Bonding Out

This information provided is basic, as every case is different. If you need more detailed information, please call the detention center at 406-497-1040.

Bonds & Bail

Bond (or bail) is an amount of money in cash, property, or surety bond that must be paid for an arrested person to be able to leave jail before the case is completed. The purpose of a bond is to make sure that person attends all of his court appearances.

Determining How Much Bond an Inmate Must Pay

Bond amounts for misdemeanor charges are determined by the court. Felony charges and some additional "no bond" charges require the defendant to see a judge to have a bond amount set before being able to post bond and be released prior to court appearance.

Forms of Payment

We accept cash, credit card, cashier's check or a surety bond, secured through a licensed bonding agent.

Posting Bond

Any person can post his/her bond. Any person over the age of 18 can also post a bond on behalf of the arrestee. If you don't have the cash to cover the full bond amount, you may choose to hire a bail bond agent, who charges a fee of 10% of the total amount of the bail required. You will need to contact the bonding agent directly for more information concerning their fees and the service they will provide.

Bond Return

If you post a cash bond, you may be eligible to receive some or all of your cash bond back after the case is finalized. If you post a surety bond, you will not get the surety bond agent's fee back.

Posting a Cash Bond

You can post the cash bond at the detention center. We will accept cash, credit card or cashiers check.

Posting a Property Bond

Posting a property bond is a complicated legal matter, which will need to be handled by an attorney.