Powder River County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Powder River County Bail: Getting Someone Released
When an adult is arrested in Broadus or on the ranch roads of southeast Montana, deputies bring them to the Powder River County Jail, a Sheriff's Office lockup at 119 North Park Avenue, Broadus, MT 59317. A 2022 state report gave it 16 beds. Below we explain who sets bail, the kinds of release, typical costs and how to pay.
A general inmate lookup may show whether your person is held. Our Inmate Lists page helps with the arrest itself and the days locked up: who is held, fresh arrests, open warrants, charge details, mugshots, public defenders and picking up personal items.
To be certain, ring the jail at 406-436-2333. Ask if your person is there, what the bail figure is and when court comes up. Our court page explains each step in Broadus.
1. Who decides bail for a Powder River County arrest?
A judge does. The law wants a quick trip to the nearest judge, made "without unnecessary delay" (MCA 46-7-101). Whether the person goes free or stays put gets decided at that first court visit (MCA 46-9-109).
Most adult cases here open in Justice Court, inside the courthouse at 119 North Park Avenue, Broadus, MT 59317. Dial 406-436-2503 to reach it. Arraignments happen Mondays and Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. The judge is allowed to handle bail over a two-way video link (MCA 46-9-206).
Charges under town ordinances belong to Broadus Town Court at Town Hall. If the felony gets sent up to District Court, the amount set in Justice Court carries forward, though the district judge has power to change it (MCA 46-9-201).
↑ Back to the question list2. What forms can release take in Montana?
The rule for judges: pick the gentlest conditions that still get the defendant back for court (MCA 46-9-108). Here is the menu:
- Own word. Called personal recognizance. No dollars, just a signature (MCA 46-9-111).
- Rules at home. Examples are sobriety, a curfew, giving up firearms, and no contact with the alleged victim or witnesses.
- Cash. Pay the full figure to the court. It comes back after the last hearing if no date was missed.
- Bondsman. You pay a licensed agent a fee, and the agent guarantees the full sum.
- Two sureties. The defendant signs a written undertaking, and two people with property of their own co-sign it.
- Land. An owner can put up unmortgaged equity in Montana property as security (MCA 46-9-401).
- A driver's license. For some traffic offenses, holding onto the license can replace a cash deposit.
If the county has ankle monitors, the law presumes one for certain charges, felony stalking among them.
↑ Back to the question list3. What bail figures should a family expect?
Montana's top court publishes a statewide Recommended Bond Schedule, which local judges treat as a guide only. They can set more or less. Surcharges are folded into each figure. Examples from the 2026 list:
- Truancy: $135, court appearance required
- Misdemeanor assault with bodily injury: $585, court appearance required
- Second unlawful gambling count in 5 years: $750
- Boating while impaired: $335
- Deliberate homicide and other felonies: marked "NO BOND," so the judge picks a number
Some charges never use the schedule. If the charge is assault on a partner or relative, choking, stalking, or violating a no-contact or protection order, release has to wait for a judge (MCA 46-9-302). For the figure in your loved one's case, phone the Justice Court at 406-436-2503 on a weekday.
↑ Back to the question list4. Can bail be paid at the jail in Broadus?
A jailer or deputy may accept bail in the judge's place, but only for a figure printed on a posted schedule or on the warrant. The law says you get a signed receipt (MCA 46-9-302). The jail sits within the Sheriff's Office at 119 North Park Avenue, Broadus, MT 59317. Work through this list:
- Phone 406-436-2333 before you head out.
- Have the person's legal name spelled right and their birth date. Find out the bail figure and its charge.
- Find out if bail can be taken at that hour, which forms of payment work, and the right payee for a money order.
- Ask if a partner assault charge is involved, since then nobody leaves before a hearing.
- Bring a photo ID and exact payment, and file the receipt with your papers.
Distances out here are long, so that phone call can save you a wasted drive.
↑ Back to the question list5. Where can bail or a bond be paid to the court?
Montana's uniform court rules let people pay schedule bail at the court counter on any business day. Each court keeps its own copy of the schedule up in its office. Your options in this county:
- Justice Court: courthouse, 119 North Park Avenue, Broadus, MT 59317. Its mailing box is PO Box 692, Broadus, MT 59317. Hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and again 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Fines, fees and bond are accepted by mail, in person or online.
- Clerk of District Court (felony cases): same building, 406-436-2320.
- Broadus Town Court: Town Hall, 210 E Holt Street, Broadus, MT 59317, 406-436-2409.
Before you go, call. Find out the figure, what payment works, and how soon after payment the person is let go.
↑ Back to the question list6. Can bail or fines be paid online?
Yes, for some payments. The county's Justice Court web page points to CitePayUSA, an online court payment portal. The court names it as a way to pay fines, fees and bond.
Planning to use it for someone in custody tonight? Ring the Justice Court at 406-436-2503 first. Ask whether paying there will free the person, and how quickly. Keep the ticket or case number handy.
Paper payment works too. Mail a check or money order, never cash, to Justice Court, PO Box 692, Broadus, MT 59317, with the case number written on it.
↑ Back to the question list7. What should a family know about bondsmen in Montana?
On paper, Montana calls bondsmen a "surety bail bond insurance producer." Licensing runs through the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (MCA 33-17-1601).
- Whatever fee you hand the agent is gone for good, no matter how the case ends.
- Agents may also ask for security, like a vehicle title or a lien on land. Get a signed paper saying how and when it comes home.
- Should the person skip a hearing, the agent can pick them up. The agent generally phones local police or deputies first (MCA 46-6-508).
- A bondsman's bond guarantees attendance only. The court can't use it to cover fines or restitution (MCA 46-9-503).
- Before signing, confirm the license through the NAIC licensee search.
Real courts and jails never want gift cards or app transfers. A caller demanding those is a scammer, so hang up and dial the jail yourself.
↑ Back to the question list8. What if a ticket's court date was missed?
The Justice Court spells this out on its criminal actions handout. Ticket bond gets posted with the officer or however the court directs.
- Post bond, then skip the date, and the bond is forfeited. On a record, that lands just like a conviction.
- Skip the date without posting anything, and a letter arrives with a deadline.
- Blow that deadline, and a suspended license plus an arrest warrant can follow.
Phone 406-436-2503 the moment you realize a date slipped by. Early calls tend to go better.
↑ Back to the question list9. Could something else block release after paying?
Yes. Bail settles one case and nothing more. Other things that can hold a person:
- Outside warrants. A 2025 change bars local bail for anyone held on another place's warrant, in state or out (MCA 46-9-201).
- Brought back from another state. No bail until the issuing judge holds a hearing with them (MCA 46-9-105).
- Supervision. Judges must consider any probation or parole the person was already serving (MCA 46-9-109).
- Stacked cases. Town and county charges each need separate bail.
- Federal or ICE detainers. Both get their own answers further down.
Ask the jail at 406-436-2333 to read off every hold first, so your money isn't wasted.
↑ Back to the question list10. When can a Montana judge say no to bail?
Montana's Constitution promises bail to nearly every defendant. The lone exception covers capital cases where "the proof is evident or the presumption great" (Mont. Const. art. II, sec. 21). It also forbids bail that is excessive (Mont. Const. art. II, sec. 22).
Pretrial detention is still allowed. It needs probable cause that no safeguard would make sure the person comes back (MCA 46-9-106). Factors include the charge, criminal history, earlier flight, danger to others, and years spent living locally. Judges may lean on a pretrial risk score too (MCA 46-9-109).
The prosecutor here is the County Attorney's Office, which may push for high bail. It works from the courthouse, 119 North Park Avenue, Broadus, MT 59317, 406-436-2365.
↑ Back to the question list11. How do we ask the court to lower bail?
Prosecution or defense can each request that bail go up, go down, change form, or carry new conditions (MCA 46-9-311). Fair notice to the other side comes first.
- The defense lawyer files a written motion. It goes to the court where the case sits.
- Gather proof: recent paychecks, a rental agreement or deed, notes from relatives, and a plain list of what the family can spare. Bail can't be oppressive and has to suit a person's finances (MCA 46-9-301).
- Offer terms that answer what worries the judge: check-ins, a curfew or alcohol tests.
Justice Court hearings are scheduled through 406-436-2503. Felony requests go through the Clerk of District Court, 406-436-2320.
↑ Back to the question list12. Can Powder River County defendants get a lawyer at no cost?
The right to a lawyer gets explained by the judge at the first hearing (MCA 46-7-102). Public defenders are appointed by the court. Families don't choose them. The Office of State Public Defender takes felonies and youth cases, along with any misdemeanor that could mean jail.
A person can qualify two ways. One is a household that earns 133% of the poverty level or less. The other is when a private lawyer would cost more than the family can manage without real hardship. Holding a job, or scraping together bail money, can't be the sole ground for turning someone down (MCA 47-1-111). The applicant swears to a financial statement, and the court signs off.
- Closest office listed in the state directory: 515 Main St, Miles City, MT 59301, 406-851-7080
- Online form: public defender application
13. Where are the courts in Powder River County?
Two courts and the felony clerk work out of the county courthouse. Town Hall hosts the third.
- Sixteenth Judicial District Court, for felony trials, reached through its clerk at 119 North Park Avenue, Broadus, MT 59317, 406-436-2320. Two judges split this seven-county district.
- Justice Court (misdemeanors plus early felony steps): 119 North Park Avenue, Broadus, MT 59317, 406-436-2503.
- Broadus Town Court (town matters): Town Hall, 210 E Holt Street, Broadus, MT 59317, 406-436-2409. State court listings call it Broadus City Court.
- Federal court: Billings, in the Battin courthouse, 2601 2nd Avenue North, Suite 1200, Billings, MT 59101, 406-247-7000.
14. Is cash bail refunded, or can it be lost?
Keep every court date, and the court returns cash bail at the end (MCA 46-9-502). State court rules send it back only to the depositor, so if a friend paid, the check goes to that friend. Hold onto that receipt along with your ID.
Skipped hearings let a judge declare bail forfeited. A forfeiture notice is due by mail within 10 working days, sent to the defendant's last known address and to each surety. If none goes out, the bond is void (MCA 46-9-503).
- During the next 90 days, producing the person, or offering a solid reason for the no-show, lets the judge cancel the forfeiture.
- A lost misdemeanor deposit belongs to the town or county that collected it. A lost felony deposit belongs to the state (MCA 46-9-511).
- Judges are allowed to steer forfeited bail to a crime victim (MCA 46-9-512).
To chase a refund, phone the court that took your payment. Justice Court answers at 406-436-2503.
↑ Back to the question list15. How do we get back belongings and leftover jail money?
Raise the subject of wallets, phones and account balances before release day. Phone the Sheriff's Office at 406-436-2333. Learn how any leftover balance gets refunded, when items may be collected, and whether a signed note from your loved one is needed if you pick up for them.
Show photo ID at 119 North Park Avenue, Broadus, MT 59317. Our inmate money guide covers deposits and refunds in general.
↑ Back to the question list16. What changes about bail when Powder River County charges are federal?
Federal cases from this corner of Montana land in the Billings Division of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. Its clerk's office is in the courthouse named for James F. Battin, at 2601 2nd Avenue North, Suite 1200, Billings, MT 59101, 406-247-7000, weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- A federal judge decides on custody right at the first hearing. A delay of up to five days is possible on a defense request, or three on the prosecution's (18 U.S.C. 3142).
- Federal defendants stay in U.S. Marshals custody. The Billings office sits at 2601 2nd Avenue North, Suite 2300, Billings, MT 59101, 406-200-6004, and can say which jail is holding someone.
- A pretrial officer in Billings prepares a background report for the federal judge, 406-657-6287.
- After sentencing, try the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
Filings can be pulled from PACER for a per-page charge.
↑ Back to the question list17. Does a paid bail stop ICE from holding someone?
No. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) works apart from state bail. The steps:
- ICE files a detainer with the jail, asking staff to hang onto the person.
- Staff can keep them up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released (8 CFR 287.7(d)).
- Under Montana law, officers must honor that detainer and explain it to the person. The hold ends if the person shows credible proof of U.S. citizenship or of lawful presence (MCA 27-16-801).
- The regional ICE office for Montana is in Utah: 2975 Decker Lake Drive, Suite 100, West Valley City, UT 84119, 801-736-1200. Check-ins for this county happen at the Billings office, 2900 4th Avenue, Suite 205, Billings, MT 59101, 406-247-4083.
- Type the name and country of birth into the ICE Online Detainee Locator.
18. Where does a state prison term begin?
Felony time in state custody means the Montana Department of Corrections takes over. Most people wait in the county lockup until the state finishes an intake review. From there, the department picks a fitting spot, which might mean prison, a prerelease house, or treatment.
- The state offender search shows where they are housed.
- Read about every unit in our Montana state prisons guide.
- Hearings on early release come before the state parole board in Deer Lodge, at 1002 Hollenbeck Road, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, 406-846-1404.
19. What if a Powder River County arrest involves a teenager?
Under 18 means youth under Montana law. Most of these cases go before the district judge sitting as Youth Court (MCA 41-5-203). Booking alone never justifies keeping a minor overnight among adult prisoners. Out here, a minor awaiting a hearing may be held a maximum of 24 hours (weekends and holidays don't count), but only walled off from adults by sight and sound (MCA 41-5-349).
- Any minor kept in custody must get a probable cause ruling within 24 hours. That clock pauses over weekends and holidays (MCA 41-5-332).
- Youths can get bail too. The judge looks at what the youth and parents can pay when choosing the amount (MCA 41-5-323).
- To locate a youth and learn the hearing time, call the Sheriff's Office at 406-436-2333 or the district's juvenile probation line at 406-874-3418.
Powder River County Jail
Address:
119 N Park Avenue
Broadus, MT 59317
Phone:
406-436-2333
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Powder River County
Does Powder River County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Powder River County?
Who can set bail in Powder River County?
When is bail set in Powder River County Montana?
Does Powder River County have bail?
Yes, Powder River County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Powder River County?
Powder River 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 Powder River 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 Powder River 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 Powder River 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 Powder River 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 Powder River 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 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 Powder River 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 Powder River County have bail?
Yes, Powder River County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Powder River County?
Powder River 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 Powder River 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 Powder River County Montana?
Yes, your attorney can request a bail or bond modification.
In Powder River 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 Powder River County Montana?
Yes, Powder River County does offer online bail payment. Contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Powder River County Jail for more information about the jails in Powder River County.
What options are there to pay bail in Powder River 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 Powder River County Jail for more information about posting bail in Powder River 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 Powder River 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 Powder River 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.