Getting a collect call from the Dallas County Jail can be a shock. Many of us are left scrambling, trying to figure out what to do to help our friend or family member get released from custody. This will probably require posting bail.

Getting someone out of jail typically isn’t complicated, but it could require a significant amount of money. And there are a few details you need to know that will simplify the process.

Gather the Important Details

These days, many people have never experienced a collect call. The Dallas County Jail generally does not offer free phone calls. Collect calls mean that the call recipient agrees to pay the charges, which should be nominal. Dallas County Commissioners capped the cost of jail phone calls at one cent per minute.

First, you must state that you accept the call. However, you must be careful about what you ask and say. Every phone call from jail is recorded, and it can be used as evidence against your friend or family member. 

If this is a DWI, don’t ask specifics about how much they had to drink or other questions that would require them to provide information that could be used against them. Stick to the basics.

Take notes so that you don’t forget important information. You’re stressed, and having the following details will be critical. 

Find out:

• Where they’re being held
• Their full legal name and date of birth
• Their book-in number
• Whether they’ve seen a judge to set bail
• If bail has been set, how much is it?

If they’re unsure where they’re being held, Dallas County maintains a searchable database. You’ll need a first and last name to search. 

READ MORE: How to find an inmate in Dallas County

Contact an Attorney

If your friend or family member hasn’t already called an attorney, look for one. Make sure you choose someone experienced with criminal cases in Dallas County. Michael and Associates offers a free consultation 24/7 and will help you navigate the bail process. We may even be able to negotiate a lower bail amount if the amount set by the judge seems excessive or you simply cannot afford to pay it.

Go to the Jail

After that, you will need to physically go to the jail where your family member is in custody to pay the bond amount in full (a cash bond) or contact a bail bonds company and make arrangements for the bail bondsman to post a bond (a surety bond). 

The jail towers are part of the Lew Sterrett Justice Center, which is located at 111 W. Commerce St. in Dallas. Start at the information desk in the Frank Crowley Courts Building. Show them the information you’ve noted from your phone call.

You may not need to go to the jail immediately. The Lew Sterrett Justice Center in Dallas isn’t an enjoyable place to wait, and sometimes, it can take 8 to 12 hours – or more – for someone to see a judge and have bail set. This time may be better spent making bail arrangements and talking with an attorney.

Post Bail

“Bail” is a dollar amount that must be paid to the county to release your friend or family member. It is set by a judge. Once bail has been posted, the inmate will be released. 

Bail is a security deposit, ensuring that the person will appear in court as directed. If they don’t show up, the bail money is forfeited. You can’t get a refund. 

Posting a cash bond is the fastest way to get someone released from jail. Cash bonds are paid in full at the bond desk in the Frank Crowley Courts Building.

Dallas County does not accept debit or credit cards to post cash bonds. You must pay with cash or a cashier’s check or money order from a local bank or financial institution payable to the Dallas County Sheriff. Bring proof of purchase – you will need to show it.

Average Bail in Dallas County

Capital offense: $876,595.74

First-degree felony: $121,152.60

Second-degree felony: $47,570.75

Third-degree felony: $22,795.75

State jail felony: $13,359.89

Class A misdemeanor: $2,603.82

Class B misdemeanor: $1,491.71

Class C misdemeanor: $638.29

A personal bond (or PR bond) means a defendant will only have to pay a nominal fee to be released, typically $20 or 3% of the total bond amount, whichever is greater. The release is based on a defendant’s promise to appear in court. However, PR bonds are primarily issued for misdemeanor offenses, and defendants facing assault or family violence charges are typically not eligible.

Bail can be denied in cases involving a violent offense, where the accused is a repeat offender or a flight risk. If your relative has been arrested on a felony probation violation, they may have a “no bond” warrant. In either of these instances, the defendant must remain in jail until their case is resolved. 

Talk to a Bail Bond Company

Many people can’t afford to post $1,000 or more in cash bail at a moment’s notice. This is where a bail bond company comes in. 

A bail bond company will essentially lend you the money to post bail, but you’ll pay a fee of about 10% (about $250 if bail is set at $2,500). That 10% fee is not refundable. There are several bail bond companies in the area surrounding the Dallas County jail complex. Many are open 24/7.

If you cosign for a bail bond, it’s important to understand the risks. If your friend or family member fails to appear for their court date, the bail bond company will seek to recover the bail money the company has lost. You may be responsible for paying them.

If you simply can’t afford to post bail, the person will remain in custody until a plea deal is negotiated or their case is resolved.

Once bail arrangements are finalized, you’ll probably have to wait. It can take 8 to 12 hours from arrest to appear before a judge and have your bail set — sometimes, it can take even longer.

What Happens After Bail Has Been Posted

After bail is posted, your friend or family member will take another hour or two to be released. At that point, they can go home. 

However, this isn’t over. If they haven’t found an attorney, they must do this as soon as possible. The attorney can start reviewing the case details. An experienced attorney who knows the key players in Dallas County may be able to get the charges dropped altogether or negotiate a plea deal for a reduced charge. This is not something to try on your own.

Where Do People Go After They’re Arrested in Dallas County

In Dallas County, most people who have been arrested will be taken to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center. This is a massive complex that houses more than 7,000 inmates. There are four separate buildings:

• The Frank Crowley Courts Building
• North Tower
• West Tower
• Suzanne Lee Kays Detention Facility

Navigating the area on your own can be intimidating. A public parking garage is available for $4. You can also get there by public transportation.

The following transit lines have routes that pass near the jail area.

• Bus: 102, 109, 224, 230, 28
• Train: TRE, TEXAS EAGLE
• Cable car: 620