Anaconda Deer Lodge County Detention Center Inmate Bail & Bonds
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Bail and Release
In Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, people arrested in Anaconda, Opportunity, Warm Springs or anywhere else are booked into the county detention center, 800 S Oak Street, Anaconda, MT 59711. The jail is run by the Law Enforcement Department, which takes the place of a sheriff here. The answers below cover who decides bail, possible amounts, the places to pay and anything that can block a release.
The department's daily jail roster shows if your person is inside and lists a bond amount. For the rest of the arrest, our Inmates in Custody page explains fresh bookings, what each charge means, open warrants, booking photos, public defenders and collecting property.
Then call the jail at 406-563-5241, which is answered day and night. Ask if the person is still on Oak Street, what bond was set and whether Justice or District Court has the case. Our court page explains hearings at the Main Street courthouse in Anaconda.
1. Which judge sets bail for an arrest in Deer Lodge County?
Bail is a judge's decision. Montana law sets a rule for officers: get the arrested person to a judge, and do it "without unnecessary delay" (MCA 46-7-101). It should be the nearest judge who can hear it. At that first court date, release or jail has to be decided on the spot (MCA 46-9-109). It can be done in the courtroom or on a two-way video screen (MCA 46-9-206).
Here, most first hearings are in Justice Court, 800 South Main Street, Anaconda, MT 59711, 406-563-4025. That judge also serves as the city judge, so city and county misdemeanors land in front of one bench. Felony cases later move up to the Third Judicial District Court in the same building. Once a felony arrives there, the district judge can keep the bail as it is or change it (MCA 46-9-201).
↑ Back to the question list2. Which release options can the judge pick from?
By law, the judge has to go with the lightest terms that keep the person showing up for court (MCA 46-9-108). Here is the menu:
- Own recognizance. No money is paid. The person signs and pledges to appear (MCA 46-9-111).
- Rules at home. They go free but must obey terms, like no alcohol, no guns, a set curfew or a ban on contact with the alleged victim.
- Cash. Someone pays the full amount, and the court keeps it until the case ends.
- Bail bond. A licensed bail agent backs the full amount and charges a fee for it.
- Land. Real estate in Montana can be pledged if enough of it is paid off (MCA 46-9-401).
- Two sureties. The person and two qualified people sign a written promise to pay if court is skipped.
- Driver's license. For some traffic charges, the license can be held in place of money.
For felony stalking, felony partner assault and a second partner assault, the law leans toward an electronic monitor when one is available. The person may be billed for it.
↑ Back to the question list3. What does the state bond list suggest for common charges?
The state's top court issues a Recommended Bond Schedule that gives local judges a starting figure. Think of it as a guide. A judge may go above or below it. The 2026 amounts already include state surcharges. Here are a few:
- Misdemeanor assault that causes bodily injury: $585, and a court appearance is required
- Selling or giving alcohol to someone under 21: $535, and a court appearance is required
- Running a boat while under the influence: $335
- Unlawful gambling, second time in 5 years: $750
- Insurance fraud of $1,500 or less: $285, and a court appearance is required
- Any felony: no amount is given, so a judge picks one
Some charges can never be paid off the list: assault charges between partners or relatives, choking a partner, stalking, and protection or no-contact order violations. With those, nobody goes home until a judge has seen them (MCA 46-9-302). The roster also shows an amount for each person. If you can't tell what it means, call the Justice Court at 406-563-4025.
↑ Back to the question list4. Can I pay bail at the Oak Street jail itself?
Montana allows an officer or jail worker to accept bail for the judge when the figure comes from the judge's schedule or is printed on the warrant. In return, they must give you a signed receipt (MCA 46-9-302). The detention center sits at 800 S Oak Street, Anaconda, MT 59711. Go step by step:
- Phone 406-563-5241. Someone answers 24 hours a day.
- Spell the full name and share the birth date. The booking number from the roster speeds things up.
- Ask for the total bail, which charges it covers, and whether a judge must hear the case before release.
- Ask what kind of payment is taken and who a money order or check should be made out to.
- Bring ID with your photo on it and the right amount of money. Put the signed receipt somewhere safe.
Some charges can't be posted until a judge acts, so always call before you drive over.
↑ Back to the question list5. Is the courthouse on Main Street another place to pay?
Often, yes. Montana court rules let people pay bail from a judge's posted schedule at the court during business hours, on any day the court is open. That schedule must hang in the court office. Both offices below are in the courthouse at 800 South Main Street, Anaconda, MT 59711:
- Justice Court (misdemeanors, city cases and first felony hearings): 406-563-4025, or the deputy clerk at 406-563-4026
- Clerk of District Court (felonies), on the second floor: 406-563-4040. This office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
When you call, find out the amount due, the payment types accepted and how fast the jail hears that it was paid.
↑ Back to the question list6. What forms of payment should I bring?
Call first and ask. Plan on exact cash or a money order, and check before you bring a personal check or a card. Never put cash in the mail.
The Justice Court lets people pay fines by debit or credit card through PayGov, which is linked from the Justice Court page. That service is meant for fines. If you hope to use it for bail, ask the court clerk at 406-563-4025 before you pay.
Be careful with any caller who wants bail money in gift cards, crypto or a payment app. Hang up and call the jail yourself at 406-563-5241.
↑ Back to the question list7. Is a bail bondsman a good idea for our family?
In Montana law, a bail agent is a "surety bail bond insurance producer" (MCA 46-6-508). A state license is required. The Commissioner of Securities and Insurance issues it (MCA 33-17-1601).
- The agent's fee is kept by the agent, even if the charges are later dropped.
- Many agents ask for collateral, like a car title or a house. Get a written promise that says how and when it comes back to you.
- A bail bond only promises that the person will show up. It can't be used for fines or restitution (MCA 46-9-503).
- If court is skipped, the agent may arrest the person. In most cases the agent must tell local police first (MCA 46-6-508). Here that means the ADLC Law Enforcement Department.
- Check that the agent is licensed using the NAIC lookup tool, and do it before any papers are signed.
8. What else could keep them in jail once bail is paid?
Bail only frees a person from the case it was set on. Before paying, ask the jail at 406-563-5241 to name every hold. Common ones are:
- A warrant from another county or state. Since 2025, local judges can't set bail on a warrant from somewhere else (MCA 46-9-201). The roster may show the word WARRANT on these.
- Brought back from out of state. In that case, only the judge who issued the warrant can first rule on bail (MCA 46-9-105).
- Probation or parole. The judge weighs whether the person was already under supervision (MCA 46-9-109). The state office in town is at 122 E Park, Anaconda, MT 59711, 406-563-2560.
- Two cases at once. Each case, Justice Court or District Court, carries its own bail.
- Immigration or federal holds. Read the federal and immigration answers further down.
9. Can a judge in Deer Lodge County hold someone with no bail?
Only in narrow cases. Montana's Constitution gives everyone a right to bail except where death is a possible punishment and "the proof is evident or the presumption great" (Mont. Const. art. II, sec. 21). Bail can't be excessive either (Mont. Const. art. II, sec. 22).
A judge can still keep someone locked up before trial. That can happen when the judge finds probable cause that no fair set of conditions would keep them coming to court (MCA 46-9-106). In making that choice, the judge looks at the crime, earlier convictions, any skipped court dates in the past, the risk to other people and how long the person has lived in the area. A risk score may be part of it (MCA 46-9-109).
Requests for high bail, or for none, come from the County Attorney's Office, 800 South Main Street, Anaconda, MT 59711 (first floor), 406-563-4019.
↑ Back to the question list10. How do we ask the judge to lower bail?
The defense or the prosecutor may file a request to raise the bail, reduce it, trade it for a different kind, or change the rules. The side asking must notify the other side ahead of time (MCA 46-9-311). Families can help in these ways:
- Have the defense attorney put a written motion before the court that has the case.
- Collect papers that show a steady job, where the person lives, close family and how much money there really is. Montana bail must not be oppressive and has to consider the person's money situation (MCA 46-9-301).
- Offer rules that answer the judge's worries. ADLC is one of the places that use Montana's 24/7 sobriety program, which tests breath twice a day.
- When drinking or drug use is part of the story, signing up for treatment may help. Tri-County Addiction Services is at 307 E Park Ave., Suite 211, Anaconda, MT 59711, 406-563-7038.
For a Justice Court case, call 406-563-4025. For a District Court case, reach the clerk at 406-563-4040.
↑ Back to the question list11. How does a person get a public defender here?
At the very first hearing, the judge must explain that the person can have a lawyer (MCA 46-7-102). The Office of State Public Defender is Montana's free lawyer service. It handles felonies and youth cases, plus misdemeanors that carry possible jail time. It has an office in town at 118 Cherry Street, Anaconda, MT 59711, 406-563-6586.
- Low income counts. A household earning 133% of the poverty level or less qualifies.
- So does real hardship, when paying a lawyer would leave the family unable to cover basics (MCA 47-1-111).
- Holding a job or being able to post bail is not, alone, a reason to turn someone down.
- Apply at advopd.mt.gov. Have your latest paychecks and bank records handy. The Justice Court also offers a paper Public Defender Application.
- The court has the final say on who qualifies.
12. Where do Deer Lodge County courts meet?
The state courts for the county share one courthouse at 800 South Main Street, Anaconda, MT 59711.
- Third Judicial District Court (felonies): the Clerk of District Court is on the second floor, 406-563-4040. Law and Motion is heard on Wednesdays in the third-floor courtroom. This district also serves Granite and Powell counties.
- Justice Court, which also acts as the city court: 406-563-4025. Ticket appointments are set on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
- Federal court: Mike Mansfield Federal Courthouse, 400 N. Main Street, Suite 273, Butte, MT 59701, 406-497-1279.
13. How is bail returned or lost?
If the person made it to every hearing and the case is closed, the cash is paid back (MCA 46-9-502). Under Montana's rules for justice and city courts, a refund is made only to the depositor, so save the receipt and bring ID.
When a hearing is missed, the judge can declare the bail forfeited, meaning the court may keep it. Written notice has to go out by mail within 10 working days to the defendant and any bonding company. If that deadline slips, the bond is void (MCA 46-9-503).
- For 90 days after that order, the forfeiture can be wiped out if the person comes back or a fair excuse is shown.
- On a misdemeanor, forfeited cash stays with ADLC. On a felony, it is sent to the state (MCA 46-9-511).
- A judge may also order forfeited bail paid to a victim (MCA 46-9-512).
Refunds come from whichever court took the payment. Felony refunds go through the district court clerk at 406-563-4040.
↑ Back to the question list14. How do I collect their belongings and leftover commissary?
Ask about property before the person walks out, if you can. Call the detention center at 406-563-5241 to learn when things can be picked up and how leftover account money is paid back. Bring a photo ID to 800 S Oak Street, Anaconda, MT 59711. When you collect for another person, check whether a signed note from them is needed.
The department does set one rule: commissary that shows up after a person leaves has to be collected within one week. After that it counts as abandoned property. Our commissary guide explains how those accounts usually work.
↑ Back to the question list15. How is bail handled on a federal charge?
Federal cases from Deer Lodge County belong to the Butte Division of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. Federal court uses its own release law, not the state bond list.
- At the person's first federal appearance, the judge decides if they can stay home before trial or must stay locked up. That hearing may be pushed back only a few days, and only if one side asks (18 U.S.C. 3142).
- Federal prisoners are the job of the U.S. Marshals Service. Its Butte office is at 400 North Main Street, Room 257, Butte, MT 59701, 406-200-6004. Call to ask which jail has the person.
- U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services in Butte writes reports that help the judge decide, 406-441-1160.
- Track the federal file on PACER. Once someone is sentenced to federal prison, search the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
16. Does an ICE detainer stay after state bail?
Yes. State bail and an immigration hold are two separate things, so paying one does not clear the other. The steps:
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) files Form I-247A, a detainer request, with the jail.
- Under MCA 27-16-801, a Montana officer who has that request must arrest the person on it and explain the reason. Anyone with credible papers showing U.S. citizenship or legal status must be released instead.
- The jail can keep the person for up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released, giving ICE time to collect them (8 CFR 287.7(d)).
- Montana is covered by the Salt Lake City Field Office of ICE, 2975 Decker Lake Drive, Suite 100, West Valley City, UT 84119, 801-736-1200.
- Find a detained person on the ICE Online Detainee Locator using their A-number, or their full name and country of birth.
17. Where is a state sentence from Deer Lodge County served?
When a judge commits someone to the Montana Department of Corrections, the state takes charge of the sentence. Most people sit in the county jail for a while first, until state workers finish an assessment. The state then sends them to the place that fits, which may be a prison, prerelease or treatment.
- Check where they are with the Montana offender search. A name or a state ID number works.
- Montana State Prison is at 400 Conley Lake Road, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, 406-415-6126. It sits in Powell County, even though it shares a name with this county.
- Two state corrections programs are inside this county: the START Program, 801 Highway 48, Anaconda, MT 59711, 406-563-5876, and the WATCh Program, 201 Orofino Way N, Warm Springs, MT 59756, 406-693-2272.
- Our Montana state prisons guide describes each facility.
18. Can a teenager get bail in Deer Lodge County?
Yes, in some cases. In Montana, a person younger than 18 is called a youth. Their cases are usually heard in Youth Court, which District Court judges run (MCA 41-5-203). A youth held in detention may be let out on bail. In setting it, the judge must think about what the youth and the parents can pay (MCA 41-5-323).
- A hearing must be held for a detained youth inside 24 hours, with Saturdays, Sundays and holidays left out (MCA 41-5-332).
- Youths may stay in an adult jail only for short, strict periods, kept apart from adults (MCA 41-5-349).
- To find out where a youth is held and when court is, call Juvenile Probation at 406-563-4030.
Anaconda Deer Lodge County Detention Center
Address:
800 S Oak Street
Anaconda, MT 59711
Phone:
406-563-5241
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Deer Lodge County
Does Deer Lodge County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Deer Lodge County?
Who can set bail in Deer Lodge County?
When is bail set in Deer Lodge County Montana?
Does Deer Lodge County have bail?
Yes, Deer Lodge County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Deer Lodge County?
Deer Lodge County permits five types of bonds:
• By a deposit with the court of an amount equal to the required bail of cash, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, or other personal property approved by the court.
• By pledging real estate situated within the state with an unencumbered equity, not exempt, owned by the defendant or sureties at a value double the amount of the required bail.
• By posting a written undertaking executed by the defendant and by two sufficient sureties.
• By posting a commercial surety bond executed by the defendant and by a qualified agent for and on behalf of the surety company.
• By posting an offender's driver's license in lieu of bail if the summons describes a violation of any offense as provided in 61-5-214 and if the offender is the holder of an unexpired driver's license.”
Who can set bail in Deer Lodge County?
For most non-violent crimes bail is preset according to a bail schedule. More serious and violent crimes require a defendant to appear in front of a judge who will determine bail amount.
When is bail set in Deer Lodge County Montana?
For most non-violent crimes bail is preset according to a bail schedule and that information is available during the booking process. More serious crimes will require a hearing in front of a judge. This hearing, also known as a bail hearing, will generally be scheduled for the next court day. State law requires the bail hearing to take place within 48 hrs. not counting weekends or holidays.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Deer Lodge 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 Deer Lodge 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 Anaconda Deer Lodge County Detention Center 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 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 Deer Lodge 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 Deer Lodge County have bail?
Yes, Deer Lodge County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Deer Lodge County?
Deer Lodge County permits five types of bonds:
• By a deposit with the court of an amount equal to the required bail of cash, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, or other personal property approved by the court.
• By pledging real estate situated within the state with an unencumbered equity, not exempt, owned by the defendant or sureties at a value double the amount of the required bail.
• By posting a written undertaking executed by the defendant and by two sufficient sureties.
• By posting a commercial surety bond executed by the defendant and by a qualified agent for and on behalf of the surety company.
• By posting an offender's driver's license in lieu of bail if the summons describes a violation of any offense as provided in 61-5-214 and if the offender is the holder of an unexpired driver's license.”
Who can set bail in Deer Lodge County?
For most non-violent crimes bail is preset according to a bail schedule. More serious and violent crimes require a defendant to appear in front of a judge who will determine bail amount.
When is bail set in Montana?
For most non-violent crimes bail is preset according to a bail schedule and that information is available during the booking process. More serious crimes will require a hearing in front of a judge. This hearing, also known as a bail hearing, will generally be scheduled for the next court day. State law requires the bail hearing to take place within 48 hrs. not counting weekends or holidays.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Deer Lodge County Montana?
Yes, your attorney can request a bail or bond modification.
In Deer Lodge County Montana, 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 Montana could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Deer Lodge County Montana?
Yes, Deer Lodge County does offer online bail payment. Contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Anaconda Deer Lodge County Detention Center for more information about the jails in Deer Lodge County.
What options are there to pay bail in Deer Lodge County Montana?
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 Anaconda Deer Lodge County Detention Center for more information about posting bail in Deer Lodge County.
Will I get all my bond money back in Montana?
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 Deer Lodge County?
Yes, 'no money down bail or bond' is available in Montana. Unless you are released on own recognizance the court will require payment in full, however, some bail bond agents do offer 'no money down' bail.
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.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Montana?
The Anaconda Deer Lodge County Detention Center 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.