below). Bond cannot be used as a tool of oppression or as a sanction.

Texas Constitution, Article 1, Section 11

“All prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offenses, when proof is evident; but this provision shall not be so construed as to prevent bail after indictment found upon examination of the evidence in such manner as may be prescribed by law.”

How Do I Find What Austin Jail The Person Arrested Is Located In?

You can find a Travis County inmate by using the Travis County Sheriff’s Office’s inmate search or by calling 512-854-4180. You will also learn the accused’s specific charges and what type of bond is allowed (see types of bond below).

What Are The Different Types Of Travis County Bonds?

There are three types of bonds used in criminal proceedings: surety bond, cash bond and personal recognizance (PR) bond.

1. Surety bond: Perhaps the most well-known type of bond – a surety bond is a bond posted through an approved Travis County bonding company. Austin bonding companies charge a fee for their services, which is typically 10% of the total bond amount. For example, if the bond is $5,000, you would pay a bonding company a nonrefundable $500. The bonding company acts as the guarantee or surety on the remaining $4500; thus, if an accused missed court and his or her bond was forfeited, the bonding company would be on the hook for the $4500.
2. Cash bond: Cash bonds are the full amount of the bond posted. For example, if a bond is $5,000, you would pay $5,000. The cash bond can be paid by cash, cashier’s check, or money order. All cashier’s checks or money orders should be made payable to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. The advantage of a cash bond is that the entire bond is refunded to the person who put up the money once the case is disposed of (final).
3. Personal recognizance (PR) bond: PR bonds have been gaining steam across Texas. With a PR bond, you are released from jail with the promise that you will appear for court and comply with bond conditions. No money is required at the time of release other than an administrative fee of $40 to Travis County Pretrial Services within seven days of release. PR bonds are requested by Travis County Pretrial Services after an interview or an attorney and approved by a judge.

Where Can I Post a Travis County Bond?

If you are posting a cash bond (not using a surety bonding company), Travis County cash bail can be posted in person at the jail facility where the defendant is housed. This will be either:

1. Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center (Bonding Office) at 509 W 11th Street, Austin, TX 78701
2. Travis County Correctional Complex at 3614 Bill Price Road, Del Valle, TX 78617

Remember, cash bonds are the full amount of the bond posted. For example, if a bond is $5,000, you would pay $5,000.

The cash bond can be paid by cash, cashier’s check or money order. All cashier’s checks or money orders should be made payable to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office.

The advantage of a cash bond is that the entire bond is refunded once the case is disposed of.

Once Bond Has Been Posted, When Will The Person Get Out of Jail?

In many Travis County arrest scenarios, it can take nearly 24 hours for a person arrested to be booked, processed, see pretrial services, go in front of a magistrate or judge, have bail set, have bail posted and walk out.

It’s a slow process.

How Will I Know When The Person Is Out of Jail?

Chances are, you have been able to speak with the person arrested while they maneuver through the different stages of Travis County bond procedures. Inmates are allowed to make phone calls while in custody. Once released, they can either call you or arrange for transportation (e.g., Uber).

When, Where And What Time Is My Court Date?

In Travis County and other major Texas counties, your Travis County bond papers will have all the information you need to know: when, where and what time to appear for court.

In smaller Texas counties, you will often be notified by mail of your court date. If you have hired a criminal defense attorney, he or she can submit a letter of representation to the court and keep tabs on any potential court dates.

Nationally Recognized Attorneys On Your Side

It’s time to get out of jail. We can help you reduce your bail or get a favorable bond ruling right away. Call us to get started at 713-237-8380 or send an email using this online form.