Jefferson County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Jefferson County

Wisconsin • Jefferson County • Bail & bond help

Jefferson County bail: the jail on South Center Avenue and cash bonds on warrants

Jefferson County's Jefferson County Jail is a division of the Sheriff's Office at 411 South Center Avenue in the city of Jefferson, and it holds adults arrested anywhere in the county. Check Jefferson County Inmate Search to see whether a person is booked and what bail is set. The jail line is 920-674-7336. Wisconsin bans bail bondsmen, so a bail payment is cash paid to the court system, not a fee to a company.

Is the person in the Jefferson County Jail tonight?

Search the full name in Jefferson County Inmate Search. Once the booking is entered, the record carries the charge and the bail. A booking only minutes old may not appear yet, so look again later.

To reach the jail itself, dial 920-674-7336. The Sheriff's Office main line is 920-674-7310.

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Which jail takes arrests from Fort Atkinson, Watertown, and Lake Mills?

The Jefferson County Jail at 411 South Center Avenue, Jefferson, WI 53549, is the county's jail for adults. City police make the arrest, and the booking leads to the county jail unless the person is released at the station.

The city of Watertown sits partly in Dodge County. The county where the offense took place decides which jail and which court handle the case, so ask the arresting officer for the report number.

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I have a warrant. Can I pay a cash bond to clear it?

If the warrant is bondable, a cash bond satisfies it. Go to your local law enforcement agency or the county jail. Call the Sheriff's Office at 920-674-7310 to learn what type of warrant you have.

A body-only warrant cannot be cleared by money. The person must be seen by a judge on that case.

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Can a bail bondsman post bond in Jefferson County?

No. Wisconsin makes it illegal to be paid as a surety, and the statute says a surety must be a person, not a company, who lives in the state. No licensed bonding agents exist here.

Online sellers who promise a Jefferson County agent cannot legally take a fee for bail. Send money only to the court system or jail.

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How does the jail take bail payments?

Ask the jail desk at 920-674-7336 for the payment steps for that booking. Bring photo ID and the booking number, and get a numbered receipt.

Under Wis. Stat. 969.07 an officer may take bail only at a sheriff's office or police station and must give a receipt, then deposit the money with the clerk. A clerk can also take a card.

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What is the difference between bail and release conditions?

Bail means money. Everything else, such as staying away from a person, a curfew, or no weapons, is a condition of release. A judge may order conditions with no bail.

The court can require money bail only after finding a reasonable basis to think it is needed to assure appearance, or in a violent-crime case after weighing the totality of the circumstances.

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Does Jefferson County let people out without paying?

A judge can release a person on a signed promise to appear or on an unsecured appearance bond. The person owes money only if the terms are broken.

Officers also release most misdemeanor arrests without cash unless the person lacks identification, is dangerous, has no community ties, failed to appear before, or the case needs further investigation. Misdemeanor bail cannot top the maximum fine.

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At what point does a judge name a Jefferson County bail?

Bail is set at the initial appearance. Wisconsin requires a hearing within a reasonable time, and a judge must make a probable cause finding within 48 hours of an arrest without a warrant.

The Clerk of Circuit Court at 920-674-7150 can tell you the date and room. Arrests on weekends often move to Monday.

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Can a relative in Jefferson County sign as surety?

An unpaid adult who lives in Wisconsin. The judge may require a sworn statement that the signer can pay the bond and sets what proof is enough.

The statute has no set mortgage or lien routine, so ask the Clerk before offering a deed or a signature.

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Can a judge say no bail at all?

In limited situations. A prosecutor can ask to hold a person accused of listed serious crimes, or of a violent crime with a past violent conviction. The hearing begins within 10 days.

The state must prove the grounds by clear and convincing evidence. If it does, bail can be denied for up to 60 days after the hearing.

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Does a domestic abuse arrest delay a Jefferson County release?

State law requires an arrest in many cases, and the officer cannot let the person go until bail is posted or a judge appears. The person must sign release terms.

For 72 hours the person has to avoid the victim's home and any contact. On-purpose violations are punishable by up to $10,000, up to nine months in jail, or both.

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How does Huber work for people serving a sentence?

The Huber division of the jail houses people with work release privileges who were sentenced through the Jefferson County courts. Three deputies track work schedules and help unemployed inmates look for jobs.

Applicants need a work letter on company letterhead giving hours, pay rate, days off, and payday, plus driver information. Huber is not a way around bail. Call 920-674-7336 with Huber questions.

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When does Jefferson County return bail money?

Cash returns to the payer if the case is dismissed or ends in acquittal. After a conviction, restitution is paid first, then the judgment, and leftover funds are returned.

A forfeiture can follow a broken bond term, with notice by mail and judgment possible after 30 days.

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What if the date in Jefferson passes without an appearance?

Bail jumping is charged as a Class A misdemeanor when the release was on a misdemeanor, and as a Class H felony when it was on a felony. A warrant and a forfeited bond are both possible.

Report a new address to the clerk in writing within 48 hours.

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Who is the public defender?

The State Public Defender's Jefferson office is at 110 West Linden Drive, Unit C, 920-674-2800. Ask the judge at the first hearing for a public defender if you cannot pay a lawyer.

A person still held 72 hours after the first appearance may ask the judge to review the release terms.

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Where do I call when a teenager is arrested?

Call Jefferson County Human Services Intake at 920-674-3105. Intake handles police referrals for children and is staffed around the clock at 1541 Annex Road, Jefferson.

Children are not in the adult search. Only twelve county-run secure juvenile detention centers exist statewide, so a youth could be sent out of the county.

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Jefferson County bail contacts

County jail
Jefferson County Jail, 411 South Center Avenue, Jefferson, WI 53549; jail 920-674-7336
Bond help
Jefferson County bail and bond guide
Custody lookup
Jefferson County Inmate Search
Sheriff's Office
411 South Center Avenue, Jefferson; 920-674-7310
Clerk of Circuit Court
311 South Center Avenue, Jefferson, WI 53549; 920-674-7150
Public defender
110 West Linden Drive, Unit C, Jefferson, WI 53549; 920-674-2800
Juvenile intake
Human Services, 1541 Annex Road, Jefferson, WI 53549; 920-674-3105

Rules, fees, and phone numbers change from time to time, and a judge may set a bail you did not plan for. Check with the jail or the Clerk before paying. Treat this as a guide, not a legal opinion.

Jefferson County Jail

Address:
411 South Center Ave.
Jefferson, WI 53549-1703

Phone:

920-674-7310

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Jefferson County


Does Jefferson County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Jefferson County?

Who can set bail in Jefferson County?

When is bail set in Jefferson County Wisconsin?


 

 

Does Jefferson County have bail?

Yes, Jefferson County imposes bail and conditions however Wisconsin is one of a few states that does not allow posting bail for profit, meaning that a court or bondsman cannot charge a percentage of the bond as in other states. There are no licensed bond agencies in Wisconsin.


 

 

What kind of bonds are accepted in Jefferson County?

The Jefferson County courts recognize cash bail or10% cash percentage bonds. In some cases, a property bond will be considered. 


 

 

Who can set bail in Jefferson County?

Bail is set by a judge in Jefferson County however if the crime is a misdemeanor and a judge not available for an immediate bail hearing, a law enforcement officer can set bail using a bail schedule.


 

 

When is bail set in Jefferson County Wisconsin?

Bail is set at the first appearance, within 1-2 days following arrest; however, misdemeanor bail is generally processed and released immediately in most cases.

What is Bail?

Bail is what the arrested in Jefferson County 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 Jefferson County 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 Jefferson County 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. In April of 2023, Wisconsin legislators voted on a bill that makes release on bail for certain offenses more difficult.

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 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.  

Wisconsin courts are trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.  

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 Jefferson County?

Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge 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, clerk of court, bail 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 could 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 a family member or friend. 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 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 Jefferson County have bail?

Yes, Jefferson County imposes bail and conditions however Wisconsin is one of a few states that does not allow posting bail for profit, meaning that a court or bondsman cannot charge a percentage of the bond as in other states. There are no licensed bond agencies in Wisconsin.

What kind of bonds are accepted in Jefferson County?

The Jefferson County courts recognize cash bail or10% cash percentage bonds. In some cases, a property bond will be considered. 

Who can set bail in Jefferson County?

Bail is set by a judge in Jefferson County however if the crime is a misdemeanor and a judge not available for an immediate bail hearing, a law enforcement officer can set bail using a bail schedule.

When is bail set in Wisconsin?

Bail is set at the first appearance, within 1-2 days following arrest; however, misdemeanor bail is generally processed and released immediately in most cases.

Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Jefferson County Wisconsin?

Yes, your attorney can request a bond reduction.

In Jefferson County Wisconsin, who can pay bail for me?

The person posting bail could be the defendant, 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 Wisconsin could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.

Can bail be paid online in Jefferson County Wisconsin?

Yes, Wisconsin does offer online bail payment. For misdemeanor cases, a law enforcement officer can accept bail and the clerk of court can process all bail/bonds. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail: Go to the Jefferson County Jail for more information about the jails in Jefferson County.

What options are there to pay bail in Jefferson County Wisconsin?

Most all jail and courts accept cash, a cashier or bankers’ check. Wisconsin accepts credit card payment. Please contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted. Go to the Jefferson County Jail for more information about posting bail in Jefferson County.  

Will I get all my bond money back in Wisconsin?

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. 

Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Jefferson County? 

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 Wisconsin?  

Wisconsin does not permit persons to secure a bond for profit so neither a bondsperson nor a court can charge a fee for executing a bond.

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Jefferson County