Dekalb County Jail – Decatur, GA

Dekalb County Jail is located in De Kalb County, Georgia and is the main jail for this region. Are you looking for somebody locked up at Dekalb County Jail? This guide will tell you about everything one might want to know about Dekalb County Jailsuch as the following: How to locate an inmate at Dekalb County Jail. How to view Dekalb County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And much more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting thought, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is designed to offer information and advice you need to make getting locked up less stressful. If you have questions, just ask them, and also any tips or comments that would be a benefit to others will be welcome.

Do you have a family member or friend that has gone to jail and don’t know how to contact them?

Has someone that has been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to find out who’s in jail at Dekalb County Jail you will need to go to their web site and do an inmate search.

The Dekalb County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of persons who have been arrested and are in custody, including status, bail amount, and visiting hours. You can find information about anybody arrested and booked or released within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to locate their inmate information fast if you have the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for might be at another jail you will want to look here, too: List of all county jails in Georgia

A mugshot, also called a jail processing photograph, is the photo that the police take when you get booked into jail. They take one frontal photo and one profile photo. Your name and intake number will appear on the photos, and they’re on file at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested are online, or you can view them at the Dekalb County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you need to put in the inmate’s name, and the booking date, if you have one.

Are you trying to get your mugshot taken down from the Dekalb County Jail website? This will be difficult, since your mugshot is public record. You must file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

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

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Naturally, if you’re incarcerated, your main thought is about getting out. After booking, a bail amount will be set either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out you must promise to show up for court, and you are required not to leave town.

In most cases, an inmate can earn time off in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and conduct themselves properly while incarcerated.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be allowed to do work release. You will have to stay the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you could be permitted to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will have to pay depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. Someone will have to pay ten percent of the total that was set before you can get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, the person that bailed you out of jail won’t get the bail money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the Dekalb County Jail. If you have all the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Having to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but in some cases, its simple to do if you have the money. First, you need to know if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you won’t be able to get a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they can’t accept checks. When you’ve paid bail, the inmate will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and sometimes charge a minimum fee of $100. This is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will usually ask to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To find a local bail bondsman go to: Find a Bail Bondsman in De Kalb County

Have you ever hired a bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The intake procedure is made up of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• First, must answer a bunch of questions, such as your legal name, address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will get to use the telephone in order to call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be allowed to wear your street clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take to get processed? What was your treatment like? Can you share any things that will help other people that get arrested get through jail processing?

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When you finally post bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail may take from 10 minutes to many hours. In other words the faster you post bail, the faster you will get let go. How quickly you get discharged depends on whether or not you have a cash bond or if the magistrate must determine the bail amount. For minor charges, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and know the release date, you should expect to be released that morning.

If the police have a, or if you have to start your sentence, you really should do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell the intake officer that you think there may be a warrant for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Be sure that you are not late. Just bring things that are allowed when you turn yourself in, such as a driver’s license or photo ID, prescription medication, as well as the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you must give information about each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will go into the visitors log as an approved visitor. All visitors is required to provide identification. Anyone arriving late or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so we suggest that you check the official site before you try to visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are much more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should 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, phone privileges might get cut back or totally denied.

The Dekalb County Jail phone number is: (404) 298-8100

All inmate mail has to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other method of delivery. Clearly write the person’s name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the envelope. Don’t send a box or package, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates will be opened and examined by the jail staff, and the mail will be returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Dekalb County Jail is:

Dekalb County Jail
4415 Memorial Drive
Decatur, GA 30032

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Dekalb County Jail
4415 Memorial Drive
Decatur, GA 30032

The Dekalb County Jail mail policy is always changing, so be sure to review the official Dekalb County Jail site when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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If you get arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, and an important one is your right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to get a friend or family member to find an attorney when you talk to them. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate the criminal justice system in your county. The sooner you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better off you’ll be.

For more information on how to find an attorney, visit: How to Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has access to investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. All Public Defenders are actual attorneys, members of the Georgia State Bar and are legally licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

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

All court records are public records. Court records contain a file with a docket sheet and every motions, documents, and evidence in the case. You have the ability to access court records with the website, or at the Clerk of Court.

The De Kalb County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that manages the 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, documents, and evidence related to your case are held at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court costs and court fees are all costs associated with 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 will not be responsible for these fees.

The De Kalb County court magistrate acts as the judge that rules on your case. Magistrates are judges that do a number of different things, such as determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed with information about the arrestee’s background and information about the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate will take into account when decide your sentence. Information will be collected from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Bear in mind that you should ask to have your own copy of the report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, which include community service to probation, to even 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 immediately taken into custody, or given a date that you are required to report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if someone is incarcerated, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do so, just query the De Kalb County jail website, and do a search using:

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

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you should call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants inquiry online or you can call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the De Kalb County jail, by phone, go there in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are in the public record and the information is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, such as a court order. You can find these by going to the De Kalb County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to see sex offenders on the internet, but bear in mind that you will not find the street address, but only the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a court case file containing a court docket and any documents filed in the case. You can access your court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal background. These online databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal histories from another state. You are able to go to the De Kalb County Courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It helps to know the county, and if it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

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

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

If you do a criminal records check, you will not be able to find out if that person had:

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

To search for this information, you must do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your account might help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

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

FBI Ten Most Wanted List

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


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that serving a jail sentence in the De Kalb County jail is very scary, soon you will get used to the daily routine. Prisoners get a wake-up alarm every morning at six in the morning, and then you’ll have roll call. You will then have 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 Dekalb 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 Dekalb 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 someone in jail might change, so you should visit the 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 Dekalb County Jail

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

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

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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 a prisoner in this jail? Do you know anybody that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner in this jail?

If your answer is yes, then please write your review about it. Tell us about what you experienced so that other people will know what to expect.

Things you could write in the review:

• Conditions in Dekalb County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? What was your daily routine in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How has this experience impacted your life?

Tell your story about when you did time at Dekalb County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you want to send a message to a friend from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to people still locked up at Dekalb County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Dekalb County Jail Website
Dekalb County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Dekalb County Jail Mugshots
Dekalb County Jail Bail Amount Link

Dekalb County Jail Visitation Procedures
Dekalb County Jail Jail Mail Link
Find an inmate at Dekalb County Jail
Dekalb County Jail Warrant Inquiry Link
Dekalb County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Funds to an Inmate at Dekalb County Jail
Dekalb County Jail Jobs


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