Seminole County Jail – John E. Polk Correctional Facility – Sanford, FL

Seminole County Jail is located in Seminole County, Florida and is the primary correctional facility for that county. Are you looking for someone at Seminole County Jail? This page tells you information about anything a person needs to know about Seminole County Jailsuch as the following: How to locate an inmate at Seminole County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Seminole County Jail intake procedures. Seminole County court information. And everything else.

The chance of going to jail is a scary and stressful prospect, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also their friends and family. This guide is meant to give you info you need to make getting locked up a lot easier. If you have questions, just ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any feedback or comments that might help others is welcome.

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

Has a friend or family member that has been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

To see who’s in jail at Seminole County Jail you will have to visit their web site and perform an inmate search.

The Seminole County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of persons who are in jail, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you are able to find info about anybody booked or discharged in the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to locate the information faster if you’ve got the arrestee’s full name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for may be incarcerated at a different jail you will want to check the other Florida county jails in our Florida County Jail Guide: Florida County Jails

A mugshot, or jail intake picture, is the photograph that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. They take one face photo and a side-view photo. Your name and intake number will be in the photos, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be viewed on the website, or you can see them in person at the Seminole County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will have to put in the inmate’s full name, and the arrest date, if you have one.

Do you want to get your mugshot taken off of the Seminole County Jail site? This will be difficult, since the mugshot is a public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the various websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Obviously, once you are in jail, your only thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail amount will be set using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you will have to agree to go to your court date, and until that day you are required not to travel out of the county.

Typically, inmates will be given an early release in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and conduct themselves properly while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will be required to return to the jail each day when you’re finished working, or you could be permitted to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the courts in order to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay depends on how serious your charges are. Someone will have to pay 10% of the amount set so you can get discharged from jail. If you don’t show up for your scheduled court date, whoever put up your bail money will not get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will have to call the Seminole County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will let you know what their bail is set at. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Bailing out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but in some cases, it’s really easy if you have the money. First of all, figure out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If so, you will not be able to get a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they will not accept a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, 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 will generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and sometimes with a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If bail is very large, the bondsman might use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

If you need a bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used a bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out for you.

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

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The intake process includes each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• First, will answer some basic questions, such as your full name, your address, date of birth and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will then be allowed to make a phone call 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, otherwise you will have to change into a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, please tell us what happened. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? What was your treatment like? Do you have any secrets that will help other people that get arrested to get through the process?

Click here to tell about all about it

Once you are able to post bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged from jail will take anywhere from 30 minutes to all day long. In simple terms, the faster you post bail, the sooner you can get released from jail. It also can depend on whether you have a cash bond or if the magistrate must figure out how much your bail will be. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and are given a discharge date, you should expect to get discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must start a jail sentence, it is recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go to the jail, in the reception area, and tell someone that believe that there could be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if you do, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report on the date and time that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you are not late. Make sure that you only bring required items when you go, like a driver’s license or even your ID, prescription medication, as well as a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of any visit. This information will be entered in the log for the requesting inmate. Each and every visitor must provide proof of identification. Visitors that gets to visitation or that is not on the visitation list will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies change often, so we suggest that you visit the official Seminole County Jail jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Phone calls made in jail are much more expensive than regular phone calls. Phone calls are restricted on when and how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, phone privileges may be limited or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: (407) 665-6600

All mail is required to be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You shouldn’t use any other method of mail or package delivery. Clearly print the person’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t mail a box, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and examined by the jail staff, and will be returned if deemed inappropriate.

The mailing address for Seminole County Jail is:

Seminole County Jail
100 Bush Boulevard
Sanford, FL 32773

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Seminole County Jail
100 Bush Boulevard
Sanford, FL 32773

The Seminole County Jail inmate mail policy changes frequently, so we suggest that you check the site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you have been arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure to ask a friend or family member to locate an attorney when you call. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, look after your best interests and guide you through the court system that you are now faced with. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your case, the better off you’ll be.

For more information on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, click: How to Find a Lawyer in Seminole County

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. The Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. All Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender? What was your experience?

Court records are a matter of public record. They contain a court case file containing a docket sheet and all motions, documents, and evidence filed in the case. You are able to access your court case records using the online service, or at the Seminole County Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that maintains court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records and documents from your court case are kept at Seminole County Clerk of Court office.

Court costs and court fees are the costs associated with your case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

A Magistrate acts as the judge who presides over your case in court. They do different functions, like setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together to include the defendant’s background information and details of the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into consideration when deciding on the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the defendant, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Don’t forget that you can ask to see your own copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, and make sure that you correct any mistakes that it contains.

After 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, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. 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 given a date to surrender and report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if some you know is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been in jail?

To do this, you need to go to the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Their approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

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

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants on the Seminole County court website or you can call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, and their arrest date, contact the Seminole County jail, on the phone, in person, or you can check online. An arrest is a matter of public record and these records are available to anyone.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, like warrants. You can find these by going to the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders are registered on both a national and state sex offender database. Those 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 this information online, but remember that you will not be able to see the actual address, but rather the address block they live on.

Court Records are public records. These records include a court case file that contains a court docket and any of the filings and documents filed in your case. You are able to access the court records online, or at Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each and every state keeps a record of a person’s criminal history. These state databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from any other state. Go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a completely different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal records search you will be able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any of the following crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you won’t be able to see if that person has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this information, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your account may help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI keeps a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Seminole County, the Seminole County Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Seminole County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in the Seminole County jail is something you wish you could avoid, you will soon become accustomed to the daily routine there. You will get an alarm for wake-up every morning at 6:00am, and then roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. After breakfast, you will 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 Seminole 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 Seminole 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 money to people in jail changes, so we suggest that you visit the official Seminole County Jail site before you send any funds.


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 Seminole County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Seminole 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 Seminole 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 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:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You 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 leave a comment

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 locked up in this jail? Do you have a family member or friend that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit someone at Seminole County Jail?

If so, then please leave a comment below about it. Tell us about your jail experience because other people can learn what to expect.

What to include in your comment:

• Conditions in Seminole County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Programs and activities


Click here to write a review

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 was your daily routine in jail? What about the other inmates? How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to leave a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Need to find a person you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to Seminole County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Seminole County Jail Website
Seminole County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Seminole County Jail Mugshots
Seminole County Jail Bail Link

Seminole County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Seminole County Jail Mail Policy
Seminole County Jail Inmate Search
Seminole County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Seminole County Jail Arrest Lookup
Seminole County Jail Send Money Procedure
Seminole County Jail Jobs


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