Santa Barbara County Jail – Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara County Jail is located in Santa Barbara County, CA and is the main correctional facility for this county. Are you looking for someone incarcerated at Santa Barbara County Jail? This site will tell you about everything one might want to know about Santa Barbara County Jail,like the following: How to do a jail inmate search. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Santa Barbara County Jail intake procedures. Santa Barbara County court information. And everything else.

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is designed to give you information and tips that you need to make the process a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask them, and any comments or feedback that might be a benefit to others will be welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that has gone to jail and don’t know how to locate them?

Do you know a family member or friend that’s been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

In order to look up who is in jail at Santa Barbara County Jail you have to click on their website and do an inmate search.

The Santa Barbara County Jail Inmate Search has information on persons who have been arrested, which includes status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you are able to get information for anyone arrested and booked or released within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to find the information faster if you enter the arrestee’s full name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or family member may be locked up at a different jail you should check the other California county jails in our California County Jail Guide: List of all jails in California

A mugshot, or jail booking photograph, is a picture taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. They will take one frontal photo and one profile photo. Your name and jail ID number will be in the pictures, and they’re kept on file.

Mugshots can be searched on the website, or you can go in person to the Santa Barbara County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you have to put in the inmate’s first and last name, and the booking date, if you have it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot removed from the Santa Barbara County Jail website? This may not be possible, because your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Of course, if you’re incarcerated, your main thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount will be set by the magistrate. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you are required to agree to go to your court date, and you can’t go out of town.

In most cases, inmates at Santa Barbara County Jail will be given time off in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and conduct themselves properly while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. You will have to go back to the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you could get to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount of bail that is set is determined by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You or someone you know will have to pay to the courts 10% of the amount set before you can be released. If you don’t go to your court appearance, whoever posted your bail will lose all of the bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you need to call the Santa Barbara County Jail. If you’ve got the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. Also, you can find out how much their bail is online.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but usually, it is very simple to do. To start with, you need to know if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you can’t use a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail will not accept checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the inmate will be released to your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just don’t have the money, you should use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen usually charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually charge a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will in most cases require that they use your personal assets as collateral for the bond.

If you need a bail bondsman click here: Find a Bail Bondsman in Santa Barbara County

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, 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 the amount of bail you pay is already set by the California Felony Bail Schedule, but keep in mind that the judge or magistrate has the ultimate say on where your bail is set. The California Felony Bail Schedule contains all crimes defined by state law and the exact bail amount for each one.

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

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The jail intake procedure includes each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• First, will have to answer some basic questions, like your legal name, your address, date of birth and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and mental history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• They will let you make a telephone call in order to contact a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will be given a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please tell your story. How long did it take to get through intake? What was your treatment like? Can you share any tips that might help others get through the process?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you pay your bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail may take between 30 minutes to quite a few hours. In simple terms, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you will be freed. How quickly you get discharged depends on whether you’ve got a bond amount or if the magistrate must figure out your bail amount. For minor offenses, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and have a date of your release, you should expect to be released between 9am and noon.

If the sheriff has a, or if you have to report to start a sentence, you really should follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If you have a warrant, report to the jail reception area, and tell the intake officer that you think they might have an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. A record check will be run, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into jail custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order states. Make sure that you are not late to report. Just bring required items with you, such as a driver’s license or even ID, prescription medication, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to give each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will be entered in the visitation log as an approved visitor. Each visitor will have to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone that gets to visitation or without a visiting order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Santa Barbara County Jail visitation procedures change often, so it would be wise to check the official site before you go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Jail phone calls are typically more expensive than phone calls made at home. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone privileges might get cut back or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

Phone Number: (805) 681-4100

All mail is required to be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of mail or package delivery. You have to clearly write or type the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a box, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail sent to inmates is opened and inspected and read by the jail staff, and will get sent back to the person who mailed it if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

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

Santa Barbara County Jail
4434 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Santa Barbara County Jail
4434 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93110

The mail policy at Santa Barbara County Jail is always changing, so be sure to check the official website before you send a letter.

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If you have been arrested, you should know you still have rights, and an important one is your right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to get a friend or relative to find an attorney when you call. You might be asking yourself ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate through the criminal justice system that you are now faced with. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better.

For more information on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, go to: How to Find an Attorney in Santa Barbara County

If you cannot afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. Also, the Public Defender is staffed by investigators, forensics experts as well as case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys who 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 court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

All court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They are comprised of a case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and every motions, documents, and evidence filed during your court case. You can access court records using the website, or at the Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court who manages court records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records and documents associated with your court case are held at Santa Barbara County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees and costs are the fees and charges associated with your case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may get out of having to pay them.

The magistrate is the judge that presides on your case in court. They do many different things, which include setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over first court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed with your background information and details of the defendant’s life and history, which the judge will review and take into account when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the defendant, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Don’t forget you are able to ask to receive a copy of the report before sentencing, and correct the mistakes.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you will either be taken into custody immediately, or given a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Want to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you should visit the Santa Barbara County jail website, and search by:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can call the jail get confirmation.

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants on the Santa Barbara County court website or call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. You should know that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the Santa Barbara County jail, by phone, in person, or check online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and the information is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, which can be warrants. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to see this information online, but keep in mind that you won’t see the street address, just the neighborhood block they live on.

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

Every state keeps a record of someone’s criminal past. These state databases are all connected and you can track criminal histories from any other state. You are able to go to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and inquire, or check online. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

A criminal records search you will find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for crimes, which include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

If you do a criminal records check, usually won’t discover if they have had any:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

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

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

The FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Santa Barbara County, the Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of spending time in the Santa Barbara County jail is something you wish you could avoid, you will soon get used to the daily routine there. Expect an alarm to wake up every morning at 6:00AM, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. When you finish 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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 money to inmates at Santa Barbara County Jail can change, so we suggest that you check the the Santa Barbara County Jail website when 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Santa Barbara County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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 leave a comment


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• 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 been incarcerated at Santa Barbara County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at Santa Barbara County Jail?

If yes, then you should leave a comment below about it. Tell us about your jail experience because other people can learn what to expect.

Things you could write in your comment:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. How’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? What were the other inmates like? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you need to talk to a person you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

Say Wassup

Links and Resources

Main Santa Barbara County Jail Website
Santa Barbara County Jail Inmate Search Link
Santa Barbara County Jail Mugshots
Santa Barbara County Jail Bail Link

CA Bail Schedule

Santa Barbara County Jail Visitation
Santa Barbara County Jail Mail Policy
Santa Barbara County Jail Inmate Search
Santa Barbara County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Santa Barbara County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Santa Barbara County Jail Send Money Procedure
Santa Barbara County Jail Employment


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