Sierra County Jail – Downieville, CA

Sierra County Jail is located in Sierra County and is the correctional facility for the area. Looking for someone in Sierra County Jail? This page will tell you info about everything a person needs to know about Sierra County Jail: Find an inmate at Sierra County Jail. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and how to get out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information. And everything else.

The chance of going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give you all the information that you’ll need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a question, just ask them, and also any tips or comments that might help others will be welcome.

Do you know someone that is locked up and don’t know how to find them?

Do you know a friend or family member that has been arrested and you don’t know how to find out where they are?

To see who’s in jail at Sierra County Jail you will have to click on their website and do an inmate search.

The Sierra County Jail Inmate Lookup has information on persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and schedule for visitation. You can find the same information on anybody who has been arrested or discharged within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to get their arrest information more quickly if you have the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for is in another jail you will want to check our California county jail guide: List of all county jails in California

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing picture, is a photograph taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one full face and a profile picture. Your full name and booking number will be in the photos, and they will be on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Sierra County Jail inmates can be searched on the Sierra County Jail website, or you can view them at the Sierra County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you need to enter the prisoner’s legal name, and a booking date, if you have one.

Want to get your mugshot erased from the Sierra County Jail site? This is difficult, as your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For more information about getting your mugshot removed, the many different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Obviously, once you are locked up, your main thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount is set by the magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

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

Usually, an inmate in the Sierra County Jail can earn an early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to do work release. Either you will have to stay jail each day when you’re finished working, or you might get to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount of bail that is set is determined by how serious your charges are. You will need to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total that was set so you are able to bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for your scheduled court date, the person that bailed you out of jail will not get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you must call the Sierra County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you what their bail is set at. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Posting bail to get out of jail is never fun, but usually, its very simple to do. First of all, you need to know if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you can’t get a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they can’t accept checks. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the prisoner will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If bail is set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and in most cases have 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 usually request to use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To contact a local bail bondsman go to: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to post a comment

In California bail amounts are set by the California Felony Bail Schedule, but keep in mind that the magistrate or judge has the ultimate say on you bail amount. The bail schedule lists each and every crime defined by state law and the exact bail amount for each one.

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

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The intake procedure includes these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is really busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you must answer some basic questions, such as your legal name, your address, date of birth and contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• They will allow you to make a telephone call to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be able to wear your street clothes, if not you will be given a jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please tell us how it happened. How long did it take to get through intake? Were you treated fairly? Do you have any tips that might help other people that get arrested to get through the process?

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When you post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. The discharge process takes from 30 minutes to hours or even all day long. So, the quicker bail is posted, the quicker you will get out of jail. Also, it can depend on whether you’ve got a cash bond or if the magistrate must decide on the bail amount. For lesser charges, you will get booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and know the discharge date, plan to get released between 9am and noon.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you need to begin your sentence in jail, it is highly advisable that you follow the rules and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go down to the jail intake center, and tell the intake officer that believe that there could be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go down to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order states. Make sure that you are not late. Be sure to only bring allowed items with you, for example your driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the sentencing order from court.

To have visitors, you need to give each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will be put in the visitors log as an Authorized visit. Every visitor will have to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or that is not on the visitation list will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Sierra County Jail visitation procedures are always changing, so make sure that you visit the official Sierra County Jail jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Calls made in jail are generally more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on 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 disciplined for an infraction, phone privileges may be limited or totally denied.

Phone Number: (530) 289-3700

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You can’t use any other method of mail or package delivery. You have to clearly write or type the name, inmate number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail is opened and inspected by staff, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Sierra County Jail is:

Sierra County Jail
100 Courthouse Square
Downieville, CA 95936

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Sierra County Jail
100 Courthouse Square
Downieville, CA 95936

The mail policy at Sierra County Jail changes frequently, so we suggest that you review the the Sierra County Jail website when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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When you get arrested, you have rights, the first of which is the right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to have a friend or relative find an attorney when you call. You might be thinking ‘but do I really need an attorney’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and show you the way through the complicated legal system in your county. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your charges, the better your chances.

For more info on this, click here: How to Find an Attorney

If you can’t afford a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. The Public Defender has access to independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social workers. All Public Defenders are actual lawyers who are members of the State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

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

Sierra County court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They contain a court case file containing a docket sheet and every documents in your case. You, and anyone else, can access court records via the Sierra County website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court that maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records, documents, and evidence related to your court case are available at Sierra County Clerk of Court office.

Court costs and court fees are all costs associated with your case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The Sierra County court magistrate is the judge that will preside over your case in court. Magistrates do different tasks, such as setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and presiding over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the arrestee’s background and details of the arrestee’s life history, which the judge will take into consideration when deciding on the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the defendant, his or her family members, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Bear in mind that you can request to have your own copy of the report before you are sentenced, and correct any inaccurate information.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you could be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could receive a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has ever been locked up?

To do this, you should access the jail’s website, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Approximate booking date.
• or inmate ID.

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

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you can check arrest warrants on the Sierra County court website or you are able to call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. You should be clear that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or look online. Arrest records are a matter of public record and the information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

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. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You can access these listings online, but bear in mind that you won’t see the precise address, but rather the address block that they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. They include a case file that contains a docket sheet and all filings and documents filed in the court case. You are able to access court records on the website, or at Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains records of people’s criminal past. These databases are all connected and you can track criminal convictions from other states. Go to county courthouse and inquire, or check online. 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 might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

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

• DUI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you won’t find out if someone has had any moving violations, like:

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

To find driving records, you must do a driving records search.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you search online or did you call the courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your account might make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI maintains a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Sierra County, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List

Sierra County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in the Sierra County jail is no fun, you will soon settle into the routine that is set for you. Inmates get an alarm to wake up at 6am, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast participate 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 Sierra 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 Sierra 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 visit the official Sierra County Jail site when you send any funds.


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 Sierra County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Sierra 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 Sierra 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.

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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.

Click here to share your story

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

If your answer is yes, then you should write a review about it. Write about your jail experience so others can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to include in what you write:

• Conditions in Sierra County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Programs and activities


Speak Your Mind

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has a story about it. How’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? What about the other inmates? How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to find an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Write your message below.

Send a message to Sierra County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Sierra County Jail Website
Sierra County Jail Inmate Search
Sierra County Jail Mugshots
Sierra County Jail Bail Link

California Felony Bail Schedule

Sierra County Jail Visitation
Sierra County Jail Mail Policy
Find an inmate at Sierra County Jail
Sierra County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Sierra County Jail Arrests
Send Money to an Inmate at Sierra County Jail
Sierra County Jail Employment


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