Red River County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
How bail works in Red River County
Here is how bail works in Red River County, Texas. Arrests are booked at the county jail, run by the sheriff. Inmate search: Red River County Inmate Search.
Is my relative in the Red River County jail?
Start with the Red River County Inmate Search.
The Red River County Sheriff's Office, 500 N Cedar St, Clarksville, TX 75426 (903-427-3838) runs the jail.
On the phone:
- Give their full legal name.
- Give their date of birth.
- Ask if bail has been set.
Charge details may not be shared.
Which Red River County office keeps felony records?
The Red River County District Clerk is at 400 N Walnut St, Clarksville, TX 75426 (903-427-3761). District courts hear felony cases (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.05).
Felony bond papers are filed there.
Ask which payment forms they take.
Where do Red River 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).
Justices of the peace also serve as magistrates (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 2A.151).
Can I use a bondsman in Red River County?
Bondsmen and other paid sureties may post bail here. A board is optional below 110,000 people (Tex. Occ. Code §1704.052). Without one, a paid surety needs 8 hours of 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)).
The sheriff can say who is approved.
Who sets bail after a Red River 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 jail (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 15.17). The magistrate makes the bail decision in that window (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).
Why does a Red River 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).
The magistrate must read it first, then set bail (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.022).
Does Red River County grant release without money?
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).
Personal bonds are barred for:
- Offenses involving violence, as the statute lists them (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.03).
- Unlawful gun possession by a felon (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).
What kinds of bail are used in Red River County?
Common types include:
- 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).
How does a Red River County magistrate pick a bail amount?
State law lists these factors:
- Bail must secure appearance without being a tool of oppression (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
- The nature of the offense, including any 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).
- Citizenship status (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
An inability-to-pay affidavit is allowed (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.028).
Can bail be denied in Red River 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).
- 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).
A district judge holds a hearing first (Tex. Const. art. I, §11a).
How does the 2025 amendment affect Red River County?
Voters approved Proposition 3 on Nov. 4, 2025 (Tex. Const. art. I, §11d). It reaches murder, aggravated sexual assault, and related 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). A safety finding 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).
What if a Red River County arrest happens while on felony 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)).
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).
Must Red River County release someone if no judge acts?
A warrantless arrest needs a probable cause finding (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)).
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)).
How long can Red River County jail someone before trial?
The State must be ready within:
- 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).
- Fine-only charge: 5 days (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
The fix is a lower bond or personal bond (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151). It does not cover safety-condition violations (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
Can Red River County require monitoring on bond?
Bond can carry conditions for safety (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).
A violation can end the bond after a hearing (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.40).
Are family violence bonds different in Red River County?
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).
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)).
How do we change bail in Red River County?
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).
Ask the Red River County District Clerk where to file.
What happens after a missed Red River County court date?
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).
Call the court or a lawyer right away.
How does forfeiture work in Red River County?
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).
Do we get Red River County bond money back?
A cash bond goes back to the receipt holder (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).
Ask for a written receipt (Tex. Occ. Code §1704.305).
What if a teen is arrested in Red River County?
A child goes to a juvenile office or is released (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).
What about federal charges from Red River County?
Red River County is in the Eastern District, Texarkana Division (28 U.S.C. §124). A U.S. magistrate judge decides release (18 U.S.C. §3142).
That division holds court at Texarkana.
What should I confirm with Red River County offices first?
Hours, fees, and payment types can change.
Call before you go.
- Bring a photo ID.
- Bring the booking or case number.
- Ask how payment can be made.
This is general help, not legal advice.
Red River County bail contacts
- Sheriff
- Red River County Sheriff's Office, 500 N Cedar St, Clarksville, TX 75426, 903-427-3838
- District Clerk
- 400 N Walnut St, Clarksville, TX 75426, 903-427-3761
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District, Texarkana Division (Texarkana)
- Bail bond board
- Not required; ask the sheriff about approved sureties
- Inmate search
- Red River County Inmate Search
Judges and magistrates set release terms case by case. Nothing here is legal advice.
Red River County Jail
Address:
500 N Cedar Street
Clarksville, TX 75426
Phone:
903-427-3838