Dallas County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

Dallas County Jail

Address:
201 N Nile Kinnick Dr
P.O. Box 187
Adel, IA 50003-0187

Phone:

515-993-5815

Dallas County Announces a Major Bail Bond Change - January 4, 2023

Effective in 2023 all Iowa and Dallas County judges will consider the following factors when setting an offender's bond:

  • The nature and circumstances of the offense
  • The defendant's record of previous convictions
  • The defendant's past record of appearance in court after being admitted to bail
  • The defendant's family ties
  • The defendant's employment record
  • The defendant's financial resources
  • The defendant's character and mental condition
  • The defendant's community ties

Find out an inmate's bond by looking them up on the Dallas County Jail Inmate Roster, or by calling 515-993-5815.

Who do I call to find out the Bond for an Inmate?

Please call the jail at 515-993-5815 for the type of bond and any information that is required for a particular individual at Dallas County Jail.
A bond is set according to a court-approved schedule.
The purpose of the bond is to assure the offender's appearance in court.

Instructions on how to post Bail or Bond in Dallas County

Because Dallas County and Iowa can change their bail bond procedures, it is always best to call either the Dallas County Jail at 515-993-5815, or the court in the jurisdiction (i.e. Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) where the offender was charged, right after an arrestee has been booked. 

Ask the staff at the Dallas County Jail or the Dallas County Court Clerk these specific questions:

  1. Is the defendant eligible for bail or a bond?
  2. How much will the bail or bond be, and what are the additional fees?
  3. Where do I go to pay it?
  4. Are there any days or times of the day or night when I cannot post bail?
  5. What types of payment are allowed? Cash? Money order? Credit card? What types of credit cards? Property or other collateral? Surety bonds?
  6. Do I have to use a bail or bond agent?

If you feel the bail is too high and you wish to get it reduced, contact a lawyer or the defendant's public defender and get them to look into what they can do to get a bail reduction. The sooner you get working on this the quicker you will get your loved one released. 

This entire process will go smoother and faster with a criminal attorney or bail agent handling it for you.

Option 1 - How to Post Bail using Cash for a Defendant at Dallas County Jail

The first option, a cash bond, is to pay the full bail amount in cash, cashier's check, or money order. Personal Checks are not accepted.

Depending on the crime, this amount could be anywhere from $100 to $75,000 or more.

To pay a cash bond, go to Dallas County Jail or to the court where the bail hearing occurred. Going directly to the jail will quicken the release of the defendant as any bail paperwork processed at the court will have to be transferred to the jail.

Cashier's Checks and Money Orders may be made out to Dallas County Jail where the defendant is being held, but usually to the Dallas County Sheriff's Office or to the Dallas County Court.

To purchase money orders visit any Western Union, Moneygram or Post Office.

Option 2 - How to Post a Private or Surety Bond for a Defendant at Dallas County Jail

In the event that someone does not have the full bond amount available to him or her, there is what is called a private bond or surety bond.

This is an agreement made with a bail agent or bondsman who will post the full bail amount. In return, the defendant and/or cosigner will pay a premium to the bail agent. This premium will be 10-15% of the full bail amount.



For example, if bail is posted at $5,000, then the premium will cost approximately $500-$750.

A bail agent will often require some form of collateral, for example, a lien on a house, a car or jewelry. This is to ensure that if the defendant skips bail, or does not appear in court, the bail agent has some sort of compensation for the full bail amount being paid.

Remember, by making an agreement with a bail agent the signatory takes responsibility for paying the full bail amount if the defendant does not appear in court.

Option 3 - How to Post a Property Bond for a Defendant at Dallas County Jail

If you are a landowner in Dallas County you may be able to post a property bond. Property within Dallas County may be used as collateral to bail someone out. All owners of the property must be present to sign the bond in order for this to happen.

To find if property located outside of Dallas County can be used as collateral, call a local bail or bond agent or contact a defense lawyer.

Click here for additional information on how to post bail at Dallas County Jail.

Who can post Bail or Bond for a Defendant at Dallas County Jail?

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 Iowa state licensed Bail Bond firm.

Juveniles may only be bailed or bonded out of custody by a parent or legal guardian.

Dallas County Justice System Flowchart

When will the Cash Bail or Collateral be returned to me?

Money or collateral will not be returned until the defendant's court case is finished, so realistically it could take several months to years, depending on the severity of the charges. If a defendant posts his or her own bail, Dallas County Court may retain whatever amount of fines or fees have accumulated throughout the trial.

What happens to my Bail or Collateral if the Defendant misses Court?

The Dallas County Judge may order a failure to appear warrant for the person's arrest or the Judge may order a Bail Commissioner's Letter be issued that will be sent to the person with a new court date.

If cash bail was paid, the entire amount may be forfeited.

How to Both Schedule a Visit and Have Remote Video Visitation with an Inmate incarcerated in Dallas County

To register and sign up for a visitation account with CIDNET Video Visitation Service, follow the instructions below:

  • Register and create an account with CIDNET.
  • Type in your Email, Time Zone and First & Last Name of your Dallas County Jail inmate.
    1. Click the Create Account button.
    2. Agree to the terms.
    3. Login to your email and open the verification email sent by CIDNET. Click it.
    4. Choose a Security PIN and a Password.
    5. Click the Sign In button.
  • After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Iowa, then the Dallas County Jail, then your inmate's name.
  • Once you have completed this, the Dallas County Jail will have to give final approval for you to set up a video visitation account with your inmate.

For all the information you need to know, including instructions, special links, policies, rules, tips and solutions to possible issues regarding regular visitation and remote video visits with an inmate in Dallas County, visit our full page guide

NOTE: All visits are recorded. Whatever you talk about, can and will be used against your inmate in court. Never discuss their pending criminal case!
Also, be warned that CIDNET may be collecting voice prints for a database which they may be sharing with law enforcement agencies.


 

How to Make and Receive Phone Calls and Video Phone Calls from an Inmate in Dallas County

To register and sign up for a phone account with CIDNET Inmate Phone Service, follow the instructions below:

  • Register and create an account with CIDNET.
  • Type in your Email, Time Zone and First & Last Name of your Dallas County Jail inmate.
    1. Click the Create Account button.
    2. Read the Terms of Use, then click Agree.
    3. Login to your email and open the CIDNET email.
    4. In the email, click the Complete Your Verification link.
    5. Choose a Security PIN and a Password.
    6. Click the Sign In button.
  • After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Iowa, then the Dallas County Jail, then your inmate's name.
  • Once you have completed this, the Dallas County Jail will have to give final approval for you to set up a phone account with your inmate.

For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues regarding making phone calls with an inmate in Dallas County, visit our full page guide

NOTE: All phone conversations are recorded. Whatever you talk about, can and will be used against your inmate in court. Never discuss their pending criminal case!
Also, be warned that some phone providers are collecting voice prints for a database which law enforcement agencies are building.


 

How to send a text or email to an inmate in Dallas County

To send and receive secure texts or emails from an inmate housed in Dallas County follow these instructions:

  • Register and create an account with CIDNET.
  • Choose a Security PIN and Password.
  • After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Iowa, then the Dallas County Jail, then your inmate's name.
  • Once you have completed this, the Dallas County Jail will have to give final approval for you to communicate by email with your chosen inmate.

For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues with Texting and Emailing an inmate in Dallas County, visit our full page guide


 

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Dallas County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Dallas County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select Iowa, then select Dallas County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to spend, and input your payment method. The funds can also be used by the inmate to send a message back to you.
  • NOTE: All messages between you and your inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Dallas County Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Dallas County.


 

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Dallas County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Dallas County Jail follow these steps:

  • Select Iowa, then select Dallas County Jail, and then select the 'Send a Package Order' option.
  • Register and create an account with Access Securepak, for Dallas County.
  • Choose the inmate and the products you want shipped to them, and input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Dallas County at any one time.

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Dallas County Jail check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Dallas County.


 

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Dallas County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Dallas County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select Iowa, then select Dallas County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Dallas County Jail.