Monterey County Jail – Salinas, CA

Monterey County Jail is located in Monterey County, CA and is the correctional facility for this county. Know somebody locked up in Monterey County Jail? This site will tell you about anything you might need to know about Monterey County Jailsuch as the following: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. Court records. And more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary thought, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to offer info that you need to make going to jail a lot easier. If you have a question, please feel free to ask them, and please leave any tips or comments that could be a benefit to other people in the same situation is appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that is locked up and need to contact them?

Do you know a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you want to locate them?

To see who’s in jail at Monterey County Jail you should navigate to their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Monterey County Jail Inmate List has information on people who are in jail, including current status, bail amount, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can find information on anyone processed or released in the past 24-hour period. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You can find their arrest information more quickly if you have the arrestee’s full name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or loved one may be at another jail you should check our California county jail guide: California Jails

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing photo, is a photo taken by the police when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is make of one face photo and one profile photo. Your name and jail booking number will be on the photos, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be seen online, or you can go in person to the Monterey County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will need to enter the inmate’s full name, and the booking date, if you have one.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken down from the Monterey County Jail website? This can be tricky, because your mugshot is a matter of public record. You will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the many different websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

Return To Main Menu

Of course, if you’re locked up, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail amount is set by the magistrate. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you are required to promise to be there for your court date, and in the meantime you can’t leave the county.

In most cases, inmates at Monterey County Jail can earn time off for good behavior when they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while locked up.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be given work release detail. You will have to stay jail every day when you’re finished working, or you could have the chance to move to a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail until your court date. Your bail amount is dictated by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You or someone you know will have to pay 10 percent of the total amount that was set so you can be released. If you fail to show up for court, whoever paid your bail will lose that bail money.

You will have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you the bail amount. Also, you can see the bail amount on the Monterey County Jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but thankfully, its very simple to do. First, you need to know if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you won’t be able to use the services of a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they won’t accept checks. Once the cash bond has been paid, the prisoner will be released to your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you will get this money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will usually have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and usually charge a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman might request to use assets as collateral for the bond.

To find a bail bondsman visit our page about: Bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a Bail Bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Speak Your Mind

In the state of California bail amounts are predetermined by the California Felony Bail Schedule, but keep in mind, though, the magistrate or judge has the final say on where your bail is set. The California Felony Bail Schedule lists each and every crime defined by state law and the specific bail you will have to pay for each of the crimes.

• Get Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Released For Time Served
• Be Released on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• Released On House Arrest
• Be Released on Your Own Recognizance

Return To Main Menu

The jail intake process is made up of each of the following steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you must answer a bunch of questions, such as what your legal name is, your address, birth date and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will be allowed to make a telephone call so you can talk to family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might get to keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any things that will help others make it through jail intake?

Click here to leave a comment

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged from jail will take between 15 minutes to many hours. Or, simply, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you will get let go. Also, how fast you get released will depend on if you have a cash bond or if the magistrate needs to determine your bail amount. For minor offenses, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a date of your release, expect to be released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

out against you, or if you must start a jail sentence, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, report to the jail reception area, and tell an officer that you think they might have a warrant out for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Make sure that you aren’t late. Make sure that you only bring approved items when you go to jail, like a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as an official sentencing order.

Inmates need to list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail. Your visitor’s information will go into a Visiting log as an Authorized visit. All visitors will have to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors showing up late or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Jail visitation policies can change, so visit the jail site before you try to go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Jail phone calls are generally more expensive than regular phone calls. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you are disciplined for an infraction, your ability to use the phone might get reduced or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: (831) 647-7782

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You shouldn’t use any other method of mail delivery. You have to clearly write or type the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and the jail address on the envelope. Do not mail a box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and read and inspected by the officers at the jail, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Monterey County Jail:

Monterey County Jail
1410 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Monterey County Jail
1410 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906

The mail policy at Monterey County Jail changes often, so check the official Monterey County Jail site before you send a letter.

Return To Main Menu

If you have been arrested, you still have certain rights, the most important of which is your right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure you get a friend or relative to find a lawyer for you. You may be asking yourself ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, protect your interests and help you navigate the complicated legal system in Monterey County. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better off you’ll be.

To read more about how to find a lawyer, click here: How to Find an Attorney in Monterey County

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. The Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, experts in forensics as well as social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers who are admitted to the California State Bar Association and are legally licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know used the services of a Public Defender? What was your experience?

All court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They contain a file with a docket sheet and all documents and motions filed in the case. You are able to access the records and documents in your court case via the online service, or at the Monterey County Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court who manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence from your case are kept and available to you at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the charges associated with your case, such as filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have a court appointed attorney, you can get a waiver for these fees.

A Magistrate is the judge who presides over your court case. They do many different things, which include setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over first court appearances and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed to include the defendant’s background information and details of the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate will consider when determining a sentence. Information will be requested from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Remember you are able to request to receive your own copy of this report before your sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct the mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you could be immediately taken into custody, or given a date that you must report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Want to find out if some you know is in jail, or has ever been locked up?

You can you will have to query the Monterey County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you can find out by checking the court records on the Monterey County court website or you can call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask the officer in charge. You should be clear that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Monterey County jail, either by phone, in person, or check online. Arrest records are public record and the information is accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, such as a court order. You can find these by going to the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are required to be registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see these listings on the internet, but bear in mind that you won’t get the actual address, but rather the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a court case file that contains a docket sheet and all documents filed in the case. You are able to access the court records on the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal background. These databases are all linked so you can track criminal histories from other states. You are able to go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It helps to know the county, and if the crime was in a different state, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

A criminal records search you will find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for these crimes:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

If you do a criminal records check, in most cases will not be able to find out if someone has had any moving violations, like:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this kind of information, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How hard was it? Did you search online or did you call the courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback could help other people.

Click here to leave a comment

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Monterey County, the Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Monterey County Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of spending time in Monterey County Jail is quite unpleasant, soon you will settle into the daily routine there. Expect an alarm to wake up each morning at six in the morning, and next you’ll have roll call. You will then eat breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will be required 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 Monterey County Jail, 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 Monterey County Jail 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 jail inmates could change, so we suggest that you review the official website before send funds 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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Monterey County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Monterey County Jail, 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 Monterey County Jail

Requirements:

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


Return To Main Menu

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.

Tell Your Story


Return To Main Menu

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:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims have 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 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.


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever spent any time at Monterey County Jail? Do you know anybody that spent time there? Have you ever visited a prisoner there?

If so, then you should tell us about it. Write down your jail experience so other people can find out what to expect.

Things you can write in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• The other inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Programs and activities


Write a Review of Monterey County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has a story about it. Why’d you get arrested? Were you mistreated? How was day to day life at Monterey County Jail? Were the other inmates cool? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Post A Comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Trying to find out how to get in touch with an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Post a message to them below.

Say Hello to someone at Monterey County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Monterey County Jail Website
Monterey County Jail Inmate Search
View Monterey County Jail Mugshots
Monterey County Jail Bail Link

CA Bail Schedule

Monterey County Jail Visitation
Monterey County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Find an inmate at Monterey County Jail
Monterey County Warrants
Monterey County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Money to an Inmate at Monterey County Jail
Jobs at Monterey County Jail


Return To Main Menu
202