Sarasota County Jail – Sarasota, FL

Sarasota County Jail is located in Sarasota County, FL and is the jail for this county. Are you looking for someone in jail at Sarasota County Jail? This site gives you about everything one might want to know about Sarasota County Jail: Find an inmate at Sarasota County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And much, much more.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is meant to give information that you’ll need to make getting locked up a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask it, and any feedback or comments that might help others is welcome.

Do you have a family member or friend that is in jail and want to contact them?

Do you know a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you want to locate them?

In order to search who’s in jail at Sarasota County Jail you have to navigate to their web site and use the inmate lookup.

The Sarasota County Jail Inmate List is an online list of people who are in jail, including status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. You can get the same information for anybody booked or discharged in the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You will be able to locate their arrest information more quickly if you’ve got your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for may be at another county jail you can check our guide to other Florida jails: Florida County Jails Listing

A mugshot, also known as a jail intake photo, is the picture taken by the police during jail intake processing. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and a side picture. Your full name and jail ID number will be on the photos, and they will be kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Sarasota County Jail prisoners can be searched on the website, or you can view them at the Sarasota County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to input the inmate’s legal name, and a booking date, if you know it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken down from the Sarasota County Jail website? This can be tricky, as the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Of course, if you’re incarcerated, your only thought is about how to get out. After booking, a bail amount will be determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and until then you are not permitted to leave the county.

In most cases, a prisoner can earn time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and area a good inmate while they are in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be given work release detail. You will have to return to jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you might get to move into a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to be released from jail until your trial. Your bail amount is dictated by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. Someone you know will need to put up 10 percent of the total that was set in order to be released from jail. If you don’t go to court, whoever put up your bail money will lose that bail money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail must call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you how much their bail is. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Sarasota County Jail site.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never fun, but in some cases, its simple to do if you have the money. To start with, find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you won’t be able to get a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they will not accept a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the person will be released to your care. 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 should try a bail bondsman. They usually have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and usually have a minimum fee of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman might use your personal assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

You can find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at Sarasota County Jail

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to post a comment

• Time Off 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 the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first step is that you must answer some basic questions, like your full legal name, address, date of birth and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will be taken from you and stored until you are discharged.
• They will let you use the telephone in order to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, they will let you keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? How were you treated? Do you have any things that could help others make it through the procedure?

Click here to leave a comment

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process takes anywhere between 30 minutes to all day long. Or, simply, the faster you can post bail, the faster you can get out of jail. Also, how fast you get released depends on if you’ve got a cash bond amount or if the magistrate must decide on your bail amount. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and know the date of your release, you should expect to be discharged between 9am and noon.

In the event there is a, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, you really should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go to the jail, in the reception area, and tell the intake officer that you think there may be a warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if you do, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order states. Be sure that you aren’t late. Just bring approved items when you go, for example your driver’s license or even photo ID, prescription medication, as well as the copy of the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you have to list the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail. Your visitors will be put into a Visiting log as an approved visitor. Each and every visitor is required to provide identification. Visitors arriving late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies frequently change, so we suggest that you visit the official jail site before you try to go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . These phone calls are a lot more expensive than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone calls might get reduced or totally denied.

The Sarasota County Jail phone number is: 941.861.4165

All mall sent to inmates must be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other type of delivery. You should write or type the person’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the letter that you send. Do not mail anything in a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail received by the jail gets opened and examined and read by the officers at the jail, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

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

Sarasota County Jail
2020 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34237-6022

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Sarasota County Jail
2020 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34237-6022

The mail policy at Sarasota County Jail changes often, so you should review the site when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you get arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, the first of which is that you have 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 an attorney when you talk to them. You’re probably asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate the complicated legal system in your county. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your case, the better off you’ll be.

For more info on this, go to: How to Find a Lawyer

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are real attorneys that are members of the Florida State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender? What was your experience?

Court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records contain a case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the documents filed in the course of your case. You have the ability to access your court records using the online service, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages the records. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the jury’s verdict. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your case are kept at Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges from your case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Sarasota County magistrate is the judge that rules on your case. They do a number of different things, which include setting bail, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed with your background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into account when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Keep in mind you are allowed to ask to see a copy of this report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, including community service to probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you might get taken into custody, right there in court, or given a date that you must go to jail to serve your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has ever been in jail?

You can you should access the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

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

If you think this person is in jail, you can call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you are able to check the arrest warrants on the Sarasota County court website or you are able to call the court directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. You should know that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the Sarasota County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and these records are freely available.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, such as warrants. You can find these by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to view this information on the internet, but keep in mind that you will not get the actual address, just the address block they live on.

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

Every state maintains a record of people’s criminal past. These state databases are all linked so you can track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You can go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and if the crime was in a completely different state, you might have to pay for a more intensive search.

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

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, you will not find if they has had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this information, you have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How easy was it? Did you do your search online or did you call the Sarasota County courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments may help other people.

Speak Your Mind

Most Wanted

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

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link

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


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of spending time in Sarasota County Jail is quite unpleasant, in time you will get accustomed to the daily routine. All inmates get an alarm for wake-up each morning at 6am, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then have breakfast. Following breakfast you will have 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota County Jail inmates can change, so it would be best to visit the official Sarasota County Jail site 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 Sarasota County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 leave 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:

• 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.

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 been an inmate in this jail? Do you know someone there? Have you ever visited a prisoner in this jail?

If so, then we would like you to write your review about it. Write about what you experienced so that others can learn what to expect.

Things you can put in what you write:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate programs and activities


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you get arrested? Were you fairly treated? What was it like in jail? What about the other inmates? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Want to reconnect with someone from jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Say Wassup

Links and Resources

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

Sarasota County Jail Visitation Procedures
Sarasota County Jail Mail Policy
Sarasota County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Sarasota County Warrant Inquiry
Sarasota County Jail Arrests
Sarasota County Jail Send Money Procedure
Sarasota County Jail Employment


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