San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility – San Diego, CA

San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility is in San Diego County, California and is the main jail for this region. Looking for someone at San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility? This guide gives you about everything you might need to know about San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility: Find out who’s in jail at San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility? Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court records. And everything else.

The thought of going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to give you all the information and advice that you’ll need to make going to jail easier. If you have questions, please feel free to ask them, and please leave any tips or comments that would help others would be appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that has gone to jail and want to find out where they are?

Do you know someone that’s been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

To find out who is in jail at San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility you will need to navigate to their website and use the inmate lookup.

The San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility Inmate Search has information on people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. You can also find info on anybody arrested and booked or discharged within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by last name. You will be able to find their arrest information fast if you enter the arrestee’s name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for might be incarcerated at a different jail you can check our guide to other California jails: California County Jails Listing

A mugshot, also called a jail intake picture, is the picture that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually one and a profile photo. Your name and jail booking number will be on the pictures, and they are on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched on the San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility website, or you can view them at the San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility. When viewing mugshots online you have to enter the prisoner’s name, and the booking date, if you have one.

Are you trying to get your mugshot taken off of the San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility website? This can be tricky, as your mugshot is a matter of public record. You must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot taken down, the various mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal services: Mugshot Removal

Return To Main Menu

If you are locked up, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve been booked, bail is set by a special judge called a magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you will have to agree to go to your court date, and until that date you can’t travel out of the county.

Typically, an inmate in the San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility will be given an early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and area a good inmate while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be given work release detail. You will be required to go back to the jail each day when you’re finished working, or you could be allowed to live in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the courts to be released from jail pending trial. Your bail amount all depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. You or someone you know will have to pay 10 percent of the total that was determined so you can be released from jail. If you don’t show up for your court appearance, whoever posted your bail will lose that money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you must call the San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility. If know the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. Also, you can check their bail amount and status online.

Having to get someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, it’s easy if you have the money. First, figure out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you will not be able to use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail will not take a check. Once you have paid the bond, the prisoner will get released. 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 just can’t afford it, you should try a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually have a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and in most cases have a minimum charge of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman may ask to use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To talk to a bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Post A Comment

In California the amount of bail you pay is set by the California Felony Bail Schedule, but the judge or magistrate has the last word on where your bail is set. The bail schedule lists all crimes defined by state law and the specific amount of bail for each one.

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

Return To Main Menu

The jail intake procedure is made up of these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you have to answer some simple questions, like your legal name, your address, birthdate and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• They will let you use the phone so you can get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? Were you treated fairly? Do you know any tips that might help others make it through the process?

Click here to post a comment

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged may take between 30 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the quicker you post bail, the faster you can get released from jail. How quickly you get discharged might depend on whether you have a bond amount or if a magistrate still needs to figure out how much to set your bail at. For minor offenses, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and know the date of your release, plan to be released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you need to begin your jail sentence, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, report to the jail processing area, and tell an officer that you think they might have a warrant for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if they verify that you have one, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Ensure that you are not late. Only bring things that are allowed when you turn yourself in, like a driver’s license or even your ID, prescription medication, as well as the sentencing order from court.

To have visitors, you have to list information about each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s names will be entered into a log of visitors as an Authorized visit. Every visitor has to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures can change, so we suggest that you check the official site before you visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . These phone calls are typically more expensive than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s ability to use the phone may be limited or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility phone number is: (619) 661-2608

All mall sent to inmates has to be sent using the actual US Postal Service. You must not use any other type of mail or package delivery. You must write the name, inmate ID, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail sent to inmates will be opened and read and inspected by staff, and will be returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility:

San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility
446 Alta Rd., Ste. 5200
San Diego, CA 92158

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility
446 Alta Rd., Ste. 5200
San Diego, CA 92158

The San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility mail policy can change, so you should double check the official San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility site when you send a letter to an inmate.

Return To Main Menu

When you get arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these is that you have the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure you have a friend or family member find an attorney when you call them. You might be thinking ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate the legal system that you are now faced with. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your situation, the better.

To read more about this, visit: Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender’s Office has access to independent investigators, experts in forensics as well as social workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys, members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know used the services of a Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They have a court case file with a docket and all of the documents and motions that have been filed in your case. You are able to access court records with the online service, or at the San Diego County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The San Diego County Clerk of Court is a member of the court that manages access to court records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All court records from your court case are kept at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are all costs from your court case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

The magistrate is the person that presides over your court case. Magistrates are judges that do a number of things, like determining how much your bail will be, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together to include your background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate will consider when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the defendant, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim. Remember you can ask to see a copy of the report before sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct the mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you may be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could receive a date that you are supposed to go to jail to serve out your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Do you want to find out if a family member or friend is currently in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you will have to visit the jail’s website, and search by:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can also call the jail to find out.

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check court records on the San Diego County jail website or call the jail. 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. Bear in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the San Diego County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or look online. Records of arrests are in the public record and the information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, which can be warrants. You can access civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders have to be registered on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see these listings on the internet, but you should know that you will not be able to find the street address, but only the address block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a case file that includes a docket sheet and all of the documents and filings filed in your court case. You are able to access your court records via the internet, or at Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains records of someone’s criminal past. These online databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You are able to go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

If you do a criminal records check, you will not learn if someone has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this information, you will have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the courthouse? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your story could make it easier for others.

Tell Your Story

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In San Diego County, the San Diego County Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that spending time in the San Diego County jail is very scary, in time you will become accustomed to the daily routine. All inmates get a wake-up alarm at about 6:00AM, and next they’ll do roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. Following breakfast you will 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 San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility, 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 County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility 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 money to someone in jail at San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility can change, so it would be best to review the official San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility site before you send money 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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility, 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 County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility

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.

Speak Your Mind

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 in this jail? Do you know someone that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited an inmate at this jail?

If yes, then please tell us about it. Tell us about your experience so others can learn what to expect.

What to write in your comment:

• Conditions in San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner activities and programs


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why were you locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? How was life in jail? What about the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Click here to tell your story about San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Trying to send a message to an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Send a message to them here.

Send a message to someone incarcerated at San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility

Links and Resources

Main San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility Link
San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility Inmate Search
San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility Mugshots
San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility Bail Link

CA Bail Schedule

San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility Visitation Procedures
San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility Jail Mail Policy Link
Find an inmate at San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility
San Diego County Warrant Inquiry
San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility Arrests
San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility Send Money Procedure
San Diego County Jail – East Mesa Detention Facility Jobs


Return To Main Menu
224