San Francisco County Jail – San Francisco, CA

San Francisco County Jail is in San Francisco County and is the jail for this county. Do you know somebody locked up in San Francisco County Jail? This site gives you information about anything one might want to know about San Francisco County Jail: How to locate an inmate at San Francisco County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary idea, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to offer information and advice you need to make going to jail a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, just ask it in the comment section below, and also any tips or comments that could help others will be appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that has gone to jail and need to contact them?

Has somebody who’s been arrested and you need to locate them?

In order to search who’s in jail at San Francisco County Jail you should visit their website and use the inmate lookup.

The San Francisco County Jail Inmate Search is a list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can get information about anyone who has been arrested or released in the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to find their inmate information faster if you’ve got your friend or family member’s full name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or family member might be incarcerated at a different jail you will want to check our guide to other California jails: List of all jails in California

A mugshot, also called a jail booking picture, is the picture taken by the police during jail intake processing. A mugshot is make of one and a side picture. Your full name and booking number will be in the pictures, and they’re stored.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be found on the website, or you can see them in person at the San Francisco County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will have to put in the full name, and a booking date, if you know it.

Are you trying to have your mugshot taken down from the San Francisco County Jail site? This will be difficult, because your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that your arrest record would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Obviously, if you are arrested and put in jail, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve been booked, a bail amount will be set by the magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out you are required to agree to be there for your court date, and until that date you will not be permitted to leave the area.

Usually, an inmate can earn an early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and area a good inmate while they are in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will be required to return to the jail at the end of the day after work, or you could have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you will be required to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay all depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. You will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total set so you are able to get out of jail. If you don’t go to your court date, whoever paid your bail will lose that money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail must call the San Francisco County Jail. If you’ve got the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you how much their bail is. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the San Francisco County Jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but most of the time, it is very simple to do. To start with, figure out if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you will not be able to use a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail won’t take checks. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the inmate will be discharged. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you should use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and usually have a minimum fee of $100. This will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To talk to a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at San Francisco County Jail

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

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In California bail amounts are set by the California Felony Bail Schedule, but keep in mind that the judge or magistrate has the last word on where your bail is set. The California Felony Bail Schedule contains all of the crimes included in California and the exact amount of bail for each crime.

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

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The jail intake procedure is made up of these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you must answer a number of questions, such as your full name, home address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• You will be allowed to make a telephone call in order to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might get to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will be given a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please tell us what happened. How long did it take to get processed? How did the guards treat you? Do you have any things that will help other people that get arrested make it through jail intake?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you finally post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged can take anywhere between 30 minutes to all day long. So, the quicker bail is posted, the sooner you will get out of jail. Also, how fast you get released will depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if a judge must 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 get to the end of your sentence and know the discharge date, plan to be released in the morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you need to begin your sentence in jail, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail intake area, and tell an officer that you think they might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if so, you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Ensure that you are not late. Be sure to only bring necessary items when you turn yourself in, for example your driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you need to list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s information will be entered into the visitation log as an Authorized visit. Each and every visitor must provide proof of identification. Anyone that gets to visitation or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures at San Francisco County Jail frequently change, so we suggest that you review the jail site before go to the jail to 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 . Jail phone calls are usually more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates must keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules, phone calls may be limited or forbidden completely.

The San Francisco County Jail phone number is: 415-575-4410

All inmate mail is required to be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other form of mail delivery. You must write or type the prisoner’s name, inmate ID number, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Do not send anything in a package or box, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail gets opened and read by the jail officers, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at San Francisco County Jail:

San Francisco County Jail
425 7Th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
San Francisco County Jail
425 7Th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

The inmate mail policy at San Francisco County Jail can change, so visit the official website when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you have particular rights, the first of which is your right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure you get a friend or relative to locate an attorney when you call them. You’re probably asking yourself ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate the complicated court system in your county. The quicker you get an attorney working on your charges, the better your chances.

For more information about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, visit: How to Find an Attorney in San Francisco County

If you can’t afford a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. The Public Defender Office has access to private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are actual lawyers that are admitted to the State Bar and are fully licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records include a file with a docket and every documents filed during your court case. You, and anyone else, can access court records using the San Francisco County website, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that maintains the records. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records, documents, and evidence from your case are kept at the San Francisco County Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are all costs associated with your case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you cannot afford these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The San Francisco County court magistrate acts as the judge that presides over your court case. Magistrates do different functions, such as setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together with information about the arrestee’s background and details of the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will take into account when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the defendant, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Remember you can request to get your own copy of this report before sentencing, so you can correct any mistakes that it contains.

If you get 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, house arrest, and probation, to 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 immediately taken into custody, or you could be given a date that you are required to report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if someone is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

To find this out you will have to query the San Francisco County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a 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 your friend or family member is in jail, you can call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you have an outstanding warrant, you can access court records on the San Francisco County jail website or you can call the court. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. Keep in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or check online. Records of arrests are public record and this information is freely available.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, like a court order. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders must be listed and registered on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access these listings on the website, but remember that you will not get the exact address, rather the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a case file containing a docket sheet and any of the filings and documents filed in the court case. You are able to access the court records on the internet, or at the San Francisco County Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of a person’s criminal background. These online databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal histories from any other state. You are able to go to the San Francisco County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you are able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for the following crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually won’t be able to find out if that person has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal records, and your account might help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In San Francisco County,The Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

San Francisco County Sheriff’s Department’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that serving a jail sentence in the San Francisco County jail is very scary, in time you will settle into the daily routine there. Prisoners get a wake-up alarm at about 6:00AM, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then eat breakfast. After 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 Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 procedure to send funds to inmates changes, so we suggest that you double check the official website when you send funds to an inmate 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 San Francisco County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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.


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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:

• 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.

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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 spent any time at this jail? Do you have a family member or friend that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner in this jail?

If yes, then please tell us about it. Write about what you experienced so that others can find out what to expect.

Things you can write in your review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• Other Inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why were you locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? How was day to day life at San Francisco County Jail? What were the other inmates like? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Trying to say wassup to someone from jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Send a message to San Francisco County Jail

Links and Resources

Main San Francisco County Jail Link
San Francisco County Jail Inmate Search
San Francisco County Jail Mugshots
San Francisco County Jail Bail Amount Link

California Felony Bail Schedule

San Francisco County Jail Visitation
San Francisco County Jail Jail Mail Link
San Francisco County Jail Inmate Search
San Francisco County Jail Warrant Inquiry
San Francisco County Jail Arrests
Send Money to an Inmate at San Francisco County Jail
Jobs at San Francisco County Jail


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