Owyhee County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Owyhee County bail and bond: the Murphy jail and the two courthouses
1. Is she in the Murphy jail or somewhere else?
Check Owyhee County Inmate Search. The jail also holds people for other counties and for the state, and Owyhee County rents out beds it does not use, so a person arrested here can still be moved. The sheriff's office at 208-495-1154 can say where someone is. Option 2 on that number goes to dispatch.
2. What are the sheriff's office phone numbers?
The county website prints 208-495-1154 in the sheriff's section and 208-495-2421 in its footer. The front counter at the jail building is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for records and paperwork.
3. Is there a way to post bail without driving to Murphy?
The county court page says you can post cash bonds online. Its payment links point to the Idaho courts iCourt portal, where there is a "Make Payments" button, so call before you pay bail that way. Call the Murphy courthouse at 208-495-2806 and ask how a bond is entered and what to have ready. The same page lists card payments by phone with a 3.5 percent fee, but that line is described for fines, so ask whether it applies to bail.
4. Where does a family member go to see the person?
Visits are by video only. The county says to make an account and book through the county's video visit provider at 877-998-5678, or online. A visit must be booked at least 24 hours ahead and no more than a week out. You can use a kiosk in the Sheriff's Office lobby or your own phone or computer.
5. What bail numbers does Idaho use?
The statewide misdemeanor schedule that began January 4, 2023 lists a first drunk driving charge at $500 for an Idaho driver and $2,000 for an out-of-state driver. A second drunk driving charge is $1,000 or $3,000. The same schedule puts resisting or obstructing an officer at $300 and lists disturbing the peace as "book and release," so no money is posted. For Owyhee County, the schedule shows no bond for stalking and first or second domestic battery or assault until the person goes before a judge. These figures are a guide, and a judge can change them. For felonies the judge decides. Ask the Murphy clerks whether the county keeps a felony list.
6. Do I have to pay the exact schedule amount?
No. Once a person stands before a magistrate, Idaho Misdemeanor Criminal Rule 13 says the schedule stops controlling, and bail can go up, go down, or disappear. Under Idaho Code 19-2904 the judge weighs court appearance, fair process, the safety of Owyhee County victims and witnesses, and public safety, and may add release conditions.
7. What forms of payment will Idaho courts take for bail?
State rule allows a money order, cash, a cashier's check, an Owyhee County personal check to the clerk (needs a judge's approval), an Owyhee County bond from a licensed bail agent, or an Owyhee County property bond. The county's courthouse takes cash, checks, and cards for fines. For bail, call 208-495-2806 first, and keep each receipt.
8. When does the judge first see someone from Owyhee County?
Idaho Criminal Rule 5 says an arrested person goes before a magistrate without unreasonable delay, at most 24 hours after an Owyhee County arrest, counting only business days. In Murphy, the magistrate court sets motion days on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The Homedale court sits the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 9 a.m. Court staff can give the date for your case.
9. There are two courthouses. Which one is mine?
Murphy is the main courthouse, 20381 State Highway 78, open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 208-495-2806. Jamie Eubanks is the criminal supervising clerk. The Homedale court, listed by the county at 130 W. Idaho Avenue, answers at 208-337-4540, is closed on Tuesdays, and closes for lunch. District Court motion days in Murphy fall on the second and fourth Friday of each month.
10. My brother was arrested by Homedale police. Where did they take him?
Homedale has its own police department, and its warrants are on the sheriff's warrant list. The county pages name no city jail, so ask the Homedale officer where he was taken, then watch Owyhee County Inmate Search. If he was booked at Murphy, the sheriff at 208-495-1154 can confirm.
11. What if the arrest happened at Duck Valley?
The Duck Valley Reservation straddles the Idaho and Nevada line, and tribal police can handle cases under tribal law. The tribes' police department lists 775-757-3614, and the Shoshone-Paiute Tribal Court is at 775-757-2741. A state charge from Owyhee County goes through the Murphy courthouse instead. If you are unsure which court has the case, ask the arresting agency.
12. Can I use Owyhee County land or a house for the bond?
Idaho Code 19-2909 allows it, with Idaho real property that has enough equity, after liens, to cover the bail and expected collection costs. The judge has to accept it, and a recorded bond places an Owyhee County lien on the property. No fixed multiple appears in the law. Ask the clerks at 208-495-2806 for forms, or ask an agent about a bond instead.
13. How do bail agents and refunds work?
Idaho bail agents are licensed by the Department of Insurance, and the fee comes from the agent's own filed rates, so ask for it in writing. Cash given to the court is handled under Idaho Code 19-2908: if money is left when the case ends, the clerk applies restitution first, it to fines, costs, and fees, then returns any extra to the Owyhee County person who posted.
14. What if the jail record says no bail?
Idaho Code 19-2903 allows an Owyhee County judge to refuse bail only when the Owyhee County offense is punishable by death and the proof is evident or the presumption is great. Most "no bond" lines mean a judge has not yet set a figure, or a hold from another agency applies. The Murphy clerks at 208-495-2806 can tell you which.
15. Who gets a free lawyer, and how?
The State Public Defender took over public defense in Idaho on October 1, 2024. Owyhee County falls in the State Public Defender's Third District office. Apply at the courthouse, and a judge appoints counsel if the person qualifies. The State Public Defender's main office answers at 208-605-4575.
16. Where are teenagers held?
Young people are held at the Southwest Idaho Juvenile Detention Center, 222 N. 12th Avenue, Caldwell, which serves Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties. The phone is 208-454-7240. Juvenile cases do not appear in the adult search. Owyhee's juvenile clerk works in the Murphy courthouse at 208-495-2806.
17. What happens if someone skips court?
The judge declares the Owyhee County bail forfeited, with a Murphy bench warrant to follow (Idaho Code 19-2915). The clerk in Murphy has five business days to send notice. A person who returns within 180 days with the warrant quashed can have the forfeiture undone. Call the bail agent and a defense lawyer without delay.
18. Does Owyhee County bail cover a federal charge?
A federal court takes the Owyhee County case. A federal warrant served in Owyhee County falls outside the schedule Murphy uses for Idaho bail, and Owyhee deputies cannot set an amount for it. Owyhee County federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, Southern Division, James A. McClure Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 550 W. Fort St., Boise; and Owyhee County families can reach the clerk at 208-334-1361.
- The federal magistrate holds the first Owyhee County appearance once the Owyhee County arrest is processed, normally very soon.
- No printed cash amount exists for a Murphy federal arrest. Using 18 U.S.C. 3142, the judge can release the Owyhee defendant on conditions or order detention.
- A requested detention hearing for the Owyhee County defendant follows quickly, unless a Owyhee party asks to delay it.
- The U.S. Marshals Service has custody before trial, so a Owyhee prisoner may be housed in a county jail that rents beds; call call either 208-495-1154 or 208-495-1155 to ask whether Owyhee County holds them.
- If federal prison time follows the Owyhee County case, the Federal Bureau of Prisons sets the place, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator tracks it.
19. Does a Owyhee County immigration hold stop bail release?
Posting bail in Murphy is allowed, yet Murphy release may be slowed at Owyhee County Jail. Here is the order of events in Owyhee County:
- At intake in Murphy, Idaho Code 18-9008 has the jail check if the Owyhee County arrestee is a noncitizen and, in Owyhee County, notify the Department of Homeland Security within 48 hours.
- ICE can lodge a Form I-247A detainer asking Owyhee County to keep the person.
- A reasonable detainer must be honored in Owyhee County under Idaho Code 18-9005(4) after the Owyhee case no longer holds them, and Owyhee County must inform your loved one of the hold.
- When the Murphy case would otherwise end in release, ICE gets a Owyhee County window of up to 48 hours, including weekends and holidays.
- Officers from the ICE Boise office, 1185 S. Vinnell Way, Boise, ID 83709, 208-685-6635, come to Murphy for the pickup; people taken from Murphy may go to the Elmore County Detention Center at 2255 East 8th North, Mountain Home or, from Owyhee County, to facilities in other states.
- Check the ICE Online Detainee Locator System with the Owyhee detainee's A-number, or the Owyhee County person's name and birth country.
Get legal advice before posting in Murphy, because Owyhee bail does not cover the immigration case.
20. Where do I search for a Owyhee County prisoner?
- In the county jail: search Owyhee County Inmate Search , then call call either 208-495-1154 or 208-495-1155.
- Custody alerts: VINELink lists Owyhee custody status and sends release notices.
- Idaho prisons: use the Idaho Department of Correction Resident/Client Search, plus the JE Idaho state prisons guide.
- Federal custody: use the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
- ICE detainee: the ICE Online Detainee Locator System.
- Hearing dates: Idaho iCourt case search, or court staff in Murphy at 208-495-2806.
Owyhee County bail contacts
- Jail
- Owyhee County Jail, 20381 State Highway 78, Murphy, ID 83650; 208-495-1154
- Sheriff
- Owyhee County Sheriff's Office; office line 208-495-2421
- Custody lookup
- Owyhee County Inmate Search
- Bond steps
- Owyhee County bail and bond instructions
- Murphy courthouse
- 20381 State Highway 78, Murphy, ID 83650; Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 208-495-2806
- Homedale court
- 130 W. Idaho Avenue, Homedale, ID 83628; 208-337-4540
- Public defender
- State Public Defender, 208-605-4575; apply at the courthouse
- Juvenile
- Southwest Idaho Juvenile Detention Center, 222 N. 12th Avenue, Caldwell, ID 83605; 208-454-7240
- Tribal police
- Duck Valley, 775-757-3614
- Tribal court
- Shoshone-Paiute Tribal Court, 2711 Agency Road, Owyhee, NV; 775-757-2741
- State law
- Idaho Bail Act, Title 19, chapter 29
Bail amounts, hours, Owyhee County payment rules, and phone numbers can change, and an Owyhee County judge can order a different amount. Confirm with the Owyhee County jail or court before you send money. Treat this page as general information, not legal advice.
Owyhee County Jail
Address:
20381 State Highway 78
Murphy, ID 83650
Phone:
208-495-1154
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Owyhee County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Owyhee County?
Who can set bail in Owyhee County?
When is bail set in Owyhee County Idaho?
Does Owyhee County have bail?
Yes, Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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, Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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 Owyhee County have bail?
Yes, Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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 Owyhee County Jail for more information about the jails in Owyhee County.
What options are there to pay bail in Owyhee 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 Owyhee County Jail for more information about posting bail in Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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.