Plymouth County Correctional Facility Inmate Bail & Bonds
Plymouth County bail and bond: from the Long Pond Road jail to the Brockton courtroom
People arrested in Plymouth County who cannot go home right away are held at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility, 26 Long Pond Road, Plymouth, run by Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald Jr. Start with Plymouth County Inmate Search to see whether your family member is in custody, and check the booking status and any bail amount there. Use the jail desk at 508-830-6200 for questions the search cannot answer. In Massachusetts a judge or a bail magistrate sets bail, not the jail, and many people are released on a promise to come back to court with no money at all.
Is my brother at the Long Pond Road facility?
Type his name into Plymouth County Inmate Search first. If it shows him, you will see the booking status. Someone arrested only minutes ago may not appear yet, so try again later in the day.
The Plymouth County Correctional Facility holds people waiting for trial as well as people serving short sentences. The main number is 508-830-6200. A 2026 news report said it turned away more police-delivered arrestees than any other county, so a person may spend the first night in a police station cell instead.
Who decides the bail, and when?
A judge decides at arraignment, which is the first court date. If someone is arrested when the courts are closed, police call a bail magistrate. That person can be a clerk-magistrate, an assistant clerk, or a bail commissioner. He or she chooses between release on a written promise to appear and cash bail.
The jail does not choose the number and cannot lower it. Ask the jail desk at 508-830-6200 how the after-hours process works for the person you are trying to reach.
What if the magistrate sets bail at night and I want to pay right away?
The state describes cash bail as a payment made in full to the bail magistrate, usually at the police station where the person is held. Call the arresting police department first and ask for the booking sheet. Then call the jail at 508-830-6200 to ask where the magistrate meets payers.
Bring photo ID and the exact amount. Ask whether any fee is due. State law now puts the after-hours magistrate fee on the Trial Court, but some sheriffs still tell families to expect one, so ask before you withdraw money.
Will my cousin be freed without paying anything?
Often, yes. The statute starts with release on personal recognizance, which means a signed promise to appear and no money. The official may require cash only if release on a promise would not reasonably assure that the person comes back to court.
The judge may add rules, such as staying away from a victim.
Can the judge set bail higher than we can afford?
The law says bail must be no higher than what would reasonably assure the person returns, and the official must look at the person's money. A higher figure is allowed only if no other condition or affordable amount would work. If the amount is likely to keep the person locked up because he cannot pay it, the judge must give reasons in writing or on the record.
A lawyer can use those words to ask for a new hearing. If a magistrate set the amount, the person can ask a Superior Court judge to review it.
Is there a bondsman I can hire in Plymouth County?
State law says no surety may be paid for acting as a surety (General Laws chapter 276, section 61B). A fee-charging bail agent is therefore not a normal choice here. The ordinary routes are a promise to appear, cash, or a surety who is not being paid.
If someone offers to free your relative for a fee, ask the court clerk first. You can reach the clerk's office at Plymouth Superior Court at 508-747-8400.
Can we offer a house or a savings account instead of cash?
The bail statute lists three things a surety may deposit: money equal to the bail, certain savings and co-operative bank instruments, and government bonds of equal face value. Real estate appears only for a few offenses under chapter 56.
Do not sign a deed over to anyone yet. Ask the clerk of the court holding the case whether land or a house would be accepted for your particular charge. In Brockton that is 508-587-8000.
What can I pay with?
Plan on cash, and ask what else the magistrate or the clerk will take. A 2022 Trial Court emergency order let magistrates take payment through apps such as Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App when the payer agreed. Whether a particular jail uses that today is a question for the desk at 508-830-6200.
Which courthouse will hear the case?
Plymouth County has Superior Court at 52 Obery Street, Plymouth, with clerk's phone 508-747-8400, open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Brockton District Court sits at 215 Main Street, Brockton, 508-587-8000. The public defender office also covers district courts in Plymouth, Wareham, and Hingham.
What does it mean when a judge says "dangerousness"?
Under section 58A, the prosecutor can ask the court to hold a person with no bail at all for certain charges, including felonies involving force, some drug and weapons offenses, and abuse-order cases. The hearing happens at the first appearance unless one side asks for more time. The defense can wait up to seven days, and the prosecutor up to three business days.
The judge must find, by clear and convincing evidence, that no release conditions can keep others safe. District Court holds last up to 120 days unless there is good cause, and Superior Court holds up to 180. Superior Court must hear a challenge within five business days.
Can bail be taken away after someone is released?
Yes. If a person is charged with a new crime while on release, a judge can revoke bail after a hearing. The order under section 58 lasts up to 60 days. The state's court pages also warn of holds up to 90 days for new crimes or broken conditions under section 58B.
Every release comes with a bail warning explaining this.
Why can't I just pay bail after a restraining order arrest?
A person arrested for violating a 209A abuse prevention order is not released on bail unless a judge orders it. For abuse offenses, an adult generally cannot be admitted to bail sooner than six hours after arrest except by a judge in open court.
So an offer of money at the station may not work. Ask the court clerk at 508-747-8400 when the first hearing is.
What if the arrested person is 17 or younger?
No bail can be set for a 12- or 13-year-old. For ages 14 to 18, a bail official decides after a warrant arrest or a written police request to detain. Police must call a parent first after hours, and generally only a parent or guardian can pay bail. The Department of Youth Services (DYS) does not post it.
DYS runs detention for the Southeast Region, which includes Plymouth County. Its detention coordinator line in a state parents' guide is 508-828-3838, and the DYS central office is 617-727-7575. Ask which detention program has your child.
How do I get a free lawyer?
Ask the judge at arraignment. If the person qualifies, the court appoints a lawyer. The Committee for Public Counsel Services trial office is at 144 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Brockton, 508-580-4901, and it serves Brockton, Hingham, Plymouth and Wareham District Courts as well as Plymouth Superior Court.
A minimum $150 counsel fee applies. A judge may accept 15 hours of community service if the person cannot pay.
What happens if he misses court?
A warrant can be issued, and cash bail may be forfeited. Contact the lawyer or the clerk the same day. Ask the clerk to confirm the next date, time, and courtroom.
When does the bail money come back?
The court holds cash bail until the case closes. If the person attends every hearing, it is returned, but the $150 counsel fee must be paid first, because the state says bail is not returned until that fee is paid.
Time spent in custody before trial counts toward a later house of correction or prison sentence.
How do I spot a fake bail call?
A real magistrate or clerk never asks for gift cards, crypto, or money sent to a stranger. Hang up and ring the jail yourself at 508-830-6200 or the Plymouth Superior Court clerk at 508-747-8400.
Key contacts for Plymouth County bail questions
- County jail
- Plymouth County Correctional Facility, 26 Long Pond Road, Plymouth, MA 02360; 508-830-6200; Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald Jr.
- Bail help
- Plymouth bail and bond information
- Custody lookup
- Plymouth County Inmate Search
- Superior Court
- 52 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA 02630; clerk 508-747-8400; Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- District Court
- Brockton District Court, 215 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301; 508-587-8000; Plymouth, Wareham, and Hingham District Courts also hear cases
- Public defender
- Public Defender Division, 144 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Brockton, MA 02301; 508-580-4901
- Youth detention
- Department of Youth Services, Southeast Region detention line 508-828-3838; central office 617-727-7575
Dollar figures, hours, and phone numbers on county sites change often, and some of the facts here come from older state pages. Check the details with the court clerk or the jail for the person you are helping before money changes hands. Nothing on this page replaces advice from a Massachusetts lawyer.
How do Bail Bonds work at Plymouth County Correctional Facility
Bristol County Bail must be Cash only.
If you are bailing out an inmate and want them released the same day, you need to check in at least 60 minutes before the designated bail time because the Court Magistrate calls in 60 minutes beforehand to see who is paying bail.
There is a $40.00 bail fee on top of the bail amount.
- Bails are conducted when a bail commissioner is available.
- A bail takes an average of one to two hours to be processed. Bails take place at the Release Lobby.
- You must have a vaild ID to bail someone out.
- All bails require cash: It is recommended to call the facility regarding the bail, to ensure that the inmate is bailable and you are aware of the proper bail amount.
Plymouth County Correctional Facility
Address:
26 Long Pond Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone:
508-830-6200
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Plymouth County
Does Plymouth County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Plymouth County?
Who can set bail in Plymouth County?
When is bail set in Plymouth County Massachusetts?
Does Plymouth County have bail?
Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth County?
Bail is set by a Massachusetts bail magistrate.
When is bail set in Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth County Correctional Facility 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth County have bail?
Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth County Massachusetts, who can pay bail for me?
The defendant, family or friend can pay the cash bail.
Can bail be paid online in Plymouth 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 Plymouth County Correctional Facility for more information about the jails in Plymouth County.
What options are there to pay bail in Plymouth 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 Plymouth County Correctional Facility for more information about posting bail in Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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.