If someone is arrested in Montgomery County, they are typically taken to the Montgomery County Jail in Conroe. Once there, they go through booking, property inventory, fingerprinting, health and mental-health screening, and classification.
Within 24–48 hours, they appear before a magistrate judge who explains the charges and sets bond under Texas law. During custody, family can search the online roster, schedule video visitation, deposit money, and communicate through monitored phone systems. Every step can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time arrestees. Understanding the process helps families stay informed and prepared.
The First Hours After an Arrest Can Be Confusing and Stressful
An arrest in Montgomery County often happens suddenly—during a traffic stop, at home, or even at work. Families usually have many questions: Where are they now? When will they see a judge? How do I contact them? What happens next?
Where Arrested Individuals Are Taken in Montgomery County
Most people arrested in The Woodlands, Conroe, Magnolia, or surrounding areas are transported to the Montgomery County Jail, located in Conroe. Local police may temporarily hold someone at a city facility, but full booking almost always occurs at the county jail.
Once transported, the person enters the county’s intake and booking system—the first major stage of the criminal process.
The Booking Process: What Happens First
The booking process is mandatory for everyone taken into county custody. It often takes several hours, and in high-volume periods, it may extend longer. This stage includes:
Identity Verification and Documentation
Officers record the person’s:
- full name
- date of birth
- address
- arresting agency
- charges listed on the arrest report
The jail also runs a check for warrants throughout Texas and other states.
Fingerprinting and Mugshots
Next, the individual’s fingerprints and mugshot are taken and entered into state databases. This ensures that the jail has accurate identification and background information.
Search and Property Inventory
All personal property—clothing, jewelry, cash, phones, wallets—must be inventoried. The jail issues a receipt, and property is stored securely until release. People may also be changed into jail clothing depending on their classification.
Because of safety policies, many county jails also conduct searches before placing someone in holding.
Health and Mental Health Screening
Texas law requires that jails screen for:
- suicide risk
- mental illness
- medical concerns
- substance withdrawal
- intellectual or developmental disability
If screening indicates mental-health concerns, intake staff must notify a magistrate under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 16.22 so an evaluation can be considered.
Initial Holding Cells
Until classification is complete, the arrestee may sit in:
- a holding cell
- a bench area
- a temporary intake room
This part of the process can take several hours, during which the person may not be able to make immediate contact with family.
When Phone Calls Are Allowed
Once booking is far enough along, individuals are typically allowed access to a jail phone. Phone availability depends on intake flow, but calls are generally made to:
- a lawyer
- a family member
- a bail bond company
Phone calls (except with attorneys) are recorded and monitored, which is standard for Texas jails. Families cannot call into the jail to speak with the person directly, but they can check the online inmate roster once the person is fully booked.
The Magistrate Hearing: When They See a Judge
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.17 requires that an arrested person be brought before a magistrate “without unnecessary delay.” Most appear within 24–48 hours.
This hearing is one of the most important early steps. It typically happens in person or by video and includes:
Notification of Charges
The magistrate will read the charges filed or the reason for arrest.
Explanation of Rights
The judge informs the individual of important rights, including:
- the right to remain silent
- the right to hire a lawyer
- the right to request a court-appointed lawyer if they cannot afford one
- the right to have counsel present during questioning
Setting Bond
The magistrate sets bail under Chapter 17 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Bond may be:
- cash bond
- surety bond through a licensed bondsman
- personal bond, depending on eligibility
For some misdemeanors, preset bond schedules may also apply.
Special Conditions
In certain cases—particularly family violence arrests—the judge may issue a Magistrate’s Order for Emergency Protection (MOEP), which sets limitations on contact or communication with alleged victims.
Understanding this hearing is critical because it determines whether and how quickly someone can be released. An attorney can begin advocating for reasonable conditions or requesting a bond reduction after the hearing occurs.
Bail and Release: What Families Should Know
Once bond is set, family members can begin arranging release. The jail accepts bond paperwork 24/7, but release timing varies based on:
- staffing
- verification of paperwork
- number of releases in queue
Families often do not receive exact release times; the jail processes releases in the order they receive final paperwork.
Some individuals remain in custody if:
- they cannot afford bond
- they are denied bond under specific statutes
- they have a hold from another county or agency
In these situations, continued representation from a criminal-defense attorney becomes essential.
Classification and Housing Assignment
If someone remains in custody after the magistrate hearing, the jail must classify them. Classification determines housing placement and considers:
- seriousness of the charge
- criminal history
- behavior during intake
- mental-health or medical needs
- risk factors for safety
People may be housed in:
- general population
- protective custody
- medical or mental-health units
- higher-security units
After classification, inmates follow the jail’s standard daily schedule. This usually includes:
- meals
- head counts
- dayroom access depending on classification
- limited recreation time
- access to phones or kiosks for messages
- commissary opportunities if funds are available
How Families Can Locate Someone in Montgomery County Jail
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online jail roster, which lists:
- names
- booking numbers
- charges
- bond amounts
This is often the fastest way for families to confirm someone is in custody. If the person has not yet completed booking, they may not appear in the system.
Families can also call the general jail information line, but staff typically provide only basic information.
Visitation: How to Contact Someone in Jail
Visitation policies can change, but they generally include:
Video Visits
Most visits must be scheduled online through the jail’s third-party video visitation system. Video visits may be:
- remote (from home)
- onsite (via lobby monitors)
Video visitation often has:
- daily time blocks
- age restrictions
- behavior and dress-code rules
In-Person Options
In-person visits may be restricted depending on housing classification and facility policies. Many Texas counties have shifted primarily to video-based visitation systems for safety and staffing reasons.
Phone and Messaging Systems
Inmates can typically make outgoing phone calls and may use a messaging system provided by a licensed jail communications vendor.
Medical Care, Mental-Health Support, and Safety Standards
County jails must follow standards set by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS), which govern:
- medical care
- suicide prevention
- access to medication
- grievance procedures
- sanitation and housing conditions
Intake staff conduct initial screening, but the jail’s contracted healthcare provider manages ongoing needs. If family members are concerned about someone’s mental-health condition, many sheriff’s offices allow families to complete welfare-concern or mental-health notification forms.
It’s important to note that medical information cannot be disclosed to families without appropriate permissions.
Release: What Happens When Someone Leaves the Jail
When someone is approved for release—whether due to bond posting, dropped charges, or other court orders—the jail verifies paperwork and then escorts them to the public lobby or designated release area.
Release may happen at any hour, including late at night, depending on when documentation is finalized.
Personal property stored at intake is returned, and the individual receives information about upcoming court dates. Failure to appear for these dates can lead to additional charges or bond forfeiture.
Why Understanding the Process Matters
For families, knowing what to expect after an arrest reduces anxiety and helps ensure no critical steps are missed—such as securing representation quickly.
For the arrested individual, these first hours and days matter. Statements made on recorded phone calls, interactions during intake, and timing of requesting counsel can all impact the trajectory of the case.
How Morgan Bourque Attorney at Law Supports Individuals After an Arrest
Morgan Bourque Attorney at Law has deep experience navigating Montgomery County’s criminal justice system. Our criminal-defense team is familiar with local procedures, bond practices, and court expectations—knowledge that becomes invaluable immediately after an arrest.
The firm represents clients facing a wide range of charges and provides strategic guidance from the earliest stages of the case. Our criminal-defense practice is built on thorough case analysis, courtroom experience, and proactive communication with clients and families.
If your loved one is in custody at the Montgomery County Jail, the firm can:
- Communicate directly with the arrested individual
- Request hearings when appropriate
- Work to address bond conditions
- Begin preparing a strategic defense
- Help families understand next steps and timelines
Our role is to protect clients’ rights from the moment the criminal process begins.
Conclusion
The first hours after an arrest can be overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the Montgomery County Jail process alone. Understanding intake, magistration, bond, and classification helps families stay informed—but having an attorney involved early can help protect the individual’s rights and ensure that important deadlines and court obligations are met.
To get help now, or to speak with an attorney about your loved one’s situation, contact Morgan Bourque Attorney at Law at (713) 766-6001.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance tailored to your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.