Lincoln County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Lincoln County bail: the Newport jail, a full house, and the courthouse next door
People arrested on the Oregon coast in Lincoln County are held at the Lincoln County Jail, 251 West Olive Street, Newport. The Sheriff's Office and jail answer at 541-265-4277. The jail has 127 beds, and when it fills, some people are released early. Look up the person with the Lincoln County Inmate Search before you do anything else.
Is my husband in the Newport jail?
Use the Lincoln County Inmate Search. The county's roster shows who is in custody. If the roster is blank for his name, call the jail at 541-265-4277.
The Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Adam D. Shanks, runs the jail. Its offices are at 225 West Olive Street, Room 203, the courthouse address.
How big is the jail, and why does that matter for release?
The Lincoln County Jail opened on June 1, 1992 and holds up to 127 people. It booked 2,542 people in 2025. When the jail is full, staff release some people early under a matrix, and the county counted 142 forced or matrix releases in 2025.
Ask the jail line at 541-265-4277 whether a person has been released or is still waiting for a hearing.
Where do I take bail money in Lincoln County?
Call the jail at 541-265-4277 and ask where to bring the bail deposit for this person's case, and what forms of payment are taken that day.
The circuit court is at 225 West Olive Street, Newport, and its payment line is 888-564-2828. Staff in the criminal department can answer security questions at 541-265-4236, option 4.
What share of the bail do I leave with the clerk?
In most cases the person released on security signs a release agreement and leaves 10 percent of the security amount with the court clerk. The minimum is $25 under ORS 135.265. A judge can set the full amount instead. The Lincoln County Inmate Search shows the security set on a booking.
Who holds the deposit once I pay?
The deposit goes to the court clerk, and the clerk gives you a receipt with your name. That receipt matters because the refund goes to the name on it.
When does a judge look at release?
Usually at the first court date. Under Senate Bill 48 the judge chooses release terms at arraignment, absent good cause to wait. A separate hearing, when needed, falls within 48 hours and never past five days without the defendant's consent.
Release without money is considered first. A victim can ask to be heard.
What is the standing release order?
The presiding judge signs an order that lists who is eligible for release on a promise to appear, release with conditions, or no release until arraignment. The order goes to the jail. It is one reason two people with the same charge can see different results.
Can the court refuse to set bail?
No bail is set for murder or treason if the proof is evident or the presumption strong; Article I, section 14, says so. A judge can also hold a person charged with a violent felony after a hearing at which the state shows clear and convincing evidence of danger. The defense must ask for the hearing at arraignment, and the court sets it within five days.
Excessive bail is barred by Article I, section 16.
How do I get my deposit back?
Once the case is over and all conditions are met, the person named on the receipt is paid back 85 percent of a 10 percent deposit. The clerk holds 15 percent for costs, between $5 and $750. The court can first apply the money to fines, fees, or restitution.
If he misses court, the deposit can be forfeited. A defense lawyer can ask the clerk to send the refund to the attorney of record.
Will the court take a house or other property?
Yes, but through the court. In-state land, buildings, vehicles, stocks, bonds, or cash can back the release if the equity is at least twice the security amount. A sworn statement goes with every item, and the judge may ask for more.
Call the court at 541-265-4236 before you collect deeds or titles.
Where is the Lincoln County courthouse and when is it open?
The courthouse is at 225 West Olive Street, Newport 97365, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The Court Administration Office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closes from noon to 1 p.m. The main court line is 541-265-4236.
The criminal department is option 4 on that line, and traffic is option 7.
What are my choices if the judge does not want money?
Oregon judges can use three tools. A promise to appear needs no money. Conditional release sets rules, such as a place to live and people to avoid. Security release needs a deposit. If the first two are ordered, you pay nothing at the window.
Lincoln County follows the standing release order the presiding judge signed. A defense lawyer can ask the court to change the terms.
What if he will not tell officers his name?
A person who refuses to give a true name cannot be released on a promise to appear or on conditions. The only path is security release with the entire amount deposited. Give the correct name when booked.
What lawyer will he have if the family has no money?
Raise it at the first appearance. The judge decides, and the court's criminal department at 541-265-4236, option 4, can tell you who has the case. A lawyer can also ask for a new release hearing.
What about a minor arrested in Lincoln County?
Call the circuit court juvenile line, option 8 at 541-265-4236. Staff can tell you which court date applies. To learn where the youth is physically held tonight, call the Sheriff's Office at 541-265-4277.
Can I send him money or mail?
Yes, but that is not bail. The Sheriff's Office has a mail policy and an in-custody handbook that explain what a person may receive. Money placed for store items stays on his account and does not bring release. Call 541-265-4277 for the rules before you send anything.
What if there is a warrant or a hold from another county?
A hold from another county must be cleared with the court that issued it. Ask the jail line at 541-265-4277 which agency placed the hold, then call that court for its security amount and payment rules.
Lincoln County bond contacts
- County jail
- Lincoln County Jail, 251 West Olive Street, Newport, OR 97365; 541-265-4277
- Bail guide
- Lincoln County Jail bail and bond instructions
- Custody lookup
- Lincoln County Inmate Search
- Sheriff's Office
- 225 West Olive Street, Room 203, Newport; 541-265-4277; non-emergency dispatch 541-265-0777
- Circuit Court
- 225 West Olive Street, Newport, OR 97365; 541-265-4236; payments 888-564-2828
- Juvenile
- Circuit court juvenile line, option 8 at 541-265-4236
Payment rules and hours can change, so confirm with the jail and the court before you travel. This page is a plain-language guide to Lincoln County practice and is not legal advice.
How do Bail Bonds work at Lincoln County Jail
Bail can be paid directly at the Lincoln County Jail. It is important that you find out the exact amount of the bail, including fees because change will not be given and release might be delayed if the amount is not sufficient. Bail can be paid in cash or certified check made payable to the Lincoln County Sheriff; include the Full Name of the person in custody in the memo section.
Lincoln County Jail
Address:
251 West Olive Street
Newport, OR 97365
Phone:
541-265-4277
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Lincoln County
Does Lincoln County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Lincoln County?
Who can set bail in Lincoln County?
When is bail set in Lincoln County Oregon?
Does Lincoln County have bail?
Yes, Lincoln County does have bail, but not in the traditional sense. Bail, also called a “security release agreement”, can be either personal recognizance or cash or a cash bond.
The State of Oregon does not allow a commercial entity to make money on securing a bond so there are no bail bond companies.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Lincoln County?
Pay the full bail amount in cash from the defendant, family or friends, or, Cash percentage in lieu of bonds. If the bond order permits, the defendant pays 10 % of the bond amount to the jail or court, which then holds the money until the case is over. 85% of the paid amount is returned if the defendant is acquitted or the case is dismissed with the remaining 15% to cover court costs. The defendant, family or friends can sign off on the bond.
Who can set bail in Lincoln County?
Oregon uses a predetermined bail schedule, so an officer can determine bail at booking. For more serious crimes, a judge is required to set the bail at the first appearance/arraignment.
When is bail set in Lincoln County Oregon?
For less serious and non-violent crimes bail is set according to a bail schedule and this information will be made available during the booking process. For cases requiring a judge to set bail, a hearing will be set within 36 hrs. of arrest, not counting weekends or holidays.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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, Lincoln 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 chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.
What are the different types of bonds in Lincoln 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.
(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 Lincoln County have bail?
Yes, Lincoln County does have bail, but not in the traditional sense. Bail, also called a “security release agreement”, can be either personal recognizance or cash or a cash bond.
The State of Oregon does not allow a commercial entity to make money on securing a bond so there are no bail bond companies.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Lincoln County?
Pay the full bail amount in cash from the defendant, family or friends, or, Cash percentage in lieu of bonds. If the bond order permits, the defendant pays 10 % of the bond amount to the jail or court, which then holds the money until the case is over. 85% of the paid amount is returned if the defendant is acquitted or the case is dismissed with the remaining 15% to cover court costs. The defendant, family or friends can sign off on the bond.
Who can set bail in Lincoln County?
Oregon uses a predetermined bail schedule, so an officer can determine bail at booking. For more serious crimes, a judge is required to set the bail at the first appearance/arraignment.
When is bail set in Oregon?
For less serious and non-violent crimes bail is set according to a bail schedule and this information will be made available during the booking process. For cases requiring a judge to set bail, a hearing will be set within 36 hrs. of arrest, not counting weekends or holidays.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Lincoln County Oregon?
Yes, your attorney may file a request to reduce or modify bail.
In Lincoln County Oregon, who can pay bail for me?
If bail is set 10% must be paid prior to your release. This can be paid by you, family, or friends. Oregon does not allow the use of bail bond agents.
Can bail be paid online in Lincoln County Oregon?
Oregon counties do not currently offer online payment of bail. All payments must be made in person at the county jail where the defendant is being held. Go to the Lincoln County Jail for more information about the jails in Lincoln County.
What options are there to pay bail in Lincoln County Oregon?
Most all jail and courts accept cash, a cashier or bankers’ check. Some accept a credit card with fees. Please contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted: Go to the Lincoln County Jail for more information about posting bail in Lincoln County.
Will I get all my bond money back in Oregon?
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.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Lincoln County?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.
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 Oregon?
All bonds are processed through the courts and efforts are being made nationwide not to detain someone on lesser charges due to the inability to pay bail.