Travis County Jail Release
Travis County Jail Release
Charlie explains that how his team works when getting someone out of jail. He discusses the process involving judges and pretrial services.
FAQs
Q: Once I've retained your services for a jail release, what happens next?
A: Our top priority becomes getting the individual out of jail. While we are working on this, there may be a brief period, perhaps an hour to an hour and a half, where you don't hear from us. This is because we are actively working within the jail system, dealing with judges to expedite the process.
Q: How will you communicate with me during the jail release process?
A: We will keep you updated through calls, texts, or occasionally emails at significant points, such as when the bond is filled out, signed, and posted.
Q: Is there a way to track the jail release process?
A: Yes, you can track the process online on the Travis County website by searching for the inmate population and entering the person's name to see where they are in the process.
Q: Will you visit the person in jail before starting the release process?
A: It depends on the stage of the process. If a personal bond is already filled out, it may be faster to go directly to the judge. If not, we will visit the client first to reassure them.
Q: What is required for getting a personal bond approved?
A: Pretrial services, a Travis County agency, will contact friends or relatives to confirm information about the defendant, such as residence, employment, court appearance likelihood, and substance use. Your honest answers to these queries can expedite the release.
Q: How fast can you get someone out of jail?
A: We are very efficient at jail releases, often faster than others. However, we cannot control the pace of the sheriff's deputies who process the releases, and there can be unpredictable delays.
Q: Can you guarantee a jail release?
A: No, we cannot guarantee a release because unforeseen factors may arise, such as out-of-county warrants. However, if we are optimistic about a case after reviewing the information, we have a high success rate and are generally able to secure a release.
Q: What happens after the bond is posted and the person is released?
A: Once released, we will send a scheduler to set up a meeting to discuss the next steps, including any related issues like car retrieval, driver's license information, and legal advice for the case at hand.
What is a personal bond?
It is a bond that releases someone from jail (without having to pay a bail bondsman or put up cash). It is provided by Travis County and must be approved by a judge. There is a small fee (usually between $20 and $150) that must be paid within 7 days after the release. The amount of the fee will be notated on a yellow coupon that is included in the release paperwork.
Can a defense attorney help get a personal bond if the judge doesn’t automatically approve one? Can they help get the bond approved faster?
Yes, a defense attorney can often convince a judge to reconsider a personal bond (by gathering more information about the situation). And an attorney can usually speed up the process (and get someone out of jail) much faster than they would without an attorney.
How do they decide who gets a personal bond?
There is a lengthy and complicated calculation to determine who will qualify for a personal bond. The Judge will consider whether they live in Travis County, have a job, have any prior arrests, and whether their personal information can be verified.
What are the types of situations that would prevent a personal bond?
There are quite a few and they can be complicated. Call us and we will let you know whether to expect a personal bond or not.
Are there other ways to get out of jail?
Yes. You can hire a bail bondsman for approximately 10% of the bond amount (+ co-signers). This money is never returned. You can also pay the entire bond amount in cash. If you pay the entire bond amount to the Travis County Sheriff, it will be returned, minus a fee, when the case is over.
Should I talk to an attorney before I hire a bail bondsman?
Yes! An attorney can often convince a judge to minimize the bond conditions before release and also make the best arrangements for a future dismissal. A bail bondsman can’t negotiate with the judge.
I still have questions.
No problem. Give us a call – (512) 472-1113 – we’re happy to answer any questions. Or you can e-mail us.
