Cape May County Correctional Center Inmate Bail & Bonds
Cape May County bail and bond: the Crest Haven Road jail and how people get out
People arrested in Cape May County on a warrant are held at the Cape May County Correctional Center, 125 Crest Haven Road, Cape May Court House, in Middle Township near Exit 11 of the Garden State Parkway. The Sheriff's Office Corrections Division runs it. Start with Cape May County Inmate Search, then call Jail Records at 609-465-1233 for bail and release status the search does not show. Most arrested people in New Jersey are released on conditions, and money is rare.
My husband was arrested in the Wildwoods. How do I locate him?
Police in a shore town can tell you which agency has him and the report number. If a judge issued a complaint-warrant, he is taken to the county Correctional Center. Search Cape May County Inmate Search for the booking.
You can also sign up for free custody alerts from New Jersey VINE at 877-846-3465. Jail Records answers at 609-465-1233.
Is the jail on Crest Haven Road or on Moore Road?
The Correctional Center is on Crest Haven Road in Middle Township. Moore Road is the county Administration Building, home of the county offices at 609-465-1000. Inmate mail uses the Moore Road post office address, which confuses people. Do not go to the Administration Building looking for a prisoner.
How does a person get released after a warrant arrest here?
A Pretrial Services officer scores a Public Safety Assessment, and a judge rules within 48 hours of the person's commitment to the jail. The first court appearance is held in the same window.
The judge can order release on the person's own promise, add conditions like reporting or electronic monitoring, or, after a prosecutor's motion, order detention. Cape May Pretrial Services answers at 609-402-0100, ext. 47270.
Why does everyone say New Jersey has no bail?
It does have bail, but it is rare. Before 2017 judges relied mostly on dollar amounts. Now the constitution says all persons are eligible for pretrial release before conviction.
A judge may set monetary bail only when nothing else will bring the person to court. It cannot be used to keep a person locked up, and it cannot be used for public safety.
What does a firearm charge change?
In firearm cases, the 48-hour decision can be delayed at the prosecutor's request for ballistic work. Since January 12, 2026, the delay can run no longer than seven days.
A detention hearing is still held no later than the first appearance, unless a continuance is granted: up to three days for the prosecutor and five for the defense.
I got a summons, not a warrant. Do I go to jail?
No. A complaint-summons is an order to appear in court on a set date. The law says the person charged that way shall be released. The first appearance comes within 60 days.
The jail process described on this page applies to people arrested on a complaint-warrant.
Where do I pay money bail in Cape May County?
Call Jail Records at 609-465-1233. That is the number the county gives for bail and release status. Superior Court also has a Cape May payment window in its Finance Division; ask Jail Records or call 609-402-0100 for the right desk.
The Superior Court rule says bail is signed before the person authorized to take it or before the person in charge of the jail, and the deposit goes to the Finance Division in the county where the offense happened.
What can a bail bond agent do for us?
A licensed agent can post a surety bond when a judge has set money bail. The Department of Banking and Insurance licenses these agents, and insurers register them with the court. The law sets no fixed fee.
Ask if the judge actually ordered money. If not, no bond is needed.
Is a ten percent deposit possible?
Sometimes. Court Rule 3:26-4 lets the court take ten percent in cash and a signed promise for the rest. First-degree and second-degree cases and certain domestic violence charges are excluded.
If a friend supplies the cash, the friend files a sworn statement of ownership and may charge nothing beyond lawful interest.
Can we put up the family home?
Real estate can secure bail with court approval. The county clerk where the offense happened handles the approval, and a home in another county can be accepted. The clerk of that county receives a certified copy.
Everyone on the deed signs. Ask the court's Finance Division how it processes liens.
Who is the free defender, and where is the office?
The Office of the Public Defender for Cape May is at 201 South Main Street, Cape May Court House, and answers at 609-465-3101. The office is steps from the Sheriff's headquarters at 9 North Main Street.
You ask for an application at the first appearance, and the judge may assign the office to that hearing.
Where is a young person held after an arrest?
Juvenile cases are private, so the adult search will not list a minor. Call Jail Records at 609-465-1233 and ask how the Sheriff's Office handles the youth, or call the court at 609-402-0100 and ask for the Family Division. The court can give you the hearing date.
Can I mail money, photos, or stamps to an inmate?
Mail to inmates must be letters only. Cash, checks, stamps, and pictures are not allowed, and the jail throws away prohibited items without returning them. Money sent this way is not bail either.
How many months can pretrial detention last in Cape May County?
People held under a detention order must be indicted within 90 days of arrest. Trial must start within 180 days of indictment, plus any time the court excludes for motions, competency issues, plea talks, or defense delay. Two years is the outer limit.
What if he misses court after we posted bail?
The court can order the bail forfeited and mail notice to everyone on the bond. You have 75 days to file a written objection. A judge can still set aside or reduce a forfeiture under court guidelines.
Speak with the lawyer first, then the agent.
What should I do about a suspicious bail call?
Hang up, then call Jail Records at 609-465-1233 yourself. No office takes gift cards.
Cape May County contacts
- County jail
- Cape May County Correctional Center, 125 Crest Haven Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210; Corrections Division 609-465-1233
- Bond instructions
- Jail bail and bond guide
- Custody lookup
- Cape May County Inmate Search
- Custody alerts
- New Jersey VINE, 877-846-3465
- Sheriff's Office
- 9 North Main Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210; administrative line 609-463-6430
- Pretrial Services
- 609-402-0100, ext. 47270
- Public defender
- 201 South Main Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210; 609-465-3101
- Juvenile
- Family Division through the court operator, 609-402-0100
Fees, hours, and numbers are updated over time, and the order a judge signs for one person controls over any general summary. Phone Jail Records or the court to confirm details prior to paying. This summary is for orientation and is no stand-in for a lawyer.
Cape May County Correctional Center
Address:
125 Crest Haven Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Phone:
609-465-1237
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Cape May County
Does Cape May County have bail?
What are the different types of bonds in Cape May County?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Morris County?
Who can set bail in Cape May County?
When is bail set in Cape May County New Jersey?
Does Cape May County have bail?
No, New Jersey is a NO BAIL state.
Under current laws a defendant can only be held if a judge determines they are a risk to the community, likely to interfere with the investigation or fail to show for all required court dates. If the judge determines they are not a risk the defendant is released prior to trial.
What are the different types of bonds in Cape May County?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which release conditions are available to them. Professional bond companies are not permitted to operate in New Jersey.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Morris County?
Under the new system, if a judge decides a defendant does not pose a public safety or willful flight risk, then they will be released without being required to post any money. This is called released on their own recognizance in all states and can be considered a type of bond because a document will need to be agreed upon and signed.
Who can set bail in Cape May County?
A hearing is held by a judge to determine if the defendant qualifies for release.
When is bail set in Cape May County New Jersey?
If a defendant is not released immediately, a hearing will be scheduled within 48 hours before a judge.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Cape May 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 in New Jersey, 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.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
Bail is what the arrested 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.
New Jersey has mostly done away with the bail/bond system since 2017, except for cases involving unpaid motor vehicle summonses.
Defendants with a serious risk of danger or flight can be detained pending trial. Low-risk defendants will be released. This is called released on their own recognizance in all states. If released, the defendant will be issued a summons to appear to court within 21 days.
Pretrial service officers will monitor those defendants, based on the conditions of their release while the defendant is out of custody pending rial.
A judge may order a variety of conditions while the defendant is awaiting trial, such as a GPS location monitor, checking in via phone or in person with a pretrial services officer, no contact with an alleged victim, and other conditions similar to probation.
People who are arrested for serious felonies (including first- and second-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, violent robberies and burglaries, home invasions and vehicular invasions) can still be denied pretrial release.
Prosecutors must request a detention hearing and the decision whether to hold someone will be made at the judge’s discretion.
This ruling will be based on several factors including the likelihood that the defendant will flee or any public safety risk that they may present.
Does Cape May County have bail?
No, New Jersey is a NO BAIL state.
Under current laws a defendant can only be held if a judge determines they are a risk to the community, likely to interfere with the investigation or fail to show for all required court dates. If the judge determines they are not a risk the defendant is released prior to trial.
What are the different types of bonds in Cape May County?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which release conditions are available to them. Professional bond companies are not permitted to operate in New Jersey.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Cape May County?
Under the new system, if a judge decides a defendant does not pose a public safety or willful flight risk, then they will be released without being required to post any money. This is called released on their own recognizance in all states and can be considered a type of bond because a document will need to be agreed upon and signed.
Who can set bail in Cape May County?
A hearing is held by a judge to determine if the defendant qualifies for release.
When is bail set in New Jersey?
If a defendant is not released immediately, a hearing will be scheduled within 48 hours before a judge.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Cape May County New Jersey?
Because New Jersey does not utilize a cash bail system there is no reason to request a reduction in bail. However, those previously denied release may have their attorney petition the court for another hearing to reevaluate eligibility.
In Cape May County New Jersey, who can pay bail for me?
This would not apply to New Jersey because money bail is not recognized.
Can bail be paid online in Cape May County New Jersey?
This would not apply to New Jersey because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in Cape May County New Jersey?
This would not apply to New Jersey because money bail is not recognized.
Will I get all my bond money back in New Jersey?
This would not apply to New Jersey because money bail is not recognized.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Cape May County?
New Jersey does not require money down because it is a no bail state. There might be fees to pay however.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in New Jersey?
New Jersey has no bail.
There are scammers who call families of arrested asking for information to process a bond. Not only are bondspersons not permitted to call for this information for any type of arrests, but they are also particularly offensive since there are no bail bond companies permitted to operate in New Jersey.