Ben Hill County Jail – Fitzgerald, GA

Ben Hill County Jail is in Ben Hill County, Georgia and is the main jail for the county. Are you looking for someone in jail at Ben Hill County Jail? This page tells you about anything you might need to know about Ben Hill County Jailsuch as the following: Find an inmate at Ben Hill County Jail. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and how to get out of jail. Ben Hill County Jail intake procedures. Court information and records. And everything else.

The chance of going to jail is a scary and stressful idea, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to give you information and tips that you’ll need to make helping someone get out of jail a lot easier. If you have a specific question, just ask them, and also any comments or feedback that could be beneficial to other people in the same situation is welcome.

Do you know someone that is in jail and want to locate them?

Has someone that’s been arrested and you want to find them?

To find out who’s in jail at Ben Hill County Jail you will need to visit their link and do an inmate search.

The Ben Hill County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes custody status, bail amount, and times you can visit. Also, you are able to find information about anybody who has been arrested or released within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can find their arrest information faster if you’ve got your friend or family member’s first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for may be at another jail you should look here: List of all jails in Georgia

A mugshot, or jail processing picture, is the picture taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. They take one and a side photo. Your name and jail ID number will be on the pictures, and they’re stored.

Mugshots of Ben Hill County Jail prisoners are on the Ben Hill County Jail website, or you can see them at the Ben Hill County Jail. When viewing online you will have to put in the inmate’s full name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to have your mugshot taken off of the Ben Hill County Jail website? This is difficult, because the mugshot is public record. You need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, and will not be accessible. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

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

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If you’re in jail, your main thought is about when and how you will get out. After booking, your bail is determined by a special judge called a magistrate. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you must agree to be in court on your court date, and until that date you are required not to leave town.

Typically, prisoners can earn early release in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and area a good inmate while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. Either you will have to stay jail every day when you’re finished working, or you could get to live in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to get out of jail until your court date. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by the crime you’ve been charged with. Someone will have to put up 10% of the amount that was determined in order to bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for your scheduled court date, the person that paid your bail will lose that money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you the bail amount. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but most of the time, it’s very simple to do. First, find out if they have a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you can’t get a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they can’t take a check. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

If bail is set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and in most cases with a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and the bondsman only accepts cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman will usually use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To contact a bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of bail bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out for you.

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

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The intake process is made up of each of the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• First, have to answer a bunch of questions, such as what your legal name is, your address, date of birth and contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• You will then be allowed to make a telephone call so you can call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you will be allowed to wear your street clothes, if not you will have to wear a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell your story. How long did it take to get processed? Were you treated fairly? Do you know any things that could help other people that get arrested to get through the process?

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When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged from jail will take anywhere from 30 minutes to all day long. So, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you will get out of jail. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether or not you’ve got a bond amount or if a magistrate has to figure out the bail amount. For minor charges, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and have a date of your release, you should expect to be discharged in the morning.

out against you, or if you have to start your sentence, it is recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, report to the jail intake center, and let them know that you think they might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if you do, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Ensure that you don’t show up late. Be sure to only bring necessary items when you go, like a driver’s license or even ID, prescription medication, as well as a sentencing order from court.

The inmate must provide each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s information will be put into the visitors log for the inmate that requested the visitor. All visitors will have to provide proof of identification. Anyone arriving late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will be turned away.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so we suggest that you check the official Ben Hill County Jail jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are much pricier than regular phone calls. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules, your ability to use the phone could be reduced or cut altogether.

Phone Number: (229) 426-5161

All mail has to be sent using the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other method of delivery. You should write or type the person’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send a package, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail will be opened and read by the officers at the jail, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Ben Hill County Jail is:

Ben Hill County Jail
255 Appomattox Rd
Fitzgerald, GA 31750

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Ben Hill County Jail
255 Appomattox Rd
Fitzgerald, GA 31750

The mail policy at Ben Hill County Jail changes, so it would be best to visit the the Ben Hill County Jail website before you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you get arrested, you should know you still have rights, the first of which is that you have the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure you have a friend or relative find a lawyer when you call. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and help you understand the criminal justice system in Ben Hill County. The sooner you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better off you’ll be.

For more info on how to find an attorney, click here: How to Find a Lawyer

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender Office has access to investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are licensed lawyers who are admitted to the State Bar and are completely licensed to handle your case.

Have you ever had to use the services of a Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

All court records are public records. Court records are comprised of a case file with a docket and each of the documents and motions that have been filed in the case. You are able to access your court records using the internet service, or by going to the Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court that manages the records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records and documents associated with your case are available at Ben Hill County Clerk of Court office.

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

The magistrate is the judge that presides on your case in court. Magistrates do a number of different things, which include deciding a bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared with background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life and history, which the judge will take into consideration when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the person on trial, his or her family, and if necessary the victim. Keep in mind you are allowed to request to get your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, and make sure that you correct any mistakes that it contains.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you will either be immediately taken into custody, or you could receive a date that you are required to surrender and report to jail to serve your term.

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Are you trying to find out if somebody you know is locked up, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you should access the Ben Hill County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

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

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

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can access court records on the website or call the jail. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. You should be clear that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or check online. An arrest is public record and the information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, like court orders. You can access civil process orders by going to the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders must be registered on a sex offender database. The people 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 see this information on the internet, but remember that you will not be able to see the precise address, just the address block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a case file that contains a court docket and any of the documents and filings filed in the case. You can access court records on the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed.

Each state maintains records of people’s criminal history. These databases are connected so you can track criminal convictions from any other state. You can go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a completely different state, you might have to pay for a more intensive search.

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

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

If you do a criminal records check, usually won’t learn if that person has had:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving histories, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you have to call the jail? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your story may make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Ben Hill County, the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Department’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in Ben Hill County Jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up at 6:00am, and then roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will be required to work in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. 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 Ben Hill 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 Ben Hill 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 money to jail inmates can change, so check the the Ben Hill County Jail website when you send money 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Ben Hill County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Ben Hill 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 Ben Hill 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.

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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.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

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

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been an inmate at this jail? Do you know someone there? Have you ever visited someone at Ben Hill County Jail?

If so, then we would like you to write a review about it. Tell us about what you experienced so others can find out what to expect.

Things you could put in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner programs and activities


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you get locked up? How did the guards treat you? How was life in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did getting locked up affect your life?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you want to reconnect with a person you met in jail? Write your message below.

Send a message to someone incarcerated at Ben Hill County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Ben Hill County Jail Website
Ben Hill County Jail Inmate Search
View Ben Hill County Jail Mugshots
Ben Hill County Jail Bail Link

Ben Hill County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Ben Hill County Jail Jail Mail Link
Find an inmate at Ben Hill County Jail
Ben Hill County Warrant Inquiry
Ben Hill County Jail Arrests
Send Money to an Inmate at Ben Hill County Jail
Ben Hill County Jail Employment


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