Power County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Power County bail and bond: posting at the American Falls jail
Is he in the American Falls jail right now?
Use Power County Inmate Search first. The county also runs its own online roster for the jail. The sheriff's office at 208-226-2311 is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:45 p.m. Dispatch answers the same number around the clock, so you can reach someone at night too. Staff will not pass messages to an inmate.
What extra fees come with a Power County bond?
The county's jail page lists a $10 sheriff's fee for each charge or warrant, unless a judge groups them under one bond, and a bond without that fee is not processed. The fee is not refunded. Pay the exact amount, because the jail gives no change.
How does a cash bond get paid?
According to the county, a cash bond is the full bond amount plus the $10 fee, paid in cash or by credit card through the county's online card service. Cashier's checks and money orders made out to POWER COUNTY are accepted, but personal checks are refused, so confirm by phone at 208-226-2311 before you go.
What will a bail agent charge here?
For a surety bond, the county lists 10 percent of the bond, plus a $35 surety fee and the $10 sheriff's fee, none of it refundable. The agency may ask for collateral too. Idaho bail agents are licensed by the state Department of Insurance, so ask for every term in writing.
What bail amount should I expect?
A statewide misdemeanor schedule, effective January 4, 2023, lists a first drunk driving charge at $500 for an Idaho resident and $2,000 for someone living outside Idaho. A second drunk driving charge is $1,000 or $3,000. Resisting or obstructing an officer is shown at $300, and disturbing the peace is marked "book and release," so no money is posted. For first and second domestic assault or battery, and for stalking, the schedule says no bond until a court appearance. A judge can change any of these figures. Felonies are set by a judge.
Does the judge have to follow the schedule?
No. Idaho Misdemeanor Criminal Rule 13 says the schedule stops controlling once the person appears before a magistrate, who may change the Power County bail up, down, or away. Under Idaho Code 19-2904, the judge looks at appearance in court, fairness of the process, victim and witness protection, and public safety.
Who handles bond questions for the court?
The county lists its Trial Court Administrator at 208-236-7379 for bond questions. The Power County Courthouse is at 543 Bannock Avenue, Room 101, American Falls, ID 83211. Court staff answer at 208-226-7611 and 208-226-7618.
When do hearings take place in American Falls?
State rules require an arrested person to see a magistrate without unreasonable delay, no more than 24 hours after a Power County arrest, counting only business days. The Sixth District's published schedule sets the magistrate criminal calendar on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m., and District Court arraignments once a month on a Friday at 9:30 a.m. Call the courthouse to check a date before you travel.
Can we put up property instead of cash?
The county says a property bond needs equity of twice the bond amount and suggests talking with an attorney. Idaho Code 19-2909 adds that the land must be Idaho real property, free of enough liens to cover the bail plus collection costs, and that the judge decides whether to accept it. A bond, once recorded in American Falls, is a lien on the property.
Can I visit the jail?
Yes, in person, with limits. The county lists men on Wednesday 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon, and women on Thursday 6 to 9 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon. Call to confirm the Sunday hours. Visits last 20 minutes. Register with dispatch and show photo ID, and leave bags and phones outside.
How do I put money on his jail account?
That is separate from bail. Deposits go through the lobby kiosk, the deposit website, or the county-listed phone line at 866-516-0115. A deposit never counts as bail, and phone deposits cannot be moved to the commissary. If any balance is negative, deposits cover it first.
The jail shows no bail. Why?
Idaho Code 19-2903 lets a judge deny bail only for an offense punishable by death where the proof is evident or the presumption is great. Most a blank amount in American Falls means no amount is set yet, or the person has a probation or other-agency hold. Ask the sheriff at 208-226-2311.
What if the arrest was on the Fort Hall side or by city police?
Different agencies can make arrests, including American Falls police and tribal police. The city police department answers at 208-226-5922, Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. To 6 p.m. Ask the arresting agency where the defendant is and for a report number, then check Power County Inmate Search. The Power County Jail also takes prisoners for other agencies, so a person arrested elsewhere may land there.
Who defends someone who cannot pay a defense lawyer?
The State Public Defender took over Idaho public defense on October 1, 2024. Power and Oneida Counties share an office at 73 Fort Hall Avenue, American Falls, at 208-701-7335. A judge appoints the lawyer after the person applies at the courthouse.
Where is a juvenile held in Power County?
The District VI Juvenile Detention Center at 137 S. 5th Avenue in Pocatello serves Power, Bannock, Bear Lake, Caribou, Franklin, and Oneida Counties. Call 208-234-1080. The county site also lists a District 6 juvenile liaison, Stace Gearhart, at 208-417-5031. Juvenile files are private, so they will not show on the adult search.
What if he misses court after the bond is posted?
Idaho Code 19-2915 lets the judge forfeit the bond and issue a bench warrant, and the clerk must send notice within five business days. The person or the agent has 180 days to get the warrant quashed and ask to undo the forfeiture. Phone the bondsman and a lawyer right away.
Which bail requests should I ignore?
Anyone who asks for a gift card, crypto, or payment to a private person is not the jail. The county takes cards only through its official card service, so check the web address carefully, or call 208-226-2311 to ask before paying.
How is bail set when a Power County arrest is federal?
A federal court takes the Power County case. A federal warrant served in Power County falls outside the schedule American Falls uses for Idaho bail, and Power deputies cannot set an amount for it. Power County federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, Eastern Division, 801 E. Sherman St., Pocatello; so for a Power case call the clerk at 208-478-4123.
- The federal magistrate sees the Power defendant first once the Power County arrest is processed, most often within a day or two.
- No money chart applies to Power federal cases. Under 18 U.S.C. 3142, the magistrate can release the Power defendant on conditions or order detention.
- When detention is requested in a American Falls case, the hearing for the Power County defendant follows quickly, unless a Power party asks to delay it.
- Pretrial custody belongs to the U.S. Marshals Service, and a jail near American Falls may hold them under contract; phone 208-226-2311 and ask the Power County desk whether the person is there.
- Once a judge sentences the Power County defendant, the Federal Bureau of Prisons sets the place, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator tracks it.
What happens to a Power County bond when ICE files a detainer?
Bail can still be posted in Power County, but American Falls release may be slowed at Power County Jail. Here is the order of events in Power County:
- During Power booking, Idaho Code 18-9008 tells the jail to determine if the Power prisoner is foreign-born and, in Power County, notify the Department of Homeland Security within 48 hours.
- ICE can lodge a Form I-247A detainer asking Power County to keep the person.
- The American Falls jail must follow a reasonable detainer under Idaho Code 18-9005(4) when the American Falls case's own hold has ended, and Power staff must tell the person about it.
- Once bail on the Power County charge is paid, ICE gets a Power County window of up to 48 hours, and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays count.
- Officers from the ICE Idaho Falls office, 2075 N Boulevard, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, 208-535-5100, take custody at the Power jail; ICE often moves Power detainees to the Elmore County Detention Center in Mountain Home before a move from American Falls toward other states.
- Find the person on the ICE Online Detainee Locator System by Power A-number, or by the American Falls detainee's name and native country.
Get legal advice before posting in American Falls, because the bond only covers the Power County charge.
Where do I search for a Power County prisoner?
- Power County custody: search Power County Inmate Search , then call 208-226-2311.
- Status alerts: VINELink lists Power custody status and sends release notices.
- Idaho prisons: use the Idaho Department of Correction Resident/Client Search, and read our Idaho state prisons guide.
- Federal prison: open the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
- Immigration detention: the ICE Online Detainee Locator System.
- Hearing dates: Idaho iCourt case search, or call the American Falls court at 208-226-7611.
Power County bail contacts
- Jail
- Power County Jail, 550 Gifford Street, American Falls, ID 83211
- Sheriff
- Power County Sheriff's Office; office 208-226-2311; Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:45 p.m.; dispatch around the clock
- City police
- American Falls Police Department, 208-226-5922, City Hall, 550 N. Oregon Trail, American Falls
- Custody lookup
- Power County Inmate Search
- Bond steps
- Power County bail and bond instructions
- Bond questions
- Trial Court Administrator, 208-236-7379
- Courthouse
- 543 Bannock Avenue, Room 101, American Falls, ID 83211; 208-226-7611
- Public defender
- State Public Defender, Power/Oneida office, 73 Fort Hall Avenue, American Falls, ID 83211; 208-701-7335
- Juvenile
- District VI Juvenile Detention Center, 137 S. 5th Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83201; 208-234-1080
- State law
- Idaho Bail Act, Title 19, chapter 29
Fees, amounts, hours, and Power County phone numbers can change, and a judge can order different bail. Call the jail or the court before you send money for a Power County case. This page gives general information only and is not legal advice.
Using GTL/gettingout to make bail payments
How to make a bail payment using gettingout.com/Viapath
- gettingout.com/Viapath assists you in using their banking system to make bail payment for your inmate.
- You can call them at 866-516-0115.
- Gettingout, also known as Viapath, limits your 24 hour online deposit to $3,000.00. So if the bail is higher, it may take multiple deposits over the same number of days.
Power County Jail
Address:
550 Gifford Street
American Falls, ID 83211
Phone:
208-226-7930
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Power County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Power County?
Who can set bail in Power County?
When is bail set in Power County Idaho?
Does Power County have bail?
Yes, Power 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 Power 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 Power 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 Power 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 Power 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 Power 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 Power 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, Power 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 Power 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 Power County have bail?
Yes, Power 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 Power 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 Power 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 Power 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 Power 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 Power 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 Power County Jail for more information about the jails in Power County.
What options are there to pay bail in Power 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 Power County Jail for more information about posting bail in Power 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 Power 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 Power 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.