How to Send Money to Fresno County Jail, CA (CA)

Before you pick an amount, get clear on what the money is actually for. Paying a court fine is different from funding a jail account. If you're paying a court fine, penalty, or forfeiture through Fresno courts, expect state and local add-ons to change the total significantly. Fresno's schedule materials describe an "additional penalty" of between $22 and $27 for every $10 (or part of $10) of a fine, penalty, or forfeiture that the courts impose and collect. For traffic tickets or similar fines, the California State Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule sets the base amount. But that's not your final total. State-mandated assessments and fees get added on top.

If your question is about a court balance (not commissary or a jail account), start with Fresno Superior Court to confirm what's owed and whether assessments apply. The general information number is (559) 457-2000. Need to see a clerk in person? The "M" Street Courthouse clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, with some services available until 5:00 pm. Court contacts can help with court-levied amounts, but they're separate from whatever system Fresno County Jail uses to accept deposits for someone who's incarcerated.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Confirm whether the payment you’re making is a court fine/fee. If it is, use the California State Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule for the base amount, then account for added state-mandated assessments and fees that can increase the total.
• ✓ Call Fresno Superior Court at (559) 457-2000 if you need help understanding a court-related fine amount or how assessments affect what you owe.
• ✓ If you plan to go to a clerk’s office, verify “M” Street Courthouse hours before you go (clerk’s office hours are listed as Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, with some services posted as 8:00 am to 5:00 pm).

The biggest mistake people make is mixing up court payments with money intended for someone's jail account. These are completely separate. Court fines come with add-on amounts, including the additional penalty described in Fresno's materials (between $22 and $27 for every $10, or part of $10, of certain fines, penalties, or forfeitures collected by the courts). Traffic tickets and similar fines use the State Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule as a starting point, not the final number. State-mandated assessments and fees pile on top. If you're trying to help someone quickly, first confirm whether you should be paying the court directly or depositing funds for in-custody use. The "right amount" depends entirely on where the money is supposed to go.

1. Call Fresno Superior Court general information (559) 457-2000 and ask what assessments or added penalties apply to the specific fine or case you’re dealing with.
2. Confirm clerk service hours before you visit. “M” Street Courthouse lists clerk’s office hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and some services are posted as 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
3. Ask where payments must be routed. Have the court tell you whether your payment should be made through the court (for fines/fees) or handled separately as a jail deposit so you do not send funds to the wrong place.