Some basic questions about Harris County Jail and Bail Issues - Texas

tayalex07 · #1 05-13-2007, 11:04 AM

Hi! I usually post on the TDCJ forums on here, I had a friend recently in there.

Luck seems to follow me though, as my fiancee and I found out that a friend of ours that we were about to file a missing persons report on finally showed up in Harris County Jail.

He has a bond of 30,000 and a trial date in June. It's for Robbery/Bodily Injury. Is the 30,000 what we have to pay to get him released on pretrial or ten percent of that number? How much time in TDCJ about will he get? What's the chance he'll get sentenced for TDCJ time?

It's already served 2 years in state jail a few years back for theft, so this is a 2nd offense, kind of. It's not the same charge but it's in the same area, does that make sense? lol

I've never visited anyone at Harris County, and I don't know about their Commissary. For him to have stamps, paper, pens, envelopes, and snacks, about how much should I put on his books? We're the only people this person has in life, I'm actually just glad we found him!

I'm sure these are repetitive questions on this forum, but I'd honestly appreciate anyone's help

jojacks · #2 05-13-2007, 11:14 AM

You will have to check with a Bailbondsman. Some require 10 - 20% of the amount of the bond.
He will more than likely get some time. It is hard to say how much.

I am not familiar with Harris County. I used to put 25.00 a month in my grandson's account when he was in county and that was enough to buy stamps, paper, etc.

Hope this helped some.

**RobinsMan** · #3 05-14-2007, 01:58 PM

Depending upon just how good a friend this is I would have to think real hard about coughing up what is sure to be in excess of three thousand dollars in bail that you will never see again. Especially if he is likely to get convicted because he is already doing his time if he stays inside and that is just that many days less in the end. If you want to spend money it is better to put it towards the best attorney that you can get for him rather than on bail. Well, if you were to ask me, anyway.

key jo · #4 05-14-2007, 02:09 PM

I agree with RobinsMan. My hubby's bond was set at $25,000 and they wanted collateral, etc for me to pay anything less than the 2500. As for how much to put on his books, I'd ask him what things cost or maybe someone will come along with Harris county knowledge. I know my hubby said county was a little more expensive on some things than TDCJ.

mc04399 · #5 05-14-2007, 03:31 PM

It is alot more expensive in county. When my boyfriend was in Harris county I was putting $100 or more every two weeks. They can spend $100 a week in there. I agree with RobinsMan on the fact that if he is going to end up serving time anyways the best option might be to get him a good attorney. That way he can always get his time credited towards whatever he gets if anything.