Aransas County Detention Center Inmate Bail & Bonds
Aransas County bail help for families
This guide covers bail and bond in Aransas County, Texas. The Aransas County Sheriff's Office runs the county jail. Inmate search: Aransas County Inmate Search.
1. Is my relative in the Aransas County jail?
Check the Aransas County Inmate Search first.
The Aransas County jail is run by the Aransas County Sheriff's Office, 714 E Concho St, Rockport, TX 78382 (361-729-2222).
On the phone:
- Share the person's legal name.
- Add a birth date, if known.
- Ask if bail has been set.
Charge details may not be shared.
2. Which Aransas County office keeps felony records?
The Aransas County District Clerk is at 2840 Hwy 35 N, Rockport, TX 78382 (361-790-0128). District courts hear felony cases (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.05).
Felony bond papers are filed there.
Ask which payment forms they take.
3. Where do Aransas County misdemeanor cases go?
Class A and B cases go to county court (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.07). Justice courts take fine-only cases (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.11). Municipal courts handle city cases (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.14).
A justice of the peace can act as magistrate too (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 2A.151).
4. Can I use a bondsman in Aransas County?
Paid sureties, including bail bond companies, can write bonds here. A board is optional below 110,000 people (Tex. Occ. Code §1704.052). With no board, paid sureties need bail law training (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.10(b)). The officer taking bail checks the surety's worth (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.11).
People with felony convictions cannot be paid sureties (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.10(c)).
Ask the sheriff which sureties are accepted.
5. After an arrest in Aransas County, who sets bail?
The arrested person goes before a magistrate within 48 hours (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 15.17). This can happen by video from the jail (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 15.17). The bail decision must come by then too (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.028).
Only a trained magistrate may release on most jailable charges (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.023).
The magistrate also explains the right to a lawyer (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 15.17).
6. Does Aransas County use a public safety report?
For Class B and above, a public safety report is required (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.022). It lists past cases, warrants, and missed court dates (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.021). It is due within 48 hours of arrest (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.022).
Bail is set only after the report is considered (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.022).
7. Is a personal bond possible in Aransas County?
Often, yes. A personal bond needs no cash up front (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.03). Magistrates must use the least restrictive terms that work (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.028).
It is not allowed for:
- Charges on the violent offense list (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.03).
- Unlawful gun possession by a felon (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.03).
- Violating a protective order (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.03).
Delay rules can still require release later (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
8. What kinds of bail are used in Aransas County?
Texas bail takes a few forms:
- Personal bond: release on a signed promise (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.03).
- Cash bond: cash deposited for the whole bond (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.02).
- Surety bond: a surety signs and backs the full amount (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.11).
- Property bond: a surety swears to owning enough property (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.13).
A surety must be worth double the bond (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.11).
9. How does an Aransas County magistrate pick a bail amount?
State law lists these factors:
- Enough to assure appearance, but not oppressive (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
- What the charge involves, including violence (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
- The person's ability to pay (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
- Safety of the victim and community (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
- The record and past failures to appear (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
- Citizenship status (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
A person who cannot pay may file an affidavit (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.028).
10. Is anyone held without bail in Aransas County?
The Texas Constitution guarantees bail for most (Tex. Const. art. I, §11). Capital cases with evident proof are the long-standing exception (Tex. Const. art. I, §11).
Denial is also possible when:
- The accused has two prior felonies (Tex. Const. art. I, §11a).
- The person was already on bail for a felony (Tex. Const. art. I, §11a).
- Someone breaks a safety condition of release (Tex. Const. art. I, §11b).
- Someone violates a protective order in a family case (Tex. Const. art. I, §11c).
These steps need a hearing before a judge (Tex. Const. art. I, §11a).
11. What changed in 2025 for Aransas County bail?
Proposition 3 passed in November 2025 (Tex. Const. art. I, §11d). It reaches murder, aggravated sexual assault, and related charges (Tex. Const. art. I, §11d). Bail must be denied if the State proves the risk (Tex. Const. art. I, §11d).
Flight risk needs a preponderance (Tex. Const. art. I, §11d). Safety risk needs clear and convincing proof (Tex. Const. art. I, §11d).
The person has a right to counsel at that hearing (Tex. Const. art. I, §11d).
12. What if an Aransas County arrest happens while on felony bond?
A new felony while on felony bail goes to the first court (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.027). The old bond can be revoked or modified (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.027(a-1)).
Under SB 9, the State can request a district judge review (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.029).
The judge acts by the next business day (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.029).
13. With no probable cause finding, can Aransas County keep someone?
After a warrantless arrest, a magistrate must find probable cause (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.033).
- For a misdemeanor, release by hour 24, bond up to $5,000 (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.033(a)).
- For a felony, release by hour 48, bond up to $10,000 (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.033(b)).
No money? It becomes a personal bond (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.033). The State may ask to extend to 72 hours (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.033(c)).
14. Can delay lead to release in Aransas County?
If the State is not ready, release comes after:
- 90 days for a felony (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
- Class A misdemeanor: 30 days (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
- Class B misdemeanor: 15 days (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
- 5 days for a fine-only case (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
The fix is a lower bond or personal bond (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151). Some people, such as those held for safety violations, are excluded (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
15. Can Aransas County require monitoring on bond?
Magistrates may add safety conditions (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.40). These include curfew and electronic monitoring (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.43). Some must pass drug tests (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.44).
A repeat DWI usually means an interlock device (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.441).
Breaking a term can mean a hearing and revocation (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.40).
16. How is bail handled for Aransas County family violence cases?
Expect a magistrate's emergency protection order (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.292). It is mandatory with serious injury or a weapon (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.292). Conditions may include GPS monitoring and staying away (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.49).
A violation may lead to denial of bail (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.152).
Officers cannot set the amount on violent charges (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.20(d)).
17. Can an Aransas County bond be lowered?
A court may raise or lower bail for good cause (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.09). The usual step is a written motion to the trial court. Show what the family can pay (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
Felony filings go to the district clerk's office.
18. What if someone misses court in Aransas County?
First, the court calls the name at the door (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 22.02). Then a judgment nisi forfeits the bond (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 22.02).
- On a felony, it is a third-degree felony (Tex. Penal Code §38.10).
- On a misdemeanor, it is a Class A misdemeanor (Tex. Penal Code §38.10).
- On a fine-only case, it is a Class C misdemeanor (Tex. Penal Code §38.10).
Contact the court clerk quickly.
19. What happens to an Aransas County surety after a no-show?
The court sends a citation to each surety (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 22.03). Some reasons excuse the surety, like illness (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 22.13). A remittitur may return some money (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 22.16).
Sureties can return the person to jail (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.16).
20. When is an Aransas County cash bond refunded?
The person on the cash receipt gets the refund (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.02). Fees and costs may be taken out (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.02). A bondsman's premium is not refunded.
Ask in writing; collateral is due within 30 days (Tex. Occ. Code §1704.301).
Keep the receipt (Tex. Occ. Code §1704.305).
21. How are Aransas County juveniles held?
Children go to juvenile processing, not adult bail court (Tex. Fam. Code §52.02). Release to a parent is common (Tex. Fam. Code §52.02). A held child sees a judge within two working days (Tex. Fam. Code §54.01).
The juvenile judge sets release terms instead (Tex. Fam. Code §54.01).
22. How are federal arrests in Aransas County handled?
Aransas County is in the Southern District, Corpus Christi Division (28 U.S.C. §124). A U.S. magistrate judge decides release (18 U.S.C. §3142).
That division holds court at Corpus Christi.
23. Before going to an Aransas County office, what should I confirm?
Hours, fees, and payment types can change.
Call before you go.
- Bring a photo ID.
- Have the case number ready.
- Ask how payment can be made.
Laws change. A lawyer can confirm details.
Aransas County bail contacts
- Sheriff
- Aransas County Sheriff's Office, 714 E Concho St, Rockport, TX 78382, 361-729-2222
- District Clerk
- 2840 Hwy 35 N, Rockport, TX 78382, 361-790-0128
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court, Southern District, Corpus Christi Division (Corpus Christi)
- Bail bond board
- Not required; ask the sheriff about approved sureties
- Inmate search
- Aransas County Inmate Search
Judges and magistrates set release terms case by case. Nothing here is legal advice.
How do Bail Bonds work at Aransas County Detention Center
How Bail Works at the Aransas County Detention Center
No one bonds out of the Rockport jail until a magistrate sets bail. Texas law requires that hearing within 48 hours of arrest, and in Aransas County the Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace at 308 N. Live Oak St. (361-790-0130) handles magistrate duties. The magistrate reads the charges, explains the person's rights, takes any request for an appointed lawyer and sets bail on each charge.
Three release routes exist, and the magistrate picks which are allowed: the full amount in cash, a surety bond written by a bondsman, or a personal bond (a signed promise to return, with money owed only on a no-show). Bail is paid to Sheriff Mills’s office at the detention center, 811 E. Concho St. (361-790-0168), where every charge’s bond must be covered before release. A U.S. Marshals hold in Rockport ends only by federal court order; county bail does not apply.
Property bonds in Aransas County
A property bond is possible here. Texas bail law (CCP 17.11) says an Aransas landowner’s pledge works only when unencumbered, non-homestead equity reaches two times the bail. Aransas County has no bail bond board, so the Sheriff, who accepts bail for prisoners in his custody, decides whether a pledged lot or house is enough before release from 811 E. Concho St.
Aransas County Detention Center
Address:
811 East Concho Street
Rockport, TX 78382
Phone:
361-790-0168
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Aransas County
Choosing a Bonding Company for an Aransas County Bond
Aransas County has no bail bond board; surety bonds are written by licensed bonding companies, whose Rockport offices cluster along Live Oak Street and Highway 35, near both the courthouse and the detention center.
Get the bondsman's premium in writing first. That premium pays the company for its risk; a dismissal or acquittal does not bring it back. Also settle collateral, the co-signer's duties and the plan for a missed court date, and keep the signed contract.
Bail in Aransas County: Common Questions
Who sets the bond amount in Aransas County?
Paying cash at the detention center: what should I know?
The bail is more than the family can pay. Now what?
Is there a way to handle a Class C warrant without being arrested?
Skipped a court date while out on bond?
Who sets the bond amount in Aransas County?
Usually the Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, sitting as magistrate. Article 17.15 factors drive the figure. Later, the judge assigned the case in the 36th District Court or the County Court at Law can raise or lower it.
Paying cash at the detention center: what should I know?
Phone 361-790-0168 for the exact total and accepted payment methods before you drive over. The receipt matters: when the case closes, the clerk for that court processes any refund.
The bail is more than the family can pay. Now what?
The defendant can ask the magistrate for appointed counsel. Appointments here follow the county's district and county court plans (see the TIDC Aransas County dashboard), and appointed counsel can move for a lower bond or a personal bond.
Is there a way to handle a Class C warrant without being arrested?
Yes, for Precinct 1 warrants. The JP court's "safe harbor" policy says a person with an active Class C warrant from that court who comes in on their own will not be arrested; the warrant is recalled and a new court date is set. Call 361-790-0130 first.
Skipped a court date while out on bond?
Expect a bond forfeiture and a fresh warrant. If a bondsman wrote the bond, the company may pursue the defendant and anyone who co-signed.
Texas Bail Law and Aransas County Cases
Whether the arrest is for a Fulton DWI or a felony bound for the 36th District Court, the rules come from the Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 17. Article 17.15 has two sides: the amount must give real assurance the defendant shows up, yet it may not be set so high it punishes. Magistrates look at the offense, the person's means, any risk to the alleged victim or the public, and prior record. Three changes since 2021:
- 2021 (SB 6): a Public Safety Report with the defendant's record goes to the magistrate before any bail decision, and violent charges rule out a personal bond.
- 2025 (SB 9): starting with offenses on September 1, 2025, no felony defendant is released before a magistrate reviews that report. Bail in the most serious violent felonies, and for felony suspects already out on bond or on parole or probation, is reserved for elected judges. District attorneys and county attorneys may also ask a district judge to take another look at felony bail.
- November 2025 (Proposition 3): a constitutional amendment allows denial of bail for listed violent and sexual felonies after a hearing in which the State shows no set of conditions would keep the public safe or bring the defendant back. Judges who release such a defendant must put their reasons in writing.
Texas sets no statewide bail chart. In Aransas County, the 36th District Court can revisit a felony bond and the County Court at Law a misdemeanor bond, and either may add conditions such as staying away from the complainant. Breaking a condition can mean a new arrest. For advice on a specific case, talk to a defense attorney.
Instructions on how to post Bail or Bond in Aransas County
Bonding Someone Out in Aransas County, Step by Step
- Find the person and their booking number on the current inmates list.
- Call 361-790-0168 for the bail amount on each charge and confirm a magistrate has set it.
- Decide on cash, a bonding company, or asking the court for a personal bond.
- Paying cash? The Sheriff accepts bail for prisoners in his custody at the detention center, 811 E. Concho St. Using a bondsman? The company files the bond at the jail for you.
- Before heading to Concho Street for pickup, phone 361-790-0168 to make sure the release has been processed.