Yankton County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Yankton County

South Dakota • Yankton County • Bail & bond help

Yankton County bail help for families

Yankton County is centered on the river city of Yankton. For Yankton, Gayville, Irene, and Utica, the main lockup is the Yankton County Jail. Inmate search: Yankton County Inmate Search.

Is my relative in the Yankton County jail?

Start with the Yankton County Inmate Search.

The county jail is the Yankton County Jail, 410 Walnut Street, Yankton, SD 57078 (605-668-5219).

When you call:

  • Share the person's legal name.
  • Add a birth date, if known.
  • Ask whether bond is set.

Staff may not discuss the charges.

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Where is the Yankton County Clerk of Court?

Court filings go to 410 Walnut Street, Suite 205, Yankton, SD 57078-4390 (605-668-3080).

The clerk of court takes bond deposits (SDCL §23A-43-3(4)).

Call ahead about hours and payment types.

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What does Yankton County magistrate court handle?

The 1st Judicial Circuit runs magistrate court here (SDCL §16-12B-11). Its judges try misdemeanor cases (SDCL §16-12B-11). Felonies go to circuit court after the first steps (SDCL §23A-4-3).

Find contacts in the UJS court finder.

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After an arrest in Yankton County, who sets bond?

An officer takes the arrested person before a committing magistrate without unnecessary delay (SDCL §23A-4-1). On a warrant, the judge often writes the bail amount on it (SDCL §23A-2-4). A magistrate judge can set bond or release on a promise (SDCL §16-12B-7). For listed charges, a clerk magistrate uses the bond schedule (SDCL §16-12C-10).

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Does Yankton County use personal recognizance bonds?

Yes. State law favors personal recognizance first (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). A risk to the public can also justify more (SDCL §23A-43-2).

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What kinds of bond are used in Yankton County?

Here are the main options:

Sureties must swear to their net worth (SDCL §23A-43-20).

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What counts at a Yankton County bond setting?

The judge looks at the charge and the evidence (SDCL §23A-43-4). Family ties and work matter (SDCL §23A-43-4). So do money, character, and time living here (SDCL §23A-43-4). Past missed court dates and convictions count (SDCL §23A-43-4).

The setting is informal; evidence rules are relaxed (SDCL §23A-43-12).

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Can bond be denied in Yankton County?

Only in rare cases. Most people have a right to bail (S.D. Const. art. VI, §8). Only capital charges with strong proof are excluded (S.D. Const. art. VI, §8). For those, a judge may order detention (SDCL §23A-43-2.1).

Being out on a personal bond already can mean tighter terms (SDCL §23A-43-2).

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Is there a set bond amount in Yankton County?

The state court system sets a fine and bond schedule (SDCL §16-2-21). It guides clerk magistrates (SDCL §16-12C-10).

The current schedule began July 1, 2026.

  • Murder and kidnapping must go to a judge.
  • Most felonies run $1,000 to $10,000.
  • First or second DUI: $225 to $1,000.
  • Ordinance charges usually get personal recognizance.

The amount can still change at a hearing.

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How do bail bonds work in Yankton County?

Bondsmen are allowed with 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). Any collateral comes back when liability ends (SDCL §58-22-30).

Keep these in mind:

The state licenses bondsmen (SD Division of Insurance).

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What conditions might a Yankton County judge add?

The judge can limit travel, contacts, or residence (SDCL §23A-43-3(2)). Release to a responsible person is possible (SDCL §23A-43-3(1)). Some people get a mental health assessment (SDCL §23A-43-3(3)). The court may require return to jail after set hours (SDCL §23A-43-3(6)).

A written order lists each term (SDCL §23A-43-6). Breaking a term can bring a warrant (SDCL §23A-43-6). The court may amend the terms (SDCL §23A-43-7).

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Is 24/7 sobriety testing a Yankton County bond condition?

Judges can make 24/7 sobriety a term (SDCL §1-11-20). The sheriff usually runs twice-daily breath tests (SDCL §1-11-19). Participants cover daily fees (SDCL §1-11-25).

This is common in DUI cases (SDCL §32-23-1).

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How is bond handled for Yankton County domestic violence charges?

Release requires notice to a judge first (SDCL §25-10-40). A magistrate judge or circuit court sets bond (SDCL §25-10-40). A no-contact order is likely (SDCL §25-10-41). Terms may include moving out or no alcohol (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).

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How soon will someone see a Yankton County judge?

The first appearance must come without unnecessary delay (SDCL §23A-4-1). Many happen by video from jail (SDCL §23A-4-1). For a warrantless arrest, a judge should check probable cause 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 judge also explains the right to counsel (SDCL §23A-4-3).

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Who reviews a Yankton County bond decision?

If the person is still held a day later, request review (SDCL §23A-43-8). The judge must give written reasons to keep it (SDCL §23A-43-8). Another judge may also review it (SDCL §23A-43-10).

A motion can go to the 1st Circuit court (SDCL §23A-43-14). After that, an appeal is possible (SDCL §23A-43-15).

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What happens after a missed Yankton County court date?

Expect a warrant and forfeiture (SDCL §23A-43-21). On a felony, missing court is a Class 6 felony (SDCL §23A-43-31). On a misdemeanor, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor (SDCL §23A-43-31).

Missed a date? Contact the Yankton County Clerk of Court quickly.

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How does bond forfeiture work in Yankton County?

A breach lets the court declare forfeiture (SDCL §23A-43-21). The judge can set it aside later (SDCL §23A-43-22). Part may be remitted after judgment (SDCL §23A-43-24). A surety can arrest and surrender the person (SDCL §23A-43-29).

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How are deposits returned in Yankton County?

The deposit is returned after the case (SDCL §23A-43-3(4)). Sureties are released when the case ends (SDCL §23A-43-26). Money lost to forfeiture goes to the county (SDCL §23A-43-25). A bondsman's premium is not refunded.

The clerk of court can explain the refund steps.

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How are Yankton County juveniles held?

Minors are handled in juvenile court (SDCL §26-7A-14). Custody is limited to 48 hours without 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).

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Where do Yankton County federal cases go?

Yankton County is in the Southern Division (28 U.S.C. §122). A U.S. magistrate judge decides release (18 U.S.C. §3142).

The clerk's office is at 400 S. Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605-330-6600).

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Before visiting Yankton County offices, what should I confirm?

Office hours and payment rules can change.

Call before you go.

  • Carry photo ID.
  • Have the case number ready.
  • Ask which payment forms are taken.

Laws change. A lawyer can confirm details.

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Yankton County bail contacts

Jail
Yankton County Jail, 410 Walnut Street, Yankton, SD 57078, 605-668-5219
Clerk of Court
410 Walnut Street, Suite 205, Yankton, SD 57078-4390, 605-668-3080
Judicial circuit
1st Judicial Circuit
Federal court
U.S. District Court, Southern Division; clerk at 400 S. Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, 605-330-6600
Bondsman licenses
SD Division of Insurance
Inmate search
Yankton County Inmate Search

Judges set release terms case by case. Nothing here is legal advice.

Yankton County Jail

Address:
410 Walnut Street
Yankton, SD 57078
Phone:
605-668-5219

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Yankton County


Does Yankton County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Yankton County?

Who can set bail in Yankton County?

When is bail set in Yankton County South Dakota?

 

 

Does Yankton County have bail?

Yes,  Yankton 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 Yankton County?

In Yankton 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 Yankton 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 Yankton 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 Yankton 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 Yankton 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 Yankton 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 Yankton County have bail?  

Yes,  Yankton 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 Yankton County? 

In Yankton 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 Yankton 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 Yankton County South Dakota? 

Yes, your attorney can also request a bond reduction.

In Yankton 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 Yankton 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 Yankton County Jail for more information about the jails in Yankton County.

What options are there to pay bail in Yankton 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 Yankton County Jail for more information about posting bail in Yankton 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 Yankton 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 Yankton 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.

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Yankton County

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