Okeechobee County Jail – Okeechobee, FL

Okeechobee County Jail is in Okeechobee County, FL and is the primary correctional facility for this county. Looking for somebody at Okeechobee County Jail? This site gives you about everything one might want to know about Okeechobee County Jail: How to locate an inmate at Okeechobee County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bailing out of jail. Okeechobee County Jail intake procedures. Okeechobee County court information. And lots more.

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and stressful idea, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is meant to give you all the information and tips that you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a lot easier. If you have a question, just ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any comments or tips that might be beneficial to other people in the same situation will be appreciated.

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

Has somebody who’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

In order to see who is in jail at Okeechobee County Jail you have to visit their link and do an inmate search.

The Okeechobee County Jail Inmate List is a list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including custody status, bail amount, and visiting hours. You can find information for anyone booked or released in the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by their last name. You’ll be able to find their arrest information faster if you have your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you are looking for may be in another jail you can look here: List of all jails in Florida

A mugshot, also known as a booking photo, is the photo taken by the police when you get booked into jail. They will take one and one profile photo. Your name and jail booking number will be on the pictures, and they’re on file.

Mugshots of inmates can be viewed on the website, or you can see them in person at the Okeechobee County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to input the full name, and a booking date, if you have it.

Do you want to have your mugshot taken down from the Okeechobee County Jail website? This is difficult, as your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the 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, if you’re locked up, your only thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through booking, bail will be set either by bail schedule or magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you are required to agree to be in court on your court date, and in the meantime you won’t be allowed to travel out of the county.

Usually, an inmate will earn early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while they are in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be allowed to do work release. You will have to return to the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you could have the chance to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is how much money that you are required to pay in order to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will have to pay depends on the crime you are charged with. You will have to pay 10% of the amount that was set in order for you to get discharged from jail. If you don’t go to your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail will not get their money back.

You will have to call the jail. If know the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they will tell you what their bail is set at. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

Posting bail to get out of jail is never a fun thing, but fortunately, its really easy if you have the money. First, find out if they have a Cash Only Bond. If so, you can’t use a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they won’t take a check. When you’ve paid bail, the person will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the bail amount is too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will usually charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and sometimes with a minimum fee of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman might request to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

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

Have you ever used the services of bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The intake process is made up of each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you will answer a bunch of questions, such as your legal name, your address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• You will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will get to use the telephone in order to talk to a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you will be allowed to keep wearing street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly 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? Were you treated fairly? Can you share any tips that will help other people to get through the process?

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Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged can take from 15 minutes to all day long. In simple terms, the faster you post bail, the quicker you will get discharged. Also, how fast you get released can depend on whether or not you’ve got a cash bond amount or if the magistrate must figure out how much your bail will be. For a minor offense, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the date of your release, expect to get released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you have to start a jail sentence, you should follow the law and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail reception area, and tell the intake officer that think that there is a warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if so, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report on the date and time that the sentence order states. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Only bring things that are allowed when you go, for example a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must provide information about each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will be put into a log of approved visitors for the inmate. All visitors will have to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or that is not on the visitation list will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures frequently change, so double-check the official jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Jail phone calls are typically more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates must keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s phone privileges might get cut back or forbidden.

The Okeechobee County Jail phone number is: 863-763-3117

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other type of delivery. You must write the person’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send anything in a box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail sent to inmates will be opened and reviewed by the staff, and will get sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Okeechobee County Jail, use this address:

Okeechobee County Jail
504 Northwest 4Th Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Okeechobee County Jail
504 Northwest 4Th Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972

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

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If you get arrested, you have rights, one of these being that you have the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to ask a friend or family member to find an attorney when you call. You may be thinking ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, an attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and help you through the court system. The sooner you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better your chances.

For more information about this, go to: Find an Attorney

If you cannot afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are actual attorneys that are members of the Florida State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law.

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

All court records are public records. Court records contain a file containing a docket and each of the documents that have been filed in your case. You can access your court case records using the website, or at the Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that maintains the records. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records relating to your case are available at Okeechobee County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees are the costs from your court case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may not have to pay the fees.

The magistrate acts as the judge that will preside over your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do many different things, which include setting bail, issuing warrants, and presiding over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about your background and details of the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the person on trial, his or her family, and if necessary the victim of the crime. Bear in mind that you should ask to have a copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, and make sure that you correct any inaccurate information.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you may be taken into custody immediately, or given a date that you are required to turn yourself into jail to do your time.

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Are you trying to find out if some you know is incarcerated, or has ever been locked up?

To do so, just query the Okeechobee County jail website, and search using:

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

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail to find out.

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant, you can access arrest warrants inquiry on the Okeechobee County jail website or you can call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. You should be clear that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and this information is freely available.

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by going to the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders have to be registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view this information on the internet, but remember that you won’t get the street address, rather the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a case file that includes a docket and any filings and documents filed in your court case. You can access the court records online, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal past. These databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from another state. You are able to go to the Okeechobee County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes, which can include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, you generally won’t find if someone has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving records, you must do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that people look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your story could help other people.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Okeechobee County, the Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Okeechobee County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of spending time in Okeechobee County Jail is no fun, in time you will settle into the routine that is set for you. Expect a wake-up alarm at 6:00 AM, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then eat breakfast. After 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 Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

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

The rules for sending money to someone in jail at Okeechobee County Jail changes, so double check the official Okeechobee County Jail site 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 Okeechobee County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee County Jail

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.

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.

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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 spent any time at Okeechobee County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member there? Have you ever visited someone in this jail?

If you have, then we would like you to tell us about it. Write about what you experienced so others will know what to expect.

Things you could include in your comment:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner programs and activities


Click here to write a review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you get arrested? Did you experience fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? What were the other inmates like? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Click here to tell your story about Okeechobee County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Are you trying to reconnect with somebody you met when you were locked up? Leave a message for them here.

Post a message to someone at Okeechobee County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Okeechobee County Jail Website
Okeechobee County Jail Inmate Search
View Okeechobee County Jail Mugshots
Okeechobee County Jail Bail Amount Link

Okeechobee County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Okeechobee County Jail Jail Mail Link
Okeechobee County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Okeechobee County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Okeechobee County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Funds to an Inmate at Okeechobee County Jail
Okeechobee County Jail Jobs


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