Whatcom County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Whatcom County bail: the Bellingham jail, city courts and Lummi Tribal Court
Every adult arrest in Whatcom County, whether by city police, deputies or Lummi Nation Police, is booked at the Grand Avenue jail in Bellingham or held at the Division Street Work Center. Courts set the bail; pay the court on weekdays and the jail when courts are closed. Lummi tribal charges follow tribal rules. Start with Whatcom County Inmate Search.
1. Where are adults held after an arrest in Bellingham, the small cities or the Lummi Reservation?
Whatcom County keeps adults in two buildings under one roster: the main jail in the Public Safety Building, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, 360-778-6500, and the Interim Work Center, 2030 Division Street, 360-778-6450. Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, Lynden, Sumas and Everson police, sheriff's deputies and Lummi Nation Police all use them. The Lummi Nation has no detention building of its own.
Search Whatcom County Inmate Search; for anything the listing does not answer, call on weekdays between 8 and 4, or use the control-room button in the lobby after hours.
2. How do Lummi police arrests work?
Lummi Nation Police work out of 2665 Kwina Road, west of Bellingham; the department's main line is 360-312-2274, and 911 for emergencies. Officers book prisoners into the Grand Avenue jail. A tribal-law charge then goes to Lummi Tribal Court, while a state-law charge, including most cases against non-members, goes into the Whatcom County courts.
3. How does Lummi Tribal Court decide release?
Lummi Tribal Court, at the Kwina Road campus, applies its own code, which can differ from state bail rules. Its judges may release on a promise to appear, on conditions, or on security the code permits, and they hold court for jailed defendants on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the jail's schedule. Call reception at 360-312-2228 or 360-312-2229 to learn where to pay, which forms of payment work and whether a surety will be taken. Kwina Road offices are open on weekdays.
4. Which court has a city arrest?
Bellingham Municipal Court, 2014 C Street, 360-778-8150, sits for jailed defendants Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. Smaller city courts: Ferndale, 2095 Main Street, 360-384-2827; Blaine, 435 Martin Street, 360-332-8310; Lynden, 300 4th Street, 360-354-4270; Sumas, 433 Cherry Street, 360-988-5711; Everson-Nooksack, 111 W. Main Street, 360-966-3411. Blaine, Everson and Sumas see in-custody cases Tuesdays at 8:30, Ferndale Tuesdays at 10, Lynden on Tuesday.
5. Which court has a county or felony case?
Misdemeanors charged by the county go to Whatcom County District Court, Suite 401 of the Grand Avenue building, 360-778-5400, which takes jailed cases weekdays at 1:30 p.m. Felonies go to Superior Court, Suite 501, 360-778-5490, at 3:00 p.m. The Superior Court clerk is in Suite 301, 360-778-5560. A person facing both a tribal and a county charge may need to clear two courts.
6. How fast does a judge review a Whatcom arrest under state law?
A judge has two days, counting Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, to find probable cause once police arrest without a warrant. The first appearance comes quickly after that, before the following court day closes, and a lawyer is appointed there. The jail never sets the amount; the court does.
7. Can someone get out without paying?
Washington's default is personal recognizance. A Bellingham or county judge may add conditions like no contact or supervision and turns to money bail only if lesser steps would fail, considering what the person can afford. Ask the jail whether a recognizance release has been ordered.
8. Where is Whatcom bail paid during the day and at night?
During court hours, pay the court with the case. Nights, weekends and court holidays, both the main jail and the Work Center take cash and bonds from approved companies, and warrants from other jurisdictions can be paid there at any hour. Credit cards work at InmateCanteen kiosks in both lobbies or online, with a fee. Tribal court payments go wherever Lummi Tribal Court directs.
9. Why the wait after paying?
The jail releases nobody until a breath test reads 0.00, and every other hold must clear first. Paperwork adds time, so tell the person where you will be waiting.
10. How do bonding companies work here?
An approved, licensed agent guarantees the full amount for a nonrefundable fee and should phone the jail before arriving after hours; the approved list is posted in the housing units. Washington's Department of Licensing, 360-664-1809, licenses agents. On a Lummi case, confirm the tribal court will accept a surety before paying any premium.
11. Is cash bail returned?
The court, not the jail, returns cash after the case ends, minus any fines, fees or restitution. Keep the receipts and ask the clerk about timing. Commissary deposits never count as bail.
12. When is someone held without any bail?
A state domestic violence arrest holds the person until a judge sees the case, and the judge usually orders no contact of any kind, including through friends. A DUI or physical-control arrest is held if a prior within ten years, or a countable pending charge, is known. Outright denial of bail is limited to capital crimes and those carrying a possible life term, which covers every class A felony, after a hearing with clear proof of dangerousness; the defense may seek fast appellate review.
13. Who provides a lawyer?
The Whatcom County Public Defender, 360-778-5640, meets new bookings on weekday mornings, normally by the day after booking. Lummi Nation's Office of Public Defense shares the Kwina Road address, and people in the jail can reach it free from housing-unit phones at 800-496-3446.
14. Where are juveniles detained?
Whatcom County Juvenile Court, Suite 501 at 311 Grand Avenue, 360-778-5490, runs detention for the county and serves Lummi youth; the detention manager's line is 360-778-5498. When a youth's case is moved to adult court, the hearing there must happen within one court day.
15. What follows a missed court date?
Lummi Tribal Court may issue its own warrant. County and city judges may sign a warrant and declare the bond lost; a bonding company that is not told in writing inside a month escapes the forfeiture. Ask the public defender to seek a new date right away.
16. How can I tell a scam call?
The Sheriff's Office does not call people asking for money to avoid arrest or to bail out a relative, and bail is never paid with gift cards. Hang up and call 360-778-6500 directly.
17. Which numbers confirm the details before a trip to Bellingham?
Call the jail at 360-778-6500 for custody, holds and bail. For a Lummi tribal charge, call the tribal court at 360-312-2228; for a city or county case, call the court listed above that holds it. Check hours and payment methods before you go.
Whatcom County and Lummi Nation bail contacts
- County jail
- Whatcom County Jail, 311 Grand Avenue, Suite B2, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360-778-6500
- Custody lookup
- Whatcom County Inmate Search
- Work Center
- Interim Work Center, 2030 Division Street, Bellingham, WA 98226; 360-778-6450
- Sheriff's Office
- 311 Grand Avenue, B1; reception 360-778-6600
- District Court
- 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401; 360-778-5400
- Superior Court
- 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 501; 360-778-5490; clerk 360-778-5560
- Bellingham Municipal Court
- 2014 C Street; 360-778-8150
- Lummi Nation Police
- 2665 Kwina Road, Bellingham, WA 98226; 360-312-2274
- Lummi Tribal Court
- 2665 Kwina Road, Bellingham, WA 98226; 360-312-2228; 360-312-2229
- Public defense
- County 360-778-5640; Lummi public defenders from jail phones 800-496-3446
- Juvenile
- Juvenile Court, 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 501; detention manager 360-778-5498
- Bail bond licensing
- Department of Licensing, 360-664-1809
Court days, payment rules and tribal procedures change. Phone ahead before carrying money to Grand Avenue or Kwina Road; this is general information, not legal advice.
Depositing Money in an Inmate's Account so that they can Self Bail
Whatcom County Bail Bond Deposit
Whatcom County Jail uses a third-party, Inmate Canteen, to let you use a credit or debit card to deposit funds into an inmate's account so that they can pay their bail and get released after an arrest.
- To begin the process, first call the Whatcom County Jail at 360-778-6500 to get the exact amount needed to pay the bail.
- Next, go to Inmate Canteen, register and select this facility by first choosing Washington. Then you will select the inmate you want to deposit money for, then the amount.
- Inmate Canteen Customer Service can be reached at 715-690-2965, or by email at support@inmatecanteen.com.
There will be a delay between the time you deposit the money and when Inmate Canteen forwards it to the inmate's account, but the sooner you notify the inmate and the Whatcom County Jail, the quicker they will be released.
Whatcom County Jail
Address:
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone:
360-778-6500
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Whatcom County
Does Whatcom County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Whatcom County?
Who can set bail in Whatcom County?
When is bail set in Whatcom County Washington?
Does Whatcom County have bail?
Yes, Whatcom County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Whatcom County?
Bonds in Whatcom 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 Whatcom 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 Whatcom 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 Whatcom 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 Whatcom County Jail until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different. The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions. Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.
The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Whatcom 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 Whatcom 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 Whatcom County have bail?
Yes, Whatcom County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Whatcom County?
Bonds in Whatcom 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 Whatcom 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 Whatcom County Washington?
Yes, your attorney can file a motion to reduce or modify bail.
In Whatcom 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 Whatcom County Washington?
Yes, Washington does offer online bail payment. Contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail: Go to the Whatcom County Jail for more information about the jails in Whatcom County.
What options are there to pay bail in Whatcom 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 Whatcom County Jail for more information about posting bail in Whatcom 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 Whatcom 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 Whatcom 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 at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.