Sebastian County Adult Detention Center Inmate Bail & Bonds
Sebastian County bail and bond: the Fort Smith jail and the cash-only rule
Sebastian County has courts in two places, Fort Smith and Greenwood, but every adult arrested in the county ends up at the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center, 801 South A Street, Fort Smith. The line for charges, court dates, and bond is 479-783-4988, and it works at all hours. The county's own inmate page splits bonds into two kinds. Some can go through a bonding agency, and some must be paid in cash. Learn which kind you are facing before you spend anything. First, try Sebastian County Inmate Search.
1. How do I confirm where my person is?
The inmate search at the top of this page shows current bookings. The jail sits on South A Street next to the sheriff's office. Dial 479-783-4988 and follow the prompts to a deputy. Because Fort Smith is on the state line and busy, a person may also be held for another agency, so ask whether an outside hold is attached.
2. What does "cash only" mean on a bond line?
It means a bonding agent cannot post it. The county's inmate page says a cash-only bond is paid in cash to "FSPD or ADC," depending on where the charges were filed. Phone 479-783-4988 and ask who holds your charge and where the cash goes.
3. What does "legally sufficient" mean?
That is the county's term for a bond a bonding agency may post. Choose a company licensed in Arkansas, and ask the jail whether the agent's paperwork has been filed. Release can still take a few hours after the paperwork is accepted.
4. Where does the cash go, and during what hours?
The jail's own FAQ says to come to "Booking and Information" at the jail, 801 South A Street, with the exact bond amount in cash plus a $20 fee. Before you drive, phone 479-783-4988 and ask which agency takes cash on your charge.
5. Where are the sheriff's office and the jail?
The sheriff's department is at 800 South A Street, across from the detention center at 801 South A Street. The county lists the jail at 356 beds, and a full house can slow processing.
6. Fort Smith court or Greenwood court?
Where the arrest happened decides it. Fort Smith District Court, 901 South B Street, 479-784-2420, covers Fort Smith. Greenwood District Court, 479-996-6501, covers Greenwood, Barling, and Central City. Felonies go to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, with seven judges at the South B Street courthouse. Reach the circuit clerk in Fort Smith at 479-782-1046 and in Greenwood at 479-996-4175.
7. How long before a Sebastian County judge sees my person?
Rule 8.1 requires that a jailed person go before a judge with no needless wait. Here that usually means the next court day or the one after. In a crowded jail, booking itself may take an hour or a couple of days. The judge then sets bond under Rules 9.1 through 9.3 and decides whether to appoint a lawyer.
8. What does a Fort Smith bonding agent charge?
The premium is 10 percent by state law, and it is not refundable. For a $4,000 bond, the agent keeps $400. Agents need a state license, and they also handle collateral and regular check-ins. Walk away from anyone who promises a discount.
9. Can a Sebastian County property bond replace cash?
It can, when a judge approves. You will need the deed, its latest tax valuation, and a signature from each owner. The land generally must be in Arkansas and worth more than the bond. Ask the circuit clerk, 479-782-1046, whether property outside Sebastian County will do.
10. Does 'Inmate Cash' pay a Sebastian County bond?
Treat it as a separate account. The sheriff's "Inmate Cash" page covers phone, commissary and personal accounts. Before counting on any of that money for a bond, ask booking at 479-783-4988 how the bond must be paid.
11. Why would Sebastian County hold someone with no bond?
Arkansas's constitution (Article 2, section 8) keeps no-bail holds for capital cases with evident proof. Under Rule 9.6, a judge can cancel an earlier release when there is solid cause to believe a fresh felony took place while the case was pending. Holds for parole, probation, or a federal agency are separate, so posting bond will not end them.
12. Can the Fort Smith jail staff reduce the figure?
Jail staff cannot; only the judge can cut it, once a defense lawyer asks in a written motion. The judge weighs family ties, work, court attendance, and the charge. Give the lawyer pay stubs and a local address.
13. Who is the District 12 public defender in Fort Smith?
District 12's public defender office is in Fort Smith. The judge appoints the office at first appearance when the defendant meets the income test. Ask the circuit clerk which attorney got the case.
14. Fort Smith or Greenwood police made the arrest. Now what?
Those arrests are booked into the county detention center. The jail can confirm which agency made the arrest and what was charged. Barling, Central City, Hackett, and Fort Chaffee also have their own departments.
15. Is there a youth center inside Sebastian County?
At the Sebastian County Juvenile Detention Center, 801 South A Street, 479-783-3532, a unit separate from the adult jail. Juvenile cases are heard in circuit court, no cash bond exists, and a judge decides release at a detention hearing.
16. What if a Sebastian County defendant misses a hearing?
The judge issues a bench warrant. For district court cases, Arkansas Code 16-84-201 lets the court order the bondsman to show cause, and the bond can be forfeited if the person is not back in about 120 days. Phone the court clerk at once and speak with a lawyer. A bonding agent will search for the defendant and expects the co-signer to cover any loss.
17. When does Sebastian County give back cash bail?
Once the case is over, cash bail comes back after fines, costs, and restitution are subtracted. It goes to the name on the receipt. An agent's fee never returns. Hold your receipt, and ask the circuit clerk about timing when the case closes.
18. My family member was charged in federal court in Fort Smith. What comes next?
The South A Street jail has no say over federal release; a federal judge decides it. Fort Smith is home to a division of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, at the federal building in Fort Smith, 30 South 6th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901, 833-853-0345. A federal case usually goes like this:
- An indictment from a grand jury or a sworn complaint begins the case.
- A magistrate judge conducts the first appearance.
- Pretrial services interviews the defendant about work, family and record.
- The U.S. Attorney's office says whether it wants the person held.
- If the judge allows release, the terms are put in writing.
The U.S. Marshals keep custody of anyone held on a federal case: U.S. Marshals Service, 30 South 6th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901, 479-289-7470 or 479-424-5000 (call either).
19. Will the Sebastian County jail hold someone for ICE after bond is posted?
It can. Under 8 CFR 287.7, ICE may request up to 48 more hours of custody after someone's release time, and weekends and holidays count. Every Arkansas jail makes its own call on whether to honor that request, and the Sebastian County case goes forward no matter what.
The ICE New Orleans Field Office, 181 James Drive W, St. Rose, LA 70087, 504-318-2360 runs Arkansas enforcement. People ICE detains out of Fort Smith are often moved to Louisiana centers, including:
- LaSalle ICE Processing Center: 830 Pinehill Road, Jena, LA 71342 · 318-992-1600
- Pine Prairie ICE Processing Center: 1133 Hampton Dupre Road, Pine Prairie, LA 70576 · 337-599-2400
The ICE Online Detainee Locator System (https://locator.ice.gov/odls/) finds people most reliably by A-number. Lacking that, try the full legal name plus the country where the person was born.
20. My person is not in the Sebastian County search. What other lists can I check?
A blank search can point to a release, an unfinished booking, or a hold by some other agency. Look here next:
- Sebastian County Adult Detention Center: Sebastian County Inmate Search. Search a surname; each booking lists charges and bail.
- VINE: VINELink (https://vinelink.vineapps.com/). Pick Arkansas to search every county and to register for custody alerts.
- Federal Bureau of Prisons: Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/). Use a register number for an exact match. Someone still awaiting a federal trial could be missing there; ring the Marshals at 479-289-7470 or 479-424-5000 (call either).
- Arkansas Division of Correction: Arkansas Division of Correction Inmate Search (https://apps.ark.org/inmate_info/). Shows people in state prison by name or ADC number.
21. Before heading to Fort Smith or Greenwood, who can tell me the bond and when court meets?
Calling first can save a trip downtown. The detention center at 479-783-4988 confirms custody, bond and court dates. Fort Smith District Court (479-784-2420) or Greenwood District Court (479-996-6501) has misdemeanor dates. For felonies, call the circuit clerk at 479-782-1046 in Fort Smith or 479-996-4175 in Greenwood.
22. Where are Sebastian County's jail and courthouses, and what are their phone numbers?
The county runs courts in both Fort Smith and Greenwood:
- Sebastian County Adult Detention Center: 801 South A Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901 · 479-783-4988
- Sebastian County Sheriff's Office: 800 South A Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901
- Circuit Clerk, Sebastian County Courts Building: 901 South B Street, Room 205, Fort Smith, AR 72901 · 479-782-1046
- Circuit Clerk, Greenwood Courthouse: 301 E. Center, Room 103, Greenwood, AR 72936 · 479-996-4175
- Fort Smith District Court: 901 South B Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901 · 479-784-2420
- Greenwood District Court (Greenwood department): P.O. Box 925, Greenwood, AR 72936 · 479-996-6501
- Greenwood District Court (Barling department): P.O. Box 23039, Barling, AR 72923 · 479-452-1550
- Greenwood District Court (Central City department): 1101 Highway 225, Central City, AR 72941 · 479-452-6680
- Sebastian County Juvenile Detention Center: 801 South A Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901 · 479-783-3532
Deputies at the jail line answer around the clock. The circuit clerk's offices are open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Once you know where the person is, see our Fort Smith jail phone page and the page on mailing letters there. For how booking and release work at the Fort Smith jail, read more on our Sebastian County inmates page.
Sebastian County bond contacts
- Adult jail: Sebastian County Adult Detention Center, 801 South A Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901; 479-783-4988
- Bond steps: Bond steps for the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center
- Sheriff: Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, 800 South A Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901
- Circuit clerk: 901 South B Street, Room 205, Fort Smith, AR 72901; 479-782-1046; Greenwood, 301 E. Center, Room 103, 479-996-4175
- District courts: Fort Smith 479-784-2420; Greenwood 479-996-6501
- Public defender: District 12, Fort Smith office
- Youth detention: Sebastian County Juvenile Detention, 801 South A Street, Fort Smith; 479-783-3532
Fees, rules, and numbers shift over time; check with the jail first. Treat this page as a general guide and not legal advice.
Sebastian County Adult Detention Center
Address:
801 South A Street
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone:
479-783-4988
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Sebastian County
Does Sebastian County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Sebastian County?
Who can set bail in Sebastian County?
When is bail set in Sebastian County Arkansas?
Does Sebastian County have bail?
Yes, Arkansas is a bail state and Sebastian County allows bail.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Sebastian County?
Sebastian County recognizes most types of bonds. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest. The judge in Arkansas considers one of the following bonds:
1. An unsecured bond in an amount set by the judicial officer.
2. An unsecured bond with 10% cash or securities valued at 10% of the bail amount. 90% of the 10% will be returned at the end of the proceedings as long as the conditions have been met.
3. Secured bond by cash or property from the defendant family or a qualified bond agent.
Who can set bail in Sebastian County?
A sheriff or police officer is authorized to set bail during the time of the arrest. If held in a city jail, a police officer can accept bail and a sheriff can accept bail in a county jail. In the higher courts, the judge sets bail at the initial appearance.
It is the law in Arkansas that the judicial officer can only set money bail if it is determined that no other conditions will guarantee that the defendant will appear in court.
Who can set bail in Sebastian County?
Bail can be sent by the arresting officer at the time of booking and if the offence was a misdemeanor the bail is immediately paid, the date for the initial appearance before a judge will be made.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Sebastian County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance.
The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program.
Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane.
If a judge in Sebastian County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.
Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court.
If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different.
The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions.
Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.
The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Sebastian County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.
The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.
DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.
More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.
Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation.
Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.
On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.
What are the different types of bonds in Sebastian County?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.
To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid. Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid. Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:
You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.
You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.
Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over.
The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.
You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value.
A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).
Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.
There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond.
You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.
A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met.
With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved.
Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.
Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.
(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)
Does Sebastian County have bail?
Yes, Arkansas is a bail state and Sebastian County allows bail.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Sebastian County?
Sebastian County recognizes most types of bonds. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest. The judge in Arkansas considers one of the following bonds:
1. An unsecured bond in an amount set by the judicial officer.
2. An unsecured bond with 10% cash or securities valued at 10% of the bail amount. 90% of the 10% will be returned at the end of the proceedings as long as the conditions have been met.
3. Secured bond by cash or property from the defendant family or a qualified bond agent.
Who can set bail in Sebastian County?
A sheriff or police officer is authorized to set bail during the time of the arrest. If held in a city jail, a police officer can accept bail and a sheriff can accept bail in a county jail. In the higher courts, the judge sets bail at the initial appearance.
It is the law in Arkansas that the judicial officer can only set money bail if it is determined that no other conditions will guarantee that the defendant will appear in court.
When is bail set in Arkansas?
Bail can be sent by the arresting officer at the time of booking and if the offence was a misdemeanor the bail is immediately paid, the date for the initial appearance before a judge will be made.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Sebastian County Arkansas?
Yes, your attorney can also request a bond reduction if a judge already set the initial bail.
In Sebastian County Arkansas, who can pay bail for me?
The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back.
A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Arkansas could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Sebastian County Arkansas?
Almost all counties in Arkansas accept online payments or payment by phone with an associated fee. It is important that you pay the correct officer or Sebastian County Clerk of Court and not pay a scammer.
What options are there to pay bail in Sebastian County Arkansas?
Cash is accepted in some counties and not others and it is dependent on the amount. Most all jails and courts accept cash, a cashier or bankers’ check. Some accept a credit card with fees. Please contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted.
Go to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center for more information about posting bail in Sebastian County.
Will I get all my bond money back in Arkansas?
Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished.
There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount including an $80 minimal fee imposed by the court.
If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Sebastian County?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.
A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up. A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Arkansas?
All professional bond companies must collect a 10% fee before the defendant is released from jail and there non-refundable are court fees in addition. The court can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies in Sebastian County.
If you have an attorney, it is a good idea to ask which has the best reputation or you can read reviews by others who have used them. It would be advisable to find out exactly how much they would charge, including extra costs.
You can call several bond companies and negotiate the best rate and conditions for you, although not all bond companies are obligated to execute a bond for you.