Decatur County Jail – Bainbridge, GA

Decatur County Jail is in Decatur County and is the primary correctional facility for that region. Do you know somebody incarcerated at Decatur County Jail? This guide gives you information about everything one might want to know about Decatur County Jail,like the following: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And much more…

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and stressful situation, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also their family and friends. This guide is meant to give you advice and information that you need to make the process less stressful. If you have specific questions, just ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or feedback that could help others is welcome.

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

Do you know somebody that’s been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to see who is in jail at Decatur County Jail you will need to click on their link and do an inmate search.

The Decatur County Jail Inmate Search is a list of people who have been arrested and are in custody, including status, how much their bail is, and times you can visit. You can find information on anybody processed or released within the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You will be able to locate the information more quickly if you have the arrestee’s full name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or family member is in another jail you should check the other Georgia county jails in our Georgia County Jail Guide: List of all county jails in Georgia

A mugshot, or jail booking photograph, is a photo that the police take when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is make of one and a side photo. Your full name and intake number will appear on the pictures, and they are on file at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be viewed on the Decatur County Jail website, or you can go in person to the Decatur County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to put in the prisoner’s full name, and a booking date, if you have one.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken down from the Decatur County Jail site? This may not be possible, because the mugshot is public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the different 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 locked up, your primary thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount will be determined by the magistrate. If there is no bail set this can mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released you will have to agree to be there for your court date, and until then you won’t be permitted to go out of town.

In most cases, a prisoner in the Decatur County Jail will be given time off for good behavior if they follow the rules and act right while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will be required to go back to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you may be permitted to move to a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is money that you have to pay in order to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will have to pay all depends on the crime you are charged with. You will need to pay 10 percent of the total amount set before you can be released from jail. If you don’t go to your court appearance, whoever posted your bail will lose that bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will need to call the jail. If you have all the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you what their bail is set at. You can also see the bail amount online.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is no fun, but most of the time, it is easy if you have the money. To start with, you have to find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you won’t be able to use the services of a Bail Bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail can’t take checks. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If the bail amount is too high, of if you can’t pay it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually with a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will in these cases require that they use your assets as collateral.

To contact a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at Decatur County Jail

Have you ever used a bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to tell your story

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

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The jail intake process includes these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you have to answer a number of questions, such as what is your full name, address, birthdate and a contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• You will then be allowed 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, you will be allowed to wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? 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 know any tips that could help other people that get arrested to get through the procedure?

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When you post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged can take from 15 minutes to many hours. In simple terms, the quicker bail is posted, the sooner you can get released from jail. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether or not you’ve been given a cash bond or if a judge has to decide on how much your bail will be. For minor charges, you will get booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and have a discharge date, expect to be released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you must report to start a sentence, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail, in the reception area, and tell someone that you think there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into jail custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order states. Make sure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Just bring required items with you, like a driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a copy of the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you need to give each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will go in the log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each visitor has to provide identification. Visitors that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures change often, so make sure that you visit the official site before you try to go to visitation.

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 pricier than regular phone calls. Phone calls are restricted on how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you are disciplined for an infraction, an inmate’s ability to use the phone may be limited or forbidden.

Phone Number: (229) 248-3050

All mail has to be mailed using US Postal Service. You can’t use any other method of mail delivery. You have to clearly write or type the inmate’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not mail a package, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail received by the jail is opened and read and examined by the staff, and will get sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

The mailing address for Decatur County Jail is:

Decatur County Jail
912 Spring Creek Road
Bainbridge, GA 39817

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Decatur County Jail
912 Spring Creek Road
Bainbridge, GA 39817

The Decatur County Jail mail policy can change, so be sure to visit the site before you send a letter to an inmate there.

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If you get arrested, you have rights, the first of which is your right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to have a friend or relative find a lawyer when you call them. You may be thinking ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and help you find your way through the court system in your county. The sooner you get an attorney working on your case, the better.

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

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender Office has access to investigators, forensics experts and social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are actual lawyers that are admitted to the State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Decatur County court records are public records. Court records include a file with a docket sheet and all documents and motions that have been filed in your case. You have the ability to access your court case records using the online service, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages access to court records. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records from your case are maintained at the Decatur County Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the costs from your case, which include filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The Decatur County magistrate acts as the judge that presides over your case. Magistrates do different tasks, like setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over initial court appearances and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed with the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life, which the judge will take into account when determining the sentence. Information will be requested from the defendant, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim. Keep in mind that you should request to see your own copy of the report prior to sentencing, so you get the chance to correct the mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service to probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you might get taken into custody, right there in court, or you could receive a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve your term.

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

To do so, you need to visit the jail’s website, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

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

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Decatur County jail website or call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, in person, or find out online. Arrest records are in the public record and these records are accessible to anyone.

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

All convicted sex offenders must be registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to view these listings online, but remember that you will not be able to see the exact address, but only the address block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a court case file containing a docket sheet and any documents and filings filed in the court case. You can access the court records online, or at the Decatur County Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of someone’s criminal background. These state databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal histories from other states. You can go to the Decatur County Courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you are able to 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.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you won’t find if that person has had any:

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

To get driving records, you will have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it an easy process? Did you search online or did you make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments could help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Decatur County, the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

Decatur County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of spending time in the Decatur County jail is no fun, in time you will get accustomed to the daily routine. Expect an alarm for wake-up at 6:00am, and next you’ll have roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. After breakfast, you will have 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 Decatur 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 Decatur County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The process for sending money to inmates at Decatur County Jail could change, so it would be best to double check the official Decatur County Jail site when 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 Decatur County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Decatur 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 Decatur 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 tell your story


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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 an inmate at this jail? Do you know someone there? Have you ever been to visit someone at Decatur County Jail?

If so, then please leave a comment below about it. Tell us about your experience so others will know what to expect.

Things you can include in the review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Programs and activities


Click here to review Decatur County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story about it. Why were you locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? Were the other inmates cool? How has this experience impacted your life?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to get in touch with someone you met in jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Say Hello to someone at Decatur County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Decatur County Jail Website
Decatur County Jail Inmate Search Link
Decatur County Jail Mugshots
Decatur County Jail Bail Link

Decatur County Jail Visitation Procedures
Decatur County Jail Mail Policy
Decatur County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Decatur County Warrant Lookup
Decatur County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Funds to an Inmate at Decatur County Jail
Decatur County Jail Jobs


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