Desoto County Jail – Arcadia, FL

Desoto County Jail is located in De Soto County, Florida and is the main correctional facility for this area. Do you know somebody incarcerated at Desoto County Jail? This page will tell you all about everything related to Desoto County Jail,like: How to do a jail inmate search. How to view Desoto County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Intake procedures and booking. De Soto County court information. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary situation, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their family and friends. This guide is meant to give info that you need to make going to jail a lot easier. If you have a question, just ask them, and please leave any feedback or comments that might be a benefit to others will be appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is incarcerated and need to contact them?

Has a friend or family member who has been arrested and you don’t know how to locate them?

In order to search who’s in jail at Desoto County Jail you will have to visit their website and do an inmate search.

The Desoto County Jail Inmate Search is an online list of people currently in custody, including custody status, bail amount, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you are able to get information about anybody who has been arrested or released within the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by last name. You’ll be able to find the information more quickly if you enter the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or family member may be in another jail you should look here: Other Jails in Florida

A mugshot, also called a jail processing picture, is the photograph taken by the police when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually one frontal photo and a profile photo. Your full name and jail booking number will be on the pictures, and they are on file.

Mugshots can be found online, or you can view them at the Desoto County Jail. When viewing online you have to put in the inmate’s name, and the booking date, if you have one.

Do you want to have your mugshot taken down from the Desoto County Jail site? This will be difficult, as the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Obviously, once you’re in jail, your only thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount will be set by the magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you are required to agree to be there for your court date, and you are not permitted to leave town.

In most cases, prisoners are given time off in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while they’re in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. You will have to return to the jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you might be permitted to move into a halfway house instead of 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 you will have to pay is dictated by how serious your charges are. You will have to pay ten percent of the total that was set so you are able to get discharged from jail. If you don’t show up for court, whoever put up your bail money won’t get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will need to call the Desoto County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. You can also find out how much their bail is on the Desoto County Jail site.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never a fun thing, but fortunately, it is very simple to do. To start with, you need to know if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you can’t use a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they won’t accept a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be discharged. 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 amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases with a minimum charge of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman might ask to use your assets as collateral for the bond.

If you need a bail bondsman click here: Find a Bail Bondsman in De Soto County

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out.

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

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The jail intake process is made up of each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. When the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you will have to answer a bunch of questions, such as your full name, street address, date of birth and a contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and mental history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will let you use the phone so you can get in touch with a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, they will let you keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, you should tell our readers about your experience. How long did you have to wait? How were you treated? Can you share any things that could help others to get through jail intake?

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Once bail has been posted, you will get discharged from jail. This process takes anywhere between 30 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the quicker bail is posted, the sooner you will get discharged from jail. Also, it can depend on if you’ve got a bond amount or if a judge has to decide on how much to set your bail at. For a minor charge, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. If you have served a sentence in jail and have a date of your release, you should expect to be released that morning.

for your arrest, or if you need to report to start a sentence, you really should follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, report to the jail, and tell the intake officer that believe that there could be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if you do, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Ensure that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring things that are allowed with you, such as a driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a sentencing order.

Inmates have to give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail. This information will be entered into the log as an Authorized visit. Each visitor will have to provide acceptable photo identification. Any visitors showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Jail visitation policies are always changing, so visit the official Desoto County Jail jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are typically more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the jail rules, phone calls could be reduced or forbidden completely.

Phone Number: 863-993-4710

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other form of mail delivery. You must print the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t mail anything in a box or package, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and inspected and read by the staff, and the mail will get returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Desoto County Jail is:

Desoto County Jail
208 E. Cypress St
Arcadia, FL 34266

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Desoto County Jail
208 E. Cypress St
Arcadia, FL 34266

The mail policy changes often, so you should visit the the Desoto County Jail website before you send a letter to an inmate.

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When you get arrested, you have rights, one of these being your right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to ask a friend or family member to find an attorney when you call them. You might be thinking ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate the complicated court system in your county. The sooner you get a lawyer involved with your case, the better your chances.

For more information about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, go to: How to Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender has access to independent investigators, forensics experts as well as case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law in Florida.

Have you or someone you know 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 file containing a docket sheet and each of the documents and motions filed during your court case. You are able to access the records and documents in your court case with the internet service, or by going to the De Soto County Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is an official part 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 read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records from your case are kept at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees are the fees and charges associated with your case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The De Soto County court magistrate is the judge who presides over your court case. They do many different things, like setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed with information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and in some cases the victim in the crime. Bear in mind you are allowed to request to receive your own copy of your pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct any mistakes that it contains.

After being convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, ranging from community service to probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you will either be locked up immediately, or you could get a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve your term.

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

This is pretty simple to do, just you need to access the De Soto County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• and their jail ID.

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

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can find out by checking the court records on the De Soto County court website or call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. You should be clear that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

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

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, like warrants. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the De Soto County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view these listings on the website, but keep in mind that you will not be able to see the exact address, but only the block they live on.

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

Every state maintains records of a person’s criminal history. These databases are connected and you can track criminal convictions from another state. Go to the De Soto County Courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and in the event that it was in a different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will be able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any of the following crimes:

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

When you do a criminal history search, you will not find out if they had:

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

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

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the jail? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your story could help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In De Soto County, the De Soto County Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

De Soto County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in the De Soto County jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you. You will get an alarm for wake-up every morning at 6:00AM, and then roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast participate 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 Desoto 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 Desoto 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 can change, so it would be best to double check the the Desoto 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 Desoto County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Desoto 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 Desoto County Jail

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to 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:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

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

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been an inmate at Desoto County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at Desoto County Jail?

If so, then we would like you to write your review about it. Tell us about your jail experience so that others will know what to expect.

Things you can include in your review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Click here to review Desoto County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has a story about it. Why were you locked up? Were you fairly treated? How was day to day life at Desoto County Jail? What about the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to share your story about when you did time in Desoto County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Are you trying to send a message to someone you met in jail? Post a message to them below.

Say Hello to Desoto County Jail

Links and Resources

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

Desoto County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Desoto County Jail Mail Policy
Locate an inmate at Desoto County Jail
De Soto County Warrant Inquiry
Desoto County Jail Arrests
Send Money to an Inmate at Desoto County Jail
Desoto County Jail Employment


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