A family member was arrested: how to find them and how bail works
Use the county jail’s online inmate lookup or call the jail with their full name and date of birth. Bail is set by a schedule or a judge, often within a few days. You can pay the court directly (mostly refunded if they attend court) or use a bail bond agent (a fee you don’t get back, often around 10%). Don’t discuss the case on jail calls, and ask for a public defender if needed.
Your checklist
- Find them with the jail’s inmate lookup
- Learn the bail amount and court date
- Compare paying the court vs a bail agent
- Don’t discuss the case on calls
- Get a lawyer or public defender
- Make sure they go to every court date
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
Find them
Search the county jail’s inmate lookup online or call the jail. Have their full name and date of birth. The listing often shows charges, bail and the next court date.
How bail works
Some charges have a set bail amount. Others wait for a judge at the first court appearance, usually within a few days. Some people are released without paying, on a promise to return.
Paying bail
- Pay the court: you pay the full amount and get most of it back when the person attends every court date.
- Bail bond agent: you pay a fee, often around 10% where allowed, that you don’t get back. You may also sign a contract making you responsible if they don’t show up. Read it carefully. Some states don’t allow commercial bail bonds.
Protect the case
Jail calls and messages are usually recorded. Don’t discuss what happened.
Lawyers
If they can’t afford a lawyer, they can ask for a public defender at the first court appearance.
Official sources, and where to look
- National Center for State Courtsncsc.org
- USA.gov: legal helpusa.gov
[your county] jail inmate search[your county] public defender office
Common questions
How long does it take to get released after bail is paid?
Often a few hours, sometimes longer, depending on the jail and the time of day. More ›
Can I visit someone in county jail?
Usually yes, on a schedule and often after registering. Check the jail’s website for visiting rules. More ›
How do I find out if someone is in jail?
Search the county jail or sheriff’s inmate lookup online, or call the jail. For state prisons and federal custody there are separate lookups. More ›
What is the difference between cash bail and a bail bond?
Cash bail is paid in full to the court and mostly returned if the person goes to every court date. A bail bond is a promise from a bail agent; you pay them a fee that isn’t returned. More ›
Do I get my bail money back?
If you paid the court and the person attends every court date, most of it is usually returned at the end of the case, minus fees. A bail agent’s fee is not returned. More ›
What happens if they miss a court date after I paid bail?
The court can keep the bail and issue a warrant. If you signed with a bail agent, you may owe them money too. More ›
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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.