Rockbridge Regional Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Rockbridge Regional Jail: bail and bond guide
Rockbridge Regional Jail holds adults arrested in Rockbridge County, the City of Lexington and the City of Buena Vista. The jail is shared, but each place keeps its own courts. This guide explains who sets bail, how to pay it and which court handles the case.
Which places use the Rockbridge Regional Jail?
Three local governments own and share the Rockbridge Regional Jail: Rockbridge County, the City of Lexington and the City of Buena Vista. Arrests in the county towns of Glasgow and Goshen land here too. The building sits on Greenhouse Road just outside Lexington.
Does the jail decide how much bail someone gets?
It does not. Jail staff only hold people. A state magistrate makes the first bail call (Va. Code § 19.2-80), and judges can change it later. The jail simply follows the paperwork the magistrate or court sends over.
Where do Rockbridge-area magistrates work?
The main office is inside the jail at 258 Greenhouse Road, Lexington, VA 24450, phone 540-464-1187. Buena Vista also has a video station at 306 Park Avenue, Buena Vista, VA 24416 (540-261-6171), where an officer can connect to a magistrate on screen.
Virginia requires magistrate service the public can reach at any hour, in person or by video (Va. Code § 19.2-48.1).
What happens in the first few hours after an arrest?
An officer brings the person straight to a magistrate (Va. Code § 19.2-82). If there is enough reason for a warrant, the magistrate picks the release terms. Lots of people are out the same day. Anyone who can't meet the terms is booked and stays on Greenhouse Road. A minor offense may end with a summons instead of a trip to jail at all (Va. Code § 19.2-74).
Is there a set bail chart for these charges?
Virginia does not use a statewide bail chart. Each magistrate looks at the person in front of them: what the charge is, how strong the proof looks, the person's job and family roots, old convictions and any missed court dates (Va. Code § 19.2-120). The amount must also take into account what the person can actually afford (Va. Code § 19.2-121).
Can a person be held with no bail at all?
Only when the magistrate or judge has probable cause to think the person will flee or would be an unreasonable danger to themselves, family members or the public (Va. Code § 19.2-120). Everyone else has a right to some form of release. The old list of charges that started with a presumption against bail was repealed in 2021, so no charge is automatically denied.
What kinds of release can the magistrate give?
Three main kinds (Va. Code § 19.2-123):
• A signed promise to come back to court (recognizance).
• An unsecured bond, where nothing is paid up front but money is owed if court is missed.
• A secured bond, which must be backed by cash, property or a bondsman before the person walks out.
How can a family pay a bond here?
Bring cash to the magistrate at the jail, offer a Virginia house or land that has enough value in it, or call a bail bondsman. For property, only the real value of what the signer owns counts (Va. Code § 19.2-123). Call 540-464-1187 first to ask what form of payment the office takes that day.
What does a bondsman charge?
State law says a licensed bondsman must charge at least 10% and no more than 15% of the bond (Va. Code § 9.1-185.8). A small office fee can be added. That premium is the bondsman's pay and is never refunded. Bondsmen must hold a license from the Department of Criminal Justice Services (Va. Code § 9.1-185); ask to see it.
Which courts take Rockbridge and Lexington cases?
Both share one courthouse at 20 South Randolph Street in downtown Lexington. The General District Court is in Suite 200 (540-463-3631). The Circuit Court is in Suite 101 (540-463-2232). The Juvenile and Domestic Relations (JDR) court is in Suite 201 (540-463-5940).
Sharing a jail does not merge the cases. Each charge is heard by the court for the spot where the arrest was made.
Which courts take Buena Vista cases?
Buena Vista keeps its own courts in the municipal building at 2039 Sycamore Avenue, Buena Vista, VA 24416. One combined court there handles both adult district cases and juvenile and family cases (540-264-2163). The Buena Vista Circuit Court clerk is in the same building (540-261-8627).
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony here?
A misdemeanor is a lesser crime, like petty theft or a first DUI, with up to a year in jail. These are tried in General District Court (Va. Code § 16.1-123.1). A person found guilty there can appeal within 10 days, and Circuit Court then hears the whole case again (Va. Code § 16.1-132).
A felony can mean prison. The district court holds a preliminary hearing to see if there is enough evidence (Va. Code § 19.2-218). Then a grand jury may indict, and the trial happens in Circuit Court.
When will a judge look at bail again?
Anyone still locked up is brought before the district court the first day it sits after the charge (Va. Code § 19.2-158). The judge confirms the bail and asks about a lawyer. If a lawyer files a bail motion, the hearing must happen within three business days. After that, the Circuit Court can hear an appeal (Va. Code § 19.2-124).
Can someone get a free lawyer?
Yes. If jail time is possible and the person can't afford a lawyer, they fill out a sworn form about money. The judge then may appoint one (Va. Code § 19.2-159).
What rules might come with release?
Common ones are a curfew, no alcohol or drugs, drug testing, staying away from a person or place, and no guns (Va. Code § 19.2-123). Interstates 81 and 64 run right past Lexington, so DUI and drug stops are common, and testing terms follow. When the arrest involves a relative or partner, expect a short-term emergency protective order (Va. Code § 16.1-253.4).
What about people under 18?
Juvenile charges go to the JDR court of the city or county where the arrest happened (Va. Code § 16.1-241). Teens are not housed with adults in the regional jail. A judge or intake officer decides whether the young person goes home or to a juvenile detention center.
What about VMI and W&L students?
College students are handled like anyone else. The case goes to the Lexington courts, and bail follows the same rules. Any school discipline is separate from court.
What if the charge is federal?
Federal charges are not handled by the local magistrate or bondsmen. Cases from all three localities travel about an hour south to the Roanoke courthouse of the Western District of Virginia. In that court, a U.S. magistrate judge sets the release terms using the federal rules (18 U.S.C. § 3142).
What happens if the person misses court?
The judge can issue a capias, which is an order to arrest the person, and the bond money can be lost. Skipping court can also become its own crime (Va. Code § 19.2-128). When the person is back in custody inside 150 days, the court can drop the forfeiture (Va. Code § 19.2-143).
What does a co-signer risk, and can they back out?
A signer is on the hook for the whole bond amount when the defendant fails to show. To get off the bond, a surety can surrender the person to the jail or the court (Va. Code § 19.2-149). Cash put up for the bond comes back when the case is over if the person showed up every time, though the court can subtract fines and costs.
Who should I call to confirm bail before going to the jail?
Call the jail at 540-464-1188 to ask if the person is there and what bond is set. Call the magistrate at 540-464-1187 to post bond. For a court date, call the court where the arrest happened: Lexington and Rockbridge 540-463-3631, or Buena Vista 540-264-2163. You can also use the Rockbridge Regional Jail Inmate Search.
Contacts for Rockbridge Regional Jail
- Jail
- Rockbridge Regional Jail, 258 Greenhouse Road, Lexington, VA 24450; 540-464-1188
- Magistrate
- 258 Greenhouse Road, Lexington, VA 24450; 540-464-1187
- Buena Vista video site
- 306 Park Avenue, Buena Vista, VA 24416; 540-261-6171
- Lexington and Rockbridge courts
- 20 South Randolph Street, Lexington, VA 24450. District court, Suite 200: 540-463-3631. Circuit court, Suite 101: 540-463-2232. JDR, Suite 201: 540-463-5940
- Buena Vista courts
- 2039 Sycamore Avenue, Buena Vista, VA 24416. District and JDR court: 540-264-2163. Circuit court: 540-261-8627
- Inmate search
- Rockbridge Regional Jail Inmate Search
This page is not legal advice.
Rockbridge Regional Jail
Address:
258 Greenhouse Road
Lexington, VA 24450
Phone:
540-464-1188
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Buena Vista City
Does Buena Vista City have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Buena Vista City?
Who can set bail in Buena Vista City?
When is bail set in Buena Vista City Virginia?
Does Buena Vista City have bail?
Yes, Buena Vista City recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Buena Vista City?
There are three types of bail available in Buena Vista City: release on own recognizance, unsecured bail, and secured bail.
Who can set bail in Buena Vista City?
Bail is set by a magistrate at the first court date, also known as first appearance.
When is bail set in Buena Vista City Virginia?
The first court date, or first appearance is generally scheduled within 1-3 days of arrest.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Buena Vista City must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance.
The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program.
Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane.
If a judge in Buena Vista City feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.
Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court.
If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Rockbridge Regional Jail until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different. The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions. Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.
The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Buena Vista City or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.
The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.
DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.
More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.
Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation.
Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.
On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.
What are the different types of bonds in Buena Vista City?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.
To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid.
Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid.
Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:
You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.
You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.
Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over.
The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.
You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value. A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).
Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.
There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond.
You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.
A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met.
With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved.
Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.
Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.
(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)
Does Buena Vista City have bail?
Yes, Buena Vista City recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Buena Vista City?
There are three types of bail available in Buena Vista City: release on own recognizance, unsecured bail, and secured bail.
Who can set bail in Buena Vista City?
Bail is set by a magistrate at the first court date, also known as first appearance.
When is bail set in Virginia?
The first court date, or first appearance is generally scheduled within 1-3 days of arrest.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Buena Vista City Virginia?
Yes, your attorney can file a motion to request a reduction or modification of bail.
In Buena Vista City Virginia, who can pay bail for me?
The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back.
A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Virginia could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Buena Vista City Virginia?
Virginia counties do not currently offer online bail payments. Contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Rockbridge Regional Jail for more information about the jails in Buena Vista City.
What options are there to pay bail in Buena Vista City Virginia?
Cash, check, money order, or surety. Use of a surety may require hiring a bail bond agent. Contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted: Go to the Rockbridge Regional Jail for more information about posting bail in Buena Vista City.
Will I get all my bond money back in Virginia?
Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount. If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Buena Vista City?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.
A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up. A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Virginia?
The Rockbridge Regional Jail or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.
The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.