Address:
226 Ash Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone:
508-996-6704
If you are bailing out an inmate and want them released the same day, you need to check in at least 30 minutes before the designated bail time because the Court Magistrate calls in 30 minutes beforehand to see who is paying bail.
There is a $40.00 bail fee on top of the bail amount.
The official bail times are as follows:
Monday thru Friday:
4:30 PM
7:30 PM
12 Midnite
3:00 AM
Saturday & Sundays & Holidays
9:00 AM
12 Noon
4:30 PM
7:30 PM
12 Midnite
3:00 AM
Does Bristol County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Bristol County?
Who can set bail in Bristol County?
When is bail set in Bristol County Massachusetts?
Bristol County does not impose bail in a traditional sense. A Bail Commissioner/Bail Magistrate presides over the first appearance in court. If a judge in Massachusetts feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money, just a $40 fee. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.
Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court.
If the Bail Magistrate determines that bail is necessary to assure that the arrested returns to court, then bail must be paid in cash by the defendant, a friend or family member. If the cash is not paid, the defendant will remain in jail until the bail is changed or the case is finished.
If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person detained in a jail or prison until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.
There are two types of bonds: Personal recognizance or cash.
Bail is set by a Massachusetts bail magistrate.
The bail magistrate will set bail after the defendant is processed, which is usually the same day as the arrest. If the bail magistrate is not available, for example on a weekend, the police may call the bail magistrate for permission to release the defendant until the next court day.
Bail is what the arrested in Bristol County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance.
The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program.
Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane.
If a judge in Bristol County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.
Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court.
If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Ash Street Jail until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses.
Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different. The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions.
The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.
DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.
On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.
If the defendant is not released on their own recognizance, the other option is to pay cash. If the defendant does not show up to court, the full amount of the bail will be kept by the court and the court could send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Bristol County does not impose bail in a traditional sense. A Bail Commissioner/Bail Magistrate presides over the first appearance in court. If a judge in Massachusetts feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money, just a $40 fee. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.
Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court.
If the Bail Magistrate determines that bail is necessary to assure that the arrested returns to court, then bail must be paid in cash by the defendant, a friend or family member. If the cash is not paid, the defendant will remain in jail until the bail is changed or the case is finished.
If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person detained in a jail or prison until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.
There are two types of bonds: Personal recognizance or cash.
Bail is set by a Massachusetts bail magistrate.
The bail magistrate will set bail after the defendant is processed, which is usually the same day as the arrest. If the bail magistrate is not available, for example on a weekend, the police may call the bail magistrate for permission to release the defendant until the next court day.
Yes, if there are extenuating circumstances for cash bail, let the bond commissioner know, or your attorney can request a change in bail conditions.
The defendant, family or friend can pay the cash bail.
Massachusetts counties do not currently offer online bail payment. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail: go to the Ash Street Jail for more information about the jails in Bristol County.
Cash, bank check, treasurer’s check, cashier’s check or government money order. Please contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted. Go to the Ash Street Jail for more information about posting bail in Bristol County.
Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount.
Yes, you may be released on personal recognizance or your attorney can apply for relief from the Massachusetts Bail Fund.
Massachusetts does not permit private bail bond companies to operate.
There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.
Since bail bond procedures can vary in Bristol County and Massachusetts, it is always best to contact Ash Street Jail at 508-996-6704 or the court where the defendant was charged, such as the Municipal or District Court, immediately after an arrest. This will ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
When calling Ash Street Jail or the Bristol County Court Clerk, be sure to ask the following questions:
If the bail amount seems too high, you may want to contact a lawyer or public defender to explore the possibility of getting it reduced. Starting this process quickly will help speed up the defendant's release.
A criminal attorney or bail agent can help manage the process and make it more efficient.
Option 1 - How to Post Bail with Cash at Ash Street Jail
A cash bond requires you to pay the full amount in cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.
Bail amounts can range from $100 to $75,000 or more depending on the offense.
To post the bond, visit Ash Street Jail or the court where the bail hearing took place. Going to the jail directly will expedite the release, as paperwork from the court must be sent there.
Cashier’s checks and money orders should be made out to Ash Street Jail, the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, or the Bristol County Court.
You can purchase money orders at Western Union, Moneygram, or any Post Office.
Option 2 - How to Post a Surety Bond for a Defendant at Ash Street Jail
If you cannot afford the full bail amount, a surety bond is another option. A bail agent will post the bond in exchange for a premium, typically 10-15% of the total bail amount.
For example, if bail is set at $5,000, the premium will be between $500 and $750.
Bail agents often require collateral, such as property or valuables, to secure the bond in case the defendant does not appear in court.
When you sign an agreement with a bail agent, you are responsible for paying the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court.
Option 3 - How to Post a Property Bond for a Defendant at Ash Street Jail
If you own property in Bristol County, you may be able to post a property bond. All owners of the property must be present to sign the bond in order for it to be valid.
To find out if property outside Bristol County can be used, contact a local bail agent or attorney.
For more information, click here for details on posting bail at Ash Street Jail.
Anyone over the age of 18 who can produce a valid government-issued photo ID can post bail. Accepted forms of ID include a Photo Driver's License, Passport, or Motor Vehicle issued ID.
In many circumstances, if the defendant has the resources, they can post their own cash bail from jail.
Surety Bonds are arranged by a third party, typically a Massachusetts state licensed Bail Bond firm.
Juveniles may only be bailed or bonded out of custody by a parent or legal guardian.
