Thurston County Corrections Facility Inmate Bail & Bonds
Thurston County bail and bond: the Tumwater jail, the Olympia courts, and the cash-only window
Adults arrested in Thurston County are held at the Thurston County Corrections Facility, 3491 Ferguson Street SW, Tumwater, which the Sheriff's Office oversees. The phone is 360-709-5900. Check custody and the bond amount first with Thurston County Inmate Search. Cash bail is taken 24 hours a day: at the court clerk in Olympia on workdays, and at the jail's Bail Window at night and on weekends. The Nisqually Tribe runs a separate jail in Olympia that also takes bail.
1. Is my relative inside the Tumwater jail?
Look the name up with Thurston County Inmate Search. Release and booking times move fast, so a name that is missing at breakfast can appear by dinner. The reception lobby at the jail opens 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, and the phone line is 360-709-5900.
2. Why does the jail sit in Tumwater when the courts are in Olympia?
The jail's front door and bail window are at 3491 Ferguson Street SW in Tumwater. The county courthouse campus is at 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW in Olympia. Mail for people inside goes to the Lakeridge address, building 3. Visitors use a separate lobby at 3013 Ferguson Lane. Mixing up the three places is the most common mistake families make.
3. What happens at the first court hearing?
A judge must find probable cause within 48 hours of an arrest made without a warrant, and weekends count. The preliminary appearance comes as soon as practicable, and never later than the close of business on the next court day. There the judge appoints a lawyer, explains the charge, and chooses among release on a promise, release on conditions, or bail.
4. What is the Pretrial Services report?
Before the preliminary appearance, Pretrial Services gives the court, the prosecutor and the defense a screening report in nearly all Superior Court cases and many District Court cases. It lists criminal history and risk scores the judge may weigh. Some people are released under supervision, with text reminders about court dates. The office never asks for money or bank details by phone.
5. Can he walk out without paying a cent?
Often. The starting point for a non-capital charge is a promise to appear. The judge departs from it only if the promise will not assure his return, or if he is likely to commit a violent crime or threaten a witness. The judge must choose the least restrictive conditions that work, and must weigh what he can afford before setting money bail.
6. Where do I post cash bail during the workday?
During business hours, cash bail goes to the District Court or Superior Court clerk's office at 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW in Olympia. Know which court holds the charge. The District Court answers at 360-786-5450 and the Superior Court clerk at 360-786-5430. The court that ordered the bail is the court that refunds it.
7. Where do I post bail at night or on a weekend?
Cash bail is accepted 24 hours a day. After court hours, on weekends and on holidays, go to the Bail Window at 3491 Ferguson Street SW. Waits can be long, and the jail takes bail on behalf of the court where the charges started. Phone 360-709-5900 for current acceptance times before the drive. The bail steps are the same for any court.
8. What payment does the jail accept, and can I pay by phone?
Bail is cash only. Credit cards and personal checks are refused. The jail does not take bail over the phone, or through Cash App, Venmo, cryptocurrency or any peer-to-peer service. Anyone asking for those is running a scam. Deposits for a jail account follow different rules, and an account deposit never counts as bail.
9. Which bail bond agent should we call?
Bonds go through county-authorized bail bond companies on the same schedule and at the same places. The jail does not point families to a company. Agents must hold a Department of Licensing license, and the department answers licensing questions at 360-664-1809. Ask for the fee, the collateral and the contract in writing before you pay.
10. What happens to the bond if he skips court?
The judge can order a warrant and declare the recognizance forfeited. The surety must receive written notice within 30 days of the unexplained missed date, or the forfeiture is void. Forfeiture of a surety bond rests only on failure to appear. The agent keeps the fee either way, and may seek repayment from you.
11. Do I get the bail money back?
Cash bail returns through the court that ordered it, not through the jail. The refund follows the end of the case, less any fines, fees or restitution the judge orders. Keep the receipt and the case number. A bail bond agent's fee does not come back.
12. Can a judge deny bail altogether?
Yes, in narrow cases. The state constitution allows it for capital offenses and for offenses punishable by life in prison, which covers every class A felony. The prosecutor must request a hearing, and the judge must find clear and convincing proof of a violent propensity and that no conditions can protect others. The person may ask the court of appeals for expedited review.
13. How does Thurston County treat a domestic violence arrest?
A person arrested for domestic violence stays in custody until the first appearance, and the judge sets conditions then. Expect a no-contact order that bars calls, texts, messages through friends, and entering the shared home. Even a welcome invitation from the protected person does not excuse a violation. Only the court can change the order.
14. Does a DUI arrest follow special rules?
An officer must hold a driver arrested for DUI or physical control if the officer knows of a prior offense within ten years or a pending charge that would count as a prior. The person stays in until a judge releases him on bail, a promise to appear, or an order. Other first-time arrests follow the ordinary release rules.
15. How long can the county hold someone before charges?
After the preliminary appearance, the person cannot be held or kept on conditions longer than 72 hours, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, unless a complaint or information is filed or the person agrees. If nothing is filed in time, the court must release the person or set a short reappearance.
16. Which court has the case, and where is it?
Superior Court at 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, building 2, hears felonies. Thurston County District Court, building 3, hears misdemeanors from the county and from Bucoda, Lacey, Olympia, Rainier and Tenino. Yelm has its own municipal court at 206 McKenzie Avenue SE, 360-458-3242. Tumwater cases that involve only violations go to a violations bureau at 555 Israel Road SW, 360-754-4190.
17. What is the Nisqually jail, and can bail be paid there?
The Nisqually Corrections Bureau runs its own jail at 11702 Yelm Highway SE, Olympia, 360-459-9603. It houses Nisqually tribal members, other tribes, and cities that contract with it, including Tumwater. Cash bail is accepted 24 hours a day, cash only, with long waits possible. Bail scheduling is 360-413-3019. Look up an inmate there with Nisqually Corrections Inmate Search.
18. Who represents him if the family has no money?
Raise it with the judge at the first hearing. The court asks about income and appoints a lawyer if the person cannot afford one. Thurston County Public Defense takes calls at 360-754-4897. Do not wait for the next hearing to ask, because the court must provide a lawyer at the first appearance.
19. Where does Thurston County keep teenagers in custody?
The Thurston County Family and Juvenile Court is at 2801 32nd Avenue SW in Tumwater. Juvenile court answers at 360-709-3131 and the detention manager at 360-709-3193. If juvenile court declines a case and sends a detained youth to adult court, the adult court must see the youth by the close of the next court day.
20. Does a jail deposit count as bail?
No. A deposit to a jail account pays for phone calls and store items and never frees anyone. Deposits need an adult with photo ID, and the jail takes cash, U.S. Treasury checks and postal money orders. Bail is a separate payment to a court or to the Bail Window.
Thurston County bond contacts
- County jail
- Thurston County Corrections Facility, 3491 Ferguson Street SW, Tumwater, WA 98512; 360-709-5900
- Bond instructions
- Jail bail and bond guide
- Custody lookup
- Thurston County Inmate Search
- Mail address
- 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 3, Olympia, WA 98502
- District Court
- 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 3; 360-786-5450
- Superior Court
- Building 2; court 360-786-5560; clerk 360-786-5430
- Nisqually jail
- 11702 Yelm Highway SE, Olympia, WA 98513; 360-459-9603; Nisqually Corrections Inmate Search
- Public defense
- 360-754-4897
- Juvenile
- Family and Juvenile Court, 2801 32nd Avenue SW, Tumwater; 360-709-3131
Bail hours, payment rules and court calendars can shift. A short call to the jail saves a wasted drive. This guide describes how the process works and is not legal advice.
Thurston County Corrections Facility
Address:
3491 Ferguson St SW
Tumwater, WA 98512
Phone:
360-709-5900
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Thurston County
Does Thurston County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Thurston County?
Who can set bail in Thurston County?
When is bail set in Thurston County Washington?
Does Thurston County have bail?
Yes, Thurston County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Thurston County?
Bonds in Thurston 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 Thurston 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 Thurston 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 Thurston 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 Thurston County Corrections Facility 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, Thurston 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 Thurston 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 Thurston County have bail?
Yes, Thurston County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Thurston County?
Bonds in Thurston 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 Thurston 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 Thurston County Washington?
Yes, your attorney can file a motion to reduce or modify bail.
In Thurston 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 Thurston County Washington?
Yes, Washington does offer online bail payment. Contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail: Go to the Thurston County Corrections Facility for more information about the jails in Thurston County.
What options are there to pay bail in Thurston 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 Thurston County Corrections Facility for more information about posting bail in Thurston 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 Thurston 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 Thurston County Corrections Facility 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.
Cash bail is accepted 24 hours a day.
During business hours bail should be posted at the appropriate court clerk’s office, District or Superior. Clerks’ offices are located at 2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW, Olympia WA.
After hours and weekends bail may be accepted at the Thurston County Corrections Facility Bail Window, located at 3491 Ferguson St. SW Tumwater.
Paying bail at the jail is subject to jail workload and there can always be delays.
Contact Corrections staff for bail acceptance times. 360-709-5900.