Florence County Detention Center – Effingham, SC

Florence County Detention Center is in Florence County and is the main correctional facility for that region. Know somebody in jail at Florence County Detention Center? This site tells you about everything a person needs to know about Florence County Detention Center: How to do a jail inmate search. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And lots more.

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The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to give you information and tips that you’ll need to make helping someone get out of jail easier. If you have questions, feel free to ask it, and also any comments or feedback that would be beneficial to other people in the same situation will be welcome.

General Information

Address

Florence County Detention Center
6719 Friendfield Road
Effingham, SC 29541

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone Number: 843-665-9944
Fax Number:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you know someone that is locked up and don’t know how to find out where they are?

Do you know someone that has been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

In order to find out who’s in jail at Florence County Detention Center you have to go to their web site and perform an inmate search.

Inmate Lookup

The Florence County Detention Center Inmate List is an online list of persons who have been arrested, which includes current status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. Also, you are able to find info on anybody who has been arrested or discharged within the last 24 hours. Inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can get the information more quickly if you’ve got the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be in another jail you can check the other South Carolina county jails in our South Carolina County Jail Guide: Other County Jails in South Carolina


Mugshots

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing photograph, is the photo that the police take when you get booked into jail. They will take one full face and a side photo. Your name and intake number will be on the pictures, and they will be on file at the jail.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched online, or you can see them in person at the Florence County Detention Center. When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to put in the inmate’s first and last name, and an arrest date.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Want to have your mugshot erased from the Florence County Detention Center site? This will be difficult, because your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that the record of your arrest will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Naturally, if you’re incarcerated, your only thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, your bail will be set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you must promise to be in court on your court date, and until that date you will not be permitted to leave the area.

Usually, inmates at Florence County Detention Center are given early release in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and act right while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. Either you will have to stay jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you could be permitted to sleep in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the courts to be released from jail until your trial. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by the seriousness of your charges. You or someone you know will have to put up 10% of the amount that was set so you can get discharged from jail. If you miss your court appearance, the person that bailed you out of jail won’t get their money back.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the jail. If you’ve got the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is no fun, but thankfully, it is easy if you have the money. First, find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you won’t be able to use a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they won’t take a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will be discharged. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

Bail Bondsman

If bail is set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should try a bail bondsman. They usually have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and sometimes charge a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman will require that they use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond.

If you need a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at Florence County Detention Center

Have you ever used the services of Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out for you.

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Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

  • Time Off For Good Behavior
  • Get Out on Work Release
  • Released For Time Served
  • Pre-Trial Release Programs
  • Get Out on House Arrest
  • Get Released on Your Own Recognizance


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The intake process takes you through each of these steps:

  • You will get put in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
  • First, will answer some questions, like what is your legal name, address, birth date and an emergency contact.
  • Also, you will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
  • You will be given an inmate number.
  • You will get fingerprinted.
  • They will take your mugshot.
  • Any property you have will be taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
  • You will then be allowed to make a telephone call so you can contact a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
  • If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you will be allowed to wear your street clothes, if not you will have to wear a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please tell us how it happened. How long did it take to get through intake? How were you treated? Can you share any tips that will help other people make it through jail intake?

Click here to tell your story

Discharge Procedures

Once you are able to post bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail takes anywhere between 10 minutes to many hours. In simple terms, the quicker you post bail, the quicker you will be freed. Also, it depends on whether you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if the magistrate still needs to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For a minor charge, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and have a release date, expect to get discharged between 9am and noon.

How To Turn Yourself In

for your arrest, or if you have to start a jail sentence, you really should follow the rules and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail reception area, and tell someone that you think there may be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a record check, and if they find one, they will take you into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Ensure that you aren’t late. Just bring necessary items when you go, like your driver’s license or even state issued ID, prescription medication, and the official sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

To have visitors, you have to list the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. This information will be entered into a Visiting log as an Authorized visit. All visitors will have to provide identification. Anyone arriving late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Florence County Detention Center visitation procedures frequently change, so we suggest that you review the official jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Calls made in jail are a lot pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you are disciplined for an infraction, an inmate’s phone privileges might get cut back or cut altogether.

The Florence County Detention Center phone number is: 843-665-9944

Sending Mail to Inmates

All inmate mail must be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other type of delivery. You must print the prisoner’s name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the letter. Don’t mail anything in a package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail is opened and read and examined by the jail officers, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

Mailing Address

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Florence County Detention Center is:

Florence County Detention Center
6719 Friendfield Road
Effingham, SC 29541

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Florence County Detention Center
6719 Friendfield Road
Effingham, SC 29541


The mail policy changes frequently, so it would be best to visit the official Florence County Detention Center site before you send a letter.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

When you’ve been arrested, you have certain rights, one of these is your right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure you get a friend or family member to find an attorney when you call. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a lawyer will advise you about your rights, protect your interests and help you understand the criminal justice system. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better.

For more detailed information on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, read: Find an Attorney

Public Defender

If you can’t afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender Office has access to private investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers who are members of the State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law in South Carolina.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court Records

Court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They have a case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the documents that have been filed in the case. You can access your court records with the website, or at the Florence County Clerk of Court.

Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages the records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All court records relating to your case are available at Clerk of Court’s office.

Fees

Court fees are the costs associated with your case, which include filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

Magistrate

The Florence County court magistrate is the person that rules over your case in court. Magistrate judges do a number of things, which include setting bail, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over initial court appearances and detention hearings.

Pre-Sentencing

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed to include your background information and information about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the judge will review and take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the defendant, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim. Bear in mind that you should request to have your own copy of your pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, and review it and correct any mistakes.

Sentencing

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you will either be taken into custody immediately, or you could be given a date to surrender and report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Do you want to find out if somebody you know is locked up, or has ever been in jail?

To find this out you will have to go to the Florence County jail website, and search using:

  • The inmate’s name.
  • Birth date.
  • Their booking date if you know it.
  • and their inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you can also call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

Warrant Inquiry

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry online or you are able to call the jail. This requires a first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask one of the officers. You should know that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you have a first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the Florence County jail, on the phone, in person, or you can check online. Arrest records are in the public record and these records are available to anyone.

Civil Inquiry

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by contacting the Florence County Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All registered sex offenders must be registered and listed on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You can access these offenders online, but keep in mind that you will not see the precise address, rather the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a court case file that includes a docket and all of the documents filed in your case. You are able to access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the Florence County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each and every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal history. These online databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal convictions from any other state. You are able to go to county courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a different state, you might have to pay for a more intensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will be able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for these crimes:

  • DUI or DWI.
  • Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
  • Violent crimes.
  • Theft, breaking and entering.

During a criminal records search, you generally will not discover if they have had any:

  • Tickets for speeding.
  • Drivers license revoked or suspended.
  • Traffic accidents.
  • Other moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To find driving records, you will have to do a search for their driving record.

    Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you have to call the Florence County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your story could help other people.

    Speak Your Mind

    Most Wanted

    On a Federal level, the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Florence County, the Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

    FBI Ten Most Wanted List


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    While the prospect of getting locked up in the Florence County jail is very scary, you will soon get accustomed to the routine that is set for you. You will get a wake-up alarm at 6:00am, and then roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will have to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

    Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Florence County Detention Center, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

    Dress Code

    When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Florence County Detention Center uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

    How To Send Money to an Inmate

    You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

    The process for sending funds to people in jail can change, so it would be best to visit the official website before send money to someone in jail there.

    Commissary

    The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

    Inmate Medications

    If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

    Meals

    You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

    Pods / The Yard

    The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

    Gangs

    As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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    News and Media

    News

    Photos / Pictures

    Videos


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    Jobs

    Types of Jobs at Florence County Detention Center

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Florence County Detention Center, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

    Apply for a Job at Florence County Detention Center

    Requirements:

    • You have to be over the age of 21.
    • You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
    • You have to be a US Citizen.
    • You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
    • You have to pass a drug test.
    • You have to have a good level of fitness.
    • You have to be in good health.
    • You have to have a valid Driver’s License
    • An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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    Family Resources

    There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

    If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

    Click here to post a comment


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    Victim Resources

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

    Victim’s Rights

    The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

    • The right to protection from the accused.
    • The right to notification.
    • The right to attend proceedings.
    • The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
    • The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
    • The right to restitution.
    • The right to a speedy trial.
    • The right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

    The definition of victim includes:

    • Spouses and children of all victims.
    • Parents and guardians of minor victims.
    • Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
    • Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

    There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

    Victim Notification

    The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

    Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

    Click here to post a comment

    Sex Offender Information and Search

    All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

    Domestic Violence

    If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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    Reviews

    Reviews of this Jail

    Have you ever spent any time at Florence County Detention Center? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever visited someone in this jail?

    If your answer is yes, then please tell us about it. Write about your jail experience so other people can learn what to expect.

    Things you could include in what you write:

    • Jail conditions.
    • Jail layout and facility
    • Guards and jail staff
    • Food and commissary
    • Having Visitors
    • Inmates.
    • Prisoner safety
    • Gangs
    • Inmate programs and activities


    Click here to write your review

    Tell Your Story

    Everyone’s who has been put in jail has a story to tell. Why were you locked up? Were you fairly treated? What was your daily routine in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did getting locked up affect your life?

    Tell the World All About It

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Need to find out how to get in touch with somebody you met when you were locked up? Write your message below.

    Post a message to people still locked up at Florence County Detention Center


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