San Diego Central Jail – San Diego, CA

San Diego Central Jail is located in San Diego County, CA and is the jail for that county. Do you know somebody locked up in San Diego Central Jail? This guide gives you information about anything related to San Diego Central Jail,like the following: Find an inmate at San Diego Central Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court records. And everything else.

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and daunting thought, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to offer advice and information you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a lot easier. If you have specific questions, just ask it, and also any comments or tips that would be beneficial to others would be welcome.

Do you know someone that is incarcerated and don’t know how to contact them?

Do you know someone who has been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to see who is in jail at San Diego Central Jail you need to navigate to their web site and use the inmate lookup.

The San Diego Central Jail Inmate Search is a list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, including custody status, how much their bail is, and visiting hours. You can also get the same information for anybody who has been arrested or discharged within the past 24 hours. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You can find their arrest information fast if you enter your friend or family member’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or family member could possibly be in another jail you can look here: California County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also known as a intake photo, is a picture that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. They take one and a profile picture. Your name and jail ID number will appear on the photos, and they will be stored at the jail.

Mugshots can be seen online, or you can see them in person at the San Diego Central Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you have to enter the prisoner’s legal name, and a booking date, if you have one.

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot taken off of the San Diego Central Jail website? This is difficult, because your mugshot is a public record. You need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that your arrest record would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: Mugshot Removal

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Of course, if you are locked up, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, your bail amount will be set either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you are required to agree to show up for court, and in the meantime you are not allowed to leave the area.

Usually, an inmate at San Diego Central Jail are given time off in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and area a good inmate while in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to do work release. You will have to stay jail every day when you’re finished working, or you could get to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is money that you are required to pay to get out of jail pending trial. The amount you will have to pay is determined by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You or someone you know will have to post ten percent of the total that was set so you are able to be released. If you miss your court date, whoever put up your bail money won’t get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail have to call the jail. If you have all the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but usually, its very simple to do. First, you need to know if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you will not be able to use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Cash only – they will not accept checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the person will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

If bail is set too high, or you can’t afford it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally have a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and usually with a minimum charge of $100. This money will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will in most cases request to use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

You can find a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to post a comment

In California your bail is pre-determined using by the California Felony Bail Schedule, but keep in mind that the magistrate or judge has the final word on you bail amount. The bail schedule lists every crime defined by state law and the specific bail you will have to pay for each of the crimes.

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

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The jail intake process is made up of these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• You have to answer a bunch of questions, such as what is your full legal name, street address, birth date and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will be allowed to make a phone call in order to get in touch with family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be allowed to wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take to get processed? Were you treated fairly? Can you tell us secrets that could help other people make it through jail processing?

Click here to post a comment

Once bail has been posted, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail can take between 30 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the faster you can post bail, the quicker you will get out of jail. It also depends on whether or not you’ve been given a cash bond or if a judge needs to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For a minor offense, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a release date, you should plan to be released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

for your arrest, or if you need to begin your sentence in jail, it is highly advisable that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, report to the jail, and tell an officer that you think they might have a warrant out for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if you do, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go down to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order states. Ensure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Just bring things that are allowed with you, like a driver’s license or even photo ID, prescription medication, and the sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to give each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s information will go in the visitation log as an Authorized visit. Each visitor must provide identification. Any visitors arriving late or that does not have a visitation order will not be able to attend visitation.
The San Diego Central Jail visitation procedures change often, so we suggest that you visit the official jail site before you visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are generally more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get reduced or forbidden.

The San Diego Central Jail phone number is: (619) 615-2700

All inmate mail must be sent via the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other form of delivery. You must print the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t mail anything in a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail is opened and read by staff, and the mail will get returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at San Diego Central Jail:

San Diego Central Jail
1173 Front St
San Diego, CA 92101

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
San Diego Central Jail
1173 Front St
San Diego, CA 92101

The mail policy is always changing, so it would be best to double check the official San Diego Central Jail site before you send a letter to an inmate there.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these being the right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure to get a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you call. You might be asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate the complicated legal system. The faster you get an attorney working on your criminal case, the better off you’ll be.

For more info on this, click here: How to Find a Lawyer in San Diego County

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. The Public Defender’s Office is staffed by investigators, experts in forensics as well as case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are licensed lawyers that are members of the State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law in California.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

Court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. Court records contain a case file containing a docket and all of the documents and motions that have been filed. You, and anyone else, can access your court records with the San Diego County website, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The San Diego County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All court records associated with your court case are available at the San Diego County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees from your case, such as 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 can get a waiver for these fees.

The San Diego County court magistrate acts as the judge who presides over your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do several different things, which include deciding a bail amount, issuing warrants, and overseeing preliminary court appearances and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about your background and as much detail about the defendant’s life and history, which the judge will review and take into account when decide your sentence. Information will be requested from the defendant, his or her family, and in some cases the victim. Remember you can ask to have your own copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, which include community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you may be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could be given a date to surrender and report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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

To do this, you need to access the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you can also call the jail to find out.

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants inquiry on the San Diego County jail website or call the court directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. Bear in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the San Diego County jail, by phone, in person, or look online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and these records are available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, such as warrants. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders are required to be registered on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view sex offenders on the website, but bear in mind that you will not find the exact address, but only the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. These records include a court case file that contains a docket and any of the documents filed in your court case. You are able to access the court records on the website, or at the San Diego County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of a person’s criminal history. These online databases are linked together so you can track criminal histories from other states. You can go to courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

A criminal history search you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for these crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you won’t be able to see if someone has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for this information, you must do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your story could make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In San Diego County, the San Diego County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that serving a jail sentence in San Diego Central Jail is something you wish you could avoid, in time you will settle into the daily routine there. You should expect a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00AM, and next you’ll have roll call. You will then eat breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will work in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 San Diego Central 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 San Diego Central 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 rules for sending funds to jail inmates can change, so you should double check the official website before you send funds to an inmate.


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 San Diego Central Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the San Diego Central 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 San Diego Central 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.


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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 share your story


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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.

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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 been an inmate at San Diego Central Jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner there?

If so, then please leave a comment below about it. Write down your experience so that other people can find out what to expect.

Things you could write in your review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Write a review about San Diego Central Jail

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has at least one story to tell about it. Why were you locked up? How did the guards treat you? What happened to you while you were locked up? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to leave a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you want to talk to someone from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to people incarcerated at San Diego Central Jail

Links and Resources

Main San Diego Central Jail Link
San Diego Central Jail Inmate Search
View San Diego Central Jail Mugshots
San Diego Central Jail Bail Amount Link

CA Bail Schedule

San Diego Central Jail Visitation Policy Link
San Diego Central Jail Jail Mail Link
San Diego Central Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
San Diego County Warrant Lookup
San Diego Central Jail Arrests
Send Money to an Inmate at San Diego Central Jail
San Diego Central Jail Employment


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