How to Post Bail at Polk County Jail (in person, kiosk, and online)

Oregon's Senate Bill 48 (effective July 1, 2022) overhauled how bail works. It eliminated cash bail for all misdemeanor and felony arrests - though the county notes this change doesn't apply to local Municipal Courts. Don't assume every new arrest will have a bail amount you can pay right away.

For most crimes, bail is set after the person is arraigned by a Circuit Court Judge Monday through Friday.

To post bail in person, head to the Criminal Court Records window at 884 SE Jefferson Street, 2nd floor, Dallas, OR 97338. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm. They accept cash or credit/debit card.

If you need to confirm court dates, bail amounts, or attorney contact information before you go, call Polk County Circuit Records at 503-623-3154.

Can't make it to Dallas? You may be able to add money to the inmate's account through Viapath/gettingout online at gettingout.com or by phone at 866-516-0115. This is often the easiest route for family members who are out of state or need to pay outside court-records window hours.

• ✓ Viapath limits deposits to $3,000 per 24-hour period.
• ✓ Fees apply for Viapath transactions (online/phone).

There's also a kiosk in the jail's visitation lobby (Door 2) where you can deposit funds. It accepts cash or credit card.

• ✓ A fee may be required when using the kiosk for cash or credit transactions for bail or commissary.
• ✓ When posting funds, choose the trust/commissary option so the money goes to the inmate’s account.

Before you drive over or pay a fee online, confirm that a bail amount actually exists. After SB48, the county explains that the only arrests with bail attached would be warrants and restraining or stalking order violations. For most crimes, bail gets set after arraignment Monday through Friday. That timing matters - if arraignment hasn't happened yet, you may be waiting for the court to set conditions before any payment option applies.

• ✓ Double-check you’re selecting the trust/commissary option when you post funds so the deposit lands in the correct place.

Trying to cover a larger amount through Viapath? Plan around the deposit cap: $3,000 per 24-hour period.

Even after the money is posted, release isn't always instant. Processing time depends on the court, jail staffing, and what's happening inside. And if you're handling things in person, remember the Criminal Court Records window is only open Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm.

1. Get a money order - Use a money order (or cashier’s check) if you’re placing funds by mail.
2. Address it exactly - Mail it to: Inmates Name - Accounts, Polk County Jail, 850 Main Street, Dallas, OR 97338.
3. Mail only the money order - Put only the money order in the envelope (no letter or other material), or it may be returned unopened.

You may come across older guidance saying that posting 10% of the bail amount results in release, with instructions for paying at the Criminal Court Records window. Those details can still apply when a bail amount exists - but SB48 changed when cash bail is available in the first place. If you're unsure whether you're dealing with a warrant, a restraining/stalking order violation, or something handled differently (including municipal court situations), verify the current bail amount and correct payment path before paying any fees or making a trip.

• ✓ Call Polk County Circuit Records at 503-623-3154 to confirm the bail amount, court date timing, and what options you can use to post.