Hillsborough County Jail – Orient Road Jail – Tampa, FL

Hillsborough County Jail is located in Hillsborough County, Florida and is the main correctional facility for the region. Looking for somebody locked up in Hillsborough County Jail? This page will tell you info about anything you might want to know about Hillsborough County Jail: Learn how to locate an inmate. How to view Hillsborough County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures. Hillsborough County court information. And much, much more.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting thought, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also that person’s family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to offer information and advice you need to make getting locked up easier. If you have a question, just ask them, and please leave any comments or tips that could be beneficial to others will be appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is locked up and need to locate them?

Do you know someone who has been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to find out who’s in jail at Hillsborough County Jail you need to click on their website and use the inmate search.

The Hillsborough County Jail Inmate Roster is a list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes status, how much their bail is, and visiting schedule. Also, you can find the same information for anyone who has been arrested or released within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can find their arrest information fast if you have your friend or family member’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you are looking for may be at a different jail you should check our Florida county jail guide: List of all county jails in Florida

A mugshot, or jail processing picture, is the photo that the police take during jail intake processing. They take one face photo and one profile photo. Your name and jail ID number will be in the photos, and they will be stored.

Mugshots of Hillsborough County Jail inmates are on the website, or you can go in person to the Hillsborough County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will have to enter the person’s full name, and a booking date, if you have it.

Need to know how to get your mugshot removed from the Hillsborough County Jail site? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, 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.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

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Of course, if you are locked up, your primary thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount will be decided by the magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either be released, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out of jail you must agree to be there for your court date, and in the meantime you are not permitted to leave the area.

Usually, a prisoner in the Hillsborough County Jail will be given time off in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be given work release detail. You will either have to stay the jail each day when you’re finished working, or you may get 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 you go to court. The amount of bail that is set is determined by the seriousness of your charges. Someone will have to put up 10 percent of the total amount that was determined in order for you to bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for your court date, that person won’t get the bail money back.

You will have to call the Hillsborough County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know what their bail is set at. You can also see the bail amount on the Hillsborough County Jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, it’s very simple to do. First, you need to know if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you can’t get a Bail Bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail can’t take a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner 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 yourself, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and sometimes charge a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman may require that they use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To find a local bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

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

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

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The intake procedure includes each of the following 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.
• You have to answer some simple questions, such as what is your full name, address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will then be allowed to use the phone so you can get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you will be allowed to wear your street clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should tell us what happened. How long did you have to wait? What was your treatment like? Can you share any secrets that could help other people that get arrested make it through jail intake?

Speak Your Mind

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to leave jail. This process may take anywhere between 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. In other words the faster you post bail, the quicker you can get released from jail. Also, how fast you get released can depend on if you’ve been given a bond amount or if the judge has to determine how much your bail will be. For minor offenses, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served your sentence and have a date of your release, you should expect to get discharged that morning.

If there is a, or if you must start your sentence, you really should follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, go to the jail processing 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, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be sure that you aren’t late. Just bring necessary items with you, such as a driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates must give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitors will go in the visitation log as an Authorized visit. Each and every visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Visitors showing up late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Hillsborough County Jail visitation procedures change often, so make sure that you review the official site before you try to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are a lot more expensive than regular phone calls. There is no limit to when and how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you are disciplined for an infraction, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get cut back or eliminated altogether.

The Hillsborough County Jail phone number is: 813-247-8371

All mail has to be sent via US Postal Service. You must not use any other form of delivery. Clearly print the person’s name, inmate ID number, and the address of the jail on the letter. Don’t mail anything in a box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates will be opened and examined and read by the jail officers, and will get sent back to the person who mailed it if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Hillsborough County Jail is:

Hillsborough County Jail
1201 Orient Road
Tampa, FL 33619

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Hillsborough County Jail
1201 Orient Road
Tampa, FL 33619

The Hillsborough County Jail mail policy is always changing, so it would be best to visit the the Hillsborough County Jail website before you send a letter.

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If you get arrested, you have certain rights, the first of which is your right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure you get a friend or relative to locate a lawyer when you call them. You might be asking yourself ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, an attorney can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and help you find your way through the complicated court system in Hillsborough County. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your charges, the better off you’ll be.

For more info on how to find an attorney, visit: How to Find an Attorney in Hillsborough County

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office is staffed by investigators, experts in forensics and social workers. All Public Defenders are licensed attorneys that are admitted to the Florida State Bar Association and are legally licensed to practice law.

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

All court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records contain a court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the motions, documents, and evidence filed during your court case. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case with the website, or by going to the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that maintains the records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records from your case are kept and available to you at the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees associated with your court case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The magistrate acts as the judge that will preside on your case. Magistrates are judges that do a number of things, like setting bail, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together with your background information and information about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate judge will take into account when determining a sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the defendant, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim. Remember that you should ask to receive a copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to correct any inaccurate information.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, including community service to probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you will either be locked up immediately, or you might be given a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if some you know is incarcerated in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

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

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can call the jail to find out.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants on the website or call the court. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. Bear in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken 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 look online. Records of arrests are public record and these records are accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, like warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders must 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 or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but remember that you will not get the actual address, rather the block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a case file that includes a docket sheet and all filings and documents filed in your court case. You are able to access your court records via the internet, or at Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of people’s criminal history. These online databases are connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from other states. You are able to go to the Hillsborough County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you can find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for the following crimes:

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

During a criminal records search, usually won’t discover if that person had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving histories, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you call the Hillsborough County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments could help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Hillsborough County, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of getting locked up in Hillsborough County Jail is quite unpleasant, you will soon settle into the routine that is set for you. Inmates get an alarm for wake-up at about 6:00 AM, and then roll call. Then you will have breakfast. After breakfast, you will work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough 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 someone in jail is always changing, so it would be best to double check the site when 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Hillsborough County Jail

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

Click here to post a comment


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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.

Click here to tell your story

Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

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

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever spent any time in Hillsborough County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate in this jail?

If so, then you should tell us about it. Write down your experience because others can learn what to expect.

What to write in the review:

• Conditions in Hillsborough County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has at least one story to tell about it. Why were you locked up? How did the guards treat you? How was life in jail? What were the other inmates like? How has this experience impacted your life?

Tell your story about when you did time at Hillsborough County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you need to get in touch with an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Say Wassup

Links and Resources

Main Hillsborough County Jail Website
Hillsborough County Jail Inmate Search
View Hillsborough County Jail Mugshots
Hillsborough County Jail Bail Amount Link

Hillsborough County Jail Visitation Procedures
Hillsborough County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Hillsborough County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Hillsborough County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Hillsborough County Jail Arrests
Send Funds to an Inmate at Hillsborough County Jail
Jobs at Hillsborough County Jail


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