Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Inmate Bail & Bonds
Bernalillo County bail and bond: MDC and the Metro Court bonding window
Anyone booked after an arrest in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos, Tijeras, the South Valley or the East Mountains ends up at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), 100 Deputy Dean Miera Dr. SW, Albuquerque. Jail phone: 505-839-8700. To look someone up, use the Bernalillo County Inmate Search.
Where do I go to pay a bond for someone at MDC?
Go downtown to the Metro Court at 401 Lomas Blvd. NW, not out to the jail. On weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ask for In-Custody Bonding in the Customer Service lobby. Late in the day and on weekends, there is a walk-up Bonding Window on the south side. It stays open until 10:30 p.m. on weekday nights and runs 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (Metro Court bonding).
What should I bring to the bonding window?
Bring cash, a cashier's check or a money order. You also need a photo ID from the government and the full name of the person locked up. Once the clerk takes the bond and does the paperwork, the court tells MDC to let the person go (Metro Court bonding FAQ).
Will MDC phone me and ask for release money?
MDC says it never does that. Scammers call families and promise a fast release for cash. The jail does not control when someone is let go, so hang up on anyone asking you to pay by phone (MDC).
Is there a price list for Albuquerque charges?
There isn't one. State rules ban judges from setting money bail off a chart of charges (Rule 5-401, part E). Many low-level cases are released by jail or court staff on a written promise to come back. That shortcut does not cover DWI, battery, stalking, domestic violence or breaking a protection order (Rule 6-408).
Can my family member come home without us paying anything?
Most people can. The judge starts with a plain promise to appear or an unsecured bond, which is owed only if the person skips court. Extra rules like check-ins get added only when needed (Rule 5-401, part B). For felonies, judges here also see a risk report called the Public Safety Assessment, used in this county since 2017 (NM Courts pretrial program).
If money is required, how much will it be?
It depends on the judge, who must explain the reason in writing. A 10% cash deposit must be offered first. Next comes a property bond, and last a full cash-or-surety bond where you pick cash or a bondsman. Judges cannot demand cash only, and cannot set a bond high just to keep someone locked up (Rule 5-401). Bondsmen must hold a state license, which you can look up on the insurance office license check; they can charge only the approved premium (NMSA 59A-51-13).
Can a judge in Albuquerque refuse bail completely?
Only for a felony, and only after the district attorney asks for it and wins a hearing with clear and convincing proof (state constitution, Art. II, Sec. 13). That hearing has to begin within 5 days (Rule 5-409). Someone who is not dangerous but is stuck only because they are poor can ask the court to drop the money part.
Which court has the case?
The Metro Court, 505-841-8151, handles misdemeanors, DWI and the first hearing in felonies. Bernalillo County has no magistrate court (court list). Felonies move up to the Second Judicial District Court (NMSA 34-6-1).
Where is the public defender in Albuquerque?
The Law Offices of the Public Defender is at 505 Marquette NW, Suite 120, 505-369-3600. Hours are 8 to 5, and it stops taking applications at 4:30 (LOPD offices).
What about a teenager picked up here?
Kids go through the Children's Code instead of adult bail (NMSA 32A-2-13). The county runs a youth detention center at 5100 Second St. NW, 505-468-7236, which is on the state's certified list (CYFD list).
What if the arrest was on Isleta, Sandia or To'Hajiilee land, or the charge is federal?
Tribal courts set their own release terms, and a state bond does not count there. The Navajo court for To'Hajiilee is 505-908-2817 (Navajo courts). Serious crimes by Native Americans on tribal land are federal (18 U.S.C. 1153). Federal cases are heard at the U.S. courthouse, 333 Lomas Blvd. NW, 505-348-2000 (federal court).
Who should I call to confirm the bond amount?
Call MDC at 505-839-8700. The bonding window can also tell you the amount (Metro Court FAQ).
Bernalillo County bail contacts
- Jail
- MDC, 100 Deputy Dean Miera Dr. SW; 505-839-8700
- Bonding
- Metro Court, 401 Lomas Blvd. NW
- Public defender
- 505-369-3600
- Inmate search
- Bernalillo County Inmate Search
How do Bail Bonds work at Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention
To bond someone out of custody from the Metropolitan Detention Center, do it at the Metropolitan Court's in-custody bonding window located in the Customer Service Division during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You will need their name and inmate ID#. Also bring your ID along with the cash needed. No change is given so bring an exact amount. You may want to call 505-839-8700 ahead of time for the exact amount needed.
The address for the court is:
401 Lomas Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505-841-8151
- You can also post a bond at the Metroplitan Court's external walk-up Bonding Window, located at the same address as above, but on the south end of the building.
- The Bonding Window is open from 3:00-10:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
- Bring cash to post the bond, a valid state identification card or driver’s license, and the name of the person in custody (and their inmate ID#).
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention
Address:
100 Deputy Dean Miera Drive SW
Albuquerque, NM 87151
Phone:
505-839-8700
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Bernalillo County
Does Bernalillo County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Bernalillo County?
Who can set bail in Bernalillo County?
When is bail set in Bernalillo County New Mexico?
Does Bernalillo County have bail?
In 2016, New Mexico voters approved a constitutional amendment to almost completely eliminate the cash bail system. The change was implemented to prevent low-risk offenders from remaining in jail before trial because they could not afford bail.
Since this recent change in law, the Bernalillo County judges are now able to deny bail in felony cases for the more “dangerous” accused. This in consequence keeps more, but not all people in jail without any option for pre-trial release. The arrested are either released on a personal recognizance bond or held based on a judge’s assessment of the danger they pose to the public. Very few are released on bail.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Bernalillo County?
Cash bonds or personal recognizance bonds are recognized in Bernalillo County.
Who can set bail in Bernalillo County?
Defendants are either released or held based on a judge’s assessment of the danger they pose to the public.
When is bail set in Bernalillo County New Mexico?
The determination to hold or release a defendant pretrial must be made within 3 days for those being held in a local detention center.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Bernalillo 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 Bernalillo 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 Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention 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. Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.
What are the different types of bonds in Bernalillo County?
Cash bonds or personal recognizance bonds are recognized in New Mexico, and it is up to the judge to determine which bond will be accepted.
A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met.
Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.
Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.
(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.)
Does Bernalillo County have bail?
In 2016, New Mexico voters approved a constitutional amendment to almost completely eliminate the cash bail system. The change was implemented to prevent low-risk offenders from remaining in jail before trial because they could not afford bail.
Since this recent change in law, the Bernalillo County judges are now able to deny bail in felony cases for the more “dangerous” accused. This in consequence keeps more, but not all people in jail without any option for pre-trial release. The arrested are either released on a personal recognizance bond or held based on a judge’s assessment of the danger they pose to the public. Very few are released on bail.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Bernalillo County?
Cash bonds or personal recognizance bonds are recognized in Bernalillo County.
Who can set bail in Bernalillo County?
Defendants are either released or held based on a judge’s assessment of the danger they pose to the public.
When is bail set in Bernalillo County?
The determination to hold or release a defendant pretrial must be made within 3 days for those being held in a local detention center.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Bernalillo County New Mexico?
There is no bail, however, your attorney may request a second hearing to determine if a defendant is to be released.
In Bernalillo County New Mexico, who can pay bail for me?
The person posting bail could be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back. The defendant can also pay bail.
Can bail be paid online in Bernalillo County New Mexico?
Yes, New Mexico does offer online bail payment. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail: go to the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention for more information about the jails in Bernalillo County.
What options are there to pay bail in Bernalillo County New Mexico?
If bail was set, refer to the information on payment:
Will I get all my bond money back in New Mexico?
If bail was set, refer to the information on payment:
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Bernalillo County?
A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front however there might be court fees due.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court can send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up. A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in New Mexico?
The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.
The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is 10% and cannot be negotiated.