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How Do I Get Someone Out of SCORE Jail?

A SCORE Jail release may occur through personal recognizance, posting bail, completion of a sentence, or another court-authorized release. The first step is finding out why the person is being held, which court controls the case, and whether bail has already been set.

Families often want to pay money immediately. However, not every person needs bail, and paying one bond may not result in release when another warrant or hold exists. Confirm the person’s custody status before contacting a bail bond company or transferring money.

Start by Confirming the Person Is at SCORE Jail

SCORE stands for South Correctional Entity. It is a regional jail in Des Moines owned by Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Renton, SeaTac, and Tukwila. It also makes available space to other jurisdictions. As a result, the arresting city may not always identify the court that controls release.  

Begin by confirming:

  • The person’s full legal name
  • Booking number, if available
  • Arresting agency
  • Charges listed at booking
  • Court handling the case
  • Bail or bond amount
  • Any warrants or additional holds

The existing Blanford Law SCORE Jail lookup guide can help families begin that process. The ⁠official SCORE websitealso provides current facility information.

SCORE Jail Release: Find Out Why the Person Is Being Held

A person can remain in custody for several different reasons. For example, the person may be waiting for a judge to review probable cause, waiting for a first appearance, subject to an existing warrant, or held under conditions already established by a court.

Do not assume that the current arrest is the only reason for detention. A person may have:

  • A warrant from another court
  • A probation or community-custody hold
  • A separate case with different bail
  • An immigration-related hold
  • A court order requiring judicial review before release
  • A sentence that must be completed

This information matters because posting bail on one case may not resolve another hold.

Identify the Correct Court

SCORE does not decide whether bail should be reduced or whether a person should be released on personal recognizance. Those decisions ordinarily belong to the court handling the case.

SCORE states that court proceedings cannot be viewed at the facility. Family members should contact the court conducting the hearing for scheduling and access information. The ⁠official SCORE court page provides links to courts associated with people held at the jail.  

Can Someone Leave SCORE Jail Without Paying Bail?

Yes. A person may be released on personal recognizance, sometimes called PR release.

Personal recognizance means the court releases the person based on a promise to return for future hearings and comply with all release conditions. No cash bail or commercial bond is required.

Under Washington Criminal Rule for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction 3.2, release on personal recognizance is presumed in noncapital cases unless the court determines that recognizance will not reasonably assure appearance or that a qualifying danger exists.  

The court may consider factors such as:

  • Previous failures to appear
  • Criminal history
  • Employment
  • Stable housing
  • Family and community ties
  • Length of residence in the area
  • Participation in treatment or education
  • Nature of the pending charge
  • Prior compliance with court orders

Release without bail is not guaranteed. However, the charge alone does not automatically mean that money must be paid.

What Happens When Bail Has Been Set?

When a court sets bail, the release order should identify the amount and the type of bond that is acceptable.

Possible methods may include:

  • Cash bail
  • A commercial surety bond
  • A court-authorized percentage deposit
  • An unsecured bond
  • Another form of security permitted by the court

The family should confirm the exact terms before attempting payment. Do not assume that “$5,000 bail” means every payment method is acceptable.

The ⁠official SCORE posting-bail page explains the facility’s current procedures. SCORE also states that bail received by the jail is forwarded to the court that ordered it. Questions about reimbursement should therefore be directed to that court.  

Using a Bail Bond Company

A bail bond company may post a surety bond in exchange for a fee. SCORE reports that bonding companies generally charge a percentage of the bond and that the company’s fee is not refundable. SCORE does not recommend a specific bonding company.  

Before signing an agreement, ask:

  • What is the total nonrefundable fee?
  • Is collateral required?
  • When will collateral be returned?
  • Are there financing charges?
  • What happens if the defendant misses court?
  • What obligations will the signer assume?

A bail bond is a private contract. Read it carefully before signing.

How Long Does a SCORE Jail Release Take?

Release is not immediate merely because bail was posted or a judge signed an order.

SCORE reports that a bail or bond release may take approximately two to six hours after bail is posted. Actual timing can vary based on the day, time, staffing, and number of other releases awaiting processing.  

Release processing may include:

  • Confirming the court order
  • Verifying the person’s identity
  • Checking for additional warrants or holds
  • Reviewing release conditions
  • Completing records and paperwork
  • Returning personal property
  • Coordinating transportation from a secure area

Calling repeatedly generally will not accelerate the process. It is more useful to confirm that the payment or court order was received and ask whether another hold prevents release.

Can a Lawyer Help With a SCORE Jail Release?

An attorney cannot order the jail to release someone. However, a lawyer may be able to identify the correct court, explain why the person remains in custody, and advocate for release at the appropriate hearing.

Counsel may present information showing that the person has:

  • Stable housing
  • Regular employment
  • Local family support
  • Reliable transportation
  • A history of attending court
  • Treatment arrangements
  • Medical needs
  • A plan for following release conditions

An attorney may also ask the court to consider personal recognizance, reduce bail, or replace money bail with less restrictive conditions when legally appropriate.

What If Bail Is Unaffordable?

A person detained because bail cannot be posted may request reconsideration. CrRLJ 3.2 permits a detained defendant to move for bail review after the preliminary appearance. If bail is imposed or maintained, the court must explain its reasons on the record or in writing.  

Possible alternatives may include:

  • Pretrial supervision
  • Electronic monitoring
  • Travel restrictions
  • Residence requirements
  • Alcohol or drug monitoring
  • No-contact orders
  • Reporting requirements
  • An unsecured bond
  • Supervision by a responsible person or organization

Whether an alternative is appropriate depends on the case and the risks identified by the judge.

What Should Family Members Do Right Now?

Families can help without interfering with the case.

Gather Useful Information

Collect:

  • Proof of employment
  • A confirmed residential address
  • Contact information for responsible family members
  • Treatment enrollment information
  • Medical or prescription information
  • Transportation plans
  • Upcoming work or childcare obligations

Provide this information to the defense attorney rather than attempting to argue the case with jail staff.

Avoid Discussing the Allegations

Do not ask the detained person to explain the case during a jail telephone call. Calls outside the attorney-client relationship may be monitored or recorded.

Focus instead on practical matters:

  • Where are you being held?
  • Which court is listed?
  • Is bail shown?
  • When is the next hearing?
  • Do you need medication information provided?
  • Have you spoken with an attorney?

Watch for Bail Scams

SCORE warns that the jail and its representatives do not call or message family members seeking funds to obtain a detainee’s release. Anyone with questions about posting bond should contact SCORE directly through verified official contact information.  

Do not send money based solely on an unexpected call, text message, or social-media message.

What Happens After the Person Leaves SCORE Jail?

A SCORE Jail release does not end the criminal case. The person must carefully review the release order and attend every required hearing.

Release conditions may require the person to:

  • Avoid contact with certain people
  • Stay away from particular locations
  • Avoid alcohol or nonprescribed drugs
  • Submit to monitoring
  • Report to pretrial services
  • Surrender firearms
  • Remain at an approved address
  • Obey travel restrictions
  • Commit no new criminal-law violations

Violating a release condition may result in a warrant, new restrictions, bond forfeiture, or revocation of release.

The person should leave jail with a clear understanding of the next court date. When anything is unclear, contact the attorney or court rather than guessing.

The Fastest Lawful Path to Release

There is no single method that works in every case. The most efficient approach is usually:

  1. Confirm the person is at SCORE.
  2. Identify every charge, warrant, and hold.
  3. Determine which court controls release.
  4. Confirm whether release has already been ordered.
  5. Verify the exact bail terms, if bail exists.
  6. Speak with an attorney about personal recognizance or bail review.
  7. Allow time for SCORE to complete release processing.

This approach helps families avoid paying the wrong person, posting an unnecessary bond, or assuming that one payment will resolve every hold.

Need Help Getting Answers After a SCORE Jail Booking?

When someone is in custody, identifying the correct court and understanding the release order can be difficult. Early legal guidance may help the family prepare for the first appearance, present information supporting release, and avoid mistakes involving bail or release conditions.

Contact Blanford Law today at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253-720-9304 for guidance on your legal matter.

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