Finding out a family member or friend has been arrested can be a shock. Many of us are left scrambling, trying to figure out what to do first to help our friend or family member get released from custody. They may need help posting bail.

Getting someone out of jail in Travis County typically isn’t complicated, but it could require a significant amount of money. And there are a few details you need to know that will simplify the process.

Gather the Important Details

Travis County Jail allows free calls from the holding area. However, calls to anyone other than an inmate’s attorney of record are likely being recorded, so you will need to be careful about what you ask and say.

Information from the call can be used as evidence against your friend or family member. 

If this involves a DUI or DWI, stick to the basics. Don’t ask specifics about how much they had to drink or other questions that would require them to provide information that could be used against them. Parents in particular are inclined to ask these questions, but they will do more harm than good.

Take notes so that you don’t forget important information. Stress may prevent you from retaining key information, and having the following details will be critical. 

Ask:

• Where they’re being held
• Their full legal name and date of birth
• Their booking number
• Whether they’ve seen a judge to set bail
• If bail has been set, how much is it?

If they’re unsure where they’re being held, Travis County maintains a searchable database.

READ MORE: How to find an inmate in Travis County

Contact an Attorney

If your friend or family member hasn’t already contacted an attorney, start searching for one. Make sure you choose someone experienced with criminal cases in Travis County. Michael and Associates offers a free consultation 24/7 and we will help you navigate the bail process. We may even be able to help you procure a personal bond.

Travis County issues more low-cost personal bonds than any other Texas county, particularly for misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenses. 

Go to the Jail

Though you may be inclined to immediately go to the jail where your family member is in custody, it may be better to wait, particularly if bail hasn’t yet been set. It can sometimes take hours for the magistration process to take place, particularly if the arrest occurred overnight. The jail isn’t a fun place to spend several hours waiting.

Your time will be better spent contacting an attorney, who may be able to expedite the release process.

It’s possible that you may need to physically go to the jail where your family member is in custody to deal with bail. An attorney will be able to help you with the next steps.

Post Bail

“Bail” is a dollar amount that must be paid to the county to release your friend or family member. It is set by a judge. Once bail has been posted, the inmate will be released. 

Bail is a security deposit, ensuring that the person will appear in court as directed. If they don’t show up, the bail money is forfeited. 

There are three primary types of bail:

Personal bonds: Also called PR (personal recognizance) bonds, this is the most common type of bond in Travis County. It requires meeting some specific criteria and paying a nominal fee of about $15.

Cash bonds: A judge or magistrate will set a bail amount, and you will pay that amount in cash, a cashier’s check, or by money order. This money will be refunded when the case has been resolved.

Surety bonds: If you can’t afford to pay the full bail amount in cash, a bail bond company will help. However, they will charge a fee of about 10% of the total bail amount, and that fee is not refundable.

You must pay a cash bond in-person at the jail facility where the defendant is housed. This will either be the Bonding Office or the Travis County Correctional Complex. You can call 512-854-4180 to learn the defendant’s location.

Travis County does not accept debit or credit cards to post cash bonds. You must pay with cash or a cashier’s check.

Average Bail in Travis County

Capital offense: $650,004

First-degree felony: $81,118.72

Second-degree felony: $25,298.39

Third-degree felony: $14,207.01

State jail felony: $10,460

Class A misdemeanor: $5,128.88

Class B misdemeanor: $3245.61

Class C misdemeanor: $149.25

Bail can be denied in cases involving a violent offense, where the accused is a repeat offender or a flight risk. If your relative has been arrested on a felony probation violation, they may have a “no bond” warrant. In either of these instances, the defendant must remain in jail until their case is resolved. 

Talk to a Bail Bond Company

Many people can’t afford to post $1,000 or more in cash bail at a moment’s notice. This is where a bail bond company comes in. 

A bail bond company will essentially lend you the money to post bail, but you’ll pay a fee of about 10% (about $250 if bail is set at $2,500). That 10% fee is not refundable. 

If you simply can’t afford to post bail, the person will remain in custody until a plea deal is negotiated or their case is resolved.

What Happens After Bail Has Been Posted

After bail is posted, your friend or family member will be released for another hour or two. At that point, they can go home. 

However, this isn’t over. If they haven’t found an attorney, they must do this as soon as possible.

Where Do People Go After They’re Arrested in Travis County

In Travis County, it’s important to understand that defendants may be held at two separate locations. It’s important to be sure you’re going to the right place. This is typically listed in the county database, or as previously mentioned, you can call 512-854-4180.

The addresses are:

Blackwell Thurman Criminal Justice Center Bond Office

509 W. 11th St.

Austin, TX 78701

The following transit lines have routes that pass near the Travis County Jail: 

103, 105, 20, 3, 7

Travis County Correctional Complex

3614 Bill Price Rd.

Del Valle, TX 78617

If you need to go to the Travis County Correctional Complex in Del Valle, you will need to take the 271 bus. The nearest bus stop is 3518 Bill Price/FM 973, which is a 5-minute walk from the facility.