Bail Bonds
After being processed, an arrestee that is eligible for bail will be given the opportunity to make phone calls to arrange bail through family, friends or bail agents.
The amount of the bond is determined by the charges that have been filed against the arrestee. The judicial system has set bond amounts for a variety of charges and the ranges of charges. A deputy or booking officer will inform the arrestee the total amount of the bond based on the court guidelines. In the event that the person is arrested for a court warrant, the issuing court has pre-set a bond amount. Some bonds may require a fine be paid or "cash only", these require a cash payment for the bond - no bondsmen. In some cases, the court may order a "no bond hold" which does not permit the inmate to bond on the warrant. The Sheriff's Office will notify the court that issued the bond of the inmate's arrest.
If the inmate has charges filed in addition to a warrant arrest, there will be more than one bond that must be posted prior to release.
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There are many bonding companies with the State of Texas that specialize in bonding an arrestee from jail and most are available 24 hours a day. An approved bonding companies list is available to all persons incarcerated in the Nolan County Jail. Sheriff's Office employees WILL NOT contact a Bail Bondsman for a defendant, nor can an employee recommend one. The defendant must make the arrangements.
There are several types of bonds which can be posted.
Cash Bond
The defendant posts the dollar amount in U.S. currency on the total amount of the bond. When posting this type of bond, you will be asked if you wish to be a co-signer on the bond and if once the case has been concluded or the Judge releases the bond, if you want the money returned to you personally or the defendant. The funds are held by the courts until the case is concluded or the Judge releases the bond. If the defendant does not appear as indicated on the bond form, the money posted for the bond may be forfeited to the court. (Verify with District or County Clerk for clarification of actual procedures)
Nolan County Clerk - (325) 235-2462
Nolan County District Clerk - (325) 235-8639
Bondsman/Surety Bond
A surety bond is a contractual agreement between the defendant, a Bail Bondsman and the Court having jurisdiction over the offense ensuring that the defendant will appear in court. There is a fee associated with this type of bond, in addition to any collateral that they may require to post the bond. The defendant will pay a fee to the Bail Bondsman, who in turn posts the dollar amount of the Bond, which will be returned to the Bail Bondsman upon appearance of the defendant in court. The bond fee is normally 15 - 20% of the total bond. The fee is just that, a fee, paid to the bondsman; it is not returned upon conclusion of the case.
Personal Bond/Recognizance
A contractual agreement between the defendant and the Court having jurisdiction over the offense, ensures that the defendant will appear in court. This type of bond is normally only authorized by the Judge and may be issued at any time during incarceration. The defendant is not required to post the dollar amount of the Bond, rather is released on his own recognizance. However, if the defendant fails to appear in court, the defendant is then indebted to the court for the amount of the Personal Bond.
Property Bond
This type of bond is only posted with the courts. The Nolan County Sheriff's Office must approve this type of bond. All property must be in Nolan County with no encumbrances against the property, and valued at two times the amount of the face value of the bond. Any questions about posting a property bond should be directed to the court clerk.
Is Bail Punishment?
Bail is not a punitive measure, rather a guarantee that the person charged will return for court. The Magistrate will examine many factors including State and County of residence, employment, marital status, dependents, prior failures to appear, seriousness of offense, etc.
Nolan County Bonds must be posted at the appropriate court during the business hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Nolan County Justice Court - (325) 235-5482
1st Multicounty Court at Law - (325) 235-2353
32nd Judicial District Court - (325) 235-8639
The jail accepts bonds when the courts are closed. We do not accept checks or credit cards. Cash bonds must be in full amount only. For information on what a bonding company requires, please consult the yellow pages of your phone book for phone numbers of bail/bond companies.