Ventura County Jail – Pre-Trial Detention Facility – Ventura, CA

Ventura County Jail is located in Ventura County and is the primary correctional facility for the area. Know someone locked up at Ventura County Jail? This site tells you all about everything one might want to know about Ventura County Jail: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Ventura County Jail intake procedures. Court information and records. And everything else.

The chance of going to jail is a scary prospect, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also their family and friends. The goal of this guide is to give advice and information that you need to make the process less stressful. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask them, and please leave any tips or comments that might be beneficial to other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

Do you know someone that has gone to jail and don’t know how to locate them?

Do you know somebody that has been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

To look up who’s in jail at Ventura County Jail you need to click on their website and perform an inmate lookup.

The Ventura County Jail Inmate Locator has information on people who have been arrested and are in custody, including custody status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. You can also find information for anybody who has been arrested or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can get the information faster if you have the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be in another jail you can check our California county jail guide: California County Jails

A mugshot, also known as a jail booking photograph, is a picture taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and a profile picture. Your full name and intake number will appear on the mugshot, and they will be on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Ventura County Jail inmates can be searched online, or you can view them at the Ventura County Jail. When viewing online you have to input the person’s legal name, and an arrest date.

Need to know how to get your mugshot taken off of the Ventura County Jail website? This is difficult, as the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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If you’re locked up, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve been booked, a bail amount is set using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you are required to agree to be there for your court date, and in the meantime you can’t leave the area.

Usually, prisoners at Ventura County Jail can earn time off 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 granted work release. You will have to go back to the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you could have the chance to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to get out of jail until your court date. Your bail amount is determined by the seriousness of your crime. Someone you know will need to put up 10% of the amount that was determined so you are able to be released from jail. If you don’t show up for your court appearance, whoever paid your bail won’t get the bail money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you must call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can see the bail amount on the Ventura County Jail site.

Posting bail to get out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but most of the time, it is really easy. First of all, you need to know if it is a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you will not be able to get a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they will not take checks. Once the cash bond has been paid, the person will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it, you should hire a bail bondsman. They generally have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and usually charge a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman may require that they use your assets as collateral for the bond.

If you need a local bail bondsman click here: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used a bail bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to tell about all about it

In California bail amounts are already set by the California Felony Bail Schedule, but keep in mind that the magistrate or judge has the ultimate say on where your bail is set. The bail schedule contains each and every crime included in state law and the specific bail amount for each one.

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

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The intake process is made up of the following steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• First, will have to answer some basic questions, such as what is your full legal name, your address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will let you use the telephone to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you will be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? What was your treatment like? Can you share any things that will help other people make it through the procedure?

Click here to share your story

When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged from jail takes anywhere between 10 minutes to all day long. So, the faster you can post bail, the faster you will get discharged. Also, how fast you get released might depend on whether or not you have a cash bond or if the magistrate has to decide on how much to set your bail at. For lesser charges, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a release date, plan to be released that morning.

In the event there is a, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, you should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, report to the jail intake area, and let them know that you think there is a warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they find one, you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. Be sure that you are not late. Be sure to only bring approved items when you turn yourself in, such as your driver’s license or state issued ID, prescription medication, as well as a sentencing order.

The inmate must provide the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s information will be put into a Visiting log for the inmate. Each visitor has to provide a photo ID when visiting. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Ventura County Jail visitation procedures change often, so we suggest that you review the official Ventura County Jail jail site before you try 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 . Jail phone calls are a lot more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s phone privileges might get cut back or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The Ventura County Jail phone number is: 805-654-3335

All inmate mail has to be sent using the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other form of delivery. You must write or type the person’s name, inmate ID, 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, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail received by the jail gets opened and read and examined by the jail administration, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

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

Ventura County Jail
800 South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Ventura County Jail
800 South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009

The mail policy at Ventura County Jail changes frequently, so we suggest that you check the official Ventura County Jail site before you send a letter to an inmate.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these being that you have the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is important to ask a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you call them. You might be thinking ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, an attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and help you understand the complicated court system in your county. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more information about the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, click here: How to Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. The Public Defender has access to investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers who are members of the California State Bar and are legally licensed to handle your case.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court records are a matter of public record. They contain a court case file containing a docket and all of the documents filed during your court case. You are able to access court records via the online service, or at the Ventura County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Ventura County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records, documents, and evidence related to your case are kept and available to you at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the costs from your case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

The Ventura County magistrate is the type of judge that will preside on your case. They do several different things, which include setting your bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed with information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the judge will review and take into account when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some cases the victim. Bear in mind you are able to request to get a copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, and make sure that you correct the mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get immediately taken into custody, or given a date to go to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Want to find out if some you know is currently in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you should access the Ventura County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• or inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you can also call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can find out by checking the court records on the Ventura County jail website or you are able to call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or find out online. An arrest is a matter of public record and these records are available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to see this information online, but remember that you can’t find the actual address, just the block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a case file that contains a court docket and all of the documents filed in your case. You are able to access the court records online, or at Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each state maintains records of someone’s criminal history. These state databases are all connected and you can track criminal histories from another state. You are able to go to the county courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It helps to know the county, and if it was in a different state, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you can find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any of the following crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, usually won’t see if they have had any:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving records, you have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? How hard was it? Did you do your search online or did you call the Ventura County courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your feedback could help other people.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

The FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Ventura County,The Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of spending time in Ventura County Jail is no fun, eventually you will get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. Inmates get an alarm to wake up each morning at six in the morning, and then roll call. Then you will have breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will have to work in the program that has been assigned to you. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Ventura 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 Ventura 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 rules for sending money to Ventura County Jail inmates changes, so we suggest that you check the official website before you send any money.


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 Ventura County Jail

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

Tell 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:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You 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.

Tell 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 locked up in Ventura County Jail? Do you know someone there? Have you ever been to visit someone in this jail?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to write your review about it. Write about your experience so others will know what to expect.

What to write in your review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? What was your daily routine in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did getting locked up affect your life?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you want to get in touch with somebody you met when you were locked up? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello

Links and Resources

Main Ventura County Jail Link
Ventura County Jail Inmate Search Link
Ventura County Jail Mugshots
Ventura County Jail Bail Amount Link

California Felony Bail Schedule

Ventura County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Ventura County Jail Mail Policy
Ventura County Jail Inmate Search
Ventura County Warrants
Ventura County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Funds to an Inmate at Ventura County Jail
Ventura County Jail Jobs


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