Charlotte County Jail – Punta Gorda, FL

Charlotte County Jail is located in Charlotte County, Florida and is the main jail for the county. Know somebody locked up at Charlotte County Jail? This page gives you info about everything related to Charlotte County Jail,such as: Find an inmate at Charlotte County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Intake procedures. Court information. And everything else.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to give you all the information you need to make going to jail easier. If you have questions, feel free to ask them, and any comments or tips that could be beneficial to other people in the same situation will be much appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that has gone to jail and need to contact them?

Has a family member or friend who has been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

To see who’s in jail at Charlotte County Jail you will have to visit their link and perform an inmate lookup.

The Charlotte County Jail Inmate List has information on persons who are in jail, which includes current status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can find information on anyone booked or discharged within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can get their arrest information quicker if you’ve got your friend or family member’s name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for could possibly be at another jail you should look here, too: List of all jails in Florida

A mugshot, also known as a jail booking photograph, is a photograph that the jail takes when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one frontal photo and a profile picture. Your name and intake number will be in the pictures, and they are on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Charlotte County Jail inmates are online, or you can go in person to the Charlotte County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to put in their first and last name, and the booking date, if you have it.

Need to know how to get your mugshot taken off of the Charlotte County Jail website? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is a public record. You will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that your arrest record would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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If you’re incarcerated, your primary thought is about how to get out. After you’ve been booked, your bail is set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you must agree to be in court on your court date, and you will not be permitted to leave the area.

Typically, prisoners in the Charlotte County Jail are given early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and act right while incarcerated.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be allowed to participate in work release. Either you will have to go back to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you could get to sleep in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to be released from jail until your trial. Your bail amount is dictated by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. Someone you know will need to post 10 percent of the total amount that was determined so you can bail out of jail. If you miss court, whoever paid your bail will lose that money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will need to call the Charlotte County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know the bail amount. You can also check their bail amount and status online.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but thankfully, its easy. First of all, you need to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you will not be able to use a bondsman. Cash only – they won’t accept a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will be released into your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

If bail is set too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally have a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases have a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman will usually use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To contact a bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to tell your story

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

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The jail intake process takes you through each of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• First, have to answer some basic questions, like your legal name, home address, birthdate and contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental 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 get taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• You will get to make a phone call so you can call a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, they will let you wear your street clothes, if not you will be given a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take? How did the guards treat you? Can you share any things that could help other people make it through jail processing?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged takes between 10 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the faster you post bail, the quicker you can get out of jail. It also can depend on whether you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a judge still needs to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For minor offenses, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the date of your release, you should expect to be discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

In the event there is a, or if you must start your sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. If you have a warrant, go to the jail processing area, and tell them that think that there is a warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if there is one, you will be taken into jail custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. Make sure that you aren’t late. Only bring things that are allowed with you, such as your driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

Inmates must give each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s names will be entered into the visitors log as an approved visitor. Each and every visitor has to provide acceptable photo identification. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or that is not on the visitation list will be turned away.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so we suggest that you double-check the jail site before you visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . These phone calls are much more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone privileges may be limited or forbidden completely.

Phone Number: 941-833-6300

All mail is required to be sent using the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of mail delivery. You must print the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the letter. Don’t send anything in a box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail received by the jail will be opened and inspected and read by the jail administration, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Charlotte County Jail:

Charlotte County Jail
26601 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Charlotte County Jail
26601 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982

The mail policy changes often, so you should check the the Charlotte County Jail website before you send a letter to an inmate.

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When you’ve been arrested, you have certain rights, one of these is the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea to have a friend or family member locate an attorney when you talk to them. You might be thinking ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and guide you through the legal system that you are now faced with. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your situation, the better your chances.

For more info on this subject, read our guide: Find a Lawyer

If you can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers, members of the State Bar and are fully licensed to handle your case.

Have you or someone you know had to use the services of a Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

All court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records are comprised of a file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents and motions that have been filed in your case. You can access your court records using the website, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

The Charlotte County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records and documents associated with your court case are available at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees from your case, which include filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you are low income and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

A Magistrate is the type of judge who presides over your case. Magistrates do a number of things, like setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared with information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Be sure to remember you are able to ask to see a copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to correct the mistakes.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, ranging from community service and probation, to even 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 locked up immediately, 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 some you know is incarcerated in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you will have to visit the jail website and do an inmate search, and search by:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birth date.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can also call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the Charlotte County jail website or call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask them. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or look online. An arrest is a matter of public record and this information is accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, like court orders. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view sex offenders on the website, but bear in mind that you will not be able to get the exact address, just the address block they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. These records include a court case file that contains a court docket and any documents and filings filed in your court case. You are able to access your court records online, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of a person’s criminal history. These databases are connected and you can track criminal histories from any other state. You can go to the Charlotte County Courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if the crime was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

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

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you won’t find if that person has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you make a phone call to the courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal records, and your story may help other people.

Click here to tell your story

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Charlotte County, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in Charlotte County Jail is no fun, soon you will become accustomed to the daily routine. You will get a wake-up alarm each morning at 6:00am, and next you’ll have roll call. You will then eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast participate 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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 funds to someone in jail at Charlotte County Jail can change, so review the official 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 Charlotte County Jail

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

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:

• 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 tell about all about it

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 in this jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever visited an inmate there?

If so, then please tell us about it. Write about your jail experience so that other people can find out what to expect.

Things you can put in what you write:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate programs and activities


Click here to write your review of Charlotte County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you get arrested? How did the guards treat you? What was it like in jail? What were the other inmates like? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Click here to share your story about when you did time in Charlotte County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to find somebody you met when you were locked up? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to Charlotte County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Charlotte County Jail Link
Charlotte County Jail Inmate Search
Charlotte County Jail Mugshots
Charlotte County Jail Bail Link

Charlotte County Jail Visitation Procedures
Charlotte County Jail Mail Policy
Find an inmate at Charlotte County Jail
Charlotte County Warrants
Charlotte County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Funds to an Inmate at Charlotte County Jail
Charlotte County Jail Jobs


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