Alcona County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Alcona County bail and bond: booking in Harrisville, a bed in another county's jail
Alcona County arrests are booked through the Sheriff's Office at 214 West Main Street, Harrisville, but the sheriff says the Alcona County Jail does not keep prisoners overnight. People are taken to the Iosco County Jail, and in 2026 the county agreed to reserve beds at the Alpena County Jail. Search Alcona County Inmate Search first, then call the Sheriff's Office at 989-724-6271. For help with bond, ask there which jail has your relative.
My relative was arrested in Alcona County. Which jail is he in?
Look him up on Alcona County Inmate Search. If he is missing, call the Sheriff's Office at 989-724-6271. The sheriff's page says people arrested while the jail is short-staffed go straight to the Iosco County Jail, and those who cannot post bail after arraignment are moved there too. A February 2026 news report says Alcona agreed to reserve 15 beds in the Alpena County Jail.
Does Alcona County still use the Harrisville jail at all?
Yes, in a limited way. The sheriff's page says the Harrisville jail handles booking and bonding on a limited basis. People cited for a misdemeanor often come in to be booked before arraignment, and after arraignment they can post bail and go home. It is not staffed for overnight stays right now.
Why do some websites say the Alcona jail is closed and also open?
One popular listing says the jail is closed in one sentence and then describes 31 beds and visits at 214 West Main Street in another. It also gives two different phone numbers. The sheriff's number, 989-724-6271, is the one to trust. Non-emergency dispatch is 989-724-0911.
Where do I pay bond for someone held out of county?
Ask the Alcona Sheriff's Office first, since it books the person and knows which jail has him. Then ask that jail how it takes bond. The Iosco and Alpena jails have their own rules. Alpena's office says bond can be posted there at any time. Do not send money until the desk tells you the jail, the amount, and the name for the receipt.
Who sets bail for an Alcona County arrest?
The 81st District Court does, at the hearing called an arraignment. It sits at 106 Fifth Street, Harrisville, 989-724-9500, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a lunch closing from noon to 1:00. The county magistrate is Courtney Bachelor. The court also serves Arenac, Iosco, and Oscoda counties.
What if the arrest happens on a weekend?
The court is closed, but Michigan requires a person to be arraigned without unnecessary delay. Courts must keep a judge or magistrate available every day for felony bail. For a minor offense, a person who cannot be seen right away may be allowed to post a small interim bond with the jail, if the law allows it. Ask the Sheriff's Office, 989-724-6271, what applies.
What kinds of bond can a judge allow in Harrisville?
The judge may release a person on a promise to appear, set conditions such as testing or a curfew, or order money bail. Money bail may be required only if the judge states on the record that the person would not otherwise show up or would be a danger. The listed options include a quarter-of-bail surety bond and a 10 percent cash deposit, if the court agrees.
How much of a 10 percent deposit comes back?
Under the rule that took effect May 1, 2026, the court can keep 10 percent of a deposit only on a conviction for an offense covered by MCL 780.66. If the case is dropped or he is found not guilty, you should receive all of it, less fines or costs he owes. Older web pages that say "the court keeps 10 percent" are out of date.
Can a bondsman post bail in Alcona County?
If the 81st District Court approves that agent. A bondsman is an insurance agent, not a state-licensed bondsman, and each court approves its own list. Ask the court clerk at 989-724-9500 who is accepted. Write down the fee, what collateral is wanted, and what happens if the person misses court.
Does it matter that the jail is in another county?
It matters for visits, phone, and mail, because those follow the jail where he sits. It does not change the court. The case stays in Alcona County, and he is brought back for hearings. Keep the court date handy, and ask the jail where to send mail.
Can I get a lawyer paid for by the county in Alcona?
Ask the judge at arraignment. The court asks if you have a lawyer, and you complete an income form if you need one. We found no separate public defender phone for Alcona County. The court at 989-724-9500 can tell you who takes appointed cases, or call the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission at 517-657-3066.
Where do Alcona County youth go if they are arrested?
We did not find a named detention center for Alcona County youth. Judge Laura Frawley, who sits on the probate and family side in Harrisville, can be reached through the court at 989-724-9490. Michigan law bars holding anyone under 18 with adult prisoners, so a teen should not be in the jail with adults. Ask the court where the youth is placed.
What happens if he skips the court date?
The judge may issue a warrant and treat the bond as forfeited. A person who made a 10 percent deposit can lose it, and a surety is notified and can be ordered to pay. Contact the court at once.
Is it a scam when someone calls about Alcona County bail?
It is if they ask for gift cards or an instant transfer. Call 989-724-6271 yourself. Complaints about a bondsman can go to the state insurance consumer line at 877-999-6442.
How can the family help the judge decide on bail in Harrisville?
Judges weigh a person's record, whether he came to earlier hearings, drug or alcohol problems, mental health, the charge, and his ties to the area. Bring proof of a home address, a job, and people who will drive him to court. A judge may not rely on race, religion, gender, or economic status.
Does a person already on bail get a 10 percent option in Alcona County?
Often not. A state court memo says a cash bond or a non-bondsman surety may be required when the new charge came while he was out on bail, or when he has two felony convictions within five years. The 81st District Court at 989-724-9500 can explain what applies.
Alcona County bond contacts
- Booking office
- Alcona County Jail and Sheriff's Office, 214 West Main Street, Harrisville, MI 48740; 989-724-6271
- Bond guide
- Alcona jail and bail pages
- Custody lookup
- Alcona County Inmate Search
- Sheriff
- Scott A. Stephenson; non-emergency 989-724-0911
- District court
- 81st District Court, 106 Fifth Street, Harrisville, MI 48740; 989-724-9500
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed noon to 1:00 p.m.
- Judge
- Judge Laura Frawley, 989-724-9490
- Public defense
- Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, 517-657-3066
- Bondsman complaints
- State insurance consumer line, 877-999-6442
The sheriff's office changes where it houses prisoners as staff and contracts change, so treat the jail location here as a starting point. Ask a lawyer about your own case before you act on anything above.
Paying an Inmate's Bail or Bond in Alcona County
The Alcona County Sheriff recommends that you might want to use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Alcona County.
However if you don't want to use a bail bond agent:
- You can always pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in Alcona County, or in some cases the state of Michigan, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Alcona County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
- The typical fee for a bond in Michigan is between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15% or less. So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1,500.00.
- Pay by cash, cashier's check, money order or credit card at the Alcona County Jail, or the courthouse in Alcona County where the offense took place.
Call 989-724-6271 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Alcona County inmate locator.
Alcona County Jail
Address:
214 W. Main Street
Harrisville, MI 48740
Phone:
989-724-6271
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Alcona County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Alcona County?
Who can set bail in Alcona County?
When is bail set in Alcona County Michigan?
Does Alcona County have bail?
Yes, Alcona County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Alcona County?
Alcona County recognizes most types of bonds. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.
There are four types of bail available: personal recognizance bond, cash bail, ten-percent bail, and surety bond.
Who can set bail in Alcona County?
Bail is set in accordance with a bail schedule or by a judge.
When is bail set in Alcona County Michigan?
Bail is set at the first court appearance, also known as the arraignment. In most cases this hearing is required to be held within 72 hours of arrest, unless delayed by the defense.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Alcona 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 Alcona 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 Alcona County 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.
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.
The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Alcona County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.
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.
More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.
Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation.
Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.
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 Alcona County?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.
To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid.
Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid.
Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:
You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.
You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to 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.
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 will 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 for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.
Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over.
The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.
You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value.
A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).
Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.
There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond.
You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.
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.
With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved.
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 Alcona County have bail?
Yes, Alcona County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Alcona County?
Alcona County recognizes most types of bonds. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.
There are four types of bail available: personal recognizance bond, cash bail, ten-percent bail, and surety bond.
Who can set bail in Alcona County?
Bail is set in accordance with a bail schedule or by a judge.
When is bail set in Michigan?
Bail is set at the first court appearance, also known as the arraignment. In most cases this hearing is required to be held within 72 hours of arrest, unless delayed by the defense.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Alcona County Michigan?
Yes, if there are extenuating circumstances, let the bond officer know. Your attorney can also request a bond reduction.
In Alcona County Michigan, who can pay bail for me?
The person posting bail should 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.
A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Michigan could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Alcona County Michigan?
Yes, Michigan does offer online bail payment. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Alcona County Jail for more information about the jails in Alcona County.
What options are there to pay bail in Alcona County Michigan?
Most all jail and courts accept cash, a cashier or bankers’ check. Some accept a credit card with fees. Please contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted. Go to the Alcona County Jail for more information about posting bail in Alcona County.
Will I get all my bond money back in Michigan?
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. If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Alcona County?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.
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.
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 will 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 Michigan?
The Alcona County Jail 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 set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.