Hampden County Pre-Release Center Inmate Bail & Bonds

Search for an Inmate in Hampden County

Hampden County Pre-Release Center

Address:
325 Alabama Road
Ludlow, MA 01056

Phone:

413-547-8000

How do Bail Bonds work at Hampden County Pre-Release Center

BAIL RELEASE INFORMATION for Hampden County Pre-Release Center



MONDAY through FRIDAY 4:30 PM
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM

To initiate the bail process, contact the Hampden County Pre-Release Center at 413-547-8000.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Hampden County


Does Hampden County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Hampden County?

Who can set bail in Hampden County?

When is bail set in Hampden County Massachusetts?


 

 

Does Hampden County have bail?

Hampden 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. 


 

 

What kind of bonds are accepted in Hampden County?

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.


 

 

Who can set bail in Hampden County?

Bail is set by a Massachusetts bail magistrate.


 

 

When is bail set in Hampden County Massachusetts?

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.

What is Bail?

Bail is what the arrested in Hampden 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 Hampden 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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center 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. 

What is the difference between Bail and Bond?

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.  

What are the different types of bonds in Hampden County?

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. 

Does Hampden County have bail?

Hampden 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. 

What kind of bonds are accepted in Hampden County?  

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.

Who can set bail in Hampden County?  

Bail is set by a Massachusetts bail magistrate.

When is bail set in Massachusetts?  

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.

Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Hampden County Massachusetts? 

Yes, if there are extenuating circumstances for cash bail, let the bond commissioner know, or your attorney can request a change in bail conditions.  

In Hampden County Massachusetts, who can pay bail for me?

The defendant, family or friend can pay the cash bail.

Can bail be paid online in Hampden County Massachusetts?  

Massachusetts counties do not currently offer online bail payment. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail: go to the Hampden County Pre-Release Center for more information about the jails in Hampden County.

What options are there to pay bail in Hampden County Massachusetts? 

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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center for more information about posting bail in Hampden County.  

Will I get all my bond money back in Massachusetts? 

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.

Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Hampden County? 

Yes, you may be released on personal recognizance or your attorney can apply for relief from the Massachusetts Bail Fund.

What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Massachusetts?  

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.

Instructions on how to post Bail or Bond in Hampden County

Since bail bond regulations may change, it’s best to call Hampden County Pre-Release Center at 413-547-8000 or contact the court (i.e., Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) where the defendant was charged to confirm current procedures.

Be sure to ask Hampden County Pre-Release Center or the Hampden County Court Clerk the following questions:

  1. Is the defendant eligible for bail or bond?
  2. How much is the bail or bond, and are there extra fees?
  3. Where do I pay the bail or bond?
  4. Are there certain hours when bail cannot be posted?
  5. What types of payment are accepted—cash, credit cards, money orders, property, or surety bonds?
  6. Is it mandatory to use a bail agent?

If you feel the bail is too high, contact a lawyer or the defendant’s public defender to see if a bail reduction is possible. Starting the process early will help expedite the defendant’s release.

Having a lawyer or bail agent manage the process will ensure everything goes smoothly.

Option 1 - How to Post Cash Bail at Hampden County Pre-Release Center

One way to post bail is by paying the full amount in cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.

Depending on the crime, the amount can range from $100 to $75,000 or more.

To post a cash bond, visit Hampden County Pre-Release Center or the court where the bail hearing took place. Going directly to the jail may expedite the process, as paperwork must be transferred from the court.

Cashier’s checks and money orders should be made payable to Hampden County Pre-Release Center, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, or the Hampden 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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center

If the full bail amount isn’t available, a surety bond is an option. A bail agent posts the full amount, and you pay the agent a premium, which is typically 10-15% of the total bail.

For instance, if the bail is $5,000, the premium will cost between $500 and $750.

The bail agent may ask for collateral, such as property or valuables, to ensure compensation if the defendant fails to appear in court.

By signing with a bail agent, you are responsible for the full bail amount if the defendant skips their court appearance.

Option 3 - How to Post a Property Bond for a Defendant at Hampden County Pre-Release Center

If you own property in Hampden County, you may be able to post a property bond using real estate as collateral. All property owners must be present to sign the bond agreement.

To find out if property outside Hampden County can be used, contact a local bail agent or attorney.

Click here for more details about posting bail at Hampden County Pre-Release Center.

Who can post Bail or Bond for a Defendant at Hampden County Pre-Release Center?

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.

Photos of this facility
1 / 4
Hampden County Pre-Release Center located in Ludlow MA (Massachusetts) 1
2 / 4
Hampden County Pre-Release Center located in Ludlow MA (Massachusetts) 2
3 / 4
Hampden County Pre-Release Center located in Ludlow MA (Massachusetts) 3
4 / 4
Hampden County Pre-Release Center located in Ludlow MA (Massachusetts) 4

Search for an Inmate in Hampden County