Onondaga County Justice Center – Syracuse, NY

Onondaga County Justice Center is in Onondaga County, NY and is the primary correctional facility for this region. Are you looking for somebody at Onondaga County Justice Center? This guide gives you info about everything a person needs to know about Onondaga County Justice Center,like the following: How to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And lots more.

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to give you information that you’ll need to make going to jail easier. If you have a specific question, just ask it, and also any comments or feedback that would help others would be appreciated.

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

Do you know someone who’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out where they are?

To look up who is in jail at Onondaga County Justice Center you should navigate to their web site and use the inmate lookup.

The Onondaga County Justice Center Inmate Search is an online list of people currently in custody, including current status, bail amount, and times you can visit. You can also get information for anybody arrested and processed or discharged within the last 24 hours. Inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You’ll be able to find the information more quickly if you have your friend or family member’s name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you are looking for is locked up at a different jail you should look here: New York County Jails

A mugshot, also called a intake picture, is a photograph taken by the police during jail intake processing. They will take one face photo and a side picture. Your name and intake number will be in the pictures, and they will be stored at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched on the website, or you can view them at the Onondaga County Justice Center. When viewing mugshots online you have to put in the inmate’s full name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot taken off of the Onondaga County Justice Center website? This can be tricky, as the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be accessible. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Obviously, once you’re in jail, your only thought is about getting out. After booking, a bail amount will be set by the magistrate. In cases where 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 from jail you will have to promise to be there for your court date, and you will not be permitted to leave town.

Typically, inmates can earn time off for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while incarcerated.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be granted work release. You will either have to go back to the jail each day when you’re finished with work, or you may be permitted to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail.

Your bail is money that you will be required to pay to get out of jail until your trial. The amount you have to pay is dictated by how serious your charges are. You will have to put up 10 percent of the total amount that was determined before you can bail out of jail. If you miss your scheduled court date, the person that bailed you out of jail will lose that bail money.

You need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you what their bail is set at. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the Onondaga County Justice Center website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is no fun, but usually, its easy. First, you have to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If so, you can’t use a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they will not take checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the person will be released to your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

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

You can find a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Onondaga County Justice Center

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

Speak Your Mind

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

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The intake procedure includes these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• Firstly, you will answer some basic questions, like your full legal name, home address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and mental history.
• You will be issued 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.
• You will then be allowed to make a telephone call in order to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to wear a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please share your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How were you treated? Can you share any tips that could help other people get through the process?

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When you pay your bail, you will get discharged from jail. This process can take from 15 minutes to quite a few hours. Or, simply, the quicker you post bail, the sooner you can get released from jail. It also might depend on whether or not you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a judge still needs to figure out how much your bail will be. For minor offenses, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a release date, expect to get released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you need to start a jail sentence, it is recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail reception area, and tell an officer that you think there may be a warrant out 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 you do, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go down to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. 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, like a driver’s license or ID, prescription medication, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

The inmate have to give each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance. Your visitors will go into the log as an Authorized visit. Each and every visitor will have to provide identification. Anyone that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Onondaga County Justice Center visitation procedures frequently change, so visit the official jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Phone calls made in jail are generally pricier than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the jail rules, phone privileges might get cut back or eliminated completely.

The Onondaga County Justice Center phone number is: (315) 435-1770

All mail has to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other form of delivery. You must write the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and the jail address on the letter. Do not mail anything in a package, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail sent to inmates is opened and read and examined by the staff, and will get sent back if they decide it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Onondaga County Justice Center:

Onondaga County Justice Center
555 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Onondaga County Justice Center
555 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202

The Onondaga County Justice Center inmate mail policy changes frequently, so be sure to double check the official Onondaga County Justice Center site before you send a letter to an inmate there.

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If you have been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, the first of which is the right to request a lawyer. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to have a friend or family member find a lawyer for you. You’re probably asking yourself ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal lawyer will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you through the legal system that you are now faced with. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your case, the better.

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

If you cannot afford a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, forensics experts as well as social case workers. Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers that are members of the New York State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Court records are a matter of public record. Court records contain a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all documents and motions that have been filed in the case. You are able to access court records via the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court that manages court records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All court records related to your case are kept and available to you at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court costs and court fees are the fees and charges associated with your case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

A Magistrate is the type of judge that rules over your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do a number of different things, which include setting bail, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over first court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about your background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and history, which the judge will take into consideration when deciding on the sentence. Information will be gathered from the person on trial, their family, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Bear in mind you are able to request to get a copy of the pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you get the chance to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get immediately taken into custody, or you could get a date to go to jail to serve your sentence.

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

This is pretty easy to do, simply you will have to query the Onondaga County jail website, and search by:

• Their name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can also call the jail to find out.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the website or you can call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. You should be clear 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 possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, in person, or check online. An arrest is in the public record and this is freely available.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, which can be court orders. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders must be 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 view these offenders on the internet, but keep in mind that you can’t see the exact address, just the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. They include a court case file containing a court docket and any of the documents filed in the case. You are able to access court records on the internet, or at Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Each state maintains records of a person’s criminal history. These online databases are connected so you are able to track criminal convictions from any other state. You can go to county courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county, and if the crime was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

A criminal history search you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for crimes, which include:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

During a criminal records search, you generally will not see if someone has had any moving violations, like:

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

To search for this kind of information, you will have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you call the Onondaga County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your comments may help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Onondaga County, the Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in Onondaga County Justice Center is something you wish you could avoid, in time you will get used to the daily routine. Expect an alarm to wake up every morning at 6:00 AM, and next they’ll do roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will 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 Onondaga County Justice Center, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

Dress Code

When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Onondaga County Justice Center uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

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

The process for sending money to someone in jail changes, so you should visit the the Onondaga County Justice Center website when send money 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Onondaga County Justice Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Onondaga County Justice Center, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

Apply for a Job at Onondaga County Justice Center

Requirements:

• You must be over the age of 21.
• You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You must be a US Citizen.
• You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You must pass a drug test.
• You must have a good level of fitness.
• You must be in good health.
• You must 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.

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:

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• The right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been incarcerated at this jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever visited a prisoner there?

If you have, then please leave a comment below about it. Write down what you experienced so other people will know what to expect.

Things you could include in your review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you get locked up? How did the guards treat you? How was day to day life at Onondaga County Justice Center? What about the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Need to say wassup to someone from jail? Send a message to them here.

Send a message to people still locked up at Onondaga County Justice Center


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