Montcalm County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Montcalm County bail and bond: the Stanton jail, three ways to pay, and the 64B court
Adults arrested in Montcalm County are held at the Montcalm County Jail, 649 North State Street, Stanton. Look up the person on Montcalm County Inmate Search to see custody and bail. The county takes bond at the jail lobby kiosk, online by card, or by mailed money order. The automated status line is 989-831-7592.
What is the 831-7592 number that the jail pages show?
It is an automated line, 989-831-7592, that tells you a person's court dates and status, and the county says it updates as the court acts. If it looks out of date, call back after 3 p.m., because jail officers do not learn what the court did until then. A directory lists the same number as the jail's main phone, so you may land on a recording, not a person.
Is my nephew in the Stanton jail?
Check Montcalm County Inmate Search first. It shows custody and bail. If the booking is only minutes old, try the automated line at 989-831-7592 later in the day. The Montcalm County Jail is at 649 North State Street, Stanton, MI 48888, the address the county gives for mailed money orders.
How big is the Montcalm County Jail?
The county says the jail has 205 beds after expansions in 2003 and 2006. It employs 20 full-time corrections officers and 4 sergeants. The county pages do not name the sheriff, so the sheriff's office is the right place to ask about the current population.
How do I pay bond at the jail?
The county gives three ways. In person, the jail lobby kiosk takes cash and credit or debit cards. Online, use Express Account with a credit or debit card, choose the send-money tab, pick the facility and the inmate, and then choose bond deposit, not commissary. By mail, send money orders only to 649 North State Street, Stanton, MI 48888 with the inmate's full name or number. Kiosk and online payments carry fees. A directory says Express Account's help line is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where do I take a Montcalm bond to the court instead?
The 64B District Court is at 617 North State Street, Stanton, MI 48888, phone 989-831-7450, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Press option 1 for payments or option 2 for criminal and traffic matters. The court's page says it sets bail and accepts bond, and that it handles misdemeanor and felony arraignments. Criminal questions can also go to criminal@montcalm.us. Dennis Magirl is listed as court administrator and magistrate.
Does Montcalm County have a list of bail agents?
Yes, the bond page links to a PDF list of bond agents. Agents are insurance producers; the state regulator says it does not license bondsmen, and each court approves its agents. The page lists no fee, and the fees for the kiosk and Express Account are separate. Complaints go to 877-999-6442 or the judge.
What is the bail amount for common charges here?
County web pages show no list of amounts, and Michigan has no statewide list. At arraignment the judge or magistrate weighs the charge, past record, past court attendance, drug or alcohol use, mental health, money, and support from family and friends. Reasons for money bail must be stated on the record.
What does it mean when a bond is a 10 percent bond?
If the judge allows it, the defendant or a friend pays 10 percent of the bail to the court, and the defendant promises to pay the rest if he misses court. On a $10,000 bail that is $1,000. The one-quarter alternative is a bond from an approved agent, shown in the benchbook as a $250 charge on the same bail.
Do I get the deposit back?
Yes, with limits. Since May 1, 2026, the court may keep a tenth only when the offense is covered by one specific bail-cost law and the defendant is convicted. Fines, costs, and assessments can come out of a cash bond posted in the defendant's own name.
Can land secure a bond?
With the court's consent. The judge may ask for proof of value. The rule does not say where the land must be, so ask the 64B clerk before you start.
Why is bail denied for some people?
The constitution lets a judge deny bail before trial for murder or treason, and for first-degree sexual conduct, armed robbery, or kidnapping for extortion when the proof is strong. It also covers repeat violent offenders and violent felonies committed on bail, probation, or parole. A request for a custody hearing is allowed. After 90 days without trial, the court must hold a bail hearing.
What if a Stanton arrest happens on a Sunday?
A judge or magistrate must be available every day of the year to arraign on felonies or set bail. An arrested person generally must have a judicial review within 48 hours. For a small offense, the jail can take an interim bond in a fine-based amount until the court date.
Who is the lawyer if we can't pay?
Request one at arraignment and fill out a financial form. The Indigent Defense Commission, 517-657-3066, can say how Montcalm County provides defense lawyers. The 64B District Court's criminal desk, 989-831-7450 option 2, can tell you who has been assigned.
Where is a juvenile held if arrested in Montcalm County?
An adult jail cannot hold a person under 18 with adult prisoners, a rule in force since October 1, 2021. County web pages do not name the youth detention center. Ask the 64B District Court at 989-831-7450 or the circuit court which center holds the child.
What if he skips court after bail is posted?
The judge may order a warrant and forfeit the bond. The defendant has 28 days after notice to surrender before judgment is entered. An agent is notified within 7 days and can ask to show cause. The court may undo the judgment within a year if the person is arrested and the county's costs are repaid.
Montcalm County bail contacts
- Jail
- Montcalm County Jail, 649 North State Street, Stanton, MI 48888; automated court and status line 989-831-7592
- Custody lookup
- Montcalm County Inmate Search
- District court
- 64B District Court, 617 North State Street, Stanton, MI 48888, 989-831-7450; Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Public defense
- Indigent Defense Commission, 517-657-3066
- Juvenile
- Ask the 64B District Court at 989-831-7450 which youth center holds Montcalm County children
- Insurance complaints
- 877-999-6442
Fees, hours, and numbers change, and a judge can set different terms for your case. Confirm with the jail or the court before you pay anything. This page helps families understand the process and is not legal counsel.
How Do I pay Bail for Someone Arrested in Montcalm County?
Can I pay an Inmate's Bail Online?
Montcalm 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 Montcalm County Jail at 989-831-7592 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 989-831-7592 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.
Montcalm County Jail
Address:
649 N. State St.
Stanton, MI 48888
Phone:
989-831-7592
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Montcalm County
Does Montcalm County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Montcalm County?
Who can set bail in Montcalm County?
When is bail set in Montcalm County Michigan?
Does Montcalm County have bail?
Yes, Montcalm County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Montcalm County?
Montcalm 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 Montcalm County?
Bail is set in accordance with a bail schedule or by a judge.
When is bail set in Montcalm 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 Montcalm 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 Montcalm 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 Montcalm 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, Montcalm 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 Montcalm 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 Montcalm County have bail?
Yes, Montcalm County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Montcalm County?
Montcalm 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 Montcalm 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 Montcalm County Michigan?
Yes, if there are extenuating circumstances, let the bond officer know. Your attorney can also request a bond reduction.
In Montcalm 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 Montcalm County Michigan?
Yes, Michigan does offer online bail payment. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Montcalm County Jail for more information about the jails in Montcalm County.
What options are there to pay bail in Montcalm 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 Montcalm County Jail for more information about posting bail in Montcalm 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 Montcalm 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 Montcalm 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.