Sumter County Jail – Americus, GA

Sumter County Jail is located in Sumter County, GA and is the correctional facility for the area. Know someone incarcerated at Sumter County Jail? This page gives you info about anything one might want to know about Sumter County Jail: How to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures. Court records. And lots more.

The prospect of going to jail is a daunting and scary situation, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to give you all the information that you need to make getting locked up easier. If you have a question, please feel free to ask it, and please leave any comments or feedback that would be a benefit to others will be welcome.

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

Do you know a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out what jail they’re in?

To see who’s in jail at Sumter County Jail you will have to visit their website and use the inmate lookup.

The Sumter County Jail Inmate Lookup is a list of persons who have been arrested, including status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. You can also get information about anybody arrested and processed or released in the past 24-hour period. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to find their inmate information quicker if you’ve got your friend or family member’s name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you are looking for is at a different jail you can check our guide to other Georgia jails: Other County Jails in Georgia

A mugshot, also known as a jail intake photo, is a photograph that the jail takes when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one and one profile photo. Your name and jail booking number will be on the mugshot, and they’re stored at the jail.

Mugshots can be found on the Sumter County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Sumter County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to input the prisoner’s name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Do you want to get your mugshot removed from the Sumter County Jail site? This is difficult, since your mugshot is a public record. You must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the many different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Once you are incarcerated, your primary thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount is determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released you must agree to go to your court date, and until that day you won’t be allowed to leave the county.

Typically, prisoners in the Sumter County Jail are given time off for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while they are in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. Either you will have to stay jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you might have the chance to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount of bail that is set is dictated by the seriousness of your crime. You will need to pay 10 percent of the total amount that was determined in order to get out of jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, the person that paid your bail will lose all of the bail money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will need to call the Sumter County Jail. If know the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Sumter County Jail site.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but in some cases, its easy if you have the money. First of all, figure out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you can’t use the services of a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they can’t accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner 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 the bail amount is too high, or you just don’t have the money, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. They generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and in most cases with a minimum of $100. This will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman might ask to use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To talk to a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used a Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to tell your story

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

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The intake process is made up of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• Firstly, you must answer some simple questions, like your full name, home address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will then be allowed to make a phone call in order to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you will be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any tips that might help other people that get arrested make it through jail intake?

Click here to leave a comment

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. The discharge process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. In simple terms, the faster you post bail, the faster you will get discharged. It also might depend on whether you have a bond amount or if a judge must decide on your bail amount. For a minor offense, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and have a discharge date, plan to get released between 9am and noon.

In the event there is a, or if you need to start your sentence, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, go to the jail intake center, and tell someone that you think there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. 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 ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report at the time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Make sure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Be sure to only bring approved items when you go to jail, like your driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the copy of the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you have to give each visitor’s full name to the jail. Your visitors will go in the log as an authorized visitor. Each visitor must provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors arriving late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures can change, so make sure that you visit the jail site before you go to visitation.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are much more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates must keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the jail rules, phone calls may be limited or cut altogether.

The Sumter County Jail phone number is: (229) 924-4094

All mail has to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of mail or package delivery. Clearly write the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail is opened and read and inspected by the staff, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

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

Sumter County Jail
352 Mcmath Mill Road P.O. Box 726
Americus, GA 31709

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Sumter County Jail
352 Mcmath Mill Road P.O. Box 726
Americus, GA 31709

The mail policy is always changing, so we suggest that you visit the site when you send a letter.

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If you get arrested, you have certain rights, the most important of which is the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure to get a friend or family member to locate an attorney when you call. You’re probably asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate through the complicated legal system in your county. The faster you get an attorney working on your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more info on how to find a lawyer, click here: Find an Attorney

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. In addition, the Public Defender Office is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. Public Defenders are licensed attorneys who are members of the Georgia State Bar and are legally licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? How did they do?

All court records are a matter of public record. Court records are comprised of a court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the motions, documents, and evidence in your case. You have the ability to access your court records with the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Sumter County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath in a court case, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records relating to your case are maintained at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the fees and charges associated with your court case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

A Magistrate is the person who presides on your case in court. Magistrates do different tasks, which include setting your bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed to include background information and details of the defendant’s life, which the magistrate judge will take into account when deciding on the sentence. Information will be requested from the person on trial, their family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Be sure to remember you can ask to have a copy of the report before sentencing, and correct any inaccurate information.

When 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, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you might get taken into custody, right there in court, or given a date that you must to surrender and report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has ever been locked up?

To do this, just go to the Sumter County jail website, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you should call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check the court records online or you can call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. Keep in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the Sumter County jail, either by phone, in person, or check online. An arrest is in the public record and these records are accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, such as court orders. You can access civil process orders by going to the Sumter County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are required to be registered on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You can access these listings on the website, but keep in mind that you can’t see the street address, but rather the neighborhood block they live on.

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

Every state maintains records of people’s criminal history. These databases are all linked so you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. You can go to the courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if the crime was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you can 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:

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

During a criminal records search, you generally will not be able to find out if they has had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this information, you have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? How easy was it? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your story could help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Sumter County, the Sumter County Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Sumter County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of spending time in the Sumter County jail is something you wish you could avoid, in time you will become accustomed to the daily routine. You will get an alarm to wake up each morning at 6:00am, and then you’ll have roll call. You will then get breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will have to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 Sumter 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 Sumter 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 funds to Sumter County Jail inmates might change, so we suggest that you review the site before you send money to an inmate there.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Sumter County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Sumter 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 Sumter 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 share 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 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 spent any time at this jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at Sumter County Jail?

If your answer is yes, then you should leave a comment below about it. Write about what you experienced so other people will know what to expect.

Things you might want to put in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story to tell. Why were you locked up? Were you mistreated? How was day to day life at Sumter County Jail? Were the other inmates cool? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Want to reconnect with somebody you met when you were locked up? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to Sumter County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Sumter County Jail Link
Sumter County Jail Inmate Search
Sumter County Jail Mugshots
Sumter County Jail Bail Amount Link

Sumter County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Sumter County Jail Mail Policy
Find an inmate at Sumter County Jail
Sumter County Warrant Inquiry
Sumter County Jail Arrest Lookup
Sumter County Jail Send Money Procedure
Sumter County Jail Employment


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