Alachua County Jail – Gainesville, FL

Alachua County Jail is in Alachua County, Florida and is the main jail for that region. Do you know somebody in jail at Alachua County Jail? This page gives you all about everything related to Alachua County Jail: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information. And lots more.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is meant to give you all the advice and information that you’ll need to make going to jail a lot easier. If you have questions, please feel free to ask them, and please leave any tips or comments that might be a benefit to others is appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend in jail and want to find them?

Do you know a family member or friend who has been arrested and you want to locate them?

To see who is in jail at Alachua County Jail you will need to visit their website and use the inmate lookup.

The Alachua County Jail Inmate Lookup has information on people currently in custody, which includes current status, bail amount (if applicable), and schedule for visitation. You can also find the same information on anyone processed or discharged within the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You can get their arrest information faster if you’ve got your friend or family member’s name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member is at another jail you will want to look here: Florida County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also known as a jail intake photo, is a photo that the jail takes when you get booked into jail. They take one face photo and one profile photo. Your full name and jail ID number will be in the pictures, and they’re stored at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched on the website, or you can go in person to the Alachua County Jail. When viewing online you will need to enter the full name, and the arrest date.

Are you trying to have your mugshot taken off of the Alachua County Jail website? This will be difficult, since your mugshot is a matter of public record. You must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and will not be accessible. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the various websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

Return To Main Menu

Naturally, if you’re arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve been booked, bail will be determined by the magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released you are required to promise to be there for your court date, and until that date you won’t be permitted to leave the area.

Typically, prisoners will earn time off in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and act right while they’re in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be given work release detail. You will either have to go back to the jail each day when you’re finished working, or you may get to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is how much money that you are required to pay to be released from jail until your trial. The amount you have to pay is dictated by the seriousness of your charges. Someone will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total amount that was determined in order to be released. If you miss your scheduled court date, whoever posted your bail will lose all of the bail money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the Alachua County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know the bail amount. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

Posting bail to get out of jail is no fun, but most of the time, it’s really easy if you have the money. To start with, you have to find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you won’t be able to use a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail can’t take a check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will be released into your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and in most cases have a minimum of $100. This is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman will usually use assets as collateral.

If you need a local bail bondsman go to: Find a Bail Bondsman in Alachua County

Have you ever had to use a bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

Speak Your Mind

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

Return To Main Menu

The intake process includes these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you will have to answer some questions, such as what is your full name, home address, date of birth and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will let you use the telephone so you can talk to family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to wear your street clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should share your experience. How long did it take to get processed? What was your treatment like? Can you share any tips that will help other people get through the process?

Click here to leave a comment

Once bail has been posted, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged can take between 10 minutes to hours or even all day long. In simple terms, the faster bail is posted, the quicker you will be freed. How quickly you get discharged will depend on if you have a cash bond or if a judge needs to figure out how much to set your bail at. For minor offenses, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the date of your release, you should expect to get discharged between 9am and noon.

issued for your arrest, or if you need to report to start a sentence, you really should follow the law and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go to the jail reception area, and let them know that you think they might have 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 find one, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If you have a jail sentence to serve, go down to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you are not late to report. Make sure that you only bring allowed items with you, like your driver’s license or photo ID, prescription medication, and the copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must list the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail. Your visitor’s names will go into the log for the requesting inmate. All visitors will have to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Anyone that gets to visitation or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Alachua County Jail visitation procedures change often, so review the official Alachua County Jail jail site before you try to go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are generally pricier than regular phone calls. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on 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 rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s phone privileges may be limited or cut altogether.

The Alachua County Jail phone number is: 352-367-4000

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be sent using the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other type of mail delivery. You should write the name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Do not send anything in a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail that you send to inmates gets opened and examined and read by the jail administration, and will get sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

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

Alachua County Jail
3333 Ne 39Th Ave
Gainesville, FL 32609

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Alachua County Jail
3333 Ne 39Th Ave
Gainesville, FL 32609

The mail policy is always changing, so you should review the official Alachua County Jail site before you send a letter.

Return To Main Menu

If you get arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these being the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to get a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you call. You’re probably asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a lawyer can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and guide you through the legal system that you are now faced with. The faster you get an attorney working on your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more info on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, visit: How to Find a Lawyer in Alachua County

If you can’t afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender’s Office is staffed by investigators, forensics experts and social case workers. Public Defenders are actual attorneys, admitted to the State Bar and are completely 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? Do you think they properly handled your case?

All court records are public records and are available upon request. They have a file containing a docket sheet and every documents in the case. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case via the internet service, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All court records from your court case are held at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees are all costs associated with your court case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The Alachua County court magistrate acts as the judge who presides over your case. Magistrates do a number of things, which include setting bail amounts, issuing warrants, and overseeing preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed with information about the defendant’s background and details of the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate will review and take into consideration when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember you can request to get your own copy of the report before your sentencing, so you get the chance to review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, including community service and probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on how serious your crime was, you may be locked up immediately, or you could get a date to report to jail to do your time.

Return To Main Menu

Do you need to find out if somebody you know is currently in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do so, you should query the Alachua County jail website, and do a search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• or jail ID.

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

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you are able to check the court records on the Alachua County court website or you can call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. You should be clear that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or look online. Arrest records are in the public record and this information is accessible by the public.

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

All registered sex offenders must be registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see sex offenders on the internet, but remember that you won’t see the street address, rather the block they live on.

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

Every state maintains a record of a person’s criminal past. These online databases are linked together and you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. You are able to go to courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a different state, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for these crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

But, when you do a criminal records check, in most cases will not find if someone had:

• Speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving records, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it an easy process? Did you do your search online or did you make a phone call to the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your feedback could make it easier for others.

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

The FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Alachua County,The Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Alachua County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in the Alachua County jail is no fun, in time you will settle into the daily routine there. Prisoners get an alarm for wake-up each morning at six in the morning, and then roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. After breakfast, you will have to work in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. 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 Alachua 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 Alachua 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 people in jail might change, so be sure to double check the the Alachua County Jail website before 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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Alachua County Jail

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


Return To Main Menu

Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to post a comment


Return To Main Menu

Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• 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 leave a comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

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


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been incarcerated in this jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at this jail?

If you have, then please write your review about it. Write down your jail experience so others will know what to expect.

Things you can put in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Click here to write a review

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What happened to you while you were locked up? What were the other inmates like? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you want to talk to a friend from jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Send a message to people still locked up at Alachua County Jail

Links and Resources

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

Alachua County Jail Visitation Procedures
Alachua County Jail Jail Mail Link
Find an inmate at Alachua County Jail
Alachua County Warrant Inquiry
Alachua County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Money to an Inmate at Alachua County Jail
Alachua County Jail Jobs


Return To Main Menu
340