Pennington County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Bail and bond basics for Pennington County
Pennington County is home to Rapid City and much of the Black Hills. People arrested in Rapid City, Box Elder, Hill City, Keystone, and Wall are usually taken to the Pennington County Jail. Inmate search: Pennington County Inmate Search.
How do I find someone in the Pennington County jail?
Start with the Pennington County Inmate Search.
The county jail is the Pennington County Jail, 307 Saint Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701 (605-394-6116).
When you call:
- Give their full legal name.
- Add a birth date, if known.
- Ask whether bond is set.
Staff may not discuss the charges.
Where is the Pennington County Clerk of Court?
Court filings go to 315 St Joseph St #5, Rapid City, SD 57709-0230 (605-394-2570).
Bond deposits are made with the clerk (SDCL §23A-43-3(4)).
Ask which payment forms they accept.
Which Pennington County court hears misdemeanors?
Magistrate court is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit (SDCL §16-12B-11). It tries misdemeanors and ordinance cases (SDCL §16-12B-11). A felony moves on to the Pennington County circuit court (SDCL §23A-4-3).
See the UJS court finder for contacts.
What is the PSA at the Pennington County Jail?
The jail runs a Public Safety Assessment at booking. It estimates the risk of new arrests and missed court.
If the bond type shows PSA, no money bond is available yet. The person is released on a personal bond or held for a judge.
A No Bond listing means nothing changes until a judge reviews the case.
How do I post bail at the Pennington County Jail?
Anyone 18 or older with ID may post bond at 307 Saint Joseph Street in Rapid City (605-394-6116).
The jail takes:
- Cash.
- A cashier's check or postal money order made out to the jail.
- Bail bond companies.
- Credit cards through courtmoney.com, site ID SD1090.
Cash is not refunded until the whole case ends.
What if one Pennington charge has bond and another does not?
Every charge must be resolved before release.
A posted bond on one charge will not free someone held for review on another. That money is not refunded early.
How do I reach the Pennington County Public Defender?
The Pennington County Public Defender is at 14 Saint Joseph Street, Suite 110, Rapid City, SD 57701 (605-394-2181).
The court appoints the office for people who cannot afford a lawyer (SDCL §23A-4-3).
What does Pennington County Court Services do?
Court Services works in the courthouse at 315 Saint Joseph Street (605-394-2595).
It supervises people released with conditions. Follow its reporting rules closely.
Where is the Pennington County 24/7 program?
The 24/7 Sobriety Program office is at 111 New York Street, Rapid City (605-716-7366).
Breath tests run 6 to 8 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Urine tests end at 7:30 both times.
It can be a bond condition (SDCL §1-11-20).
Which counties send inmates to the Pennington County Jail?
This jail houses people for several western counties. They include Custer, Haakon, Jackson, and Jones.
Some Oglala Lakota and Bennett County arrests are also held here. Booking and bond may happen in Rapid City.
Where is the federal court in Rapid City?
The U.S. District Court, Western Division clerk is at 515 Ninth Street (605-399-6000).
Western federal cases, including many from Pine Ridge, start there.
Who sets bond after a Pennington County arrest?
Officers bring arrested people to the nearest committing magistrate without unnecessary delay (SDCL §23A-4-1). A warrant may already list the bail amount (SDCL §23A-2-4). Magistrate judges may set bond too (SDCL §16-12B-7). A clerk magistrate can set it from the bond schedule (SDCL §16-12C-10).
Is release without money possible in Pennington County?
Often, yes. The law starts with personal recognizance (SDCL §23A-43-2). An unsecured bond is another option (SDCL §23A-43-2). Extra terms are allowed when appearance is doubtful (SDCL §23A-43-2). The same goes for danger to others (SDCL §23A-43-2).
What bond options exist in Pennington County?
These are the usual choices:
- Personal recognizance: A signed promise to appear (SDCL §23A-43-2).
- 10% deposit bond: Up to 10%, paid to the clerk (SDCL §23A-43-3(4)).
- Surety bond: A licensed bondsman backs the full amount (SDCL §23A-43-3(5)).
- Cash bond: The full amount is paid in cash (SDCL §23A-43-3(5)).
Each surety signs an affidavit about assets (SDCL §23A-43-20).
What factors shape bond in Pennington County?
First come the charge and its evidence (SDCL §23A-43-4). Family ties and work matter (SDCL §23A-43-4). Finances and length of residence also count (SDCL §23A-43-4). Past missed court dates and convictions count (SDCL §23A-43-4).
Formal rules of evidence do not apply here (SDCL §23A-43-12).
Is anyone held without bond in Pennington County?
Very seldom. The state constitution guarantees bail for most (S.D. Const. art. VI, §8). The exception is a capital offense with strong proof (S.D. Const. art. VI, §8). For those, a judge may order detention (SDCL §23A-43-2.1).
Someone already out on a personal bond may face stricter terms (SDCL §23A-43-2).
Is there a set bond amount in Pennington County?
The state court system sets a fine and bond schedule (SDCL §16-2-21). It guides clerk magistrates (SDCL §16-12C-10).
The FY2027 version took effect July 1, 2026.
- For murder or kidnapping, a judge sets bond.
- Most felonies run $1,000 to $10,000.
- A first or second DUI lists $225 to $1,000.
- Ordinance charges usually get personal recognizance.
A judge can still change the amount.
How do bail bonds work in Pennington County?
A bondsman must hold a state license (SDCL §58-22-4). They must register with the sheriff at home (SDCL §58-22-25). They may take nothing beyond the premium (SDCL §58-22-30). Collateral must be reasonable and returned later (SDCL §58-22-30).
Other rules to know:
- Ask for a collateral receipt (SDCL §58-22-31).
- Jail staff cannot be bondsmen (SDCL §58-22-3).
- Pitching bonds inside a jail is illegal (SDCL §58-22-32).
You can check a license (SD Division of Insurance).
What rules come with a Pennington County bond?
The judge can limit travel, contacts, or residence (SDCL §23A-43-3(2)). Someone may be placed in another adult's custody (SDCL §23A-43-3(1)). A mental health assessment can be ordered (SDCL §23A-43-3(3)). A nighttime return to custody is allowed (SDCL §23A-43-3(6)).
A written order lists each term (SDCL §23A-43-6). A violation can lead to arrest (SDCL §23A-43-6). Terms can be changed later (SDCL §23A-43-7).
Is 24/7 sobriety testing a Pennington County bond condition?
Judges can make 24/7 sobriety a term (SDCL §1-11-20). Testing is often twice a day at the sheriff's office (SDCL §1-11-19). The person pays program fees (SDCL §1-11-25).
It shows up most in DUI charges (SDCL §32-23-1).
What if the Pennington County charge is domestic abuse?
Police cannot release the person without a judge (SDCL §25-10-40). Bond is set by a judge, not the schedule (SDCL §25-10-40). Expect no-contact terms (SDCL §25-10-41). The judge may order leaving the home or counseling (SDCL §25-10-41).
Reaching out to the victim before court is barred (SDCL §25-10-43). Violating that term is a separate misdemeanor (SDCL §25-10-23).
When is the first court appearance in Pennington County?
The law demands court without unnecessary delay (SDCL §23A-4-1). Many happen by video from jail (SDCL §23A-4-1). After a warrantless arrest, a probable cause review is due within 48 hours (County of Riverside v. McLaughlin, 500 U.S. 44 (1991)).
A jailed felony defendant has a preliminary hearing within 15 days (SDCL §23A-4-3). The person hears about free counsel if needed (SDCL §23A-4-3).
How do we ask to change a Pennington County bond?
Still held after 24 hours? Ask for review (SDCL §23A-43-8). The judge must give written reasons to keep it (SDCL §23A-43-8). Review by a different judge is possible (SDCL §23A-43-10).
The next step is a motion in the circuit court (SDCL §23A-43-14). After that, an appeal is possible (SDCL §23A-43-15).
What if someone misses court in Pennington County?
Expect a warrant and forfeiture (SDCL §23A-43-21). On a felony, missing court is a Class 6 felony (SDCL §23A-43-31). Misdemeanor cases bring a Class 1 misdemeanor (SDCL §23A-43-31).
Missed a date? Contact the Clerk of Court office quickly.
What happens to a Pennington County surety after a missed date?
After a no-show, the court may forfeit the bond (SDCL §23A-43-21). It may be set aside if justice allows (SDCL §23A-43-22). Remission of some money is possible (SDCL §23A-43-24). Sureties may return the person to custody (SDCL §23A-43-29).
How are deposits returned in Pennington County?
The deposit is returned after the case (SDCL §23A-43-3(4)). Sureties are released when the case ends (SDCL §23A-43-26). Forfeited cash goes to the county treasury (SDCL §23A-43-25). A bondsman's premium is not refunded.
The Pennington County Clerk of Court can explain the refund steps.
What if a teen is arrested in Pennington County?
Minors are handled in juvenile court (SDCL §26-7A-14). Holding a child past 48 hours requires a court order (SDCL §26-7A-14). For status offenses, the limit is 24 hours (SDCL §26-7A-14). That count skips weekends (SDCL §26-7A-14).
What about federal charges from Pennington County?
Pennington County is in the Western Division (28 U.S.C. §122). Release is set by a federal magistrate judge (18 U.S.C. §3142).
The clerk's office is at 515 Ninth Street, Rapid City, SD 57701 (605-399-6000).
Before visiting Pennington County offices, what should I confirm?
Office hours and payment rules can change.
Call before you go.
- Carry photo ID.
- Bring the booking or case number.
- Ask how payment can be made.
Laws change. A lawyer can confirm details.
Pennington County bail contacts
- Jail
- Pennington County Jail, 307 Saint Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701, 605-394-6116
- Clerk of Court
- 315 St Joseph St #5, Rapid City, SD 57709-0230, 605-394-2570
- Judicial circuit
- 7th Judicial Circuit
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court, Western Division; clerk at 515 Ninth Street, Rapid City, SD 57701, 605-399-6000
- Bondsman licenses
- SD Division of Insurance
- Inmate search
- Pennington County Inmate Search
Judges set release terms case by case. Nothing here is legal advice.
Pennington County Jail
Address:
307 St. Joseph Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone:
605-394-6116
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Pennington County
Does Pennington County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Pennington County?
Who can set bail in Pennington County?
When is bail set in Pennington County South Dakota?
Does Pennington County have bail?
Yes, Pennington County recognizes most types of bonds.
In South Dakota, it is up to the defendant to bear the burden of proof as to why they will not, or do not have the ability to flee prosecution.
Bail is usually established in cases where a felony or Class I misdemeanor has occurred.
People arrested on Class II misdemeanors are usually released on recognizance meaning that if the court decides that there is a good chance that the arrested will show up for trial and not flee, they are released on their own promise, or recognizance without having to pay bail.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Pennington County?
In Pennington County, once bail is set a defendant must pay the required amount of bail set by the court to be released from temporary holding (typically the county jail). If the person cannot afford the amount of bail required by the court, they must seek a bond from a licensed bondsperson to cover the amount. The bondsperson will charge 10% and can offer a surety or property bond.
Who can set bail in Pennington County?
The magistrate judge is given the ability to consider various factors in determining bail. Judges in South Dakota 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.
Typically, some of the biggest factors considered are the nature of the offense, the amount of credible evidence against the defendant, the defendant’s criminal history, their location, their income, and their ability to afford to attempt to escape prosecution.
The South Dakota Courts can set conditions for the release of a defendant on bail. These conditions can include many factors such as not leaving a certain area, not consuming drugs or alcohol, not hanging out with certain people, and receiving mental health counseling. If these conditions are not met the person will be taken back into custody.
When is bail set in Pennington County South Dakota?
Bail for minor, non-violent offense are set via a phone call with the on duty judge between 8:00 am – 9:00 pm.
If the arrest occurs after 9:00 pm you will need to wait until 8:00 am the next day.
More serious offenses require a hearing in front of a judge, which will be scheduled according to the court calendar. This will generally occur the next day, not including weekends or holidays.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Pennington 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 Pennington 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 detained in a jail or prison 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.
In South Dakota, once bail is set a defendant must pay the required amount of bail set by the court to be released from temporary holding (typically the county jail). If the person cannot afford the amount of bail required by the court, they must seek a bond from a licensed bondsperson to cover the amount.
Before rushing into contacting a bond company, consider the following:
Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title to secure the bond back. 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 Pennington County?
In South Dakota, if you do not have cash to pay for bail, a bondsperson can be used. (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.)
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.
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 might be several options available through a bond company, one is a surety bond, and another option is a property bond 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 2 times the amount of the bond.
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.
Does Pennington County have bail?
Yes, Pennington County recognizes most types of bonds.
In South Dakota, it is up to the defendant to bear the burden of proof as to why they will not, or do not have the ability to flee prosecution.
Bail is usually established in cases where a felony or Class I misdemeanor has occurred.
People arrested on Class II misdemeanors are usually released on recognizance meaning that if the court decides that there is a good chance that the arrested will show up for trial and not flee, they are released on their own promise, or recognizance without having to pay bail.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Pennington County?
In Pennington County, once bail is set a defendant must pay the required amount of bail set by the court to be released from temporary holding (typically the county jail). If the person cannot afford the amount of bail required by the court, they must seek a bond from a licensed bondsperson to cover the amount. The bondsperson will charge 10% and can offer a surety or property bond.
Who can set bail in Pennington County?
The magistrate judge is given the ability to consider various factors in determining bail. Judges in South Dakota 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.
Typically, some of the biggest factors considered are the nature of the offense, the amount of credible evidence against the defendant, the defendant’s criminal history, their location, their income, and their ability to afford to attempt to escape prosecution.
The South Dakota Courts can set conditions for the release of a defendant on bail. These conditions can include many factors such as not leaving a certain area, not consuming drugs or alcohol, not hanging out with certain people, and receiving mental health counseling. If these conditions are not met the person will be taken back into custody.
When is bail set in South Dakota?
Bail for minor, non-violent offense are set via a phone call with the on duty judge between 8:00 am – 9:00 pm.
If the arrest occurs after 9:00 pm you will need to wait until 8:00 am the next day.
More serious offenses require a hearing in front of a judge, which will be scheduled according to the court calendar. This will generally occur the next day, not including weekends or holidays.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Pennington County South Dakota?
Yes, your attorney can also request a bond reduction.
In Pennington County South Dakota, who can pay bail for me?
The person posting bail could be the defendant, 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 South Dakota could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Pennington County South Dakota?
South Dakota counties do not currently process online payments for bail.
Contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Pennington County Jail for more information about the jails in Pennington County.
What options are there to pay bail in Pennington County South Dakota?
Most South Dakota courts only accept cash or surety issued by bail bond agent. Contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted. Go to the Pennington County Jail for more information about posting bail in Pennington County.
Will I get all my bond money back in South Dakota?
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 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 Pennington 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 South Dakota?
The Pennington 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, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.