Dallas County Jail Inmate Search | Current Custody

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Dallas County, Texas · Live jail location, book-in number, charges, bond and release

Follow a Dallas County Book-In From Intake to Current Housing

Start with the official Dallas County Jail Lookup when someone may have been arrested recently. Search by name unless you already have the book-in number or criminal case number. Open the possible match and save the jail location, book-in number, charge, warrant number and bond amount.

The online result can change while a person is processing, appearing in court, moving between towers or completing release paperwork. This guide shows when to trust the screen, when to call the jail, and what to do next for bond, visitation, mail, telephone service, deposits, property, medical concerns and court verification.

Open the official jail lookup Call jail information: 214-761-9025 Fix a missing result
Exact booked name Date of birth Book-in number Case or warrant number Approximate arrest date
DALLAS CUSTODY CONTROL LIVE ROUTING
JAIL LOOKUP CURRENT CUSTODY
BOOK-IN RECORD
LOCATION CONFIRMED
BOOK-IN
CURRENT CUSTODY CHECKED
Jail custody is not a conviction. The Dallas County lookup shows booking, housing, charge and bond information available through the detention system. It does not establish guilt or replace the criminal court record.
Official search

Name, book-in number and case-number routes are available.

Jail information

Call 214-761-9025 when custody or release is unclear.

Warrant information

Call 214-761-9026 for Dallas County warrant questions.

Main complex

Lew Sterrett Justice Center, 111 W. Commerce Street.

Official review

Procedures and contacts checked August 4, 2026.

Choose the quickest route

What do you need from Dallas County right now?

ARRESTED RECENTLY Search by name first

Open each possible match and save the book-in number before calling, visiting or sending money.

Follow the exact search steps
STILL IN CUSTODY? Read the jail location

Call 214-761-9025 when the person may be processing, at court, moving towers or releasing.

Confirm current custody
BOND OR RELEASE Check every charge and hold

One displayed bond may not clear another case, warrant, probation matter or outside hold.

Review the bond workflow
VISIT OR VIDEO CALL Check the surname schedule

In-person days depend on the inmate’s last name. Video visits require a separate SmartInmate account.

Prepare for a visit
PERSON NOT FOUND Broaden the search safely

Try another spelling, case-number search and the court record before assuming no arrest occurred.

Troubleshoot no result
FINAL CASE RESULT Open the criminal court record

Use the warrant or case number to check filed charges, court events and the disposition.

Verify the court outcome

Go directly to the Dallas County task

The first sections solve urgent custody questions. Later sections cover visits, family services and court follow-up.

Official Dallas County search

Find the inmate by name, book-in number or case number

Dallas County provides separate public search routes for a person’s name, book-in number and criminal case number. Use the book-in number when you have it because it points to one custody event more precisely than a common name.
Open Dallas County Jail Lookup Use the county-operated portal rather than a third-party inmate directory. Open the official Dallas County Jail Lookup
Choose the correct search route Select name when you have only identifying information, book-in number for a known intake, or case number when the criminal cause is already known.
Start with the legal surname Add the first and middle name when too many people appear. Try a maiden name, suffix, hyphenated name or alternate spelling when no result appears.
Open every reasonable match Do not choose a person from the name alone. Compare all available age, date, case and custody details.
Save the book-in number You may need it for jail calls, inmate mail, account deposits, property questions and court follow-up.
Record the jail location The result may identify North Tower, West Tower, Suzanne Lee Kays Tower or another Dallas County housing location.
Copy every charge and warrant number One person may have multiple cases. Preserve each number rather than saving only the first result.
Read every bond amount separately The displayed amount reflects the most recent bond information available for that entry. It does not guarantee immediate release.
Call when the result conflicts with what you know Use 214-761-9025 for jail information and have the name, date of birth and book-in number ready.
Verify the criminal case Use the warrant or case number in the Dallas County criminal-record search to see what was filed and what happened afterward.
Save before closing the result: exact booked name, book-in number, jail location, charge, warrant number, case number when shown, bond amount and the date and time you checked the record.
Search-result decoder

Understand the Dallas County jail record before acting on it

What the main jail-result fields mean
Field
What it identifies
What it does not prove
Best next action
Book-in number
One Dallas County detention intake.
That every arrest or case under the person has the same number.
Use it for mail, deposits, jail calls and identity checks.
Jail location
The tower or facility currently displayed by the jail system.
That the person will remain there.
Recheck before visiting or releasing property.
Charge
An allegation linked to the custody record.
Guilt or the final prosecutor-filed offense.
Search the criminal court cause.
Warrant number
A court or warrant reference associated with the listed charge.
That an older warrant is still active.
Use it in the court search and check the newest entry.
Bond amount
The most recent bond amount shown for that listed matter.
That payment clears another charge, warrant or hold.
Confirm all active matters with the Bond Desk.
Custody status
The detention status available when the system was checked.
That release, transfer or court movement has not begun.
Call jail information when timing is important.
Release information
An end or change in the displayed custody event.
Dismissal, acquittal or completion of the case.
Check the criminal court disposition.
Minimum identity rule: Match at least two independent details—preferably the date of birth or known age plus the book-in number, arrest date, case number or warrant number—before sending money or treating the record as belonging to a particular person.

Example: one person, three different questions

Where is the person?

Use the jail location and call 214-761-9025 if the tower is unclear.

Can the person bond out?

Review every charge and confirm additional warrants or holds with the Bond Desk.

What happened to the charge?

Use the case or warrant number in the Dallas County court search.

Current-custody confirmation

When the online location is not enough

Check the live jail result Record the book-in number, housing location and every listed charge.
Consider where the person may be in the process A newly arrested person can be fingerprinted, medically screened, interviewed, taken before a magistrate or moved to housing before the public screen settles.
Call with precise information Give the booked name, date of birth and book-in number. Ask whether the person is processing, housed, at court, releasing or transferred.
Recheck before travelling A tower assignment can change after classification, court movement or bed reassignment.
Use the court record for the legal status Custody status and criminal-case status are related but not interchangeable.
Current-custody call script
I am trying to confirm the current custody and housing status of [exact booked name], date of birth [date], book-in number [number]. The online result shows [tower or location]. Can you confirm whether the person is processing, housed there, at court, being transferred or completing release?
Dallas County jail information: 214-761-9025
Dallas County warrant information: 214-761-9026
No-result troubleshooting

Why a Dallas County inmate may not appear

Booking is still underway Identity checks, fingerprints, medical screening and data entry may occur before the result becomes visible.
The name is entered differently Try the surname alone, a former name, maiden name, suffix, hyphenated name or alternate spelling.
The person was released quickly Search the related criminal case and call jail information with the arrest date.
The arrest happened outside Dallas County Search the county where the person was actually booked.
The person received a citation A court case can exist without a Dallas County jail intake.
The person entered another custody system Check TDCJ for state custody, the federal locator for federal custody or ICE when immigration detention is a known possibility.
The record is restricted Juvenile, expunged, sealed and legally confidential information may not appear publicly.
The court case has not posted Prosecutor review and clerk entry can follow the initial arrest or magistrate appearance.
Missing-result call script
I am trying to locate [full legal name], date of birth [date]. The arrest may have occurred on [date] through [agency]. I do not have a book-in number. Can you confirm whether the person is still processing, was released, transferred, or is listed under another booked name?
Lew Sterrett detention complex

Identify the correct Dallas County jail tower

The principal Dallas County detention complex is the Lew Sterrett Justice Center at 111 W. Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202. The Sheriff’s facility information identifies the North Tower, West Tower and Suzanne Lee Kays Detention Facility within the complex.
North Tower
Lew Sterrett Justice Center
111 W. Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202

Confirm the inmate’s current location before entering the visitor process.

West Tower
Lew Sterrett Justice Center
111 W. Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202

Housing can change after classification or court movement.

Suzanne Lee Kays Tower
Lew Sterrett Justice Center
111 W. Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202

Use the live result rather than assuming the person is in a particular tower.

Do not travel from an old screenshot. Reopen the jail result or call immediately before a visit, property release or release pickup.
Bond, holds and release

Confirm every case before paying a Dallas County bond

Eligible bonds can be posted in person at the Dallas County Bond Desk in the Lew Sterrett Justice Center, 111 W. Commerce Street. The Bond Desk operates 24 hours a day.
Verify the correct inmate Match the booked name, date of birth and book-in number.
Write down every charge and warrant number One displayed amount may belong to only one matter.
Ask whether another hold exists Probation, parole, another county, federal authorities or another warrant can delay release.
Confirm the newest judicial bond A magistrate or criminal-court judge may change the amount or conditions.
Use an accepted payment form Dallas County currently lists cash, qualifying cashier’s checks and money orders. Debit and credit cards are not accepted for cash bonds at the Bond Desk.
Prepare proof of purchase A cashier’s check or money order must meet the county’s current issuing-institution requirements, and proof of purchase may be required.
Use only a licensed bond company Check the Dallas County Bail Bond Board list rather than responding to an unsolicited caller.
Keep receipts and written agreements Save the book-in number, warrant numbers, amount, payer, collateral and company information.
Allow time for release processing Payment does not create an immediate exit. Every cause and hold must be cleared.
Read the official bond instructions Check licensed bond companies
Bond scam warning: Dallas County specifically warns against paying a caller through Cash App or another unverified personal-transfer method. Verify the custody record and payment instructions yourself.
Bond-verification call script
I am calling about [booked name], date of birth [date], book-in number [number]. Please confirm every active charge and warrant, the current bond for each matter, any hold preventing release, and the accepted payment form at the Bond Desk.
Bond Administration: 214-653-2755
Bail Bond Board: 214-653-2756, 214-653-2757
In-person visitation

Use the inmate’s last name to choose the visit day

Confirm current custody and tower Recheck the jail result before travelling.
Match the inmate’s surname to the schedule A through L and M through Z have different weekday visit days.
Arrive before processing closes Processing stops 30 minutes before each published period ends.
Bring accepted identification Verify the current ID rules on the Sheriff’s visitation page before leaving home.
Leave prohibited property outside Cellphones, cameras, purses, packages, weapons, smoking items and numerous containers are not permitted in the visiting area.
Plan for a short visit General visits are 20 minutes, subject to operational restrictions.
Current general in-person visitation schedule
Inmate surname
Visit days
Visit period
Processing cutoff
A through L
Monday and Thursday
7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
No processing after 8:30 p.m.
M through Z
Tuesday and Friday
7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
No processing after 8:30 p.m.
All inmates
Saturday and Sunday
8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
No processing after 1:30 p.m.
One 20-minute visit per day
Maximum two general visits per week
Maximum four visitors in the visit group
Maximum two adults and two minor children
Visitors age 17 or younger need an adult
Signup begins 30 minutes before visitation
Recent Dallas County incarceration may disqualify a visitor
Visits can be cancelled for operational or security reasons
Out-of-town visitor rule: A qualifying visitor who lives more than 75 miles away may be allowed a one-time 40-minute visit. Later visits return to the normal 20-minute limit.
Cellphones are prohibited. Dallas County specifically warns visitors to plan ahead, including people who may depend on a phone to operate, unlock or charge an electric vehicle.
Check the live visitation page

When a visitor lacks standard photo identification

Eligible U.S. citizens age 18 or older may be able to obtain a Dallas County jail visitation card for a published $5 cash fee. The visitor must present three qualifying original identity documents. Verify current card hours and document requirements before travelling.
SmartInmate video visitation

Register early instead of waiting until the visit day

Dallas County uses Smart Communications through SmartInmate for video visits. The registering visitor must be at least 17 and complete identity verification with a valid government-issued photo ID.
Create a SmartInmate account Use an email address and information that match the identification being submitted. Open SmartInmate
Complete visitor identity approval Approval generally takes time. Do not create the account immediately before the desired visit.
Schedule at least 72 hours ahead Choose the correct Dallas County inmate and available visit type.
Check whether the visit is on-site or off-site On-site and remote visits have different limits and practical requirements.
Join from an appropriate location Follow all dress, conduct and recording restrictions even when visiting remotely.
Expect monitoring Non-privileged video visits are recorded and monitored.
Current Dallas County video-visit basics
Item
Published guidance
Visit length
20 minutes.
Advance scheduling
At least 72 hours ahead.
On-site maximum
Two on-site video visits per week.
On-site days
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Wednesday
No on-site video visitation.
Published on-site hours
8:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m. on available days.
Weekday children rule
Children under 17 are not permitted during weekday on-site visits.
Digitally processed personal mail

Use the exact booked name and book-in number

[Inmate’s exact booked name] #[Book-in number]
c/o Mail Processing Center
P.O. Box 9226
Seminole, FL 33775-9226
Write the exact name used in the jail result
Include the Dallas County book-in number
Include the sender’s full legal name
Include a complete return address
Use ordinary personal correspondence only
Recheck custody before sending time-sensitive mail
Do not send confidential legal mail to the digital personal-mail address. Mail routed to the processing centre is scanned and is not treated as confidential attorney correspondence.
Dallas County does not forward personal mail after release. Undeliverable items may be returned or handled as dead-letter mail.

Items that should not be placed in ordinary inmate mail

Money and financial instruments

Do not mail cash, personal checks, payroll checks, money orders, tax refunds, benefit checks or similar payments.

Physical books and packages

Dallas County’s updated system directs inmates to electronic book purchases through the tablet service rather than ordinary mailed books.

Attached or altered items

Jewelry, glued material, substances and prohibited attachments can cause rejection.

Check current inmate-mail rules
Trust-account deposits

Confirm the book-in number before adding funds

Jail kiosk

Cash kiosks are available at Dallas County jail locations.

  • Bring the exact booked name.
  • Use the book-in number.
  • Review the entered inmate before inserting cash.
  • Keep the printed receipt.

Access Corrections

Dallas County lists online and telephone deposits through Access Corrections.

  • Online fees are currently published as starting at $2.95.
  • Telephone fees are currently published as starting at $3.95.
  • Telephone deposits: 866-345-1884.
  • Review the final fee before submitting.

CashPayToday

Participating walk-in locations can accept eligible cash deposits.

  • Dallas County currently publishes a $5 flat service fee.
  • Generate or obtain the required payment information first.
  • Confirm the inmate and book-in number at the counter.
  • Keep the receipt.

Before pressing submit

A correct name with the wrong book-in number can still route money incorrectly.

  • Check the live inmate record.
  • Confirm spelling.
  • Confirm the book-in number.
  • Verify the final amount and service fee.
Open official deposit instructions
Deposits generally cannot be corrected casually after submission. Never rely only on a name, especially when the person has a common name or more than one Dallas County booking.
Telephone and electronic communication

Use SmartInmate for the current communication route

Account setup

Dallas County’s current inmate-telephone page directs users to SmartInmate.

  1. Create an account.
  2. Locate the Dallas County inmate.
  3. Review available call or messaging services.
  4. Add funds only after confirming the correct person.
Open SmartInmate
Communication safety

Ordinary inmate calls, messages and social video visits are not confidential legal communications.

  • Do not discuss evidence or witness statements.
  • Do not share passwords or account access.
  • Do not arrange prohibited three-way calls.
  • Assume non-privileged communication is monitored.
Attorney communications are different. Lawyers should follow Dallas County’s professional-visit procedures and use privileged communication routes rather than an ordinary family account.
Inmate property release

Start at the housing location before going to the vault

Confirm where the inmate is housed The requesting person generally begins at the housing location so the inmate can authorise the release.
Bring valid photo identification The person collecting property must be identified.
Obtain the inmate’s signed release Property cannot be released merely because a family member asks for it.
Follow the form instructions Property processed through the vault may require release of all stored property, while clothing or other property may use separate forms.
Return the approved form to Lew Sterrett Follow the current front-lobby or control-centre instructions.
Published property-release hours: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Sunday through Saturday
Property Vault: 214-653-2648
Medical, mental-health and safety concerns

Use the jail-health route for a custody-related concern

Parkland Jail Health

Dallas County jail medical services are provided through Parkland Jail Health.

Phone: 214-653-2621

Have the inmate’s exact booked name and book-in number ready.

Jail-information or wellness check

For general custody or wellness questions, call jail information at 214-761-9025.

Clearly explain the concern, recent symptoms, medication issue or safety risk without exaggerating the facts.

Dallas County currently publishes a $10 medical-care fee for certain inmate-requested assessments and certain family or friend inquiries that result in assessment by licensed health staff. The fee does not reduce the account below the county’s published minimum, and listed intake, medication, mental-health and public-health services may be exempt.
Sexual-abuse or harassment reporting: Dallas County PREA reporting is available at 214-653-3419 or SheriffPREA@dallascounty.org.

Indigent hygiene and correspondence supplies

Dallas County defines an indigent inmate as someone with less than $5 in the account for purposes of certain supplies. Eligible inmates can request basic hygiene and correspondence items through the commissary process.
Criminal court verification

Use the jail number to find the controlling court record

The jail result is best for custody. Dallas County criminal court records are the better source for the filed offense, settings, orders and final disposition.
Open Dallas County criminal background search Search by last name, then add the first name, middle name, date of birth and other available filters. Open Dallas County criminal search
Use the warrant or case number when available A direct number reduces same-name matches.
Compare the person and filing timeline Confirm that the criminal case follows the same arrest and booking.
Identify whether the case is felony or misdemeanor Dallas County District Clerk maintains felony records. The County Clerk maintains county misdemeanor records.
Read the newest docket events Look for bond orders, charging documents, hearings, pleas, dismissals, judgments and sentencing.
Review each count independently One charge may be dismissed while another remains pending or results in conviction.
Obtain an official copy when proof is required The public search warns that online information is not a substitute for an official certified court record.

Felony records

Dallas County District Clerk
Felony Records Desk
133 N. Riverfront Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Dallas, TX 75207

Phone: 214-653-5950

Email: DCRecordsCriminal@dallascounty.org

Published hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Misdemeanor records

Dallas County County Clerk
Criminal Records, Room A-1
133 N. Riverfront Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Dallas, TX 75207

Phone: 214-653-7099

Published hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

The current published misdemeanor background-search fee is $5.

Older misdemeanor documents stored off-site may require additional retrieval time. Dallas County currently advises that some warehouse records can take up to 72 hours.
Open Dallas County Courts Portal Search criminal history by name
Transfer and wider custody searches

Check another system only when Dallas County no longer has the person

Texas state prison

Use TDCJ after a transfer into Texas prison custody.

Search TDCJ inmate information
Federal custody

Use the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator when the case or arrest is federal.

Open the federal inmate locator
Immigration detention

Use the ICE detainee locator only when immigration detention is a known or reasonable possibility.

Open ICE detainee locator
A missing Dallas County result does not automatically mean the person entered state, federal or immigration custody. Verify the arresting agency and booking county first.
Contacts, parking and maps

Dallas County jail and criminal-court contacts

Jail Information

214-761-9025

Custody, housing, release and general inmate information.

Warrant Information

214-761-9026

Detentions Administration

214-653-2902

Inmate Services

214-653-3474

Inmate Housing Bureau

214-653-2601

Bond Administration

214-653-2755

Parkland Jail Health

214-653-2621

Sheriff Records Division

214-653-2677

Sheriff records and police-clearance-letter questions.

Public Defender

214-653-3550

PREA Reporting

214-653-3419

SheriffPREA@dallascounty.org

Parking near Lew Sterrett and Frank Crowley

Dallas County does not advertise free public parking at the justice complex. County lots and garages are first-come, first-served. Prices, access and operating hours can change.
Nearby Dallas County parking options
Parking area
Location
Published hours
Practical note
Frank Crowley C Garage
199 N. Riverfront Drive
7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
County garage serving the justice complex.
D Garage
Across from the courthouse complex
7:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Confirm entry and closing time before an evening visit.
Lot F
199 N. Riverfront Drive area
24 hours
Availability is not guaranteed.
Dallas County parking management: 214-761-9581

Map to Lew Sterrett Justice Center

Map to Frank Crowley Courts Building

Before driving downtown: confirm current custody, tower, visit eligibility, identification, parking hours and whether the person is at court or completing release.
Dallas-specific mistakes to avoid

Small details that prevent wasted trips and lost payments

Save the book-in number

It is more useful than a name alone for mail, deposits, calls and jail questions.

Do not assume one bond clears release

Check every charge, warrant and outside hold first.

Do not bring a phone into visitation

Plan for parking, transportation and EV access without relying on the device.

Do not mail personal letters to the jail

Use the Seminole, Florida digital-mail address with the exact book-in number.

Do not discuss the case on normal calls

Family calls, messages and video visits are not privileged.

Do not rely on the jail charge as the outcome

Use the Dallas County criminal court record for the final disposition.

10 current-custody questions

Dallas County Jail inmate-search questions answered

How do I search for someone in Dallas County Jail?

Open the official Dallas County Jail Lookup and choose the name, book-in number or case-number search. A name search is the best starting point when you do not know the identifier. Open each possible match and compare the full name, age or date-of-birth information, book-in number, jail location, charge, warrant number and bond amount before relying on the result.

What information can I use in the Dallas County inmate search?

Dallas County provides separate search routes for a person’s name, book-in number and case number. A book-in number is usually the most precise identifier for one custody event. When searching by name, use the legal surname first and compare all available identifiers before selecting a result.

How can I confirm that someone is currently in Dallas County custody?

Review the jail location and custody information in the official lookup. Save the book-in number and call Dallas County jail information at 214-761-9025 when the person may still be processing, moving between towers, appearing in court or completing release paperwork.

Why is a recent Dallas County arrest not appearing online?

The person may still be processing, may have been released quickly, may be listed under another spelling, may have received a citation rather than a county-jail booking, or may have been booked in another county or agency system. Try a shorter name search, check the related court case and call 214-761-9025 when the location remains unclear.

What is the Dallas County Jail information phone number?

Dallas County lists 214-761-9025 for jail information and 214-761-9026 for warrant information. Have the person’s full booked name, date of birth and book-in number ready before calling.

What are the Dallas County Jail visitation hours?

General in-person visitation is divided by the inmate’s last name. A through L visits are Monday and Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. M through Z visits are Tuesday and Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. All inmates may receive visits Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Processing closes 30 minutes before the end of each period, and schedules can change.

How do Dallas County Jail video visits work?

Dallas County uses Smart Communications or SmartInmate for video visitation. Register with a valid government-issued photo ID and schedule at least 72 hours ahead. Visits last 20 minutes. On-site video visits are currently offered on published days other than Wednesday, while off-site availability depends on the inmate’s housing and account status.

What is the Dallas County inmate mailing address?

Address ordinary personal mail to the inmate’s exact booked name and book-in number, care of Mail Processing Center, P.O. Box 9226, Seminole, Florida 33775-9226. Include the sender’s full name and return address. Legal mail follows a separate procedure and should not be sent to the digital personal-mail address.

How do I add money to a Dallas County inmate account?

Confirm the inmate’s exact booked name and book-in number first. Dallas County lists cash kiosks at jail locations, Access Corrections online and telephone deposits, and participating CashPayToday locations. Current published service fees vary by payment method, so review the amount before completing the transaction.

How do I verify a Dallas County bond and criminal court case?

Record every charge, warrant number and bond amount from the jail result. Call the Bond Administration or jail information line to check for additional cases and holds. Then search Dallas County criminal court records using the name, case number or warrant number. Felony records are maintained by the District Clerk, while misdemeanor records are maintained by the County Clerk.

Official resources reviewed

Primary Dallas County links used for this guide

Jail and detention
Family services
Court and legal help
Accuracy, identity and legal-use notice

Texas-arrest.org is an independent informational resource. It is not the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, Dallas County District Clerk, Dallas County Clerk, Dallas County Public Defender, Dallas County District Attorney, Parkland Health, Texas Department of Criminal Justice or a law firm.

Custody, tower, charge, bond, warrant, visit, provider, fee, office-hour and court information can change. Verify the person with multiple identifiers and use the current official source before making a legal, financial, safety, employment, housing or publication decision.

Every accused person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. This article explains public procedures and does not provide legal advice.

Last official-source review: August 4, 2026. No unverified YouTube video, processing-time promise, free-parking claim or private bond-company endorsement was added.

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