Benewah County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Benewah County bail and bond: St. Maries, the Sheriff, and the court on College Avenue
Adults arrested in Benewah County are handled by the Sheriff's Office at 701 West College Avenue, St. Maries, the same building as the courthouse, and are held at the Benewah County Jail in Suite 301, a small jail with 16 beds. Search the name on Benewah County Inmate Search to see whether the person is in custody and what the bail is. For questions the search cannot answer, call the Sheriff at 208-245-2555. The court side is a separate office in the same building. Learn who handles which part before you hand over any money.
1. How do I confirm he is in custody in Benewah County?
Put his name into Benewah County Inmate Search. A very new booking may need a few hours to show up. If he is still missing, call the Sheriff at 208-245-2555 and ask whether he was taken to another facility or is still with the arresting officer.
2. Which number reaches the jail?
The Sheriff's Office and the jail share 208-245-2555. The courthouse main line is 208-245-3212, and the district court line is 208-245-3241. The court office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Use the Sheriff for custody, and the court for hearings and bond papers.
3. Where do I pay a bond in St. Maries?
Where the jail takes bond, and its hours, are best confirmed by phone. Idaho Misdemeanor Criminal Rule 13 lets bail be paid in cash, by cashier's check or money order, by a Benewah County surety bond from a licensed company, or by a property bond that a magistrate approves. Call the Sheriff at 208-245-2555 to ask whether the jail desk or the clerk takes payment and when.
4. Is that the same as putting money on his jail account?
No. Money added to an inmate account pays for phone calls, messages, and store items. It does not free him, and it cannot be switched to a bond. The jail treats those accounts separately. Bond goes to Benewah County or to a licensed bail agent.
5. What bail should I expect for a drunk driving charge?
The statewide schedule under Misdemeanor Rule 13, effective January 4, 2023, lists a first DUI at $500 for an Idaho resident and $2,000 for a nonresident. A second DUI is $1,000 for a resident and $3,000 for a nonresident. At $300 each you will find resisting or obstructing an officer, furnishing alcohol to a minor, reckless driving, and any other misdemeanor that has no row of its own. Disturbing the peace is book and release.
A judge may change any of these once the case is reviewed, so the amount on the search matters more.
6. What does "no bond until court appearance" mean?
For a first or second domestic assault or battery arrest, the statewide schedule sets no bond until the court appearance. He stays in custody until a magistrate sees him. Idaho Criminal Rule 5 sets the outside limit at 24 hours after a Benewah County arrest, counting only business days. Phone the court at 208-245-3212 for the time.
7. Can a judge refuse bail?
Rarely. The Idaho Constitution, article I, section 6, allows it only for capital offenses where the proof is evident or the presumption great. Idaho Code 19-2903 gives the judge a choice about bail after a plea, on appeal, and on a probation violation. Probation or another county's warrant can keep someone in even after the posted amount is paid.
8. Do I need a bondsman?
Not always. Idaho Code 19-2907 lets the court accept a bond from an agent, a property bond, or cash, and bars forcing anyone to deposit cash. Bail agents hold a state license, and the Insurance Department takes questions at 800-721-3272. The fee a bondsman keeps is not refunded, and the state's licensing page sets no rate. Get the fee and collateral terms in writing.
9. Can I offer my land or house?
Yes, if the court agrees. Idaho Code 19-2909 requires the property to be in Idaho, and for a Benewah County bond its equity after loans of at least the Benewah County bail plus expected collection costs. The bond is recorded as a lien and the owner pays every fee. A magistrate must approve it under Misdemeanor Rule 13. Ask the court at 208-245-3212 which forms to bring.
10. What happens to my cash after the case?
If the judge enters judgment while cash is still on deposit, Idaho Code 19-2908 sends it first to restitution, fines, fees, and costs owed in Benewah County, even in other cases against that defendant. Anything left is refunded to the defendant who paid. Keep your receipt and your ID.
11. What if he misses court?
A missed hearing means the judge must forfeit bail and issue a bench warrant. The Benewah County clerk mails written notice within five business days. If he comes back within 180 days, the forfeiture can be set aside. After that five business days are given to pay (Idaho Code 19-2915 and 19-2918). A poster may also bring him to the Sheriff before forfeiture under 19-2913.
12. How can bail be reduced?
The judge can change bail for good cause (Idaho Code 19-2912). A lawyer usually asks. Gather pay stubs, family ties, and a St. Maries address. A deputy at the jail cannot lower the number.
13. Who is the free lawyer in Benewah County?
The State Public Defender has a Benewah County office at 222 7th Street, Suite G33, St. Maries. Its number is 208-245-2521. The judge appoints counsel at the first hearing when you cannot afford one.
14. Where are Benewah County teenagers held?
The Kootenai County Juvenile Detention Center, 451 Government Way, Coeur d'Alene, serves Benewah and four other counties, plus the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. Its line is 208-446-1900. Benewah County Probation, 222 South 7th Street, Suite 224, St. Maries, answers at 208-245-4065. A teenager will not show in the Benewah County adult search.
15. What if the arrest was on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation?
Part of the Coeur d'Alene Reservation lies in Benewah County, and tribal police or the Sheriff may be the arresting agency. Ask the officer which department made the arrest and which court has the case. The county courthouse at 208-245-3212 can tell you if the case is in county court.
16. How can I check for bail scams?
Official bail never needs a gift card, crypto, or app payments sent to a person. Hang up on a caller who pushes you to act in minutes. Call the Sheriff yourself at 208-245-2555.
17. Does Benewah County bail cover a federal charge?
Benewah County bail has no role. Any federal case that starts in Benewah County is not part of the Benewah bond schedule, and Benewah deputies cannot set an amount for it. The case goes to the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, Northern Division, 6450 N. Mineral Dr., Coeur d'Alene; so for a Benewah case call the clerk at 208-665-6850.
- A magistrate in the Northern Division sees the Benewah defendant first once the Benewah County arrest is processed, often the next court day.
- No printed cash amount exists for a St. Maries federal arrest. Using 18 U.S.C. 3142, the judge can release the Benewah defendant on conditions or order detention.
- A requested detention hearing on a St. Maries arrest takes place promptly or after up to five days.
- The U.S. Marshals Service has custody before trial, so a Benewah prisoner may be housed in a county jail that rents beds; phone 208-245-2555 to ask if Benewah County holds them.
- Once a judge sentences the Benewah County defendant, the Federal Bureau of Prisons assigns a prison, shown on the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
18. What happens to a Benewah County bond when ICE files a detainer?
You may post the Benewah County bail, but St. Maries release may be slowed at Benewah County Jail. For a Benewah booking, expect these steps:
- During Benewah booking, Idaho Code 18-9008 directs staff to find out whether someone booked in St. Maries could be a Benewah foreign national and, if the Benewah County check says so, alert the Department of Homeland Security within 48 hours.
- ICE can lodge a Form I-247A detainer to the Benewah County jail staff.
- The St. Maries jail must follow a reasonable detainer under Idaho Code 18-9005(4) once the Benewah case's state-ordered confinement is over, and Benewah staff must tell the person about it.
- After a Benewah release order, the Benewah jail may keep the person 48 hours, with no weekend or holiday pause.
- Deportation officers from the ICE Spokane office, 411 W Cataldo Ave, Spokane, WA 99201, 509-329-5846, pick your loved one up in St. Maries; people taken from St. Maries may go to the Elmore County Detention Center at 2255 East 8th North, Mountain Home and then a Benewah detainee may go out of state.
- Search the ICE Online Detainee Locator System with the Benewah detainee's A-number, or the Benewah County person's name and birth country.
Get legal advice before posting in St. Maries, because the bond only covers the Benewah County charge.
19. Which searches find a Benewah County inmate in any prison?
- Benewah County custody: try Benewah County Inmate Search or call 208-245-2555.
- Release alerts: VINELink gives custody status and release alerts for Benewah and other Idaho jails.
- Prison after a Benewah sentence: search the Idaho Department of Correction Resident/Client Search, and read our Idaho state prisons guide.
- Federal inmate: use the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
- Immigration: the ICE Online Detainee Locator System.
- Hearing dates: Idaho iCourt case search, or the Benewah County courthouse at 208-245-3212.
Benewah County bail contacts
- Jail
- Benewah County Jail, 701 West College Avenue, Suite 301, St. Maries, ID 83861; 208-245-2555
- Sheriff
- Benewah County Sheriff's Office, same address; 208-245-2555
- Bail guide
- Read the Benewah bail guide for general rules.
- Custody lookup
- Benewah County Inmate Search
- Courthouse
- 701 West College Avenue, Suite 203, St. Maries, ID 83861; open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday; main 208-245-3212; general court 208-245-3241
- Public defense
- State Public Defender, 222 7th Street, Suite G33, St. Maries; 208-245-2521
- Juvenile
- Kootenai County Juvenile Detention Center, 451 Government Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814; 208-446-1900; Benewah County Probation 208-245-4065
- Bail agents
- Idaho Department of Insurance consumer hotline, 800-721-3272
Fees, hours, amounts, and Benewah County phone numbers change, and a Benewah County judge may set a different bail. Please check with the Sheriff or the court before you pay. This page is a general guide, not legal advice.
Benewah County Jail
Address:
701 College Avenue
St. Maries, ID 83861
Phone:
208-245-2555 Option 2
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Benewah County
Does Benewah County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Benewah County?
Who can set bail in Benewah County?
When is bail set in Benewah County Idaho?
Does Benewah County have bail?
Yes, Benewah County recognizes most types of bonds.
Unless the defendant is deemed a flight risk, accused of a capital crime, or had previously failed to appear, bail is considered a right.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Benewah County?
Idaho will consider a bail bond, property bail bond or cash deposit which also includes check or money order. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.
Who can set bail in Benewah County?
Idaho uses a Bail Bond Schedule which lists the predetermined bail for most nonviolent crimes. For those crimes not listed on the schedule, or when the defendant does not qualify for immediate release, bail must be set by a judge.
When is bail set in Benewah County Idaho?
For most nonviolent crimes bail is set automatically in accordance with a Bail Bond Schedule. For those crimes not listed on the schedule, or when the defendant does not qualify for immediate release, a hearing called first appearance will be scheduled on the first available court date. Bail will be determined at this hearing.
A bond proceeding is the determination of how much bail is to be paid and usually happens at the same time as an initial appearance or arraignment. During bond proceedings, the defendant can have an attorney present but does not have the right to an attorney. A judge or court officer in the {county extended} or magistrate court sets bail.
Judges in Idaho rely on a statewide bail schedule, which sets out a recommended range of bail amounts for different offenses. Judges can still exercise discretion in setting bail above or below the recommended range.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Benewah 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 Benewah 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 Benewah County Jail 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, Benewah 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
What are the different types of bonds in Benewah 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 Benewah County have bail?
Yes, Benewah County recognizes most types of bonds.
Unless the defendant is deemed a flight risk, accused of a capital crime, or had previously failed to appear, bail is considered a right.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Benewah County?
Idaho will consider a bail bond, property bail bond or cash deposit which also includes check or money order. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.
Who can set bail in Benewah County?
Idaho uses a Bail Bond Schedule which lists the predetermined bail for most nonviolent crimes. For those crimes not listed on the schedule, or when the defendant does not qualify for immediate release, bail must be set by a judge.
When is bail set in Idaho?
For most nonviolent crimes bail is set automatically in accordance with a Bail Bond Schedule. For those crimes not listed on the schedule, or when the defendant does not qualify for immediate release, a hearing called first appearance will be scheduled on the first available court date. Bail will be determined at this hearing.
A bond proceeding is the determination of how much bail is to be paid and usually happens at the same time as an initial appearance or arraignment. During bond proceedings, the defendant can have an attorney present but does not have the right to an attorney. A judge or court officer in the {county extended} or magistrate court sets bail.
Judges in Idaho rely on a statewide bail schedule, which sets out a recommended range of bail amounts for different offenses. Judges can still exercise discretion in setting bail above or below the recommended range.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Benewah County Idaho?
Yes, a judge may reduce or increase bail upon a showing of good cause. Your attorney or public defender can request a hearing for this purpose.
In Benewah County Idaho, who can pay bail for me?
The defendant can post cash bail or 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 Idaho could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Benewah County Idaho?
Yes, Idaho does offer online payment of bail. Please contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Benewah County Jail for more information about the jails in Benewah County.
What options are there to pay bail in Benewah County Idaho?
A cash deposit can be made as well as checks or money order. Each area varies with regards to accepting credit cards. Contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted. Go to the Benewah County Jail for more information about posting bail in Benewah County.
Will I get all my bond money back in Idaho?
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. 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 Benewah County?
Cash bond requires a minimum amount of money be paid prior to the defendant’s release. Even if you use a bail bond agent the state requires a down payment of 15%.
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 Idaho?
The Benewah County Jail or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.
The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set by the state and cannot be negotiated.
Detailed information regarding bail and bond procedures in Idaho.