Willacy County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
How bail works in Willacy County
Families can start here for Willacy County, Texas. Arrests are booked at the county jail, run by the sheriff. Inmate search: Willacy County Inmate Search.
After a Willacy County arrest, where is someone held?
Check the Willacy County Inmate Search first.
Arrests here go to the jail. Call the Willacy County Sheriff's Office, 1371 Industrial Drive, Raymondville, TX 78580 (956-689-5576).
When you call:
- Give their full legal name.
- Add a birth date, if known.
- Ask if bail has been set.
Charge details may not be shared.
Where do Willacy County felony cases get filed?
Reach the District Clerk at 576 W Main Ave, Ste 102, Raymondville, TX 78580 (956-689-2532). District courts hear felony cases (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.05).
Bond filings for felonies land there.
Call about hours and payment types.
Where do Willacy 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). 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 Willacy 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).
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 Willacy County arrest?
A magistrate sees the person within 48 hours of arrest (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 15.17). Many hearings run by video from the Willacy County 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).
Why does a Willacy County magistrate check a 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). 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 Willacy County get out without paying?
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).
- 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).
The delay rule is an exception (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.151).
Which bond types might Willacy County set?
Common types include:
- 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).
A surety must be worth double the bond (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.11).
What counts when bail is set in Willacy County?
The magistrate weighs these:
- 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).
- 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).
When might Willacy County hold someone without bail?
The Texas Constitution guarantees bail for most (Tex. Const. art. I, §11). The first exception is a capital charge with strong proof (Tex. Const. art. I, §11).
Other no-bail cases include:
- 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).
- A family violence order is violated (Tex. Const. art. I, §11c).
These steps need a hearing before a judge (Tex. Const. art. I, §11a).
Did Proposition 3 change bail in Willacy County?
Proposition 3 passed in November 2025 (Tex. Const. art. I, §11d). It covers murder, aggravated robbery, and similar charges (Tex. Const. art. I, §11d). Bail must be denied if the State proves the risk (Tex. Const. art. I, §11d).
For flight risk, the bar is 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 Willacy 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).
What if Willacy County finds no probable cause?
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). Prosecutors can seek up to 72 hours (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.033(c)).
Can delay lead to release in Willacy County?
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).
- 15 days for a Class B (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 Willacy County 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).
Breaking a term can mean a hearing and revocation (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.40).
What if the Willacy County charge is domestic violence?
Expect a magistrate's emergency protection 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)).
Who reviews a Willacy County bail amount?
A court may raise or lower bail for good cause (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.09). A lawyer usually files a motion in the trial court. Show what the family can pay (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.15).
Ask the Willacy County District Clerk where to file.
What if someone misses court in Willacy 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).
Contact the court clerk quickly.
Will a Willacy 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).
A surety may also surrender the person (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 17.16).
How are bail deposits returned in Willacy County?
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). The fee paid to a bondsman stays with them.
Collateral comes back within 30 days of a written request (Tex. Occ. Code §1704.301).
Ask for a written receipt (Tex. Occ. Code §1704.305).
How are Willacy County juveniles held?
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).
Where do Willacy County federal cases go?
Federal cases from Willacy County go to the Brownsville Division of the Southern District (28 U.S.C. §124). Release is set by a federal magistrate judge (18 U.S.C. §3142).
Court sits at Brownsville.
Before visiting Willacy County offices, what should I confirm?
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.
Willacy County bail contacts
- Sheriff
- Willacy County Sheriff's Office, 1371 Industrial Drive, Raymondville, TX 78580, 956-689-5576
- District Clerk
- 576 W Main Ave, Ste 102, Raymondville, TX 78580, 956-689-2532
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court, Southern District, Brownsville Division (Brownsville)
- Bail bond board
- Not required; ask the sheriff about approved sureties
- Inmate search
- Willacy County Inmate Search
Judges and magistrates set release terms case by case. Nothing here is legal advice.
Willacy County Jail
Address:
1371 Industrial Drive
Raymondville, TX 78580
Phone:
956-689-5576