You need to find a Dallas County arrest record — and you need the right information, not a third-party site with stale data that may show charges that were dropped months ago. Whether someone was just arrested at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center, or you’re trying to pull up an older record through the Dallas County courts, this guide gives you every official source, every verified phone number, and a clear step-by-step process to get accurate, current information without paying for something you can access for free.
Dallas County operates the 7th-largest jail in the United States. With over 6,000 inmates on any given day and multiple detention towers, knowing exactly where to look — and what each record actually tells you — makes all the difference. This guide was built for that.
Search Arrests, Inmate & Mugshot Records
Dallas County arrest records show a booking occurred. They do not show whether charges were dropped, reduced, or dismissed — and they do not show case outcomes. Texas.arrests.org and similar third-party sites pull this same public data with a 6–18 hour lag and no updates when charges change. For current, accurate information, always use the official Dallas County sources linked in this guide.
in the U.S.
Inmate Population
Capacity
Employees
Established
Phone Line
Lew Sterrett Justice Center — Dallas County’s Main Jail Explained
Every arrest made in Dallas County — whether by Dallas Police Department, a suburban city’s police force, or the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office — ends up at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center. Understanding the facility’s layout is essential because where in the complex someone is housed determines exactly what number to call and how to navigate the system.
Lew Sterrett Justice Center
Address: 111 West Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202
Inmate Information Line (24/7): (214) 761-9025 or (214) 761-9026
Bond Desk (24/7): Located inside Lew Sterrett — open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Sheriff’s Admin Office: 133 N. Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
Inmate Search Portal: dallascounty.org/jaillookup →
Official Sheriff Site: dallascounty.org/departments/sheriff →
The Three Detention Towers — What Each One Means
Lew Sterrett is not a single building — it’s a complex of three active detention facilities. Knowing which tower someone is in tells you a lot about their classification level:
North Tower — Maximum Security
Approximately 3,292 beds, all in isolation cells. Houses the highest-risk individuals, including those charged with violent felonies. Located directly beside the Frank Crowley Courts Building for secure court transport.
Capacity: ~3,292 beds
West Tower — Mixed Classification
Capacity of approximately 1,530 inmates. Houses male inmates with diverse needs including mental health, medical, protective custody, suicide watch, and HIV-positive individuals requiring specialized housing.
Capacity: ~1,530 beds
Suzanne Lee Kays Detention Facility
The Sheriff’s Department’s first facility with direct supervision — correctional officers interact directly with inmates inside housing units rather than monitoring from a remote station. Located in the South Tower.
Capacity: ~2,304 beds
Several cities within Dallas County operate their own municipal jails for short-term holding before transfer to Lew Sterrett. If someone was arrested in Garland (1900 W. State St), Irving (305 N. O’Connor Rd), Mesquite (777 N. Galloway Ave), Carrollton (2025 E. Jackson Rd), Richardson (140 N. Greenville Ave), or DeSoto (714 E. Beltline Rd) — they may still be at the city facility before transfer. Transfer to Lew Sterrett typically happens within 24 to 72 hours. If someone doesn’t appear in the Dallas County jail lookup, call the arresting city’s police department directly first.
How to Search Dallas County Arrest Records & Find an Inmate — Step by Step
The official Dallas County Jail Lookup System is free, available 24/7, and far more current than any third-party aggregator. Here is the exact process to use it correctly and get a result even when a straightforward search fails:
Go to the Official Dallas County Jail Lookup System
Open dallascounty.org/jaillookup/search.jsp in your browser. This is the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office official portal — the only source that reflects real-time booking data across all three Lew Sterrett towers. Do not use third-party sites that require payment or registration for information that is entirely free here.
Enter Name, Sex, and Race for Best Results
The Dallas County system requires the inmate’s full name, sex, and race for a name-based search — more fields than most county systems. This is because the facility holds over 6,000 people and common names return many results. If you don’t know race or sex, try the booking number or case number search instead. You can also add the date of birth to narrow results for very common names.
Review the Full Profile — Know What Each Field Means
Click the inmate’s name in search results to open their full profile. You’ll see: tower and tank location (which building they’re in), booking number (write this down immediately), current charges with statute codes, bond amount, mugshot, and warrant number if applicable. The tower/tank assignment is important — it tells you which facility they’re in and which line to call.
Try Booking Number or Case Number if Name Search Fails
The Dallas County system also allows search by booking number or case number. If you have either of these from an arrest notice, court document, or a previous search, use them — these return exact results with no ambiguity. If you don’t have these numbers yet, call (214) 761-9025 and provide the full legal name and date of birth.
Call the 24/7 Inmate Information Line for Immediate Answers
Call (214) 761-9025 or (214) 761-9026 — both lines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Have the inmate’s full legal name and date of birth ready. Be prepared for wait times during peak hours (evenings and weekends). Staff can confirm custody status, current tower/tank assignment, and bond amount faster than the website in urgent situations.
Still Can’t Find Them? Check These Sources Next
If someone doesn’t appear after a thorough search: (1) Check if they’re still at a municipal holding facility — call the arresting city’s PD. (2) Check TDCJ at inmate.tdcj.texas.gov if they may have been sentenced. (3) Check the Federal Bureau of Prisons at bop.gov/inmateloc if arrested by federal agents. (4) They may have already been released — call the 24/7 line to confirm.
The Dallas County profile displays: full legal name and demographic info, tower name and tank location within Lew Sterrett, booking number and booking date/time, charges as listed at booking (these may change), bond amount (updated after magistrate hearing), warrant number if applicable, and mugshot photo. It does not show case outcomes, dismissed charges, or post-conviction status. For those, use the court records portal at dallascounty.org/services/record-search.
How to Find Dallas Texas Arrest Records & Criminal Case History
There is an important distinction in Dallas County between an arrest record (booking data) and a criminal case record (what happened in court). Most people need both. Here is exactly where each type lives and how to access it:
Record Type |
Official Source |
Contact |
Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Active Jail / Current Booking |
Free |
||
Felony Court Records (cases from 1975) |
Free online; copies $1/page |
||
Misdemeanor Court Records |
Free online; copies $1/page |
||
Criminal Background Search |
Varies |
||
Active Warrant Search |
Free |
||
Certified Criminal History (State) |
$3/search (name-based) |
||
State Prison (TDCJ) |
Free |
||
Federal Custody |
— |
Free |
How to Access Dallas County Court Records Online — Step by Step
Go to the Dallas County Online Record Search Portal
Navigate to dallascounty.org/services/record-search. No registration required for public access. You can search Civil District Courts, Family District Courts (case information only), County and Probate Courts, and Felony and Misdemeanor criminal courts — all from one portal. Felony criminal records are available back to 1975.
Select “Felony and Misdemeanor” for Criminal Case Search
Choose the Felony and Misdemeanor option on the portal. Enter the defendant’s name or case number. The system returns case status, charge details, court dates, and for most felony cases filed after 2009 — actual case documents. This is where you find out if charges were dropped, reduced, or resulted in conviction.
For Certified Copies — Contact the Felony Records Desk
If you need certified copies for legal purposes (employment, immigration, court use), visit the Felony Records Desk on the second floor of the Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 N. Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75202. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Phone: (214) 653-5950. You can also email requests to DCRecordsCriminal@dallascounty.org with the Criminal Records Request Form attached.
The Frank Crowley Courts Building (133 N. Riverfront Blvd) is where all felony criminal court records, the District Clerk, and the Felony Records Desk are located — it is separate from the jail towers. Avoid arriving between 8:00–9:30 AM on weekdays — this is when jurors report and security lines at the courts building are long, and parking is extremely difficult. Come after 10 AM for significantly faster access. The courts building and the Lew Sterrett jail complex are adjacent but are different buildings with different entrances.
How to Post Bond in Dallas County After an Arrest
Bond in Dallas County is set by a magistrate — typically within 24–48 hours of arrest. Bond amounts are updated in the online jail lookup system as soon as they are set. Until the magistrate sets bond, nothing can be posted. Here are your three options once bond is set:
Cash Bond — Pay 100% at the Bond Desk
Pay the full bond amount directly at the Bond Desk inside Lew Sterrett Justice Center, 111 West Commerce Street. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Payment must be in cash or cashier’s check made payable to “Dallas County Sheriff.” Full amount is refunded after case concludes minus any court fees.
(214) 761-9025 — Confirm Bond AmountSurety Bond — Licensed Dallas Bondsman (10%)
Pay approximately 10% of the bond amount (non-refundable) to a licensed Texas bail bondsman. They guarantee the full amount to the court. Verify any bondsman’s license before paying at tdi.texas.gov. The DCSO does not recommend specific bondsmen.
Standard rate: 10% — non-refundable even if charges are dropped.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond)
Released on the person’s own recognizance with no money paid — granted at the magistrate’s discretion, typically for first-time, low-level offenses with strong community ties. A defense attorney can petition for this at the initial magistrate appearance and can also petition for bond reduction if the set amount is too high.
The Dallas County Bond Desk at Lew Sterrett accepts cash or cashier’s check only — made payable to “Dallas County Sheriff.” Personal checks, credit cards, Western Union (currently unavailable), and money orders through the mail are not accepted for bond. No refunds or returns. Call (214) 761-9025 before driving to confirm the current bond amount, as it may differ from what was set at booking after the magistrate hearing.
Dallas County Jail Visitation — Complete Schedule, Rules & What to Bring
Visiting someone at Lew Sterrett is more complex than at smaller county jails because of the facility’s scale and its alphabetical visitation schedule. Plan ahead — showing up on the wrong day or without proper ID means you’re turned away at the door.
Weekday Visitation Schedule — Last Name Based
Each inmate is permitted two visits per week. Maximum of two adults and two children per visit. Each visit is 20 minutes. All visitors 18 and older must present a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID. If a person is the sole approved visitor, they may visit twice per week. Visitors traveling from more than 75 miles away may request a 40-minute special visit with proof of address and advance approval. No visits on Wednesdays — at all.
What Is Prohibited at Lew Sterrett Visitation
- Cell phones, cameras, and pagers — leave them in your car
- Purses, handbags, backpacks, umbrellas, paper sacks, or any containers
- Packages, cigarettes, lighters, or matches
- Glass or metal containers of any kind (including baby bottles)
- Blankets, strollers, baby buggies, or baby toys
- Revealing clothing, sandals, hats, or spandex — dress code is strictly enforced
- Pocket knives, sharp objects, or anything that could be used as a weapon
- Food, gum, or drinks inside the visitation area
The Dallas County Jail enforces a conservative dress code — and staff have authority to deny entry based on their judgment. Families are regularly turned away for clothing violations, sometimes after driving significant distances. Before your visit, call (214) 761-9025 to confirm current dress code rules, or check the Dallas County Sheriff’s official website. Generally: covered shoulders, no revealing cuts, closed-toe shoes, no athletic wear. Coming on a Saturday or Sunday also avoids the weekday restriction on children under 17.
Video Visitation — Remote Option
Dallas County offers video visitation through Securus Technologies — available for family members who cannot visit in person. Register at securustech.net. Video visitation is a privilege, not a right, and requires prior approval. All video visits are monitored. For email messaging through the same platform, purchase “Securus stamps” through the app or website.
How to Send Money, Mail & Communicate With a Dallas County Inmate
Dallas County Detention Center inmates use a barcode armband system — the barcode acts as a debit card linked to their Inmate Trust Fund Account, used for commissary, food, recreation, and communication. Here is exactly how to fund it and connect:
Fund Inmate Account — AccessCorrections
Deposit money online at AccessCorrections, by phone at toll-free 1-866-345-1884, or at kiosk machines at each jail facility. CashPayToday.com also accepts cash deposits for a $5 flat fee at Kroger, CVS, Walgreens, and Dollar General locations.
accesscorrections.com →Care Packages — SecurePak / Dallas Packages
Send approved commissary packages through the SecurePak Inmate Commissary Program. Order online at the Dallas County packages portal. Call toll-free 1-800-546-6283 for questions. Standard money orders and checks through mail are no longer accepted.
dallascountypackages.com →Phone Calls — Securus Technologies
Dallas County uses Securus for inmate phone services. Inmates can call collect (if your landline accepts), use a prepaid calling card from commissary, or call using credits you fund through Securus. Cell phones typically cannot accept collect calls — funding a Securus prepaid account is the most reliable option.
securustech.net →Mail — Central P.O. Box (Updated Aug 2025)
As of August 2025, Dallas County Jail centralized all inmate mail. Address format: Inmate Name / Booking # / Inmate Location / P.O. Box 660334 / Dallas, TX 75266-0334. Letters must be one-sided, maximum 10 pages. No stickers, glitter, tape, fragrance, laminated items, checks, or money orders by mail.
Every phone call, video visit, email message, and letter at Lew Sterrett Justice Center is recorded and monitored. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office reviews inmate communications. Never discuss case facts, evidence, or legal strategy on any jail communication line. Only attorney-client calls are legally protected. Discuss only logistics: finding an attorney, childcare, utilities, and bills.
Dallas Texas Arrest Records Not Found — 7 Real Reasons & Exact Fixes
Still at a Municipal Jail
Arrested in Garland, Irving, Mesquite, Carrollton, Richardson, or DeSoto? They may still be at the city facility before transfer — which takes 24–72 hours. Call the arresting city’s police department directly.
Name Entered Incorrectly
The Dallas system requires name + sex + race. If any field is wrong, no results appear. Try different race/sex combinations if unsure. Try maiden name, middle name, or nickname. Call (214) 761-9025 for direct confirmation.
Booking Still Processing
The online system updates regularly but there is a processing lag after a fresh arrest — especially during peak hours. If arrested in the last few hours, call the 24/7 line for the most current status.
Transferred to TDCJ
If sentenced and transferred to the Texas state prison system, they no longer appear in the county roster. Search TDCJ Offender Search for state inmates.
Federal Custody (FBI/DEA/ICE)
Arrested by a federal agency? They go to federal — not county — custody and never appear in the Dallas County system. Search Federal BOP Inmate Locator.
Already Released
Released inmates are removed from the active roster immediately. They may have bonded out before you searched. Call (214) 761-9025 to confirm whether a release occurred and when.
Case Record vs. Booking Record
Looking for an old arrest record — not a current inmate? The jail lookup only shows active inmates. For past arrests and case history, use the Dallas County Court Records Portal — felony records go back to 1975.
Dallas County Jail Arrest Scams — Red Flags Every Family Must Know
Dallas County — as one of the largest jail systems in the country — attracts scammers who specifically target families in the hours immediately following an arrest. These operations are sophisticated and move fast. Here is what to watch for:
- Anyone calling and claiming your family member is in danger at Lew Sterrett — demanding immediate payment
- Requests for payment via gift card, Zelle, CashApp, Venmo, or cryptocurrency for “bail” or “jail fees”
- A bondsman who contacts you without being called — they somehow already know about the arrest
- “Pay within the next hour or the bond doubles” — extreme artificial urgency
- Websites charging $49–$299 to instantly remove a Dallas County mugshot
- Anyone claiming to be from “Dallas County Sheriff” via text or email asking for personal information
- Services claiming they can get DA charges dropped in exchange for payment
- Anyone asking for SSN, bank account access, or credit card number to “process” bond paperwork
Legitimate bail is paid exclusively at the Bond Desk inside Lew Sterrett Justice Center, 111 West Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202 — open 24/7. Cash or cashier’s check only, payable to “Dallas County Sheriff.” The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office never calls families to demand emergency payment. Verify any bondsman at tdi.texas.gov before handing over any money.
Complete Official Resource Directory — Dallas Texas Arrest Records
🔍 Inmate Search & Booking Records
⚖️ Court Records & Criminal Case Search
💰 Bond, Money, Mail & Communication
⚖️ Legal Help & Defense
Dallas Texas Arrest Records — Frequently Asked Questions
You need to find a Dallas County arrest record — and you need the right information, not a third-party site with stale data that may show charges that were dropped months ago. Whether someone was just arrested at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center, or you’re trying to pull up an older record through the Dallas County courts, this guide gives you every official source, every verified phone number, and a clear step-by-step process to get accurate, current information without paying for something you can access for free.
Dallas County operates the 7th-largest jail in the United States. With over 6,000 inmates on any given day and multiple detention towers, knowing exactly where to look — and what each record actually tells you — makes all the difference. This guide was built for that.
Dallas County arrest records show a booking occurred. They do not show whether charges were dropped, reduced, or dismissed — and they do not show case outcomes. Texas.arrests.org and similar third-party sites pull this same public data with a 6–18 hour lag and no updates when charges change. For current, accurate information, always use the official Dallas County sources linked in this guide.
in the U.S.
Inmate Population
Capacity
Employees
Established
Phone Line
Lew Sterrett Justice Center — Dallas County’s Main Jail Explained
Every arrest made in Dallas County — whether by Dallas Police Department, a suburban city’s police force, or the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office — ends up at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center. Understanding the facility’s layout is essential because where in the complex someone is housed determines exactly what number to call and how to navigate the system.
Lew Sterrett Justice Center
Address: 111 West Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202
Inmate Information Line (24/7): (214) 761-9025 or (214) 761-9026
Bond Desk (24/7): Located inside Lew Sterrett — open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Sheriff’s Admin Office: 133 N. Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
Inmate Search Portal: dallascounty.org/jaillookup →
Official Sheriff Site: dallascounty.org/departments/sheriff →
The Three Detention Towers — What Each One Means
Lew Sterrett is not a single building — it’s a complex of three active detention facilities. Knowing which tower someone is in tells you a lot about their classification level:
North Tower — Maximum Security
Approximately 3,292 beds, all in isolation cells. Houses the highest-risk individuals, including those charged with violent felonies. Located directly beside the Frank Crowley Courts Building for secure court transport.
Capacity: ~3,292 beds
West Tower — Mixed Classification
Capacity of approximately 1,530 inmates. Houses male inmates with diverse needs including mental health, medical, protective custody, suicide watch, and HIV-positive individuals requiring specialized housing.
Capacity: ~1,530 beds
Suzanne Lee Kays Detention Facility
The Sheriff’s Department’s first facility with direct supervision — correctional officers interact directly with inmates inside housing units rather than monitoring from a remote station. Located in the South Tower.
Capacity: ~2,304 beds
Several cities within Dallas County operate their own municipal jails for short-term holding before transfer to Lew Sterrett. If someone was arrested in Garland (1900 W. State St), Irving (305 N. O’Connor Rd), Mesquite (777 N. Galloway Ave), Carrollton (2025 E. Jackson Rd), Richardson (140 N. Greenville Ave), or DeSoto (714 E. Beltline Rd) — they may still be at the city facility before transfer. Transfer to Lew Sterrett typically happens within 24 to 72 hours. If someone doesn’t appear in the Dallas County jail lookup, call the arresting city’s police department directly first.
How to Search Dallas County Arrest Records & Find an Inmate — Step by Step
The official Dallas County Jail Lookup System is free, available 24/7, and far more current than any third-party aggregator. Here is the exact process to use it correctly and get a result even when a straightforward search fails:
Go to the Official Dallas County Jail Lookup System
Open dallascounty.org/jaillookup/search.jsp in your browser. This is the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office official portal — the only source that reflects real-time booking data across all three Lew Sterrett towers. Do not use third-party sites that require payment or registration for information that is entirely free here.
Enter Name, Sex, and Race for Best Results
The Dallas County system requires the inmate’s full name, sex, and race for a name-based search — more fields than most county systems. This is because the facility holds over 6,000 people and common names return many results. If you don’t know race or sex, try the booking number or case number search instead. You can also add the date of birth to narrow results for very common names.
Review the Full Profile — Know What Each Field Means
Click the inmate’s name in search results to open their full profile. You’ll see: tower and tank location (which building they’re in), booking number (write this down immediately), current charges with statute codes, bond amount, mugshot, and warrant number if applicable. The tower/tank assignment is important — it tells you which facility they’re in and which line to call.
Try Booking Number or Case Number if Name Search Fails
The Dallas County system also allows search by booking number or case number. If you have either of these from an arrest notice, court document, or a previous search, use them — these return exact results with no ambiguity. If you don’t have these numbers yet, call (214) 761-9025 and provide the full legal name and date of birth.
Call the 24/7 Inmate Information Line for Immediate Answers
Call (214) 761-9025 or (214) 761-9026 — both lines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Have the inmate’s full legal name and date of birth ready. Be prepared for wait times during peak hours (evenings and weekends). Staff can confirm custody status, current tower/tank assignment, and bond amount faster than the website in urgent situations.
Still Can’t Find Them? Check These Sources Next
If someone doesn’t appear after a thorough search: (1) Check if they’re still at a municipal holding facility — call the arresting city’s PD. (2) Check TDCJ at inmate.tdcj.texas.gov if they may have been sentenced. (3) Check the Federal Bureau of Prisons at bop.gov/inmateloc if arrested by federal agents. (4) They may have already been released — call the 24/7 line to confirm.
The Dallas County profile displays: full legal name and demographic info, tower name and tank location within Lew Sterrett, booking number and booking date/time, charges as listed at booking (these may change), bond amount (updated after magistrate hearing), warrant number if applicable, and mugshot photo. It does not show case outcomes, dismissed charges, or post-conviction status. For those, use the court records portal at dallascounty.org/services/record-search.
How to Find Dallas Texas Arrest Records & Criminal Case History
There is an important distinction in Dallas County between an arrest record (booking data) and a criminal case record (what happened in court). Most people need both. Here is exactly where each type lives and how to access it:
Record Type |
Official Source |
Contact |
Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Active Jail / Current Booking |
Free |
||
Felony Court Records (cases from 1975) |
Free online; copies $1/page |
||
Misdemeanor Court Records |
Free online; copies $1/page |
||
Criminal Background Search |
Varies |
||
Active Warrant Search |
Free |
||
Certified Criminal History (State) |
$3/search (name-based) |
||
State Prison (TDCJ) |
Free |
||
Federal Custody |
— |
Free |
How to Access Dallas County Court Records Online — Step by Step
Go to the Dallas County Online Record Search Portal
Navigate to dallascounty.org/services/record-search. No registration required for public access. You can search Civil District Courts, Family District Courts (case information only), County and Probate Courts, and Felony and Misdemeanor criminal courts — all from one portal. Felony criminal records are available back to 1975.
Select “Felony and Misdemeanor” for Criminal Case Search
Choose the Felony and Misdemeanor option on the portal. Enter the defendant’s name or case number. The system returns case status, charge details, court dates, and for most felony cases filed after 2009 — actual case documents. This is where you find out if charges were dropped, reduced, or resulted in conviction.
For Certified Copies — Contact the Felony Records Desk
If you need certified copies for legal purposes (employment, immigration, court use), visit the Felony Records Desk on the second floor of the Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 N. Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75202. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Phone: (214) 653-5950. You can also email requests to DCRecordsCriminal@dallascounty.org with the Criminal Records Request Form attached.
The Frank Crowley Courts Building (133 N. Riverfront Blvd) is where all felony criminal court records, the District Clerk, and the Felony Records Desk are located — it is separate from the jail towers. Avoid arriving between 8:00–9:30 AM on weekdays — this is when jurors report and security lines at the courts building are long, and parking is extremely difficult. Come after 10 AM for significantly faster access. The courts building and the Lew Sterrett jail complex are adjacent but are different buildings with different entrances.
How to Post Bond in Dallas County After an Arrest
Bond in Dallas County is set by a magistrate — typically within 24–48 hours of arrest. Bond amounts are updated in the online jail lookup system as soon as they are set. Until the magistrate sets bond, nothing can be posted. Here are your three options once bond is set:
Cash Bond — Pay 100% at the Bond Desk
Pay the full bond amount directly at the Bond Desk inside Lew Sterrett Justice Center, 111 West Commerce Street. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Payment must be in cash or cashier’s check made payable to “Dallas County Sheriff.” Full amount is refunded after case concludes minus any court fees.
(214) 761-9025 — Confirm Bond AmountSurety Bond — Licensed Dallas Bondsman (10%)
Pay approximately 10% of the bond amount (non-refundable) to a licensed Texas bail bondsman. They guarantee the full amount to the court. Verify any bondsman’s license before paying at tdi.texas.gov. The DCSO does not recommend specific bondsmen.
Standard rate: 10% — non-refundable even if charges are dropped.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond)
Released on the person’s own recognizance with no money paid — granted at the magistrate’s discretion, typically for first-time, low-level offenses with strong community ties. A defense attorney can petition for this at the initial magistrate appearance and can also petition for bond reduction if the set amount is too high.
The Dallas County Bond Desk at Lew Sterrett accepts cash or cashier’s check only — made payable to “Dallas County Sheriff.” Personal checks, credit cards, Western Union (currently unavailable), and money orders through the mail are not accepted for bond. No refunds or returns. Call (214) 761-9025 before driving to confirm the current bond amount, as it may differ from what was set at booking after the magistrate hearing.
Dallas County Jail Visitation — Complete Schedule, Rules & What to Bring
Visiting someone at Lew Sterrett is more complex than at smaller county jails because of the facility’s scale and its alphabetical visitation schedule. Plan ahead — showing up on the wrong day or without proper ID means you’re turned away at the door.
Weekday Visitation Schedule — Last Name Based
Each inmate is permitted two visits per week. Maximum of two adults and two children per visit. Each visit is 20 minutes. All visitors 18 and older must present a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID. If a person is the sole approved visitor, they may visit twice per week. Visitors traveling from more than 75 miles away may request a 40-minute special visit with proof of address and advance approval. No visits on Wednesdays — at all.
What Is Prohibited at Lew Sterrett Visitation
- Cell phones, cameras, and pagers — leave them in your car
- Purses, handbags, backpacks, umbrellas, paper sacks, or any containers
- Packages, cigarettes, lighters, or matches
- Glass or metal containers of any kind (including baby bottles)
- Blankets, strollers, baby buggies, or baby toys
- Revealing clothing, sandals, hats, or spandex — dress code is strictly enforced
- Pocket knives, sharp objects, or anything that could be used as a weapon
- Food, gum, or drinks inside the visitation area
The Dallas County Jail enforces a conservative dress code — and staff have authority to deny entry based on their judgment. Families are regularly turned away for clothing violations, sometimes after driving significant distances. Before your visit, call (214) 761-9025 to confirm current dress code rules, or check the Dallas County Sheriff’s official website. Generally: covered shoulders, no revealing cuts, closed-toe shoes, no athletic wear. Coming on a Saturday or Sunday also avoids the weekday restriction on children under 17.
Video Visitation — Remote Option
Dallas County offers video visitation through Securus Technologies — available for family members who cannot visit in person. Register at securustech.net. Video visitation is a privilege, not a right, and requires prior approval. All video visits are monitored. For email messaging through the same platform, purchase “Securus stamps” through the app or website.
How to Send Money, Mail & Communicate With a Dallas County Inmate
Dallas County Detention Center inmates use a barcode armband system — the barcode acts as a debit card linked to their Inmate Trust Fund Account, used for commissary, food, recreation, and communication. Here is exactly how to fund it and connect:
Fund Inmate Account — AccessCorrections
Deposit money online at AccessCorrections, by phone at toll-free 1-866-345-1884, or at kiosk machines at each jail facility. CashPayToday.com also accepts cash deposits for a $5 flat fee at Kroger, CVS, Walgreens, and Dollar General locations.
accesscorrections.com →Care Packages — SecurePak / Dallas Packages
Send approved commissary packages through the SecurePak Inmate Commissary Program. Order online at the Dallas County packages portal. Call toll-free 1-800-546-6283 for questions. Standard money orders and checks through mail are no longer accepted.
dallascountypackages.com →Phone Calls — Securus Technologies
Dallas County uses Securus for inmate phone services. Inmates can call collect (if your landline accepts), use a prepaid calling card from commissary, or call using credits you fund through Securus. Cell phones typically cannot accept collect calls — funding a Securus prepaid account is the most reliable option.
securustech.net →Mail — Central P.O. Box (Updated Aug 2025)
As of August 2025, Dallas County Jail centralized all inmate mail. Address format: Inmate Name / Booking # / Inmate Location / P.O. Box 660334 / Dallas, TX 75266-0334. Letters must be one-sided, maximum 10 pages. No stickers, glitter, tape, fragrance, laminated items, checks, or money orders by mail.
Every phone call, video visit, email message, and letter at Lew Sterrett Justice Center is recorded and monitored. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office reviews inmate communications. Never discuss case facts, evidence, or legal strategy on any jail communication line. Only attorney-client calls are legally protected. Discuss only logistics: finding an attorney, childcare, utilities, and bills.
Dallas Texas Arrest Records Not Found — 7 Real Reasons & Exact Fixes
Still at a Municipal Jail
Arrested in Garland, Irving, Mesquite, Carrollton, Richardson, or DeSoto? They may still be at the city facility before transfer — which takes 24–72 hours. Call the arresting city’s police department directly.
Name Entered Incorrectly
The Dallas system requires name + sex + race. If any field is wrong, no results appear. Try different race/sex combinations if unsure. Try maiden name, middle name, or nickname. Call (214) 761-9025 for direct confirmation.
Booking Still Processing
The online system updates regularly but there is a processing lag after a fresh arrest — especially during peak hours. If arrested in the last few hours, call the 24/7 line for the most current status.
Transferred to TDCJ
If sentenced and transferred to the Texas state prison system, they no longer appear in the county roster. Search TDCJ Offender Search for state inmates.
Federal Custody (FBI/DEA/ICE)
Arrested by a federal agency? They go to federal — not county — custody and never appear in the Dallas County system. Search Federal BOP Inmate Locator.
Already Released
Released inmates are removed from the active roster immediately. They may have bonded out before you searched. Call (214) 761-9025 to confirm whether a release occurred and when.
Case Record vs. Booking Record
Looking for an old arrest record — not a current inmate? The jail lookup only shows active inmates. For past arrests and case history, use the Dallas County Court Records Portal — felony records go back to 1975.
Dallas County Jail Arrest Scams — Red Flags Every Family Must Know
Dallas County — as one of the largest jail systems in the country — attracts scammers who specifically target families in the hours immediately following an arrest. These operations are sophisticated and move fast. Here is what to watch for:
- Anyone calling and claiming your family member is in danger at Lew Sterrett — demanding immediate payment
- Requests for payment via gift card, Zelle, CashApp, Venmo, or cryptocurrency for “bail” or “jail fees”
- A bondsman who contacts you without being called — they somehow already know about the arrest
- “Pay within the next hour or the bond doubles” — extreme artificial urgency
- Websites charging $49–$299 to instantly remove a Dallas County mugshot
- Anyone claiming to be from “Dallas County Sheriff” via text or email asking for personal information
- Services claiming they can get DA charges dropped in exchange for payment
- Anyone asking for SSN, bank account access, or credit card number to “process” bond paperwork
Legitimate bail is paid exclusively at the Bond Desk inside Lew Sterrett Justice Center, 111 West Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202 — open 24/7. Cash or cashier’s check only, payable to “Dallas County Sheriff.” The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office never calls families to demand emergency payment. Verify any bondsman at tdi.texas.gov before handing over any money.