SCORE Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
King County bail and bond: Seattle, Kent, SCORE, and the city jails
Adults arrested in King County are held in one of several jails. Felony arrests and many misdemeanors go to the King County Correctional Facility at 500 Fifth Avenue in Seattle or the Maleng Regional Justice Center at 620 West James Street in Kent. Kent, Issaquah and Kirkland run their own jails, and SCORE in Des Moines serves six south King County cities. Look the person up with King County Inmate Search first. The county jail line is 206-296-1234. A judge must review the arrest within 48 hours and decides on release and bail.
1. Which jail is my relative in?
Start with King County Inmate Search for the two county jails. King County books felonies and many misdemeanors into the Seattle and Kent buildings. Other arrests may end up at SCORE, Kent, Issaquah, Kirkland or Enumclaw, and each has its own section below. If the name is missing, ask the arresting police department where the person went, then call 206-296-1234.
2. When does a judge look at bail?
A judge must hold a first appearance within 48 hours of arrest, and it usually happens by the next business day. It takes place in a courtroom at the Kent or Seattle jail. The judge decides whether police had probable cause. If not, the person is released with no conditions. If so, the judge sets release terms. For most charges, no bail amount exists until this hearing. Some misdemeanors carry a preset bail.
3. What are the ways a judge can release someone?
The starting point in Washington is release on a written promise to appear. A judge can instead add conditions such as no-contact orders, reporting, or monitoring. Money bail is a last step, and the court must weigh what the family can afford. A person who cannot pay may ask the lawyer to raise it again. The person may also use a surety, meaning a bail bond company.
4. What comes after the first appearance?
If the judge finds probable cause, the prosecutor may ask to hold the person for 72 hours while deciding on charges. A second appearance follows. If no charges are filed, the person goes free and any bail or no-contact order ends. If charges are filed, arraignment comes next. There the court can keep bail, lower it, or use other conditions.
5. When can a King County judge refuse bail?
Rarely. The state constitution, article I, section 20, allows denial for capital offenses and for offenses that can bring life in prison, but only after a hearing. The judge needs clear and convincing proof of a propensity for violence and a finding that no conditions can keep people safe. The state Supreme Court has held that every class A felony counts. Even then, the defense can seek fast review by the Court of Appeals.
6. Why is someone held after a domestic violence or DUI arrest?
Washington law lets jails hold domestic violence arrestees until a judge sees them, which must happen within one judicial day. At release, the judge can order no contact with the victim and require the person to stay away from a shared home. A DUI arrest with a prior offense in the last ten years also means a hold until a judge releases the person. Paying a bond at the window does not override either hold.
7. Where do I pay bail at the county jails?
Both the Seattle and Kent jails take bail at the reception window from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., every day. Cash, cashier's checks and money orders work; personal checks do not. Make a check or money order payable to King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention and write the person's name, booking number, and your name and address. Checks and money orders need verification, which can delay release. Call 206-296-1234 with questions.
8. How do bail bond agents work in King County?
Bail bond agencies are private businesses licensed by the Washington Department of Licensing. King County publishes a list of authorized companies. Agencies may take cash, wire, card, personal check, a payment plan, or signature bail after approval, and licensed agencies can post from anywhere in the country. SCORE says bonding companies generally charge 8 to 15 percent of the bail and that this fee is not refundable. Check any company with the licensing office at 360-664-1809.
9. What if my family cannot afford bail?
Tell the public defender at the first appearance, because the judge must consider your finances. The Northwest Community Bail Fund, a local nonprofit, provides cash bail for people who cannot afford it while they wait for routine court dates. Do not send money, prepaid cards or personal details to anyone who claims they can get someone released. Call 206-296-1234 to check.
10. How do I post bail at SCORE in Des Moines?
SCORE, at 20817 17th Avenue South, is run by Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Renton, SeaTac and Tukwila. It holds misdemeanor arrests from those cities. The lobby window takes cash or a bond from a bail bond company Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; after hours, use the intercom by the main entrance. Look people up at SCORE Jail Inmate Search or call 206-257-6200. SCORE sends all bail to the court that ordered it. For Renton cases only, Renton Municipal Court at 1055 South Grady Way also takes cash bail.
11. Where is bail paid for Seattle Municipal Court cases?
The court cashier at 600 Fifth Avenue takes bail and bond every day, 8 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., with short breaks. The entrance is locked on weekends and after 5 p.m. on weekdays. After hours, call the cashier at 206-615-0850 or use the intercom at Seattle City Hall across Fifth Avenue. Seattle holds its misdemeanor arrests in King County facilities.
12. How do I check on someone at the Kent city jail?
The City of Kent runs its own Corrections Facility at 1230 South Central Avenue, separate from the county building in Kent. Use Kent Jail Inmate Search for custody status, charges, bail and visiting hours, or call 253-856-5960. The county window is at the Maleng Regional Justice Center on James Street.
13. What should I know about the Issaquah city jail?
The Issaquah jail, at 130 East Sunset Way, holds Issaquah arrests and prisoners for contract cities including Bellevue, Sammamish and Mercer Island. Check Issaquah Jail Inmate Search. Bail can be posted at the court or at the jail by cash, cashier's check or money order; personal checks are refused. Hours and rules: 425-837-3265.
14. How does the Kirkland city jail handle bail?
Kirkland's jail is at 11750 NE 118th Street. Look up inmates through Kirkland Jail Inmate Search, which updates every six hours. Kirkland Municipal Court cases can be paid online at any hour with a card and a 7 percent service fee, or in person at the court on business days or at the jail on nights and weekends. Other agencies' bail is paid in person only. The jail answers at 425-587-3465.
15. What if a smaller city, such as Enumclaw, made the arrest?
Enumclaw runs a jail beside its police station that is open around the clock and holds up to 25 people. Ask Enumclaw police for the booking number, then check King County Inmate Search, since people may be moved to a county facility. The Muckleshoot Tribal Court, 253-876-3203, handles tribal-court matters and can tell you where a tribal-court detainee is.
16. Who is the free lawyer for a King County arrest?
The Department of Public Defense gives a lawyer at the first appearance, usually only for that hearing. If the person stays in custody and charges are filed, a new public defender is assigned automatically. Call 206-296-7662 from the jail line or from home. People out of jail call 206-477-9727 to check eligibility. Seattle Municipal Court misdemeanors go through 206-286-1543. Do not discuss the case on jail calls, which are recorded.
17. What if the person arrested is under 18?
Youth held on juvenile detention charges are not eligible for bail. They stay at the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center, 1211 East Alder Street, Seattle. For status, court dates or probation, call 206-263-9595, answered at all hours. Youth charged as adults can be bailed out at the court holding the charge or at the Kent or Seattle jail; the court is faster.
18. Where are the courts, and what do clerks handle?
Felonies go to King County Superior Court, with clerk offices at 516 Third Avenue, Room E-609, Seattle, and 401 Fourth Avenue North, Room 2C, Kent, open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Call 206-296-9300. Misdemeanors in unincorporated areas go to King County District Court, 206-205-9200, with courthouses around the county.
19. What happens if the person misses court, and who refunds bail?
The court can declare a bond forfeited and enter judgment against the defendant and the surety. A surety bond is forfeited only for missing court. A cash or check bail is refunded by the court after the case ends, not by the jail, so keep your receipt and update your address with the court.
King County bail contacts
- County jails
- King County Correctional Facility, 500 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, and Maleng Regional Justice Center, 620 West James Street, Kent, WA 98032; 206-296-1234
- Custody lookup
- King County Inmate Search
- SCORE
- 20817 17th Avenue South, Des Moines, WA 98198; 206-257-6200; SCORE Jail Inmate Search
- City jails
- Kent 253-856-5960 (Kent Jail Inmate Search); Issaquah 425-837-3265 (Issaquah Jail Inmate Search); Kirkland 425-587-3465 (Kirkland Jail Inmate Search)
- Bail guide
- King County bail and bond pages
- Sheriff's Office
- 516 Third Avenue, Room W-116, Seattle, WA 98104; 206-296-4155
- Seattle court
- Seattle Municipal Court, 600 Fifth Avenue; 206-684-5600; cashier 206-615-0850
- Public defense
- Department of Public Defense, 206-296-7662; out of custody 206-477-9727
- Juvenile
- Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center, 1211 East Alder Street, Seattle, WA 98122; 206-263-9595
King County windows, hours and phone numbers change, and a judge can order an amount different from what a family expects. Verify with the facility or court before sending any payment. This guide is general information and does not replace a lawyer.
How do Bail Bonds work at SCORE Jail
- Bail is accepted at the reception window in the lobby at 20817 17th Avenue South in Des Moines.
- The reception window is open between the hours of 8:00 am and 7:00 pm, Monday - Friday.
- After hours, please use the after-hours intercom next to the main jail lobby entrance. Someone will be available to assist you.
- Bail may be posted with cash or a bond from a bail bond company.
SCORE Jail
Address:
20817 17th Avenue South
Des Moines, WA 98198
Phone:
206-257-6200
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in King County
What kind of bonds are accepted in King County?
Who can set bail in King County?
When is bail set in King County Washington?
Does King County have bail?
Yes, King County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in King County?
Bonds in King County are available in several forms including release on own recognizance, citation release, cash bail, property bond, and surety bond.
Who can set bail in King County?
For minor, non-violent crimes bail is set according to a bail schedule. For more serious offenses a judge will set the bond following a hearing.
When is bail set in King County Washington?
For minor, non-violent offenses when bail is set according to a bail schedule the defendant will be informed of bail during the booking process. For more serious offenses a bail hearing will be scheduled, usually on the next court date not including weekends or holidays.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in King 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.
Washington State's suggested bail schedule, though a judge has the authority to set bail above or below the suggested amounts:
If a judge in Washington 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 SCORE 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, King 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 King 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 King County have bail?
Yes, King County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in King County?
Bonds in King County are available in several forms including release on own recognizance, citation release, cash bail, property bond, and surety bond.
Who can set bail in King County?
For minor, non-violent crimes bail is set according to a bail schedule. For more serious offenses a judge will set the bond following a hearing.
When is bail set in Washington?
For minor, non-violent offenses when bail is set according to a bail schedule the defendant will be informed of bail during the booking process. For more serious offenses a bail hearing will be scheduled, usually on the next court date not including weekends or holidays.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in King County Washington?
Yes, your attorney can file a motion to reduce or modify bail.
In King County Washington, who can pay bail for me?
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 Washington could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in King County Washington?
Yes, Washington does offer online bail payment. Contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail: Go to the SCORE Jail for more information about the jails in King County.
What options are there to pay bail in King County Washington?
Cash, cashier’s check, credit card, debit card, surety or via the inmate’s jail account. Contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted and fees involved: Go to the SCORE Jail for more information about posting bail in King County.
Will I get all my bond money back in Washington?
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 King 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 Washington?
The SCORE 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 at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.
King County List of Approved Bonding Companies
(In alphabetical order)
A-Affordable Bail Bonds, LLC
615 W. 11th Street, Suite 100
Vancouver, WA 98660
206-628-0505 (Seattle)
253-859-4818 (Kent)
360-699-5455 (Vancouver)
Aladdin Bail Bonds
206-287-9999 (Seattle)
253-852-8300 (Kent)
All City Bail Bonds
601 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
Mailing address: P.O. Box 24307
Seattle, WA 98124
206-622-9999 (Seattle)
607 Central Ave. N.
Kent, WA 98032
253-854-8888 (Kent)
Bad Boys Bail Bonds, Inc.
4830 Pacific Ave., Suite A
Tacoma, WA 98408
206-254-9300 (Seattle)
253-373-9300 (Kent)
Fax: 253-671-8826
Cascade Bail Bonds
3118 Broadway
Everett, WA 98201
206-623-9999
Casey Bail Company, Inc.
3532 Lancashire Court
Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7568
Fax: 360-443-2615
CJ Johnson Bail Bonds
620 S. 11th Street, Suite A
Tacoma, WA 98405
206-624-7777
Lacey O’Malley Bonding & Insurance, Inc.
411 Jefferson St., Suite 101
Seattle, WA 98104
206-622-2666 (Seattle)
253-850-5370 (Kent)
Fax: 206-343-9295
Pacific Northwest Bail Bonding LLC
321 Yesler Way
Seattle, WA 98104
206-322-1900
Fax: 206-322-9690
South King County Bail Bonds
507 Central Ave. N.
Kent, WA 98032
253-856-1707
Fax: 253-856-1340