Address:
1901 E Street, SE
District of Columbia, DC 20003
Phone:
202-523-7060
Does the District of Columbia have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in theDistrict of Columbia?
Who can set bail in the District of Columbia?
When is bail set in the District of Columbia District of Columbia?
The District of Columbia does not impose bail as other states for the majority of crimes. For those defendants who have additional charges pending, previously failed to appear, is charged with a violent crime or a felony, there could be bail/bond imposed.
Cash bonds are the only bonds issued in the District of Columbia.
Money bonds are posted in the Criminal Finance Office, which is located in Room 4003 (on the fourth floor, east wing) of the Moultrie Courthouse, 500 Indiana Avenue. Bonds may only be posted in the form of cash or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.
If a defendant is eligible for pre-trial release this decision can often be made by police immediately following arrest and processing. In rare cases when bail may be required, the defendant will need appear in front of a magisterial judge who will determine if bail is warranted and, if so, set the amount. This hearing usually occurs within 24 hours of arrest.
If a defendant is not eligible for immediate no bail release, they will need to appear in front of a magisterial judge. This initial bail hearing is usually held within 24 hours of arrest.
Bail is what the arrested in the District of Columbia 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.
This is the case in the District of Columbia where the majority of defendants are not required to post monetary bail as a condition of pre-trial release. The exception would be a defendant who has additional charges pending, previously failed to appear, is charged with a violent crime or a felony.
Conditions for bail 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. These conditions are supervised by a Pretrial Services Agency.
Conditions for bail 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. These conditions are supervised by a Pretrial Services Agency.
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.
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge will determine if the felony offender qualifies for a bond release and if so, the bond will be payable in cash.
Money bonds are posted in the Criminal Finance Office, which is located in Room 4003 (on the fourth floor, east wing) of the Moultrie Courthouse, 500 Indiana Avenue. Bonds may only be posted in the form of cash or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.
Professional bond companies are not permitted to operate in the District of Columbia.
(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. If so, this is a scam.)
The District of Columbia does not impose bail as other states for the majority of crimes. For those defendants who have additional charges pending, previously failed to appear, is charged with a violent crime or a felony, there could be bail/bond imposed.
Cash bonds are the only bonds issued in the District of Columbia.
If a defendant is eligible for pre-trial release this decision can often be made by police immediately following arrest and processing. In rare cases when bail may be required, the defendant will need appear in front of a magisterial judge who will determine if bail is warranted and, if so, set the amount. This hearing usually occurs within 24 hours of arrest.
If a defendant is not eligible for immediate no bail release, they will need to appear in front of a magisterial judge. This initial bail hearing is usually held within 24 hours of arrest.
In the rare case that bail is required, an attorney may request the court lower the cash amount and/or replace it with alternatives such as electronic monitoring.
Any person can post a bond.
Email online bond payment requests to BondPayPortal@dcsc.gov.
Email online bond payment requests to BondPayPortal@dcsc.gov.
In the rare case that bail is required the Washington D.C., courts will accept cash, cashier’s check, or money orders. Contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted.
Go to the Washington DC Correctional Treatment Facility for more information about posting bail in Washington DC.
In the cases that a bond was ordered, the judge will outline any fees or deduction that would come out of the amount of the paid bond amount.
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you.
Bail bond companies are not permitted to operate in the District of Columbia.
Bail bond procedures can vary by jurisdiction, so it’s best to call Washington DC Correctional Treatment Facility at 202-523-7060 or contact the court in the jurisdiction where the defendant was charged to confirm the latest guidelines.
When speaking with Washington DC Correctional Treatment Facility or the District of Columbia Court Clerk, be sure to ask the following questions:
If you feel the bail is too high, contact a lawyer or public defender to discuss the possibility of a bail reduction. Starting the process quickly may help secure the defendant’s release sooner.
Hiring a criminal attorney or bail agent can streamline the process and make it easier for you.
Option 1 - How to Post Cash Bail for a Defendant at Washington DC Correctional Treatment Facility
One option is to pay the full bail amount in cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.
Bail amounts can vary, ranging from $100 to $75,000 or more, depending on the crime.
To post the bond, visit Washington DC Correctional Treatment Facility or the court where the bail hearing was held. Going directly to the jail may expedite the release process, as paperwork from the court must be transferred there.
Cashier’s checks and money orders should be made payable to Washington DC Correctional Treatment Facility, the District of Columbia Sheriff’s Office, or the District of Columbia Court.
Money orders can be purchased from Western Union, Moneygram, or any Post Office.
Option 2 - How to Post a Surety Bond at Washington DC Correctional Treatment Facility
If you don’t have the full bond amount, you can use a surety bond. A bail agent posts the bail, and you pay a premium, which is usually 10-15% of the total bail amount.
For example, if bail is set at $5,000, the premium will range from $500 to $750.
The bail agent may require collateral, such as property or valuables, to ensure payment if the defendant fails to appear in court.
By signing an agreement with a bail agent, you assume responsibility for the full bail amount if the defendant does not show up in court.
Option 3 - How to Post a Property Bond for a Defendant at Washington DC Correctional Treatment Facility
If you own property in District of Columbia, you may be able to post a property bond. All owners of the property must be present to sign the bond.
For property located outside District of Columbia, contact a local bail agent or attorney for advice.
Click here for additional information on posting bail at Washington DC Correctional Treatment Facility.
Anyone over the age of 18 who can produce a valid government-issued photo ID can post bail. Accepted forms of ID include a Photo Driver's License, Passport, or Motor Vehicle issued ID.
In many circumstances, if the defendant has the resources, they can post their own cash bail from jail.
Surety Bonds are arranged by a third party, typically a District of Columbia state licensed Bail Bond firm.
Juveniles may only be bailed or bonded out of custody by a parent or legal guardian.
