1. Find out where they’re being held
People arrested in Reno, Sparks, and unincorporated Washoe County are typically booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility at 911 Parr Blvd in Reno.
Look the person up with the Sheriff’s Office inmate search, which the Sheriff’s Office says is updated every 15 minutes. Write down the booking number, the charges, the bail amount, and the court listed if they’re shown.
2. Have these details ready when you call
- The person’s full legal name and date of birth.
- The booking number, if you found one.
- The bail amount and charges, if listed.
- The court handling the case, if listed.
- Your own phone number so we can stay in touch.
You can call even if you don’t have every detail. Tell us what you know and we’ll help with the rest.
3. Find out whether bail has been set
According to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, people in custody are interviewed by Pretrial Services for an own-recognizance release within 24 hours. If it’s granted, the person is released without bail. If not, bail is set, or the person is held without bail until seen by the court.
4. Choose how to post bail
The Sheriff’s Office lists U.S. currency, certified or cashier’s checks drawn on U.S. banks, postal money orders, and bonds posted by accepted bail agents. Bonds can’t be used for cash-only bail or fines.
With a bail bond, you pay a premium instead of the full bail amount. In Nevada that premium is set by law at 15 percent of the bond. We write bonds of $3,000 and up. Here’s how bail bond costs work, and here’s how cash bail compares to a bail bond.
5. Plan for release processing
The Sheriff’s Office says release can take up to eight hours after bail is posted. It also says it does not provide transportation from the facility, so arrange a ride and keep your phone on. More on Washoe County release timing.
6. Know what comes after release
Posting bail doesn’t end the case. The person must attend every required court date and follow all release conditions. What happens after you post bail.
Washoe County Jail bail questions
How do I find out if someone is in the Washoe County Jail?
Use the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office inmate search. The Sheriff’s Office says it updates the information every 15 minutes. If you can’t find the person, call us and tell us what you know.
How much does a bail bond cost in Washoe County?
Nevada law sets the bail bond rate at 15 percent of the bond amount, and we write bonds of $3,000 and up. A $10,000 bond, for example, carries a $1,500 premium. See how bail bond costs work.
How long does release take after bail is posted?
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office says release processing can take up to eight hours after bail is posted. That is published guidance, not a guaranteed release time.
Can a bail bond be used for any bail amount?
No. The Sheriff’s Office accepts bonds posted by accepted bail agents except for cash-only bail and fines. Ask us to confirm what applies before you arrange payment.
What if they’re released on their own recognizance?
Pretrial Services interviews people in custody for an own-recognizance release within 24 hours. If it’s granted, no bail is needed. If not, bail is set or the person is held until seen by the court.
Sources: Washoe County Sheriff’s Office: Inmate Release Procedures; Washoe County Sheriff’s Office: Inmate Search; Nevada Revised Statutes, chapter 697 (NRS 697.300 and 697.320). Checked October 6, 2026.
General information only, not legal advice. Bail Bonds Unlimited is an independent business and is not affiliated with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.