Crawford County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Crawford County

Michigan • Crawford County • Bail & bond help

Crawford County bail in Grayling: the 24-hour cash bail line and the courthouse next door

People arrested in Crawford County are booked into the Crawford County Jail, also called the corrections center, at 200 W. Michigan Ave., Grayling. Use Crawford County Inmate Search to see if someone is in custody and what bail was set. The jail answers around the clock at 989-348-4822, and that same number is how you start a cash bail payment, day or night.

Can I pay cash bail in Grayling at 2 a.m.?

Yes, the jail describes its Pay Cash Bail service as running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, online or by phone. Call 989-348-4822 for the steps. The page does not list which cards or other payment types it takes, so ask when you call.

Have the person's full name and, if you have it, the case number or bail amount from Crawford County Inmate Search.

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How big is the Crawford County Jail?

The corrections center has 53 beds. It holds local arrestees and sentenced prisoners, and it also houses people for ICE, for other counties and, for a short time, for the Michigan Department of Corrections. So a person who is held here may have a hold from outside Crawford County that bail alone will not clear.

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When can I see or write to him?

Visits are by appointment. Last names A through I visit on Monday and Wednesday, and J through Z on Tuesday and Thursday, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Call 989-348-4822 to schedule. Lawyers may visit at any reasonable time except meals and after 8 p.m. unless the jail commander agrees, and clergy may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.

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Who decides the bail amount in Crawford County?

A judge or a magistrate decides, usually at the first court appearance. In Michigan the court must choose between custody, release on a promise to appear, or release with conditions, and may order money bail only if it says on the record that nothing else will protect the public or secure a court date. Many people go home on a personal bond with no money at all.

After booking, check Crawford County Inmate Search for any amount that is already set.

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Where is the court, and what hours does it keep?

All Crawford courts share the courthouse at 200 W. Michigan Ave., Grayling, MI 49738, the same address the corrections center uses. The 87C District Court is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The 46th Circuit Court Clerk's office keeps 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The probate and family court opens at 8 a.m. The courts close for the usual holidays, plus Good Friday and Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

The circuit clerk answers at 989-344-3200. The filing clerk is at 989-344-3206.

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Does Crawford County use a bail bondsman?

A bondsman posts a surety bond in return for a fee. No Michigan rule I found sets that fee, and the state insurance department does not license bondsmen, only insurance producers. Each court approves its own bondsmen. The 46th Circuit website has a Bail Bonds section, so ask the clerk at 989-344-3200 who is accepted before you sign anything.

Report an agent to the Department of Insurance and Financial Services at 877-999-6442.

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What is the difference between a cash bond and a ten percent bond?

With a cash bond you pay the whole amount. With a ten percent bond, if the judge offers one, you pay a tenth, and the person promises to pay the rest if he runs. A court may also accept a surety bond for one quarter of the total.

Under the rule that took effect May 1, 2026, a court may keep 10 percent of a deposit only on a conviction for an offense covered by MCL 780.66. If the case ends in a dismissal or acquittal, the whole deposit returns, less fines or costs that remain.

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Can I put up my cabin or land instead of cash?

The court rule lets a judge accept real property if the court agrees, and the judge can ask you to prove its value. I did not find a Crawford County form or rule about equity or about property outside the county. Ask the circuit clerk at 989-344-3200 first, because the answer decides how much paperwork you need.

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Why would a judge say no bail at all?

Michigan's Constitution allows it only for certain cases. Murder and treason qualify when the proof is evident or the presumption is great. So do first-degree criminal sexual conduct, armed robbery and kidnapping for extortion, unless the court decides the person is unlikely to flee or harm anyone. Two or more earlier violent felony convictions in 15 years, or a new violent felony while on bail, probation or parole, can also lead to denial.

When bail is denied, trial must begin within 90 days unless the defense asks for delay.

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What if the person is wanted in another place too?

Then paying Crawford County bail may not free them. A hold from another county, probation or parole stays in force after your payment. Ask the jail at 989-348-4822 if any other hold shows on the record before you spend money.

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Where does a Grayling teenager go if arrested?

A person under 18 may not be locked up with adult prisoners in Michigan. The family division of the circuit court handles young people, and its judge is Monte Burmeister at 989-344-3260. Call and ask which juvenile detention center the court uses for a Crawford County youth, since I could not confirm one by name.

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How do I get a lawyer I cannot pay for?

At the first hearing tell the judge you need one. The court gives you a financial form to complete. The court administrator, Angie Cragg, can explain how appointments work at 989-344-3882. For questions about the state's standards, the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission is in Lansing at 517-657-3066.

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What happens if a bonded person skips court?

The judge can order the bail forfeited and issue a warrant. Notice is mailed, and the person has 28 days to turn himself in before a judgment can be entered. A bondsman is told within 7 days. If the person is later caught within a year and the county's costs are paid, the judgment can be set aside.

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Is a gift card or crypto payment ever legitimate?

No. Scammers call families of people in jail and ask for fast payment. Pay only through the number on this page, 989-348-4822, or at the courthouse. If a caller pushes you to hurry, hang up and call that number yourself.

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Crawford County bail contacts

Jail
Crawford County Jail (corrections center), 200 W. Michigan Ave., Grayling, MI 49738; 24 hours, 989-348-4822
Custody lookup
Crawford County Inmate Search
Cash bail
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online or by phone through the jail at 989-348-4822
Courthouse
200 W. Michigan Ave., Grayling, MI 49738
Circuit clerk
Sandra Moore, 989-344-3200; filing clerk 989-344-3206; Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
District court
87C District Court, Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Family court
Judge Monte Burmeister, 989-344-3260
Court administrator
Angie Cragg, 989-344-3882
State indigent defense
Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, 517-657-3066

Prices, hours and rules can shift without notice, and a judge may order something different for your case. Treat this page as a starting map and check each detail by phone before you pay.

How do Bail Bonds work at Crawford County Jail

Crawford County used a service called Pay Cash bail which is a service that allows you to post bond at any time.  Call the Crawford County Jail for more information at 989-348-4827. 

Crawford County Jail

Address:
200 W. Michigan Ave
Grayling, MI 49738
Phone:
989-348-4822

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Crawford County


Does Crawford County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Crawford County?

Who can set bail in Crawford County?

When is bail set in Crawford County Michigan?

 

 

Does Crawford County have bail?

Yes,  Crawford County recognizes most types of bonds.

 

 

What kind of bonds are accepted in Crawford County?

Crawford 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 Crawford County?

Bail is set in accordance with a bail schedule or by a judge.

 

 

When is bail set in Crawford 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 Crawford 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 Crawford 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 Crawford 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, Crawford 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 Crawford 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 Crawford County have bail?  

Yes,  Crawford County recognizes most types of bonds.

What kind of bonds are accepted in Crawford County? 

Crawford 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 Crawford 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 Crawford County Michigan? 

Yes, if there are extenuating circumstances, let the bond officer know. Your attorney can also request a bond reduction.

In Crawford 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 Crawford County Michigan?  

Yes, Michigan does offer online bail payment. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Crawford County Jail for more information about the jails in Crawford County.

What options are there to pay bail in Crawford 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 Crawford County Jail for more information about posting bail in Crawford 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 Crawford 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 Crawford 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.

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Crawford County

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Every detail on this page is checked by hand, not scraped. This unofficial directory helps friends and family of incarcerated individuals find critical information — inmate lists, locations, bail resources, visitation hours, rules, and text, phone, email, and mail services — for jails, detention centers, and prisons across the United States.