Columbia County Detention Center – Appling, GA

Columbia County Detention Center is located in Columbia County, GA and is the main correctional facility for the region. Are you looking for someone locked up at Columbia County Detention Center? This guide will tell you about everything you might need to know about Columbia County Detention Center: How to locate an inmate at Columbia County Detention Center. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information and records. And everything else.

The chance of going to jail is a scary and daunting situation, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s friends and family. The goal of this guide is to give you all the info you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail less stressful. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask them, and also any comments or feedback that could be a benefit to others will be welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend in jail and don’t know how to locate them?

Has a friend or family member who has been arrested and you want to locate them?

To look up who is in jail at Columbia County Detention Center you have to visit their link and perform an inmate search.

The Columbia County Detention Center Inmate Search is an online list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you are able to get information on anyone booked or released within the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can get their inmate information quicker if you have your friend or family member’s name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for is in another jail you can check the other Georgia county jails in our Georgia County Jail Guide: Other Jails in Georgia

A mugshot, or intake picture, is a picture taken by the police when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one face photo and a side photo. Your name and jail ID number will be on the pictures, and they are kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots can be searched on the website, or you can see them in person at the Columbia County Detention Center. When viewing mugshots online you need to enter the person’s name, and the arrest date, if you have one.

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot taken off of the Columbia County Detention Center website? This will be difficult, because your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and will not be accessible. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

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

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Naturally, once you’re locked up, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve been booked, a bail amount is determined by the 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 go out of town.

Usually, prisoners at Columbia County Detention Center can earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while they’re in jail.

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 go back to jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you could have the chance to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you have to pay is determined by the crime you are charged with. You will need to pay 10 percent of the total that was determined in order for you to get out of jail. If you don’t show up for your scheduled court date, that person will not get their money back.

You have to call the Columbia County Detention Center. If know the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never fun, but in some cases, it is really easy. First, figure out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you will not be able to use the services of a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they will not take a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the person will be released into 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 their bail has been set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen usually have a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and sometimes with a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman might request to use your personal assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To contact a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Columbia County

Have you ever used the services of bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The jail intake process includes the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• Firstly, you will answer a bunch of questions, like your full legal name, street address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will allow you to use the telephone so you can contact family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, they will let you wear your own clothes, otherwise you will be given a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take? How were you treated? Do you have any things that will help others to get through the process?

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Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged will take from 10 minutes to all day long. In simple terms, the faster you can post bail, the quicker you can get released from jail. How quickly you get discharged depends on if you have a bond amount or if the judge still needs to decide on your bail amount. For minor offenses, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a date of your release, expect to get released in the morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must start a jail sentence, it is highly recommended that you follow the rules and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, report to the jail, and let them know that think that there is a warrant for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Just bring things that are allowed when you go to jail, like your driver’s license or even photo ID, prescription medication, and a copy of the sentencing order.

The inmate must give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will be entered in a log of approved visitors for the requesting inmate. Every visitor will have to provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
The Columbia County Detention Center visitation procedures are always changing, so you should double-check the official jail site before you go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . These phone calls are a lot pricier than regular phone calls. There is no limit to when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but bear in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules, your ability to use the phone might get reduced or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: (706) 541-3920

All inmate mail has to be mailed using US Postal Service. You can’t use any other form of delivery. You have to write the inmate’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t mail a package, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and inspected and read by the officers at the jail, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

The mailing address for Columbia County Detention Center is:

Columbia County Detention Center
2273 County Camp Road
Appling, GA 30802

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Columbia County Detention Center
2273 County Camp Road
Appling, GA 30802

The Columbia County Detention Center mail policy changes often, so you should double check the official Columbia County Detention Center site before you send a letter.

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If you get arrested, you have particular rights, one of these being that you have the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure to have a friend or relative find a lawyer when you call. You may be thinking ‘why do I need an attorney?’ While you are not required to have one, an attorney will make sure you know your rights, look after your best interests and help you find your way through the legal system in your county. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better.

To read more about how to find a lawyer, go to: Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. The Public Defender Office has access to independent investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers, admitted to the Georgia State Bar Association and are legally licensed to practice law in Georgia.

Have you or someone you know had to use the services of a Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court records are a matter of public record. They have a case file containing a docket and all documents filed in the case. You are able to access your court records via the online service, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court who manages access to court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records, documents, and evidence from your court case are available at the Columbia County Clerk of Court.

Court fees are all costs from your court case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

A Magistrate is the person that presides over your case. They do many different things, which include setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and overseeing initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about your background and as much detail about the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate 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 applicable, the victim in the crime. Don’t forget you are allowed to request to have your own copy of the report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be immediately taken into custody, or you could be given a date that you are required to turn yourself into jail to serve your term.

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Do you need to find out if somebody you know is locked up, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you should access the Columbia County jail website, and search by:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you should call the jail to find out.

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants inquiry on the website or you are able to call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should know that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the Columbia County jail, by phone, go there in person, or look online. Arrest records are in the public record and this information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, such as a court order. You can find these by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are registered and listed on a sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to view this information on the internet, but you should know that you can’t see the actual address, but rather the address block they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a case file containing a docket sheet and all documents and filings filed in the court case. You are able to access your court records via the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each and every state keeps a record of people’s criminal history. These state databases are connected so you are able to track criminal convictions from another state. Go to the Columbia County Courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a completely different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

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

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

If you do a criminal records check, you generally won’t be able to find out if they have had any:

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

To search for driving histories, you have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you call the courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your feedback may help other people.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a listing of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Columbia County, the Columbia County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Columbia County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in the Columbia County jail is something you wish you could avoid, soon you will settle into the daily routine there. You should expect a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00AM, and next you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. After breakfast, participate 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 Columbia County Detention Center, 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 Columbia County Detention Center 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 Columbia County Detention Center inmates changes, so check the the Columbia County Detention Center website before you send any money.


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 Columbia County Detention Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Columbia County Detention Center, 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 Columbia County Detention Center

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 locked up at Columbia County Detention Center? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner in this jail?

If your answer is yes, then please leave a comment below about it. Write about your jail experience because other people can learn what to expect.

What to put in the review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why were you locked up? Were you mistreated? How was life in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did getting locked up affect your life?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

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

Say Hello to people incarcerated at Columbia County Detention Center

Links and Resources

Main Columbia County Detention Center Website
Columbia County Detention Center Inmate Search
Columbia County Detention Center Mugshots
Columbia County Detention Center Bail Link

Columbia County Detention Center Visitation Policy Link
Columbia County Detention Center Jail Mail Policy Link
Columbia County Detention Center Inmate Search
Columbia County Warrant Lookup
Columbia County Detention Center Arrest Inquiry
Send Funds to an Inmate at Columbia County Detention Center
Jobs at Columbia County Detention Center


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