Dallas County Jail Information | Inmate Search Phone Numbers

If someone you love was arrested in Dallas County, they are most likely being held at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center — the county’s main jail facility. This page walks you through how to find an inmate, where they may be held, how to visit, and how to get them out as quickly as possible.

Varghese Summersett is a premier Texas criminal defense firm with a dedicated Dallas office. Our attorneys include Board Certified criminal law specialists, former prosecutors, and seasoned trial lawyers who have handled thousands of cases in Dallas County courts. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience across our team of 70+ professionals, we know how Dallas County jails operate — and more importantly, how to get people out of them.

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Dallas County’s Main Jail: Lew Sterrett Justice Center

The primary detention facility for all of Dallas County is the Lew Sterrett Justice Center, located at 111 West Commerce Street in downtown Dallas. With a capacity of over 7,100 inmates, Lew Sterrett handles all bookings from Dallas County law enforcement agencies and serves as the central hub for pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates across the county.

If someone was arrested anywhere in Dallas County — whether by Dallas PD, a suburban city’s police department, or the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office — they will typically end up at Lew Sterrett after processing through whatever municipal holding facility first took them in.

Lew Sterrett Justice Center Contact Information

• Address: 111 West Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202
• Phone: (214) 761-9025 (General Information, available 24/7)
• Online Inmate Search: Dallas County Jail Lookup System

How to Find an Inmate in Dallas County

The fastest way to locate someone who was arrested in Dallas County is through the online portal at dallascounty.org. The jail lookup system lets you search by name and returns the inmate’s current location, charges, and booking information.

If you cannot find someone through the online system — which sometimes has a lag after booking — call Lew Sterrett directly at (214) 761-9025. Have the person’s full legal name and date of birth ready. Keep in mind that a newly arrested person may not appear in the system for several hours after booking, particularly during overnight arrests or busy weekends.

If the person was arrested in one of Dallas County’s cities with its own municipal jail, they may still be held there before transfer to Lew Sterrett. See the municipal jail section below for specific lookup options by city.

Visiting an Inmate at Lew Sterrett

Visitation at Lew Sterrett takes place on weekends only. Visits are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with last check-in at 1:30 PM. Each inmate is permitted two 20-minute visits per week, and a maximum of two adults and two children may visit at one time.

All visitors 18 and older must present a valid government-issued photo ID. The facility enforces a conservative dress code strictly — call ahead or check the Dallas County Sheriff’s website before your visit to avoid being turned away. If you are traveling from more than 75 miles away, you may be eligible for a 40-minute special visit. Video visitation options are also available for those who cannot visit in person.

Posting Bond at Lew Sterrett

The bond desk at Lew Sterrett is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Accepted payment forms include cash, cashier’s checks, and money orders — checks and money orders must be drawn on a DFW-area bank. Most families work with a licensed bail bondsman, who typically charges a non-refundable 10% premium in exchange for posting the full bond amount.

If you believe the bond is too high or your loved one has been denied bond, an attorney can request a bond reduction hearing before a Dallas County judge. Varghese Summersett regularly appears in Dallas County courts on bond matters and can often move quickly to get clients released while their case is pending. Learn more about bail bonds in Dallas County.

Municipal and Regional Jails in Dallas County

Several cities in Dallas County operate their own jails for short-term detention. Inmates held in these facilities are typically transferred to Lew Sterrett within 24 to 72 hours, though timelines vary. Below is a directory of the major municipal and regional facilities in the county.

Dallas City Detention Center

• Address: 1600 Chestnut Street, Dallas, TX 75226
• Phone: (214) 670-3999
• Inmate Search: Phone only
• Notes: Primarily used for Class C misdemeanors and public intoxication arrests

Garland Detention Center

• Address: 1900 W. State Street, Garland, TX 75042
• Phone: (972) 485-4890
• Inmate Search: Phone only
• Visitation: Sundays 8–10 AM and Wednesdays 7–9 PM

Irving City Jail

• Address: 305 N. O’Connor Road, Irving, TX 75061
• Phone: (972) 721-2625
• Inmate Search: Online portal available on the city’s website; phone lookup also available
• Visitation: Sundays 2–4 PM, Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30–9:30 PM

Mesquite Police Jail

• Address: 777 N. Galloway Ave, Mesquite, TX 75149
• Phone: (972) 216-6243
• Inmate Search: Online list available on the city’s website
• Visitation: Daily from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Grand Prairie Police Department Detention Center

• Address: 1525 Arkansas Lane, Grand Prairie, TX 75051
• Phone: (972) 237-8951
• Inmate Search: Phone only
• Visitation: Sundays 2:00–4:00 PM

Carrollton City Jail

• Address: 2025 E. Jackson Road, Carrollton, TX 75006
• Phone: (972) 466-3335
• Inmate Search: Phone only
• Notes: Serves Carrollton, Addison, and Coppell

Richardson City Jail

• Address: 140 N. Greenville Ave, Richardson, TX 75081
• Phone: (972) 744-4820
• Inmate Search: Phone only
• Visitation: Daily from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Southwest Dallas Regional Jail (DeSoto)

• Address: 714 E. Beltline Road, DeSoto, TX 75115
• Phone: (469) 658-3081
• Inmate Search: Online portal available
• Cities Served: DeSoto, Lancaster, Cedar Hill, and Duncanville

Short-Term Holding Facilities in Dallas County

Smaller municipalities across Dallas County maintain holding cells that are used for initial detention before inmates are transferred to a larger county or regional facility — typically within 24 to 72 hours. These cells generally do not offer public visitation. If someone was arrested in one of these cities, the best approach is to call the local police department directly and ask about the transfer timeline to Lew Sterrett.

City	Phone	Notes
Balch Springs	(972) 557-6030	Limited visitation Wednesdays and Sundays
Cockrell Hill	(214) 330-6333	48–72 hour holding before transfer to Dallas County
Coppell	(469) 289-3270	Transfers to Carrollton or Dallas County
Farmers Branch	(972) 919-9327	Short-term holding before transfer to Dallas County
Highland Park	(214) 559-9342	Transfers to Dallas County
Rowlett	(972) 412-6252	No visitation except clergy/attorneys; transfers to Dallas or Rockwall County
Sachse	(972) 495-2271	Jail closed in 2020; inmates transferred to Collin County
Seagoville	(972) 287-2999	No public visitation; transfers to Dallas County
University Park	(214) 363-3000	Transfers to Dallas County

What Happens After Someone Is Booked in Dallas County

After a person is booked into Lew Sterrett, they will go through a magistration process — typically within 24 to 48 hours of arrest. A magistrate will read them their rights, inform them of the charges, and set a bond amount. For many offenses, a bond schedule is used, which means bond may be set before magistration occurs.

Once bond is set, the person can be released by posting the full amount in cash or working with a bondsman. If bond is denied or set at a level the family cannot afford, an attorney can file a motion for a bond reduction hearing before the assigned judge. Cases in Dallas County are handled at the Frank Crowley Courts Building, located at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd — home to all of the county’s district and county criminal courts.

The earlier an attorney gets involved, the better. A lawyer can sometimes intervene before charges are formally filed, speak with investigators, or negotiate conditions of release that make it easier to get someone out quickly. Learn more about working with a Dallas criminal defense attorney.

What to Expect from Varghese Summersett in Dallas

When you call Varghese Summersett after an arrest in Dallas County, you are reaching a team that knows this county’s courts, prosecutors, and procedures from the inside. Several of our attorneys are former prosecutors who worked in the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office — meaning they understand exactly how cases are built and where they can be challenged.

Our Dallas criminal defense team handles everything from misdemeanor charges to serious felonies. We appear regularly at the Frank Crowley Courts Building and have earned a reputation for aggressive, strategic representation at every stage of a case — from the initial bond hearing through trial. The firm has secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800+ charge reductions for clients across Texas.

If someone you love was arrested in Dallas County, reach out for a free consultation. Time matters — especially in the hours right after an arrest. Call our Dallas office at (214) 903-4000 any time, day or night.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dallas County Jails

How long does it take before someone shows up in the inmate search after being arrested?

It typically takes several hours from the time of arrest for a person to appear in the online jail lookup system. Booking, processing, and data entry all take time — especially during overnight arrests and busy weekend periods. If you cannot find someone online, call Lew Sterrett directly at (214) 761-9025.

Can I call an inmate at Lew Sterrett?

Inmates at Lew Sterrett can make outgoing calls through the facility’s inmate phone system. You do not call the inmate directly — they must call you. A third-party phone provider manages the service, and you can set up an account to receive calls and add funds on their platform.

What if I can’t afford the bond that was set?

If the bond amount is beyond what your family can manage — even with a bondsman — an attorney can file a motion requesting a bond reduction hearing before the assigned judge. Courts consider factors like the seriousness of the charge, the person’s ties to the community, and their criminal history. Having a lawyer present at this hearing significantly improves the outcome.

What is the Frank Crowley Courts Building?

The Frank Crowley Courts Building at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd in Dallas is the main courthouse for Dallas County criminal cases. All felony district courts and county criminal courts at law operate from this building. It is where arraignments, pretrial hearings, and trials take place for the vast majority of criminal cases in Dallas County.

Does Varghese Summersett handle cases in all Dallas County cities?

Yes. Our Dallas office represents clients charged with crimes anywhere in Dallas County — including Garland, Irving, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Carrollton, Richardson, DeSoto, and all other municipalities. Cases from these cities funnel into the Dallas County courts, where our team regularly practices.

If someone you care about is sitting in a Dallas County jail right now, you need answers — and you need them fast. Call Varghese Summersett at (214) 903-4000 for a free consultation with an experienced Dallas criminal defense attorney. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.