The Cape May County Correctional Center, also referred to as the Cape May County Jail or Holding Center, is located at the following address:
125 Crest Haven Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
The facility has a capacity of about 180 inmates, and houses both men and women. Many have not been convicted and are not serving sentences, but rather, are being held in custody at the correctional center while awaiting trial.
If your relative, spouse, girlfriend, or boyfriend is in custody at the Cape May County Correctional Center, you’ll want to bail them out as soon as you can. Our Cape May criminal defense attorneys have compiled this simple guide explaining how to post bail, how bail bonds work, and who to call if you need help getting a bail bond. If you have any questions about the bail process, the charges against your loved one, or any other aspect of the criminal justice system in New Jersey, call the Law Offices of John J. Zarych at (609) 616-4956 today to set up a free and confidential consultation.
How to Post Bail at the Cape May County Jail
Bail is collateral which secures a detainee’s release from jail on the condition that he or she promises to appear for all future court hearings. Court Rule 7:4-1 states in part that “every defendant shall have a right to bail before conviction on such terms as, in the judgment of the court, will insure the defendant’s presence [in court] when required, [considering] the defendant’s background, residence, employment and family status.” A detainee will remain in jail awaiting trial until his or her bail has been posted.
Some people qualify for a type of free bail called “ROR,” or Release on Recognizance, which requires only a written agreement instead of a payment. Court Rule 7:4-1 says that a court may grant ROR at its discretion, imposing certain terms and conditions as necessary. Generally speaking, the strongest candidates for ROR will be non-violent, will not be flight risks (at risk of fleeing law enforcement), and will have strong ties to the local community.
To get information about an inmate’s bail status, call (609) 465-1240 to speak with a representative from the Sheriff’s Correctional Division, Jail Records. Once you have the information you need, there are two places where you can bail a person out of the Cape May County Correctional Center:
- The court which set the bail for your loved one, during the court’s business hours.
- The jail itself. Be sure to bring a government-issued ID with you. The facility’s website states that cash, money orders, and certified bank checks are acceptable forms of payment. Credit cards and personal checks are not acceptable forms of payment. Bail paid in cash must be the exact amount. If the charges involve an indictable crime, or felony, an additional $30 service fee will be added to the bail amount. If the defendant fails to return to court, your bail will not be returned and a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest may be issued.
If you need driving directions or have any questions about the jail’s policies, call the facility at (609) 465-1233 for assistance.
How Do Bail Bond Companies Work?
Under New Jersey’s bail schedule, bail can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on factors like the type of the offense, the detainee’s criminal record, and the detainee’s employment status. If you cannot afford the bail amount which has been set for your loved one, there are two options to consider:
- Call a criminal attorney for assistance having the bail amount lowered. Article 1, Section 12 of the New Jersey State Constitution prohibits judges from setting “excessive” bail amounts or imposing excessive fines. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may be able to file a bail reduction motion on your behalf.
- If bail reduction is not a possibility, you may wish to consider using a bail bond company. The company will charge you a fee, typically 10% of the bail amount, to have your loved one released from custody. If the 10% fee is not affordable, the bail company will help you create a financing plan, which may involve collateral such as a mortgage, vehicle, or jewelry.
While bail bond services can be a convenient way to get loved ones out of jail fast, they also come with some downsides.
For instance, the 10% fee is not refundable, even if the defendant is acquitted (found not guilty) at his or her trial. If you post bail on your own and the defendant is acquitted, the money will be returned once all court proceedings have resolved, as long as the defendant did not skip bail or otherwise violate the conditions of his or her release. Bail bond services are also authorized to hire bounty hunters to retrieve defendants who “jump” or “skip” bail (fail to appear in court). If the defendant cannot be located by the date of forfeiture, the bond will be remitted to the court and the bail bond company can liquidate or seize your collateral.
It’s important to weigh your options carefully with an experienced defense lawyer when deciding what sort of financial strategy you’re going to take. Consider consulting with an attorney before you choose to go the bail bond route, because it may be possible to have your loved one’s bail amount brought down to a more manageable level.
To schedule a free and private consultation, call the Law Offices of John J. Zarych right away at (609) 616-4956. Our line is always open, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Se habla español.
