Address:
1901 D Street, SE
District of Columbia, DC 20003
Phone:
202-523-7060
Does the District of Columbia have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in theDistrict of Columbia?
Who can set bail in the District of Columbia?
When is bail set in the District of Columbia District of Columbia?
The District of Columbia does not impose bail as other states for the majority of crimes. For those defendants who have additional charges pending, previously failed to appear, is charged with a violent crime or a felony, there could be bail/bond imposed.
Cash bonds are the only bonds issued in the District of Columbia.
Money bonds are posted in the Criminal Finance Office, which is located in Room 4003 (on the fourth floor, east wing) of the Moultrie Courthouse, 500 Indiana Avenue. Bonds may only be posted in the form of cash or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.
If a defendant is eligible for pre-trial release this decision can often be made by police immediately following arrest and processing. In rare cases when bail may be required, the defendant will need appear in front of a magisterial judge who will determine if bail is warranted and, if so, set the amount. This hearing usually occurs within 24 hours of arrest.
If a defendant is not eligible for immediate no bail release, they will need to appear in front of a magisterial judge. This initial bail hearing is usually held within 24 hours of arrest.
Bail is what the arrested in the District of Columbia 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.
This is the case in the District of Columbia where the majority of defendants are not required to post monetary bail as a condition of pre-trial release. The exception would be a defendant who has additional charges pending, previously failed to appear, is charged with a violent crime or a felony.
Conditions for bail 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. These conditions are supervised by a Pretrial Services Agency.
Conditions for bail 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. These conditions are supervised by a Pretrial Services Agency.
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.
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge will determine if the felony offender qualifies for a bond release and if so, the bond will be payable in cash.
Money bonds are posted in the Criminal Finance Office, which is located in Room 4003 (on the fourth floor, east wing) of the Moultrie Courthouse, 500 Indiana Avenue. Bonds may only be posted in the form of cash or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.
Professional bond companies are not permitted to operate in the District of Columbia.
(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. If so, this is a scam.)
The District of Columbia does not impose bail as other states for the majority of crimes. For those defendants who have additional charges pending, previously failed to appear, is charged with a violent crime or a felony, there could be bail/bond imposed.
Cash bonds are the only bonds issued in the District of Columbia.
If a defendant is eligible for pre-trial release this decision can often be made by police immediately following arrest and processing. In rare cases when bail may be required, the defendant will need appear in front of a magisterial judge who will determine if bail is warranted and, if so, set the amount. This hearing usually occurs within 24 hours of arrest.
If a defendant is not eligible for immediate no bail release, they will need to appear in front of a magisterial judge. This initial bail hearing is usually held within 24 hours of arrest.
In the rare case that bail is required, an attorney may request the court lower the cash amount and/or replace it with alternatives such as electronic monitoring.
Any person can post a bond.
Email online bond payment requests to BondPayPortal@dcsc.gov.
Email online bond payment requests to BondPayPortal@dcsc.gov.
In the rare case that bail is required the Washington D.C., courts will accept cash, cashier’s check, or money orders. Contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted.
Go to the Washington DC Central Detention Facility for more information about posting bail in Washington DC.
In the cases that a bond was ordered, the judge will outline any fees or deduction that would come out of the amount of the paid bond amount.
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you.
Bail bond companies are not permitted to operate in the District of Columbia.
Since bail bond regulations may change, it’s best to call Washington DC Central Detention Facility at 202-523-7060 or contact the court (i.e., Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) where the defendant was charged to confirm current procedures.
Be sure to ask Washington DC Central Detention Facility or the District of Columbia Court Clerk the following questions:
If you feel the bail is too high, contact a lawyer or the defendant’s public defender to see if a bail reduction is possible. Starting the process early will help expedite the defendant’s release.
Having a lawyer or bail agent manage the process will ensure everything goes smoothly.
Option 1 - How to Post Cash Bail at Washington DC Central Detention Facility
One way to post bail is by paying the full amount in cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.
Depending on the crime, the amount can range from $100 to $75,000 or more.
To post a cash bond, visit Washington DC Central Detention Facility or the court where the bail hearing took place. Going directly to the jail may expedite the process, as paperwork must be transferred from the court.
Cashier’s checks and money orders should be made payable to Washington DC Central Detention Facility, the District of Columbia Sheriff’s Office, or the District of Columbia Court.
You can purchase money orders at Western Union, Moneygram, or any Post Office.
Option 2 - How to Post a Surety Bond for a Defendant at Washington DC Central Detention Facility
If the full bail amount isn’t available, a surety bond is an option. A bail agent posts the full amount, and you pay the agent a premium, which is typically 10-15% of the total bail.
For instance, if the bail is $5,000, the premium will cost between $500 and $750.
The bail agent may ask for collateral, such as property or valuables, to ensure compensation if the defendant fails to appear in court.
By signing with a bail agent, you are responsible for the full bail amount if the defendant skips their court appearance.
Option 3 - How to Post a Property Bond for a Defendant at Washington DC Central Detention Facility
If you own property in District of Columbia, you may be able to post a property bond using real estate as collateral. All property owners must be present to sign the bond agreement.
To find out if property outside District of Columbia can be used, contact a local bail agent or attorney.
Click here for more details about posting bail at Washington DC Central Detention Facility.
Anyone over the age of 18 who can produce a valid government-issued photo ID can post bail. Accepted forms of ID include a Photo Driver's License, Passport, or Motor Vehicle issued ID.
In many circumstances, if the defendant has the resources, they can post their own cash bail from jail.
Surety Bonds are arranged by a third party, typically a District of Columbia state licensed Bail Bond firm.
Juveniles may only be bailed or bonded out of custody by a parent or legal guardian.
