Bail and bond basics for Chambers County
Families can start here for Chambers County, Texas. The Chambers County Sheriff's Office runs the county jail. Inmate search: Chambers County Inmate Search.
After a Chambers County arrest, where is someone held?
Check the Chambers County Inmate Search first.
The Chambers County jail is run by the Chambers County Sheriff's Office, 201 North Court, Anahuac, TX 77514 (409-267-2500).
When you call:
- Share the person's legal name.
- Give their date of birth.
- Ask whether bail is set.
Charge details may not be shared.
Where do Chambers County felony cases get filed?
Reach the Chambers County District Clerk at P.O. Box NN, Anahuac, TX 77514 (409-267-2432). Felonies are tried in district court (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.05).
Felony bond papers are filed there.
Call about hours and payment types.
Where do Chambers County misdemeanor cases go?
The county court or a county court at law hears Class A and B cases (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.07). Fine-only Class C cases go to justice court (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.11). City tickets go to municipal court (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.14).
A justice of the peace can act as magistrate too (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 2A.151).
Does Chambers County have a bail bond board?
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).
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 decides bail in Chambers County?
The arrested person goes before a magistrate within 48 hours (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 15.17). Many hearings run by video from the 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).
Ask the magistrate for an appointed lawyer if needed (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 15.17).
What is a Chambers County public safety 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).
The magistrate must read it first, then set bail (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.022).
Does Chambers County grant release without money?
Sometimes. A personal bond is a signed promise to appear (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.03). Magistrates must use the least restrictive terms that work (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.028).
Some charges rule it out:
- Charges on the violent offense list (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.03).
- Felon in possession of a firearm (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.03).
- Breaking a bond or protective order (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.03).
Delay rules can still require release later (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
Which bond types might Chambers County set?
Texas bail takes a few forms:
- Personal bond: a written promise, no deposit (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.03).
- Cash bond: the full amount paid in money (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.02).
- Surety bond: a bondsman or other surety guarantees it (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.11).
- Property bond: a surety swears to owning enough property (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.13).
Each surety needs assets of twice the amount (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.11).
What counts when bail is set in Chambers County?
Key factors include:
- Bail must secure appearance without being a tool of oppression (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).
- Whether the person is a citizen (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
A person who cannot pay may file an affidavit (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.028).
When might Chambers County hold someone without bail?
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).
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).
- A family violence order is violated (Tex. Const. art. I, §11c).
These steps need a hearing before a judge (Tex. Const. art. I, §11a).
How does the 2025 amendment affect Chambers County?
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). A safety finding needs clear and convincing proof (Tex. Const. art. I, §11d).
A lawyer may appear for the accused (Tex. Const. art. I, §11d).
Who sets bail if a new Chambers County felony happens on bond?
Only the earlier court, or its pick, may set bail (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).
With no probable cause finding, can Chambers 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)).
What if the Chambers County case drags on?
If the State is not ready, release comes after:
- Felony: 90 days (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
- 30 days for a Class A misdemeanor (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).
What rules come with a Chambers 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). Some must pass drug tests (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.44).
Repeat DWI often brings an ignition interlock (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.441).
A violation can end the bond after a hearing (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.40).
What if the Chambers County charge is domestic violence?
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).
Breaking those terms can mean no bail (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.152).
Officers cannot set the amount on violent charges (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.20(d)).
Can a Chambers 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. Bring proof of income and ties (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
Ask the Chambers County District Clerk where to file.
Is missing court in Chambers County a crime?
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.
How does forfeiture work in Chambers County?
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). If the person returns, a remittitur is possible (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 22.16).
A surety may also surrender the person (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.16).
When is a Chambers 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). The fee paid to a bondsman stays with them.
Ask in writing; collateral is due within 30 days (Tex. Occ. Code §1704.301).
Keep the receipt (Tex. Occ. Code §1704.305).
What if a teen is arrested in Chambers County?
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).
There is no money bail in juvenile court (Tex. Fam. Code §54.01).
Where do Chambers County federal cases go?
Federal cases from Chambers County go to the Galveston Division of the Southern District (28 U.S.C. §124). A U.S. magistrate judge decides release (18 U.S.C. §3142).
Court sits at Galveston.
Before visiting Chambers County offices, what should I confirm?
Office hours and payment rules can change.
A quick call first saves a trip.
- Carry photo ID.
- Bring the booking or case number.
- Ask which payment forms are taken.
Laws change. A lawyer can confirm details.
Chambers County bail contacts
- Sheriff
- Chambers County Sheriff's Office, 201 North Court, Anahuac, TX 77514, 409-267-2500
- District Clerk
- P.O. Box NN, Anahuac, TX 77514, 409-267-2432
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court, Southern District, Galveston Division (Galveston)
- Bail bond board
- Not required; ask the sheriff about approved sureties
- Inmate search
- Chambers County Inmate Search
Judges and magistrates set release terms case by case. Nothing here is legal advice.