Archer County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
How bail works in Archer County
Families can start here for Archer County, Texas. Arrests are booked at the county jail, run by the sheriff. Inmate search: Archer County Inmate Search.
After an Archer County arrest, where is someone held?
Start with the Archer County Inmate Search.
The Archer County Sheriff's Office, 100 Law Enforcement Way, Archer City, TX 76351 (940-574-2571) runs the Archer County jail.
When you call:
- Share the person's legal name.
- Add a birth date, if known.
- Ask whether bail is set.
Staff may not discuss the charges.
Which Archer County office keeps felony records?
Reach the district clerk's office at P.O. Box 815, Archer City, TX 76351 (940-574-4615). Felonies are tried in district court (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.05).
Bond filings for felonies land there.
Ask which payment forms they take.
Who handles Class C tickets in Archer County?
Class A and B cases go to county court (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.07). Fine-only Class C cases go to justice court (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.11). Municipal courts handle city cases (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.14).
Justices of the peace also serve as magistrates (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 2A.151).
How are bail bondsmen approved in Archer County?
Bondsmen and other paid sureties may post bail 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).
A convicted felon may not write bonds for pay (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.10(c)).
The sheriff can say who is approved.
Who sets bail after an Archer County arrest?
The arrested person goes before a magistrate within 48 hours (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 15.17). Many hearings run by video from the Archer County jail (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 15.17). The magistrate makes the bail decision in that window (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.028).
Release on jailable charges needs a magistrate with state training (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.023).
The magistrate also explains the right to a lawyer (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 15.17).
Why does an Archer County magistrate check a report?
A public safety report is ordered for Class B or higher (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.022). It sums up criminal history and bond eligibility (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.021). The report should arrive within 48 hours (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.022).
Bail is set only after the report is considered (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.022).
Can someone in Archer County get out without paying?
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).
The delay rule is an exception (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
Which bond types might Archer County set?
Common types include:
- Personal bond: a written promise, no deposit (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: the surety states what property backs it (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.13).
Each surety needs assets of twice the amount (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.11).
What factors shape bail in Archer County?
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).
- Risk to the victim and the public (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
- Criminal history, including the report (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
- Whether the person is a citizen (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
An inability-to-pay affidavit is allowed (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.028).
Is anyone held without bail in Archer County?
Most people have a right to bail (Tex. Const. art. I, §11). Capital cases with evident proof are the long-standing exception (Tex. Const. art. I, §11).
Bail may also be refused when:
- The accused has two prior felonies (Tex. Const. art. I, §11a).
- A felony happens while on felony bail (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).
A district judge holds a hearing first (Tex. Const. art. I, §11a).
Did Proposition 3 change bail in Archer County?
Voters approved Proposition 3 on Nov. 4, 2025 (Tex. Const. art. I, §11d). It covers murder, aggravated robbery, and similar charges (Tex. Const. art. I, §11d). The State can win denial of bail with enough proof (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).
Who sets bail if a new Archer County felony happens on bond?
Only the earlier court, or its pick, may set bail (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.027). That court may revoke or change the old bond (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.027(a-1)).
Since 2025, prosecutors may ask a district judge to review felony bail (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.029).
The judge acts by the next business day (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.029).
With no probable cause finding, can Archer County keep someone?
A warrantless arrest needs a probable cause finding (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.033).
- Misdemeanor: bond of $5,000 or less by hour 24 (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.033(a)).
- Felony: bond of $10,000 or less by hour 48 (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.033(b)).
Those who cannot pay get 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)).
Can delay lead to release in Archer County?
Release is due if the State is not ready within:
- Felony: 90 days (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
- Class A misdemeanor: 30 days (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
- 15 days for a Class B (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
- Fine-only charge: 5 days (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
Release is by personal bond or lower bail (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151). It does not cover safety-condition violations (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
What rules come with an Archer County 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). Drug testing is another option (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.44).
Repeat DWI often brings an ignition interlock (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.441).
Breaking a term can mean a hearing and revocation (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.40).
How is bail handled for Archer County family violence cases?
A magistrate may issue an emergency protective order (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.292). With a deadly weapon or serious injury, it is required (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)).
How do we change bail in Archer County?
Bail can be changed 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).
Ask the Archer County District Clerk where to file.
What if someone misses court in Archer County?
First, the court calls the name at the door (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 22.02). The court enters a judgment nisi (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).
Call the court or a lawyer right away.
Will an Archer County bond be forfeited?
Sureties get a citation to answer (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 22.03). Death or serious illness can be a defense (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 22.13). If the person returns, a remittitur is possible (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 22.16).
Sureties can return the person to jail (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.16).
How are bail deposits returned in Archer County?
The person on the cash receipt gets the refund (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.02). Court costs can be deducted first (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.02). The fee paid to a bondsman stays with them.
Ask in writing; collateral is due within 30 days (Tex. Occ. Code §1704.301).
Ask for a written receipt (Tex. Occ. Code §1704.305).
Do minors get bail in Archer County?
Children go to juvenile processing, not adult bail court (Tex. Fam. Code §52.02). Many are released to a parent (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).
What about federal charges from Archer County?
Archer County is in the Northern District, Wichita Falls Division (28 U.S.C. §124). A U.S. magistrate judge decides release (18 U.S.C. §3142).
That division holds court at Wichita Falls.
What should I confirm with Archer County offices first?
Office hours and payment rules can change.
A quick call first saves a trip.
- Carry photo ID.
- Have the case number ready.
- Ask how payment can be made.
Laws change. A lawyer can confirm details.
Archer County bail contacts
- Sheriff
- Archer County Sheriff's Office, 100 Law Enforcement Way, Archer City, TX 76351, 940-574-2571
- District Clerk
- P.O. Box 815, Archer City, TX 76351, 940-574-4615
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court, Northern District, Wichita Falls Division (Wichita Falls)
- Bail bond board
- Not required; ask the sheriff about approved sureties
- Inmate search
- Archer County Inmate Search
Judges and magistrates set release terms case by case. Nothing here is legal advice.
How do Bail Bonds work at Archer County Jail
Getting Someone Released on Bail from the Archer County Jail
Release on bond from Archer City starts with a magistrate's ruling. That appearance has to happen inside 48 hours under Texas law, and there the accused hears each accusation, learns the rights that apply, may request appointed counsel and gets a dollar figure for every count.
Families in Archer County usually weigh three choices, subject to the magistrate's order: put up every dollar themselves, pay a licensed bondsman a fee, or ask for release on the defendant's signature alone. Archer City’s jail desk takes the payment, and it has to cover the bond on each charge (940-574-2571).
Archer County property bonds
Archer County bonds can be secured with real estate. Archer City follows the state property-surety statute, CCP 17.11: pledged acreage or a house counts only for its equity beyond debts and any homestead or exempt part, and that equity must reach twice the bond. With no bail bond board in Archer County, the Sheriff, as the officer taking the bond, approves or refuses the property at the jail, 100 Law Enforcement Way, Archer City.
Archer County Jail
Address:
100 Law Enforcement Way
Archer City, TX 76351
Phone:
940-574-2571
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Archer County
Working with a Bail Bond Company on an Archer County Case
Phone the jail desk at 940-574-2571 and get the names of bonding firms that may write bonds in this county right now. A company based in another county may not be on that list, so check before money changes hands.
The company's fee is what you pay for its risk; it is not returned when the case ends. Put the fee, any collateral and what happens after a missed court date in writing, and keep a copy of everything you sign.
Archer County Bail: Questions We Hear
Does a judge or the Sheriff pick the bond figure?
What should we know before carrying cash bond money to Archer City?
What if we cannot afford a lawyer or the bond?
Can the forms for a lawyer be sent from home?
Skipping a hearing after bonding out: what follows?
Does a judge or the Sheriff pick the bond figure?
Neither the Sheriff nor the jailers do; a magistrate names it at the first appearance. Once the case is filed, the 97th District Court (felonies) or the County Court (misdemeanors) can change the amount or add conditions.
What should we know before carrying cash bond money to Archer City?
Call 940-574-2571 for the total and the payment types the jail accepts before you make the drive. Hold on to the receipt; any refund after the case closes goes through the clerk of the court that heard it.
What if we cannot afford a lawyer or the bond?
The defendant can ask for an appointed lawyer at the magistrate hearing, or later through the jail. Archer County's indigent defense plan, posted by the TIDC, says jailers give out the financial affidavit, notarize it and email it to the coordinator for the 97th District Court, and a lawyer is appointed within three working days. Appointed counsel may then move for a lower bond.
Can the forms for a lawyer be sent from home?
Yes. Relatives can pick up the affidavit from District Clerk Lori Rutledge (940-574-4615). Send them to the District Court Coordinator, P.O. Box 167, Montague, TX 76251, or email admin@97thdistrictcourt.com.
Skipping a hearing after bonding out: what follows?
The judge may declare the bond forfeited and order the person arrested again. A bonding company that wrote the bond may also go after the defendant and any co-signer for the full amount.
Texas Bail Rules Behind an Archer County Bond
A Holliday shoplifting charge and a felony headed for the 97th District Court are both governed by Chapter 17 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Under Article 17.15, bail has to be high enough to make a return to court likely, but it cannot be used as a punishment. In Archer City the magistrate weighs four things: the charge, the defendant's finances, safety of the victim and community, and criminal history. Laws passed since 2021:
- Senate Bill 6 (2021): a Public Safety Report on prior record is read before any bond decision, and a violent charge rules out release on a personal bond.
- Senate Bill 9 (2025): anyone booked on a felony for conduct after August 31, 2025 stays put until the Public Safety Report is in front of the magistrate. Only an elected judge may set bond for the most violent charges or for someone who was already out on bond, parole or probation, and the State gets a right to appeal felony bonds to a district judge.
- Proposition 3 (voters, November 2025): a judge may now refuse any bond in certain violent and sex-offense felony cases if, after a hearing, the State proves no conditions would protect the public or secure the defendant's return; releasing the person anyway takes a written explanation.
No statewide price list exists. After filing, the Archer County trial judge may raise, lower or attach terms to a bond, a no-contact order being a common one, and violating a term can put the defendant back in a cell. A defense lawyer can advise on a particular case.
Instructions on how to post Bail or Bond in Archer County
Posting Bail in Archer County: The Short Version
- Make sure the Archer County Jail actually holds the person, and note the booking number (inmate search).
- Ring 940-574-2571: has a magistrate ruled yet, and what is the figure on each count?
- Decide among paying in full, hiring a bondsman, or a lawyer's motion for a personal bond.
- A cash bond and a bonding company’s surety bond are both filed with the jail at 100 Law Enforcement Way, which releases the person once every charge is covered.
- Call 940-574-2571 again before you leave home so you know when release paperwork is done.