Butte County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Bail and bond basics for Butte County
Butte County is ranch land north of the Black Hills. Butte County has no jail, so most people are held at the Meade County Jail. Inmate search: Butte County Inmate Search.
Does Butte County have its own jail?
The quickest check is the Butte County Inmate Search.
Butte County has no jail of its own. Most people go to the Meade County Jail, 1400 Main Street, Sturgis, SD 57785 (605-720-6632).
Some go to the Pennington County jail instead.
Booking or bond may happen at that jail.
Local questions can go to the Butte County Sheriff's Office at 605-892-3324.
Tips for the call:
- Share the person's legal name.
- Add a birth date, if known.
- Ask whether bond is set.
Charge details may not be shared.
Where is the Butte County Clerk of Court?
The Clerk of Court is at 839 5th Ave., Belle Fourche, SD 57717-0250 (605-892-2516).
The Clerk of Court office takes bond deposits (SDCL §23A-43-3(4)).
Ask which payment forms they accept.
What does Butte County magistrate court handle?
The 4th Judicial Circuit runs magistrate court here (SDCL §16-12B-11). It tries misdemeanors and ordinance cases (SDCL §16-12B-11). A felony moves on to the circuit court (SDCL §23A-4-3).
See the UJS court finder for contacts.
Who sets bond after a Butte County arrest?
An officer takes the arrested person before a committing magistrate without unnecessary delay (SDCL §23A-4-1). On a warrant, the judge often writes the bail amount on it (SDCL §23A-2-4). A magistrate judge can set bond or release on a promise (SDCL §16-12B-7). A clerk magistrate can set it from the bond schedule (SDCL §16-12C-10).
Is release without money possible in Butte County?
Yes. State law favors personal recognizance first (SDCL §23A-43-2). An unsecured bond is another option (SDCL §23A-43-2). Extra terms are allowed when appearance is doubtful (SDCL §23A-43-2). A risk to the public can also justify more (SDCL §23A-43-2).
What kinds of bond are used in Butte County?
Common types include:
- Personal recognizance: A signed promise to appear (SDCL §23A-43-2).
- 10% deposit bond: Up to 10%, paid to the clerk (SDCL §23A-43-3(4)).
- Surety bond: A licensed bondsman backs the full amount (SDCL §23A-43-3(5)).
- Cash bond: The full amount is paid in cash (SDCL §23A-43-3(5)).
Each surety signs an affidavit about assets (SDCL §23A-43-20).
What counts at a Butte County bond setting?
First come the charge and its evidence (SDCL §23A-43-4). Jobs and family ties count (SDCL §23A-43-4). Finances and length of residence also count (SDCL §23A-43-4). The criminal record and past court dates weigh in (SDCL §23A-43-4).
Formal rules of evidence do not apply here (SDCL §23A-43-12).
When might a Butte County judge refuse bond?
Very seldom. The state constitution guarantees bail for most (S.D. Const. art. VI, §8). Only capital charges with strong proof are excluded (S.D. Const. art. VI, §8). For those, a judge may order detention (SDCL §23A-43-2.1).
Being out on a personal bond already can mean tighter terms (SDCL §23A-43-2).
How much is bail in Butte County for common charges?
The state court system sets a fine and bond schedule (SDCL §16-2-21). Clerk magistrates use it for listed offenses (SDCL §16-12C-10).
The current schedule began July 1, 2026.
- For murder or kidnapping, a judge sets bond.
- Most felonies run $1,000 to $10,000.
- First or second DUI: $225 to $1,000.
- Ordinance charges usually get personal recognizance.
The amount can still change at a hearing.
How do bail bonds work in Butte County?
A bondsman must hold a state license (SDCL §58-22-4). They must register with the sheriff at home (SDCL §58-22-25). They may take nothing beyond the premium (SDCL §58-22-30). Collateral must be reasonable and returned later (SDCL §58-22-30).
Keep these in mind:
- Ask for a collateral receipt (SDCL §58-22-31).
- Officers and jailers may not write bonds (SDCL §58-22-3).
- Pitching bonds inside a jail is illegal (SDCL §58-22-32).
The state licenses bondsmen (SD Division of Insurance).
What conditions might a Butte County judge add?
The judge can limit travel, contacts, or residence (SDCL §23A-43-3(2)). Someone may be placed in another adult's custody (SDCL §23A-43-3(1)). A mental health assessment can be ordered (SDCL §23A-43-3(3)). The court may require return to jail after set hours (SDCL §23A-43-3(6)).
Every term appears in a written order (SDCL §23A-43-6). Breaking a term can bring a warrant (SDCL §23A-43-6). The court may amend the terms (SDCL §23A-43-7).
What happens on a Butte County DUI bond?
Judges can make 24/7 sobriety a term (SDCL §1-11-20). Testing is often twice a day at the sheriff's office (SDCL §1-11-19). The person pays program fees (SDCL §1-11-25).
It shows up most in DUI charges (SDCL §32-23-1).
What if the Butte County charge is domestic abuse?
Release requires notice to a judge first (SDCL §25-10-40). Bond is set by a judge, not the schedule (SDCL §25-10-40). A no-contact order is likely (SDCL §25-10-41). The judge may order leaving the home or counseling (SDCL §25-10-41).
Contacting the victim from jail is a crime (SDCL §25-10-43). Violating that term is a separate misdemeanor (SDCL §25-10-23).
How soon will someone see a Butte County judge?
The first appearance must come without unnecessary delay (SDCL §23A-4-1). It may be in person or by video (SDCL §23A-4-1). For a warrantless arrest, a judge should check probable cause within 48 hours (County of Riverside v. McLaughlin, 500 U.S. 44 (1991)).
Felony defendants held in jail get a preliminary hearing within 15 days (SDCL §23A-4-3). The judge also explains the right to counsel (SDCL §23A-4-3).
How do we ask to change a Butte County bond?
Still held after 24 hours? Ask for review (SDCL §23A-43-8). Keeping the bond requires written reasons (SDCL §23A-43-8). Review by a different judge is possible (SDCL §23A-43-10).
The next step is a motion in the circuit court (SDCL §23A-43-14). After that, an appeal is possible (SDCL §23A-43-15).
Is missing court in Butte County a crime?
Expect a warrant and forfeiture (SDCL §23A-43-21). On a felony, missing court is a Class 6 felony (SDCL §23A-43-31). On a misdemeanor, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor (SDCL §23A-43-31).
Call the clerk of court right away if a date was missed.
What happens to a Butte County surety after a missed date?
A breach lets the court declare forfeiture (SDCL §23A-43-21). The judge can set it aside later (SDCL §23A-43-22). Part may be remitted after judgment (SDCL §23A-43-24). Sureties may return the person to custody (SDCL §23A-43-29).
When is a Butte County cash bond refunded?
The deposit is returned after the case (SDCL §23A-43-3(4)). Sureties are released when the case ends (SDCL §23A-43-26). Money lost to forfeiture goes to the county (SDCL §23A-43-25). A bondsman's premium is not refunded.
The clerk of court can explain the refund steps.
How are Butte County juveniles held?
Youth cases go to juvenile court, not adult bond court (SDCL §26-7A-14). Holding a child past 48 hours requires a court order (SDCL §26-7A-14). Truancy-type cases have a 24-hour cap (SDCL §26-7A-14). That count skips weekends (SDCL §26-7A-14).
Where do Butte County federal cases go?
Federal cases from Butte County belong to the Western Division (28 U.S.C. §122). A U.S. magistrate judge decides release (18 U.S.C. §3142).
Reach the clerk's office at 515 Ninth Street, Rapid City, SD 57701 (605-399-6000).
What should I confirm with Butte County offices first?
Office hours and payment rules can change.
A quick call first saves a trip.
- Bring a photo ID.
- Bring the booking or case number.
- Ask how payment can be made.
Laws change. A lawyer can confirm details.
Butte County bail contacts
- Jail used
- Meade County Jail, 1400 Main Street, Sturgis, SD 57785, 605-720-6632
- Sheriff
- Butte County Sheriff's Office, 839 5th Avenue, Belle Fourche, 605-892-3324
- Clerk of Court
- 839 5th Ave., Belle Fourche, SD 57717-0250, 605-892-2516
- Judicial circuit
- 4th Judicial Circuit
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court, Western Division; clerk at 515 Ninth Street, Rapid City, SD 57701, 605-399-6000
- Bondsman licenses
- SD Division of Insurance
- Inmate search
- Butte County Inmate Search
Judges set release terms case by case. Nothing here is legal advice.
Butte County Jail
Address:
Butte County Jail
Belle Fourche, SD
Phone:
605-892-3324
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Butte County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Butte County?
Who can set bail in Butte County?
When is bail set in Butte County South Dakota?
Does Butte County have bail?
Yes, Butte County recognizes most types of bonds.
In South Dakota, it is up to the defendant to bear the burden of proof as to why they will not, or do not have the ability to flee prosecution.
Bail is usually established in cases where a felony or Class I misdemeanor has occurred.
People arrested on Class II misdemeanors are usually released on recognizance meaning that if the court decides that there is a good chance that the arrested will show up for trial and not flee, they are released on their own promise, or recognizance without having to pay bail.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Butte County?
In Butte County, once bail is set a defendant must pay the required amount of bail set by the court to be released from temporary holding (typically the county jail). If the person cannot afford the amount of bail required by the court, they must seek a bond from a licensed bondsperson to cover the amount. The bondsperson will charge 10% and can offer a surety or property bond.
Who can set bail in Butte County?
The magistrate judge is given the ability to consider various factors in determining bail. Judges in South Dakota rely on a statewide bail schedule, which sets out a recommended range of bail amounts for different offenses. Judges can still exercise discretion in setting bail above or below the recommended range.
Typically, some of the biggest factors considered are the nature of the offense, the amount of credible evidence against the defendant, the defendant’s criminal history, their location, their income, and their ability to afford to attempt to escape prosecution.
The South Dakota Courts can set conditions for the release of a defendant on bail. These conditions can include many factors such as not leaving a certain area, not consuming drugs or alcohol, not hanging out with certain people, and receiving mental health counseling. If these conditions are not met the person will be taken back into custody.
When is bail set in Butte County South Dakota?
Bail for minor, non-violent offense are set via a phone call with the on duty judge between 8:00 am – 9:00 pm.
If the arrest occurs after 9:00 pm you will need to wait until 8:00 am the next day.
More serious offenses require a hearing in front of a judge, which will be scheduled according to the court calendar. This will generally occur the next day, not including weekends or holidays.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Butte 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 Butte 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 detained in a jail or prison 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.
In South Dakota, once bail is set a defendant must pay the required amount of bail set by the court to be released from temporary holding (typically the county jail). If the person cannot afford the amount of bail required by the court, they must seek a bond from a licensed bondsperson to cover the amount.
Before rushing into contacting a bond company, consider the following:
Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title to secure the bond back. 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 Butte County?
In South Dakota, if you do not have cash to pay for bail, a bondsperson can be used. (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.)
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.
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 might be several options available through a bond company, one is a surety bond, and another option is a property bond 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 2 times the amount of the bond.
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.
Does Butte County have bail?
Yes, Butte County recognizes most types of bonds.
In South Dakota, it is up to the defendant to bear the burden of proof as to why they will not, or do not have the ability to flee prosecution.
Bail is usually established in cases where a felony or Class I misdemeanor has occurred.
People arrested on Class II misdemeanors are usually released on recognizance meaning that if the court decides that there is a good chance that the arrested will show up for trial and not flee, they are released on their own promise, or recognizance without having to pay bail.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Butte County?
In Butte County, once bail is set a defendant must pay the required amount of bail set by the court to be released from temporary holding (typically the county jail). If the person cannot afford the amount of bail required by the court, they must seek a bond from a licensed bondsperson to cover the amount. The bondsperson will charge 10% and can offer a surety or property bond.
Who can set bail in Butte County?
The magistrate judge is given the ability to consider various factors in determining bail. Judges in South Dakota rely on a statewide bail schedule, which sets out a recommended range of bail amounts for different offenses. Judges can still exercise discretion in setting bail above or below the recommended range.
Typically, some of the biggest factors considered are the nature of the offense, the amount of credible evidence against the defendant, the defendant’s criminal history, their location, their income, and their ability to afford to attempt to escape prosecution.
The South Dakota Courts can set conditions for the release of a defendant on bail. These conditions can include many factors such as not leaving a certain area, not consuming drugs or alcohol, not hanging out with certain people, and receiving mental health counseling. If these conditions are not met the person will be taken back into custody.
When is bail set in South Dakota?
Bail for minor, non-violent offense are set via a phone call with the on duty judge between 8:00 am – 9:00 pm.
If the arrest occurs after 9:00 pm you will need to wait until 8:00 am the next day.
More serious offenses require a hearing in front of a judge, which will be scheduled according to the court calendar. This will generally occur the next day, not including weekends or holidays.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Butte County South Dakota?
Yes, your attorney can also request a bond reduction.
In Butte County South Dakota, who can pay bail for me?
The person posting bail could be the defendant, 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 South Dakota could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Butte County South Dakota?
South Dakota counties do not currently process online payments for bail.
Contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Butte County Jail for more information about the jails in Butte County.
What options are there to pay bail in Butte County South Dakota?
Most South Dakota courts only accept cash or surety issued by bail bond agent. Contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted. Go to the Butte County Jail for more information about posting bail in Butte County.
Will I get all my bond money back in South Dakota?
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 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 Butte 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 South Dakota?
The Butte 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.