Posting Bail at Polk County Jail After Oregon Senate Bill 48 (what families need to know)
Bail in Oregon doesn't work the way it used to. Here's how SB 48 changed things, when bail might still apply, and the practical ways families can post bail for someone held at Polk County Jail.
Oregon Senate Bill 48 took effect July 1, 2022, ending cash bail for most misdemeanor and felony arrests. Bail may still come up in a few situations - mainly arrests on warrants and violations of restraining or stalking orders. When bail does apply, it's typically set after arraignment by a Circuit Court judge, Monday through Friday. So if you're wondering whether bail is even an option yet, the timing of arraignment is key.
To post bail in person, head to the Criminal Court Records window at 884 SE Jefferson Street, 2nd floor, Dallas, OR 97338. The window is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can pay with cash or a credit/debit card.
You can also mail a money order to fund an inmate account. The envelope must contain only the money order - no letter, no other materials - or it gets returned unopened. Address it exactly like this: Inmates Name - Accounts, Polk County Jail, 850 Main Street, Dallas, OR 97338.
Polk County also accepts bail and other deposits through Viapath. You can post by phone at 866-516-0115, online at gettingout.com, or at the kiosk in the jail's visitation lobby (Door Number 2). The kiosk takes cash or credit card for bail and commissary deposits - useful if you need to make a payment outside court hours.
- ✓ Use the “Trust/Commissary” option when you deposit funds for bail.
- ✓ If you’re depositing online through gettingout.com, you’ll need to create an account first.
Keep the vendor limits in mind. Viapath caps deposits at $3,000 per 24-hour period, which matters if you're covering a larger bail amount. There's also a fee for posting bail or commissary funds through the phone, website, or kiosk.
Two things worth knowing upfront: Polk County says that posting 10% of the bail amount usually results in release. But release isn't instant. Processing time depends on the court, jail staffing, and what else is going on - so even after payment clears, expect some wait before your person walks out.
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