Johnson County courts and how bail is set
Criminal cases in Johnson County move through two state courts in Buffalo. Understanding which court has the case tells you when bond will be set, where hearings are held, and who to call. Bail City Bail Bonds writes bonds for both.
Johnson County Circuit Court
| Address | 620 W Fetterman St, Ste 108, Buffalo, WY 82834 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (307) 684-5720 |
| Handles | Misdemeanors, initial appearances, bond hearings, preliminary hearings on felonies |
Circuit Court is where almost every case starts. The initial appearance, usually the next business day after arrest, is where the judge reads the charges, sets bond and conditions, and schedules the next hearing. Misdemeanors stay here through trial. Felonies get a preliminary hearing here before moving to District Court.
4th Judicial District Court
| Address | 620 W Fetterman St, Ste 208, Buffalo, WY 82834 |
|---|---|
| Clerk of District Court | (307) 684-7271 |
| Judicial District | 4th Judicial District of Wyoming |
| Handles | Felony arraignments, trials, sentencing, probation revocations |
District Court hears felony cases after they are bound over from Circuit Court. Bond set in Circuit Court usually carries over, but the District judge can modify it at arraignment. Bail City can post a new or modified bond the same day.
Johnson County Courthouse
76 N Main St, Buffalo, WY 82834. The courthouse houses the Clerk of District Court, where bond paperwork and case records are filed, and the county attorney's office.
What happens at a bond hearing
- The judge reviews the charges, criminal history, and ties to the community.
- Bond is set as cash or surety, cash only, or personal recognizance, with conditions such as no contact orders or alcohol monitoring.
- Once bond is set, Bail City posts it at Johnson County Detention Center, usually within the hour.
- The defendant is released with the next court date and must attend every hearing.