Terry County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Terry County bail help for families
Here is how bail works in Terry County, Texas. The Terry County Sheriff's Office runs the county jail. Inmate search: Terry County Inmate Search.
Is my relative in the Terry County jail?
Check the Terry County Inmate Search first.
The county jail is run by the Terry County Sheriff's Office, P.O. Box 1106, Brownfield, TX 79316 (806-637-2212).
Tips for the call:
- Give their full legal name.
- Give their date of birth.
- Ask whether bail is set.
Staff may not discuss the charges.
Which Terry County office keeps felony records?
Reach the Terry County District Clerk at 500 W Main, Rm 209E, Brownfield, TX 79316 (806-637-4202). 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.
Where do Terry 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).
Can I use a bondsman in Terry County?
Bondsmen and other paid sureties may post bail here. Smaller counties may create a board (Tex. Occ. Code §1704.052). Without one, a paid surety needs 8 hours of training (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.10(b)). Whoever takes the bond checks the surety (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 Terry County?
The arrested person goes before a magistrate within 48 hours (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 15.17). This can happen 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).
Why does a Terry County magistrate check a report?
A public safety report is ordered for Class B or higher (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.022). It lists past cases, warrants, and missed court dates (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).
Is a personal bond possible in Terry County?
Often, yes. A personal bond needs no cash up front (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.03). The law asks for the least restrictive terms needed (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).
- Violating a protective order (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.03).
The delay rule is an exception (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
What bond options exist in Terry County?
Texas bail takes a few forms:
- Personal bond: release on a signed promise (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 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).
Each surety needs assets of twice the amount (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.11).
What counts when bail is set in Terry County?
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).
- 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).
When might Terry 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).
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).
- A release condition tied to safety is broken (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).
What changed in 2025 for Terry 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). 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).
What if a Terry County arrest happens while on felony 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)).
Since 2025, prosecutors may ask a district judge to review felony bail (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.029).
Review comes by the next business day (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.029).
Must Terry 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)).
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)).
What if the Terry County case drags on?
If the State is not ready, release comes after:
- 90 days for a felony (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
- 30 days for a Class A misdemeanor (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). Some people, such as those held for safety violations, are excluded (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
What conditions might Terry County add to bail?
Bond can carry conditions for safety (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.40). Options include home curfew and ankle monitors (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 Terry County?
A magistrate may issue an emergency protective 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)).
Who reviews a Terry County bail amount?
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).
Felony filings go to the District Clerk.
What happens after a missed Terry County court date?
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).
- Felony case: third-degree felony (Tex. Penal Code §38.10).
- Misdemeanor case: Class A misdemeanor (Tex. Penal Code §38.10).
- Fine-only case: Class C (Tex. Penal Code §38.10).
Call the court or a lawyer right away.
Will a Terry County bond be forfeited?
The court sends a citation to each surety (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 22.03). Death or serious illness can be a defense (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).
When is a Terry County cash bond refunded?
A cash bond goes back to the receipt holder (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.02). Court costs can be deducted first (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).
Ask for a written receipt (Tex. Occ. Code §1704.305).
How are Terry 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 detention hearing follows by the second working day (Tex. Fam. Code §54.01).
There is no money bail in juvenile court (Tex. Fam. Code §54.01).
What about federal charges from Terry County?
Federal cases from Terry County go to the Lubbock Division of the Northern District (28 U.S.C. §124). Release is set by a federal magistrate judge (18 U.S.C. §3142).
Court sits at Lubbock.
What should I confirm with Terry County offices first?
Hours, fees, and payment types 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.
Terry County bail contacts
- Sheriff
- Terry County Sheriff's Office, P.O. Box 1106, Brownfield, TX 79316, 806-637-2212
- District Clerk
- 500 W Main, Rm 209E, Brownfield, TX 79316, 806-637-4202
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court, Northern District, Lubbock Division (Lubbock)
- Bail bond board
- Not required; ask the sheriff about approved sureties
- Inmate search
- Terry County Inmate Search
Judges and magistrates set release terms case by case. Nothing here is legal advice.
Paying an Inmate's Bail or Bond in Terry County
The Terry County Sheriff recommends that you might want to use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Terry County.
However if you don't want to use a bail bond agent:
- You can always pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in Terry County, or in some cases the state of Texas, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Terry County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
- The typical fee for a bond in Texas is between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15% or less. So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1,500.00.
- Pay by cash, cashier's check, money order or credit card at the Terry County Jail, or the courthouse in Terry County where the offense took place.
Call 806-637-2212 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Terry County inmate locator.
Terry County Jail
Address:
1311 Tahoka Road
Brownfield, TX 79316-1106
Phone:
806-637-2212