Lee County Jail – Fort Myers, FL

Lee County Jail is located in Lee County and is the jail for that region. Looking for someone locked up in Lee County Jail? This site gives you info about everything you might need to know about Lee County Jailsuch as the following: How to do a jail inmate search. How to view Lee County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And lots more.

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also their friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to offer info that you need to make helping someone get out of jail less stressful. If you have questions, just ask them, and also any comments or tips that might be a benefit to others is welcome.

Do you know someone that has gone to jail and want to find out where they are?

Do you know a family member or friend who’s been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

To look up who’s in jail at Lee County Jail you will have to navigate to their web site and do an inmate lookup.

The Lee County Jail Inmate List has information on people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes status, bail amount (if applicable), and schedule for visitation. Also, you can find the same information for anybody arrested and processed or released within the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to locate the information faster if you enter your friend or family member’s full name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for may be in a different jail you will want to look here, too: List of all jails in Florida

A mugshot, or intake photo, is the photo that the police take during jail intake processing. A mugshot is make of one and one profile photo. Your full name and jail ID number will be on the photos, and they are stored.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched online, or you can go in person to the Lee County Jail. When viewing online you have to input their name, and the arrest date, if you have it.

Are you trying to have your mugshot removed from the Lee County Jail site? This may not be possible, because your mugshot is a matter of public record. You must file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

Return To Main Menu

If you are in jail, your only thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail amount is set by the magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this might mean that you will either be released, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you are required to promise to be in court on your court date, and in the meantime you are not allowed to leave the county.

In most cases, prisoners will be given time off in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and conduct themselves properly while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. You will have to stay the jail each day when you’re finished with work, or you could be permitted to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the courts to be released from jail until you go to court. Your bail amount all depends on the seriousness of your charges. You or someone you know will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total amount set so you are able to bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for court, whoever put up your bail money won’t get the bail money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will need to call the jail. If you have all the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know the bail amount. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Bailing out of jail is no fun, but fortunately, its really easy. To start with, figure out if it is a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you will not be able to use a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they can’t take checks. When you’ve paid bail, the person 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 just can’t afford to pay it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and in most cases have a minimum of $100. This money will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will in these cases ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond.

You can find a bail bondsman visit our page about: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to comment

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

Return To Main Menu

The intake procedure is made up of the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• You must answer some questions, such as what your legal name is, home address, date of birth and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and stored until you are released.
• They will let you make a telephone call so you can call a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might get to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to wear a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take to get processed? How were you treated? Can you share any things that will help others make it through the procedure?

Click here to comment

Once you are able to post bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged may take anywhere between 10 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the quicker bail is posted, the sooner you can get released from jail. Also, how fast you get released depends on if you’ve got a bond amount or if the magistrate must figure out the amount of bail to be set. For minor offenses, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and have a discharge date, you should expect to get released that morning.

out against you, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, you really should follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail reception area, and tell them that you think they might have a warrant out for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if so, they will take you into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Make sure that you aren’t late. Just bring required items when you go, like a driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, and the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list each visitor’s name to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s names will be entered in a Visiting log for the requesting inmate. Every visitor is required to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone showing up late or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Lee County Jail visitation procedures frequently change, so we suggest that you double-check the official Lee County Jail jail site before go to the jail to 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 generally more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but bear in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone privileges might get cut back or forbidden completely.

The Lee County Jail phone number is: 239-258-3773

All mail must be sent using the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of mail delivery. You have to clearly write or type the person’s name, inmate ID, and the jail address on the letter. Do not mail a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail will be opened and read and examined by the jail staff, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Lee County Jail:

Lee County Jail
2501 Ortiz Ave
Fort Myers, FL 33905

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Lee County Jail
2501 Ortiz Ave
Fort Myers, FL 33905

The Lee County Jail mail policy changes, so you should visit the site before you send a letter to an inmate there.

Return To Main Menu

If you have been arrested, you have particular rights, one of these is the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is important to have a friend or relative locate a lawyer when you call. You might be thinking ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate through the complicated legal system. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your situation, the better.

For more info on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, read: How to Find a Lawyer in Lee County

If you cannot afford a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. The Public Defender has access to investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers that are members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Lee County court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. Court records are comprised of a court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and every documents and motions filed in the course of your case. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case with the Lee County website, or at the Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court who manages the records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records and documents associated with your court case are held at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees associated with your court case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may not have to pay the fees.

The magistrate is the judge who presides on your court case. Magistrates are judges that do a number of different things, which include setting bail, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together with information about the arrestee’s background and information about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate judge will review when decide your sentence. Information will be requested from the defendant, his or her family, and if necessary the victim. Be sure to remember you can request to receive a copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, and go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, which include community service to probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be immediately taken into custody, or given a date to report to jail to serve your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Want to find out if someone is currently in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

You can you will have to query the Lee County jail website, and search using:

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

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

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the Lee County jail website or you are able to call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask the officer in charge. You should be clear that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or find out online. Arrest records are in the public record and this information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, such as warrants. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view sex offenders on the internet, but you should know that you can’t see the street address, but only the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a case file that includes a court docket and all documents and filings filed in the court case. You are able to access the court records online, or at the Lee County Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state maintains records of people’s criminal history. These online databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal histories from any other state. You are able to go to courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that it was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

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

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, in most cases won’t find if that person has had any infractions like moving violations:

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

To find driving records, you have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your feedback may make it easier for others.

Post A Comment

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Lee County, the Lee County Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

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


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of spending time in the Lee County jail is no fun, you will soon become accustomed to the daily routine there. You will get an alarm to wake up every morning at 6am, and next you’ll have roll call. Then you will have breakfast. When you finish eating 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 Lee 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 Lee 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 process for sending money to jail inmates might change, so it would be best to double check the official Lee County Jail site when you send funds to an inmate there.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Lee County Jail

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


Return To Main Menu

Family Resources

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

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

Click here to tell your story


Return To Main Menu

Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

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

The definition of victim includes:

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

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

Victim Notification

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

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

Speak Your Mind

Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

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

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


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

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

If so, then please leave a comment below about it. Write down what you experienced so others will know what to expect.

Things you might want to put in your review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate programs and activities


Click here to write your review of Lee County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has a story about it. Why’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? What happened to you while you were locked up? How did you get along with the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell Your Story About Lee County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Want to find somebody you met in jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Send a message to people incarcerated at Lee County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Lee County Jail Website
Lee County Jail Inmate Search
Lee County Jail Mugshots
Lee County Jail Bail Amount Link

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


Return To Main Menu
383