Bay County Jail – Panama City, FL

Bay County Jail is in Bay County and is the primary correctional facility for the region. Are you looking for someone in Bay County Jail? This guide tells you information about anything related to Bay County Jail: Find an inmate at Bay County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Booking and intake procedures. Bay County court information. And much more…

The chance of going to jail is a scary and daunting thought, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is meant to give info you need to make helping someone get out of jail a lot easier. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask it, and also any feedback or comments that might be a benefit to other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is incarcerated and don’t know how to contact them?

Do you know somebody who has been arrested and you don’t know how to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to search who is in jail at Bay County Jail you have to visit their link and use the inmate search.

The Bay County Jail Inmate Locator has information on persons who have been arrested and are in custody, including custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. Also, you can find information for anyone processed or discharged within the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You’ll be able to find their inmate information quicker if you have their name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the inmate you are looking for is locked up at a different jail you should check the other Florida county jails in our Florida County Jail Guide: Florida Jails

A mugshot, also known as a intake photograph, is a picture that the police take when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is actually two photos one full face and one profile photo. Your full name and jail ID number will be on the pictures, and they are on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be found on the Bay County Jail website, or you can see them at the Bay County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to input their legal name, and the arrest date, if you have one.

Need to know how to have your mugshot removed from the Bay County Jail site? This may not be possible, because the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

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

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Once you are arrested and put in jail, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail will be set either through a preset bail schedule or a 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 don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released you are required to promise to show up for court, and until that day you are not permitted to go out of town.

Typically, inmates at Bay County Jail will be given early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and area a good inmate while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to do work release. You will either have to return to the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you could have the chance to move into a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you have to pay is dictated by the crime you’ve been charged with. You will need to pay to the courts ten percent of the total that was set so you are able to get discharged from jail. If you miss court, whoever paid your bail won’t get the bail money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the Bay County Jail. If you have all the person’s info, such as 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 on the jail website.

Bailing out of jail is no fun, but most of the time, its easy. To start with, you have to find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you will not be able to use the services of a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they can’t take checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the inmate will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the bail amount is too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should try a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and usually have a minimum fee of $100. This money is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman will in most cases use assets as collateral for the bond.

To contact a bail bondsman go to: Find a Bail Bondsman in Bay County

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

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

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The jail intake procedure takes you through these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you must answer some questions, such as what is your full legal name, your address, birth date and contact person.
• You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken from you and stored until you are released.
• You will get to use the telephone so you can talk to a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be allowed to wear your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please tell us what happened. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? What was your treatment like? Do you have any things that will help others make it through jail processing?

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Once you are able to post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail can take between 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. So, the faster you can post bail, the faster you can get released from jail. How quickly you get discharged depends on whether or not you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if the magistrate has to decide on the bail amount. For a minor offense, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a discharge date, plan to be released in the morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you must report to start a sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, report to the jail intake area, and tell them that you think there may be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if there is one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Be sure that you aren’t late. Just bring required items when you go, such as a driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the copy of the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you must provide information about each visitor to the jail. Your visitors will be put in a log of visitors for the inmate. Each visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors that arrives for visitation late or without a visiting order will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Bay County Jail frequently change, so make sure that you check the official 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 . Phone calls made in jail are typically more expensive than regular phone calls. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, phone privileges may be limited or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

Phone Number: (850) 785-5245

All mail is required to be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You can’t use any other form of mail delivery. You have to print the inmate’s name, inmate number, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t mail a package or box, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail sent to inmates will be opened and examined by the jail officers, and will be sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

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

Bay County Jail
5700 Star Lane
Panama City, FL 32404

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Bay County Jail
5700 Star Lane
Panama City, FL 32404

The inmate mail policy at Bay County Jail changes, so it would be best to check the official Bay County Jail site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, one of these is the right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea to get a friend or family member to locate an attorney when you talk to them. You may be thinking ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and help you through the court system that you are now faced with. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better off you’ll be.

To read more about this subject, read our guide: How to Find a Lawyer

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender Office is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers, members of the State Bar and are licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use the services of a Public Defender? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They have a case file with a docket sheet and each of the documents that have been filed in your case. You can access your court records with the internet service, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that maintains court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, 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 costs and court fees are the costs associated with your court case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may not have to pay them.

The magistrate is the judge that presides over your case in court. They do a number of things, like determining how much your bail will be, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court appearances and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the magistrate will review and take into account when determining your sentence. Information will be gathered from the defendant, their family, and if necessary the victim. Remember that you should request to get a copy of your pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you can correct any mistakes that it contains.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will then get sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service to probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you may be taken into custody immediately, or you could be given a date that you must turn yourself into jail to do your time.

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Want to find out if some you know is locked up, or has ever been in jail?

To do this, you will have to access the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• Their name.
• Birth date.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the Bay County jail website or call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and inquire at the information desk. Bear in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are public record and this is freely available.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Bay County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders are listed and registered on a sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to see these listings on the website, but remember that you will not find the exact address, but only the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. They include a case file that contains a court docket and any documents filed in the case. You can access the court records online, or at the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of people’s criminal history. These online databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You can go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a completely different state, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes, which can include:

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

But, when you do a criminal records check, you won’t be able to see if they have had any:

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

To get this kind of information, you will have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How easy was it? Was 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 look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your account might help other people.

Click here to leave a comment

Most Wanted

The FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Bay County,The Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List

Bay 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 being incarcerated in Bay County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, you will soon become accustomed to the daily routine there. You will get an alarm for wake-up every morning at 6:00 AM, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then have breakfast. After breakfast, you will 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 Bay 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 Bay 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 inmates at Bay County Jail might change, so be sure to check the the Bay County Jail website before you send money to an inmate.


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 Bay County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Bay 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 Bay 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:

• 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.

Click here to tell about all about it

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

If yes, then we would like you to write a review about it. Write about your jail experience because others can learn what to expect.

What to write in your comment:

• Conditions in Bay County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate programs and activities


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? How was day to day life at Bay County Jail? What about the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you need to find out how to get in touch with a person you met in jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Say Hello to someone at Bay County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Bay County Jail Link
Bay County Jail Inmate Search Link
Bay County Jail Mugshots
Bay County Jail Bail Link

Bay County Jail Visitation
Bay County Jail Mail Policy
Bay County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Bay County Jail Warrant Inquiry Link
Bay County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Money to an Inmate at Bay County Jail
Jobs at Bay County Jail


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