Kenedy County Jail – Sarita, TX

Kenedy County Jail is located in Kenedy County, Texas and is the primary jail for the area. Know someone locked up in Kenedy County Jail? This site tells you about anything one might want to know about Kenedy County Jail,such as: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Kenedy County Jail intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to offer information and advice that you need to make getting locked up less stressful. If you have a specific question, just ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or tips that would be beneficial to other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

Do you know someone in jail and need to find out where they are?

Do you know a friend or family member who has been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

In order to search who’s in jail at Kenedy County Jail you have to go to their web site and do an inmate search.

The Kenedy County Jail Inmate Search has information on persons who have been arrested, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. Also, you are able to find the same information about anybody who has been arrested or released in the past 24-hour period. Inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You’ll be able to locate the information quicker if you enter the arrestee’s name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the inmate you are looking for might be at a different jail you can check our Texas county jail guide: List of all county jails in Texas

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing picture, is a photograph that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. They will take one full face and one profile photo. Your name and jail booking number will be in the photos, and they will be on file.

Mugshots can be seen on the website, or you can view them at the Kenedy County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you have to input the person’s legal name, and the arrest date, if you have it.

Trying to figure out how to get your mugshot taken off of the Kenedy County Jail site? This is difficult, as the mugshot is a matter of public record. You have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be accessible. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot taken down, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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If you are incarcerated, your main thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount will be determined using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If there is no 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 are released from jail you must promise to be in court on your court date, and until that day you are not allowed to leave the county.

Typically, inmates at Kenedy County Jail are given time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be granted work release. Either you will have to go back to jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you might get to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail pending trial. Your bail amount is dictated by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. Someone you know will need to put up 10% of the amount that was set so you can be released. If you fail to show up for court, that person will not get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you have to call the Kenedy County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you the bail amount. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the Kenedy County Jail site.

Having to get someone out of jail is never fun, but fortunately, it’s simple to do if you have the money. To start with, you need to know if it is a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you will not be able to get a Bail Bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail can’t take checks. 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 will get this money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and usually with a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will in most cases ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

If you need a local bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out for you.

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

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The intake process is made up of each of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• Firstly, you will have to answer some basic questions, such as what is your full name, street address, date of birth and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and mental history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will then be allowed to make a telephone call in order to call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might get to keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will be given a jail uniform.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, please tell us how it happened. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How were you treated? Can you tell us tips that could help others make it through jail intake?

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When you pay your bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. The discharge process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to all day. Or, simply, the faster you can post bail, the quicker you will be freed. How quickly you get discharged might depend on whether you have a bond amount or if a judge has to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For a minor offense, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and know the discharge date, you should plan to get discharged in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you need to report to start a sentence, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail intake area, and tell them 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 there is one, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Make sure that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring things that are allowed when you turn yourself in, like a driver’s license or ID, prescription medication, and the sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance. Your visitors will be entered in a log of visitors as an authorized visitor. All visitors must provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
Jail visitation policies change often, so it would be wise to check the official site before you go to the jail to visit.

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Calls made in jail are typically more expensive than phone calls made at home. There is no limit to when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but you should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules, your ability to use the phone might get cut back or eliminated completely.

The Kenedy County Jail phone number is: 361-294-5205

All inmate mail must be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other type of mail or package delivery. You must print the person’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t mail a box, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail sent to inmates gets opened and read and examined by the jail staff, and will get returned to the sender if they decide it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Kenedy County Jail is:

Kenedy County Jail
101 E. La Parra Ave.
Sarita, TX 78385

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Kenedy County Jail
101 E. La Parra Ave.
Sarita, TX 78385

The inmate mail policy at Kenedy County Jail can change, so it would be best to review the the Kenedy County Jail website before you send a letter to an inmate there.

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If you get arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these being that you have the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure to ask a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you call them. You’re probably asking yourself ‘why do I need an attorney?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and help you through the court system that you are now faced with. The sooner you get an attorney working on your situation, the better your chances.

For more information about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, visit: How to Find a Lawyer

If you cannot afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as independent investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. All Public Defenders are real lawyers who are members of the Texas State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney? How did they do?

Court records are public records and are available upon request. They are comprised of a case file with a docket sheet and each of the documents and motions in your case. You have the ability to access court records using the internet service, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

The Kenedy County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who manages access to court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the jury’s verdict. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your court case are available at Kenedy County Clerk of Court office.

Court costs and court fees are the charges and fees from your court case, 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 court appointed attorney, you may not have to pay the fees.

The Kenedy County court magistrate is the type of judge who presides over your case. Magistrates do different functions, such as setting bail amounts, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate will consider when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the defendant, their family, and if necessary the victim. Don’t forget that you should request to get your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct any mistakes that it contains.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, which include community service to probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you might get immediately taken into custody, or you could be given a date to surrender and report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has been an inmate in the past?

To find this out just visit the Kenedy County jail website, and search by:

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

If you think this person is in jail, you can call the jail to find out.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants on the Kenedy County court website or you can call the jail. You have to have the person’s 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 a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or find out online. Arrest records are a matter of public record and this information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Kenedy County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders are registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see these offenders on the website, but keep in mind that you will not find the street address, rather the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records are public records. These records include a case file that includes a docket and any documents and filings filed in your court case. You can access the court records online, or at the Kenedy County Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal history. These online databases are linked together so you can track criminal backgrounds from another state. You can go to the courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and if the crime was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will be able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for these crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, you won’t learn if they have had any:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you call the jail? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that people look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your account might make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Kenedy County, the Kenedy County Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that serving a jail sentence in Kenedy County Jail is quite unpleasant, soon you will settle into the routine that is set for you in jail. Expect an alarm to wake up at 6:00AM, and then roll call. You will then have breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will be required to 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 Kenedy 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 Kenedy 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 procedure to send money to Kenedy County Jail inmates is always changing, so visit the official 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Kenedy County Jail

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

• 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.

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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 an inmate in Kenedy County Jail? Do you know anybody that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at this jail?

If you have, then you should tell us about it. Tell us about what you experienced so other people can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to write in the review:

• Conditions in Kenedy County Jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you get arrested? Were you fairly treated? What was your daily routine in jail? What about the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Trying to find a person you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Post a message to people still locked up at Kenedy County Jail


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