Cass County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Cass County bail and bond: finding him and getting him released
People arrested in Cass County are held in the jail that serves Cass County, run by the elected Sheriff. Start with Cass County Inmate Search to learn whether your person is in custody and what the bail is. A judge or magistrate sets the amount, and the bond steps below show your choices.
Is my nephew in a Cass County cell tonight?
Enter his name in Cass County Inmate Search. The record shows the facility holding him, the charges, and the bail. If it shows a different county's jail, that is where he is being kept, because some small Michigan counties send prisoners to a neighbor.
Give a new booking a few hours to post. Ask the arresting deputy or officer for the report number, which helps when you talk to the court.
Who decides the bail amount in Cass County?
A judge or a magistrate sets it, usually at the first court appearance. The state court rule lists what they weigh: the charge, record, missed court dates, mental health, drug use, money, and family ties.
Race, religion, sex and wealth cannot be the reason for the decision.
Will he have to pay anything to go home?
Not always. Michigan's rule starts with release on a written promise or an unsecured bond, where you owe money only if he skips court. The judge needs a stated reason to require money up front.
The judge may add conditions, such as testing or a stay-away order.
What are the ways to post money?
Michigan's rule lists three: the full amount in cash, a deposit of ten percent in cash if the judge allows it, or a surety bond through an approved agent, which may be set at one quarter of the full bail.
Which of these the Cass County judge allows is written on the bond order. Ask the clerk at arraignment, and use the bond instructions to see how the process works.
How does the ten percent deposit work now?
You hand the court one tenth of the bail. At the end of the case you usually get back what you paid, less any fines, costs or assessments owed.
On May 1, 2026 the Michigan Supreme Court changed the rule. A court may keep ten percent of the deposit only when the person is convicted of an offense covered by MCL 780.66.
Can a bondsman post it for us?
Yes, if the judge permits a surety bond. The agent decides what to charge, and that charge stays with the agent. Read every page before signing and keep copies.
Agents are insurance producers. The state insurance department says it does not license bondsmen and that each court approves them. Report a problem at 877-999-6442.
Can our farm be pledged for his bond?
A judge can accept real estate when the court agrees. You may need to prove what it is worth. Ask the court whether the land must be in Cass County before you order an appraisal.
This route takes longer than cash or an agent.
It is Saturday. When will a judge see him?
Michigan counties must have a judge or magistrate on hand every day of the year to arraign people or set bail on felonies. A person arrested without a warrant should have a judge look at the arrest within about 48 hours.
Ask the arresting agency or the jail desk when his first hearing is.
Why does it say no bond for my brother?
Under Article 1, Section 15 of the Michigan Constitution, bail may be refused for murder and treason. The same goes for first-degree criminal sexual conduct, armed robbery or kidnapping to extort, when the proof is evident.
It also applies to some violent felony defendants with a long record, or who were on release at the time. A hold from probation, parole or another county can block release too.
What does it cost to lose track of a court date?
The bail can be forfeited. The court mails notice and gives the defendant 28 days to turn himself in.
An agent is told within 7 days and can ask to show why judgment should not be entered. A person who is caught within a year may get the judgment set aside under conditions.
Does Cass County have a public defender?
Indigent defense in Michigan is set up county by county under a state commission. Call the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission at 517-657-3066 and ask how Cass County provides lawyers.
You can also ask for a lawyer at arraignment, where the court will give you a form about your income.
Where does Cass County hold a teenager?
Michigan treats everyone under 18 as a juvenile since October 1, 2021, and bars holding them with adult prisoners. A 17-year-old's case generally starts in the family division of circuit court.
The county's youth detention arrangement is set by the court. Ask the judge or the court clerk at the first hearing, and check Cass County Inmate Search only for adults.
How do I get the bond money back?
When the judge discharges the bail, the court returns what it holds. A cash bond in the defendant's own name goes first to his fines and costs.
A bondsman's fee is not refunded. Keep all receipts.
Cass County bail contacts
- Jail
- jail that serves Cass County
- Custody lookup
- Cass County Inmate Search
- Free lawyers
- Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, Lansing, 517-657-3066
- Agent problems
- State insurance regulator, 877-999-6442
- Court contacts
- Ask the arresting agency or the court clerk at the first hearing for the courtroom and time
Courts can change amounts and conditions, and this guide cannot see your relative's file. Check every detail with the clerk before paying. It is general help, not a lawyer's opinion.
How Do I pay Bail for Someone Arrested in Cass County?
Can I pay an Inmate's Bail Online?
Cass County Jail has contracted with Express Account, a third party online money deposit service, to pay for an Inmate's Bail using a credit card.
Here's how it works:
- Call the Cass County Jail at 269-445-8644 to find out the exact amount you need in order to pay your inmate's bail. Often there are fees that are in addition to the bail amount. Keep in mind that Express Account will also be adding a small percentage for the use of their service. Make sure you select 'bond' when doing this.
- Go to Express Account, register with them and follow the instructions to pay bail. You can also do this by phone if you prefer, by calling 866-422-6833.
- A fax or email is sent to the facility within 5 minutes of posting the bond. It includes the information about the bail/bond payment which begins the release process at the facility. If you have a concern, you may contact the facility at 269-445-8644 to inquire.
If you have any questions on how this works phone support is available Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) between 8am - 4pm EST - call 866-422-6833. If you prefer to contact them online, go to their Customer Service Contact Page and write them with the question(s) you have.
Cass County Jail
Address:
321 N M-62
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone:
269-445-8644
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Cass County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Cass County?
Who can set bail in Cass County?
When is bail set in Cass County Michigan?
Does Cass County have bail?
Yes, Cass County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Cass County?
Cass 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 Cass County?
Bail is set in accordance with a bail schedule or by a judge.
When is bail set in Cass 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 Cass 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 Cass 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 Cass 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, Cass 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 Cass 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 Cass County have bail?
Yes, Cass County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Cass County?
Cass 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 Cass 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 Cass County Michigan?
Yes, if there are extenuating circumstances, let the bond officer know. Your attorney can also request a bond reduction.
In Cass 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 Cass County Michigan?
Yes, Michigan does offer online bail payment. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Cass County Jail for more information about the jails in Cass County.
What options are there to pay bail in Cass 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 Cass County Jail for more information about posting bail in Cass 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 Cass 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 Cass 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.