Highlands County Jail – Sebring, FL

Highlands County Jail is in Highlands County and is the primary correctional facility for the region. Do you know somebody locked up at Highlands County Jail? This site gives you info about anything you might need to know about Highlands County Jail,like: How to do a jail inmate search. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And everything else.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting thought, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give you information and advice that you need to make getting locked up a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask it, and any feedback or comments that might be beneficial to others is appreciated.

Do you know someone in jail and want to contact them?

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

In order to look up who’s in jail at Highlands County Jail you will need to click on their web site and use the inmate search.

The Highlands County Jail Inmate Lookup is an online list of persons who have been arrested, including current status, bail amount, and visiting hours. You can also find info for anybody arrested and processed or released in the past 24-hour period. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to find their arrest information fast if you’ve got the arrestee’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you are looking for might be in another county jail you should look here: Florida County Jails

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

Mugshots of Highlands County Jail prisoners can be viewed online, or you can go in person to the Highlands County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will need to put in the person’s name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot taken down from the Highlands County Jail website? This can be tricky, as your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the various websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Once you’re arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail will be determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you are required to promise to be there for your court date, and until that date you are not allowed to travel out of the county.

Typically, a prisoner are given time off in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and conduct themselves properly while they are in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. Either you will have to stay the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished with work, or you could have the chance to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is money that you are required to pay to be released from jail until your court date. The amount of bail that is set all depends on the crime you are charged with. You or someone you know will have to pay ten percent of the total set before you can get discharged from jail. If you don’t go to your scheduled court date, that person won’t get the bail money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Highlands County Jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but thankfully, it’s really easy. First, you need to find out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you won’t be able to get a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail can’t accept a check. Once you have paid the bond, the prisoner will be released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and sometimes have 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 will request to use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To find a local bail bondsman go to: Find a Bail Bondsman in Highlands County

Have you ever used a Bail Bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If so, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• First, will answer a number of questions, such as what is your full name, home address, birth date and a contact person.
• You will also be asked about your mental and medical 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 away from you and stored until you are released.
• They will allow you to use the phone in order to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be able to keep wearing street clothes, if not you will be issued a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please tell your story. How long did it take to get through intake? How were you treated? Do you know any tips that might help other people make it through the procedure?

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When you pay your bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged can take anywhere between 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. So, the faster bail is posted, the faster you can get out of jail. Also, how fast you get released will depend on whether you have a cash bond or if a magistrate has to decide on how much to set your bail at. For a minor offense, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a release date, expect to be released that morning.

for your arrest, or if you have to start a jail sentence, you really should do the right thing and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, report to the jail reception area, and tell an officer that you think there may be a warrant out for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they verify that you have one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order states. Be sure that you don’t show up late. Just bring necessary items with you, such as a driver’s license or photo ID, prescription medication, and a copy of the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you need to give each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance. Your visitors will be put in a Visiting log for the requesting inmate. Each and every visitor will have to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone that gets to visitation or that is not an approved visitor will be turned away.
The Highlands County Jail visitation procedures can change, so it would be wise to double-check the official site before you visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are much pricier than regular phone calls. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone privileges may be limited or cut altogether.

Phone Number: 863-402-7201

All inmate mail has to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You can’t use any other form of delivery. You must print the prisoner’s name, inmate ID, and the jail address on the letter. Don’t send a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail is opened and read by the jail officers, and will be returned if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Highlands County Jail, use this address:

Highlands County Jail
338 S. Orange St
Sebring, FL 33870

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Highlands County Jail
338 S. Orange St
Sebring, FL 33870

The inmate mail policy at Highlands County Jail changes, so be sure to check the official Highlands County Jail site when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you get arrested, you have rights, the most important of which is the right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so it is a good idea to get a friend or relative to locate an attorney when you call them. You may be thinking ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a lawyer will advise you about your rights, protect your interests and help you through the complicated legal system in your county. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better your chances.

To read more about this, click here: How to Find an Attorney

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are real attorneys, members of the Florida State Bar and are licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

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

Highlands County court records are public records. Court records have a case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all documents and motions filed during your court case. You have the ability to access your court case records using the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who maintains the records. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the jury’s verdict. All court records related to your court case are available at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the fees and charges from your court case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may get out of having to pay them.

The magistrate is the person that presides over your case in court. They do a number of different things, which include setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about your background and details of the defendant’s life history, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the person on trial, his or her family, and if necessary the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember that you can ask to see a copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, and correct any mistakes that it contains.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service to probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you might get locked up immediately, or you might be given a date that you are required to turn yourself into jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if a family member or friend is currently in jail, or has ever been in jail?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you need to go to the Highlands County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you should call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants online or call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. Keep in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the Highlands County jail, by phone, go there in person, or find out online. An arrest is in the public record and this information is freely available.

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

All people registered as sex offenders have to be listed and registered on either a national or state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You are able to see these listings on the website, but keep in mind that you can’t get the street address, but only the block that they live on.

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

Each state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal past. These databases are linked together and you can track criminal histories from any other state. Go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you can get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for crimes, which include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually won’t see if they have had any moving violations, like:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Traffic accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the jail? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your account may make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Highlands County,The Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

Highlands County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in Highlands County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, in time you will get used to the daily routine there. Prisoners get an alarm for wake-up at 6am, and next you’ll have roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will be required 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 Highlands 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 Highlands 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 funds to people in jail is always changing, so be sure to review the official Highlands County Jail site when you send funds 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 Highlands County Jail

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

Click here to share 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:

• 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 spent any time at this jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit someone at Highlands County Jail?

If you have, then you should write a review about it. Tell us about your experience so others can learn what to expect.

Things you can put in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


Click here to write your review of Highlands County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? What was your daily routine in jail? What about the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Want to send a message to somebody you met when you were locked up? Send a message to them here.

Send a message to someone at Highlands County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Highlands County Jail Link
Highlands County Jail Inmate Search
View Highlands County Jail Mugshots
Highlands County Jail Bail Amount Link

Highlands County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Highlands County Jail Mail Policy
Locate an inmate at Highlands County Jail
Highlands County Warrant Lookup
Highlands County Jail Arrests
Highlands County Jail Send Money Procedure
Highlands County Jail Jobs


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