Benton County, Oregon
Benton County Jail – Helping an Inmate
Overview
We understand that you may have a loved one incarcerated that you would like to show support for. Unfortunately we are limited in what we can allow. We cannot accept any mail or personal property from the public other than the following:
- Prescribed medication in the original bottle/packaging with the inmates name visible
- Prescription eye glasses
- Money to deposit on an inmate’s account
Mail must go through the USPS. There are times when we will accept clothing for trial for those inmates who do not have suitable attire. Any item brought in for an inmate becomes their property upon receipt. You can deposit funds on an inmate's account with which they can purchase snacks, writing materials, hygiene items, haircuts, phone cards, etc. Once money is deposited on an inmate's account it becomes their property. Inmates who do not have any money are provided with hygiene items regardless of their ability to pay.
Inmates housed in the Benton County Jail will not be permitted to release property or funds without approval from the Jail Manager. The Manager may, upon verification of an emergency situation authorize the release of some or all of the funds or property an inmate has in their possession at the time.
****WARNING****
Intentionally bringing contraband into a jail is a felony under Oregon Law. Persons smuggling weapons, drugs, tobacco or any other prohibited item in the jail are subject to arrest and prosecution.
Posting Bail
Bail generally means that the full amount of money must be posted in order for the defendant to be released from custody. If the defendant shows up for all subsequent court appearances, the money is returned to the person who posted it, less any administrative charge the court may impose.
Security Release is part of ORS 135.265 and generally means that ten percent of the full bail amount must be posted in order for the defendant to be released from custody. If the defendant fails to appear in subsequent court appearances, they can be:
1.) Charged with the crime of Failure to Appear in the First or Second Degree and
2.) The person posting the security may lose the ten percent they posted AND be liable for remaining 90 percent.
Even if the defendant shows up for all court appearances, the court will keep 15 percent of the posted security release amount as an "administrative charge."
Bail for local Benton County charges and for other jurisdictions will be accepted only in the following forms:
- Cash
- Credit Card - Mastercard/Visa only
- Electronic Check
- Debit Card
Due to the inability to ensure quality control, the following will NOT be accepted:
- Personal Checks
- Cashiers Checks
- Money Orders
Bail/Security for out-of-county charges will be accepted in accordance with that jurisdiction's policy. Please check with jail staff.
Ways to Fund Inmate Accounts or Post Bail
- Bail may be posted directly to the Benton County Circuit Court during business hours Mon-Fri in Room 104.
- Jail kiosk: available in the Benton County Jail lobby. The kiosk will accept cash, Visa/MasterCard and debit card. No American Express or Discover cards accepted. No pre-paid credit cards accepted.
- Inmate accounts: you may deposit money on an inmate's account through the lobby kiosk or online at www.inmatecanteen.com.
The mission of the Benton County Jail, while protecting the community and its citizens, is to economically operate a safe, secure and humane facility that adheres to Oregon Revised Statutes regarding corrections facility operations, the American Corrections and American Jail Associations recommendations and constitutional considerations as provided by the United States Constitution.
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