Oconee County Jail – Watkinsville, GA

Oconee County Jail is located in Oconee County and is the primary jail for the area. Know someone at Oconee County Jail? This page tells you about everything a person needs to know about Oconee County Jail: Find out who’s in jail at Oconee County Jail? How to view Oconee County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Oconee County Jail intake procedures. Oconee County court information. And everything else.

The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary situation, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also their family and friends. This guide is meant to offer info you need to make getting locked up a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask them, and any comments or feedback that could be a benefit to other people in the same situation is welcome.

Do you know someone that is in jail and need to find them?

Do you know a friend or family member who’s been arrested and you don’t know how to locate them?

To look up who is in jail at Oconee County Jail you need to navigate to their link and do an inmate lookup.

The Oconee County Jail Inmate Search has information on people who are in jail, including custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and times you can visit. You can also find information on anybody who has been arrested or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to get their inmate information fast if you’ve got the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or loved one may be at a different jail you will want to look here, too: Georgia County Jails Listing

A mugshot, or booking picture, is a picture that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually one full face and a side-view photo. Your name and booking number will appear on the pictures, and they will be on file.

Mugshots of inmates are on the Oconee County Jail website, or you can go in person to the Oconee County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you have to put in the name, and a booking date, if you know it.

Do you want to have your mugshot erased from the Oconee County Jail website? This may not be possible, because your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

Return To Main Menu

Of course, once you are incarcerated, your main thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount is decided by the magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this may mean that you will either be released, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out of jail you must promise to be there for your court date, and in the meantime you are not permitted to go out of town.

Usually, an inmate will earn an early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while incarcerated.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, 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 at your job, or you could get to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the courts to be released from jail until your trial. Your bail amount all depends on the crime you are charged with. You will need to put up 10 percent of the total set in order for you to be released. If you miss your court date, whoever posted your bail will lose that bail money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will need to call the Oconee County Jail. If you’ve got the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Oconee County Jail website.

Having to get someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but usually, it is really easy if you have the money. First of all, you need to know if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you won’t be able to use a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail can’t accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. They will usually charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and usually with a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman will in these cases require that they use your personal assets as collateral.

You can find a bail bondsman click here: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of bail bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to share your story

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

Return To Main Menu

The jail 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 will have to wait a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you will have to answer a bunch of questions, such as what is your full legal name, street address, birthdate and an emergency contact person.
• You will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• They will allow you to make a phone call to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be allowed to keep wearing street clothes, if not you will have to wear a jail jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, you should tell us how it happened. How long did it take to get through intake? How did the guards treat you? Can you tell us secrets that could help other people that get arrested get through jail intake?

Click here to tell your story

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. The discharge process will take anywhere between 10 minutes to all day long. Or, simply, the faster you post bail, the faster you will get discharged. Also, how fast you get released will depend on whether you have a cash bond amount or if the magistrate must figure out the amount of bail to be set. For a minor charge, you will get booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served your sentence and know the discharge date, you should plan to be discharged between 9am and noon.

In the event there is a, or if you have to begin your sentence in jail, you really should follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go down to the jail reception area, and let them know that you think there may be an outstanding 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 so, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. When reporting to serve a sentence, go down to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Ensure that you aren’t late. Just bring required items when you go, for example a driver’s license or even state issued ID, prescription medication, and a copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to give information about each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitors will go into the visitors log as an authorized visitor. Each visitor is required to provide identification. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures frequently change, so make sure that you review the jail site before you go.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . These phone calls are a lot pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s phone privileges could be reduced or totally denied.

Phone Number: 706-769-3945

All mall sent to inmates must be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other form of mail or package delivery. You should print the name, inmate ID, and jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t mail anything in a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail sent to inmates is opened and read and examined by the jail staff, and will be sent back if deemed inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Oconee County Jail:

Oconee County Jail
1110 Experiment Station Road
Watkinsville, GA 30677

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Oconee County Jail
1110 Experiment Station Road
Watkinsville, GA 30677

The mail policy at Oconee County Jail changes, so be sure to double check the official website before you send a letter.

Return To Main Menu

If you have been arrested, you still have rights, one of these being the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so it is important to get a friend or family member to locate an attorney for you. You may be thinking ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, look after your best interests and help you understand the complicated legal system. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more detailed information on how to find an attorney, read our guide: How to Find a Lawyer in Oconee County

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. Also, the Public Defender’s Office is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys, admitted to the Georgia State Bar Association and are completely licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

Court records are public records. They contain a court case file containing a docket sheet and all documents and motions that have been filed. You have the ability to access court records with the online service, or at the Oconee County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Oconee County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All court records related to your case are held at the Oconee County Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the costs associated with your case, such as filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The Oconee County magistrate is the person who presides over your case. Magistrates are judges that do different functions, like setting bail, writing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together to include background information and information about the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate will consider when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the person on trial, their family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Be sure to remember that you should request to get your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, and correct any inaccurate information.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, which include community service to probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you will either be locked up immediately, or you could receive a date to surrender and report to jail to do your time.

Return To Main Menu

Do you want to find out if somebody you know is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you need to access the Oconee County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can 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 check arrest warrants on the Oconee County jail website or call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. Bear in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, 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 Oconee County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or check online. Records of arrests are public record and this information is accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, which can be a court order. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders must be listed and registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to see these offenders on the website, but keep in mind that you can’t see the actual address, but only the address block that they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a case file that contains a court docket and all of the documents filed in your case. You are able to access your court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of someone’s criminal past. These online databases are connected so you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. Go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for these crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you generally will not be able to see if that person has had any:

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

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the Oconee County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your feedback may help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to leave a comment

Most Wanted

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

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Oconee County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of spending time in Oconee County Jail is quite unpleasant, you will soon become accustomed to the routine that is set for you. All inmates get an alarm to wake up at about 6am, and next they’ll do roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. After 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 Oconee 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 Oconee County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

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

The rules for sending money to Oconee County Jail inmates is likely to change, so review the the Oconee County Jail website before send funds to someone in jail 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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Oconee County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Oconee 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 Oconee 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.


Return To Main Menu

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.

Speak Your Mind


Return To Main Menu

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.

Click here to post 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.


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been locked up at this jail? Do you know anybody that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at this jail?

If so, then please write a review about it. Tell us about your jail experience so other people can learn what to expect.

Things you could write in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner programs and activities


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has a story about it. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? What was it like in jail? Were the other inmates cool? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you need to get in touch with a person you met in jail? Write your message below.

Send a message to someone incarcerated at Oconee County Jail

Links and Resources

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

Oconee County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Oconee County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Oconee County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Oconee County Jail Warrant Inquiry Link
Oconee County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Oconee County Jail Send Money Procedure
Oconee County Jail Employment


Return To Main Menu
530