FAQs

How to search for inmates in Dallas County?

The Dallas County inmate search provides basic details about individuals who are currently detained in Dallas County jails. When you search for an inmate on the Dallas County website, you can access information such as:

  • Full name
  • Booking number
  • Date of birth
  • Current charges
  • Bail/bond amount
  • Housing location within the jail system
  • Mugshots/booking photos
  • Scheduled court dates

You can search by first name, last name, or booking number to pull up this information on any current Dallas County inmate.

What information is available on the Dallas County inmate search?

Besides the basic inmate details listed above, searching Dallas County records may also provide access to:

  • Criminal history – Prior arrests and convictions
  • Case numbers – For current charges
  • Court documents – Indictments, motions, etc.
  • Visitor policies – Rules for seeing inmates
  • Commissary & trust accounts – For depositing money for inmates

So the online system offers more than just locating inmates currently in custody. It provides helpful data surrounding the cases and backgrounds of Dallas County detainees.

Can I contact an inmate in Dallas County?

Yes, there are a few options for contacting inmates held in Dallas County jails:

Phone Contact:

  • Call the Inmate Info Line at (214) 749-8644 (you’ll need the inmate’s name and DOB)
  • Set up a pre-paid phone account by contacting 1-866-699-9974 or going to dallascounty.debitcalls.com

Electronic Messages:

  • Send emails, e-letters, or photos to tablets/kiosks using smartphones or computers
  • Email the Sheriff’s Department at [email protected]

Physical Mail:

  • Send envelopes to Dallas County Jail, P.O. Box 660334, Dallas, TX 75202
  • Include inmate name and booking number

Video Visitation:

  • Scheduled video visit sessions available on smartphones, tablets or PCs

So in summary, the options are phone calls, electronic messages, physical mail, and video chats – all contingent on knowing the inmate’s ID details in most cases. This allows friends, family, or legal counsel to stay in contact.

How can I find out if someone is incarcerated in a Dallas County jail?

  • Use the Dallas County Inmate Lookup tool on the Sheriff’s Department website. This allows you to search by name, booking number, etc.
  • Call the Dallas County Jail Inmate Information Line at (214) 749-8644, which is available 24/7. You’ll need the inmate’s full name and DOB to search by phone.
  • Visit the jail facility in person to get more information about an inmate.

The online inmate lookup tool and phone line allow you to conveniently search for information on whether someone is currently detained in Dallas County and access details on their case. Visiting the facility is another option for obtaining additional information in person. So those are the main methods for finding inmates in Dallas County jails.

What is the address of the Dallas County Jail?

Lew Sterrett Justice Center 111 West Commerce Street Dallas, TX 75202

This facility, known as the Lew Sterrett Justice Center, houses the county’s central jail operations, including intake processing, pre-trial detentions, and inmate transportation. It is in downtown Dallas on Commerce Street, just west of Interstate 35/30.

So if you needed to send mail to an inmate in Dallas County custody or were looking for the address to visit the central Dallas County Jail complex in person, you would want to access the main Lew Sterrett Justice Center address at 111 West Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202. This houses the majority of their jail and detention functions.

What are the visiting hours for the Dallas County Jail?

The visiting hours at the Dallas County Jail are:

  • Monday to Friday: 7 pm – 9 pm
  • Saturday to Sunday: 8 am – 2 pm
  • Wednesdays: No visits permitted

Importantly, visitors cannot be processed in the last 30 minutes of a session. So on weekdays, no visitors are processed after 8:30 pm and on weekends, none after 1:30 pm.

All visitors must register within 15 minutes from the start and 30 minutes before the end of visiting hours. Inmates need to submit a visitor authorization form to allow guests.

Additionally, anyone incarcerated in a Dallas County jail within the past 6 months cannot visit inmates. Other rules and dress code policies also apply, so it’s best to review guidelines before attempting visitation. With limited hours, planning ahead helps ensure you can see your loved one or client in the Dallas County Jail.

Can I send money to an inmate in Dallas County?

Here are main options for sending money to Dallas County inmates:

  • JPay – For federal prisons
  • Western Union/MoneyGram – Online, phone, in-person money transfers
  • Money orders to “Inmate Trust Fund”
  • Government checks payable to inmate
  • Cash deposits at facility kiosks
  • Phone – Call 1-866-345-1884
  • Online via www.accesscorrections.com

To complete a deposit, you’ll need:

  • Inmate’s full name
  • Booking/ID number

No matter the method (money transfer, checks, or cash deposits), be sure to reference the intended recipient using their identifying details when sending funds. This ensures the monetary amount gets credited properly into the inmate’s account.

What is the bond amount for an inmate in Dallas County?

You raise an important point – when it comes to legal matters, it’s always best to consult an attorney.

To provide some general information though, Dallas County does list common pretrial service bond amounts between $1,500-$3,000. However, bail is set on a case-by-case basis by judges and magistrates.

While there are state guidelines, the bail amount can vary greatly depending on specifics of the alleged crime – i.e. higher averages for serious assaults or burglary charges.

To find the bond amount for a particular inmate in Dallas County, the options are:

  • Check the Dallas County Jail Lookup system
  • Call the jail booking office directly

Bail bond companies typically charge a non-refundable fee between 7%-10% to post the full bail bond amount. But for specific legal advice, consulting with an attorney is highly recommended.

Bond Amount Fee
$500 $20
$750 $20
$1,000 $30
$1,500 $45
$2,000 $60
$2,500 $75
$3,000 $90
$5,000 $150
$10,000 $300

How can I get someone out of jail in Dallas County?

This isn’t legal advice. You may want to consult a lawyer about this question.

However, here is some general information on common options for securing inmate release in Dallas County:

  • Work with a bail bond company – fees based on percentage of total bail
  • Obtain a surety bond – more affordable at around 10% of full bail
  • Post bond via Western Union money wire transfer
  • See if eligible for a personal recognizance (PR) bond – no money required upfront

You also mentioned:

  • Contacting DDD Dallas Bail Bonds for a free consultation

While I can present these options, individuals should speak to professionals like bail agents or lawyers for guidance specific to their situation. There are often complex legal factors surrounding posting of bonds and securing release.

What happens if someone can’t afford to pay their bond in Dallas County?

This is not legal advice. You may want to consult a lawyer about this question.

In general though, if bail is set and unpaid in Texas, pre-trial detention can result until the court determines release conditions. For those unable to pay the full bail amount upfront, financing options can include:

  • Payment plans from bail bond companies
  • Using property or assets as collateral

However, there may be serious legal and financial consequences for failing to satisfy bail bond obligations, like:

  • Collection efforts
  • Civil litigation
  • Separate criminal charges in some instances

So while I’ve shared general information, because liberty interests are at stake, it would be prudent for those with specific legal situations to pursue professional legal counsel to understand their options and obligations.