Chester County Detention Center – Chester, SC

Chester County Detention Center is in Chester County, SC and is the primary jail for the county. Do you know someone incarcerated at Chester County Detention Center? This page gives you about everything one might want to know about Chester County Detention Center: Find an inmate at Chester County Detention Center. How to view Chester County Detention Center mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Booking and intake procedures. Court information. And more…

Main Menu

The thought of going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to give you information that you’ll need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail less stressful. If you have questions, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and also any tips or comments that could be a benefit to other people in the same situation would be appreciated.

General Information

Address

Chester County Detention Center
2740 Dawson Drive
Chester, SC 29706

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone Number: (803) 581-2602
Fax:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

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

Do you know someone who has been arrested and you need to locate them?

In order to search who is in jail at Chester County Detention Center you need to navigate to their web site and perform an inmate search.

Inmate Search

The Chester County Detention Center Inmate Roster is an online list of people who are in jail, which includes current status, how much their bail is, and visiting schedule. You can find information on anyone arrested and booked or released in the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can locate their arrest information faster if you have your friend or family member’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the inmate you are looking for could possibly be locked up at a different jail you will want to look here, too: List of all jails in South Carolina


Mugshots

A mugshot, also called a jail intake photograph, is a picture that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is make of one frontal photo and a profile photo. Your name and intake number will be on the mugshot, and they will be stored.

View Mugshots

Mugshots can be seen online, or you can go in person to the Chester County Detention Center. When viewing mugshots online you have to enter the prisoner’s full name, and the booking date, if you have it.

Mugshot Search

Sponsored Results

First Name

Last Name

State

How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken off of the Chester County Detention Center site? This may not be possible, as your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that your arrest record will be sealed, and will not be accessible. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet


Return To Main Menu

Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Obviously, if you are incarcerated, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail amount is set by a special judge called a magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this might 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 promise to go to your court date, and in the meantime you are not allowed to travel out of the county.

Typically, an inmate in the Chester County Detention Center will be given time off for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while incarcerated.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be given work release detail. You will either have to stay jail every day after work, or you might have the chance to move to a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail

Your bail is how much money that you are required to pay to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by the seriousness of your charges. You or someone you know will have to put up 10 percent of the total that was set in order for you to bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for your scheduled court date, the person that paid your bail will not get their money back.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail must call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Having to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but in some cases, it is easy if you have the money. First of all, you need to find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If this is the case, you can’t use the services of a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail can’t accept a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the prisoner will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

Bail Bondsman

If the amount of bail set is large, of if you can’t pay it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They will generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and usually charge a minimum of $100. This will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman may require that they use assets as collateral for the bond.

To find a bail bondsman click here: Find a Bail Bondsman in Chester County

Have you ever had to find a Bail 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 it worked out for you.

Speak Your Mind

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

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


Return To Main Menu

Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The jail intake process is made up of these steps:

  • They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
  • You will have to answer a number of questions, like your full name, home address, date of birth and a contact person.
  • They’ll also ask you about your medical and mental history.
  • You will be given an inmate ID.
  • You will get fingerprinted.
  • You will have your mugshot taken.
  • All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
  • They will let you make a phone call to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
  • If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be able to wear your own clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell your story. How long did it take? What was your treatment like? Can you tell us secrets that could help other people get through jail processing?

Click here to tell your story

Discharge Procedures

Once bail has been posted, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged may take anywhere between 30 minutes to quite a few hours. In simple terms, the faster you can pay your bail, the quicker you will get discharged from jail. Also, how fast you get released depends on whether or not you’ve got a bond amount or if a magistrate must determine how much to set your bail at. For minor charges, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. If you have served a sentence in jail and have a date of your release, expect to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

How To Turn Yourself In

If the sheriff has a, or if you have to report to start a sentence, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail intake center, and tell them that think that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they find one, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Just bring required items when you go, such as a driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, and a official sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

In order to have visitors, inmates must give each visitor’s full name to the jail. Your visitor’s names will be entered in a Visiting log for the inmate. Every visitor must provide a photo ID when visiting. Visitors showing up late or that is not an approved visitor will be turned away.
Jail visitation policies frequently change, so it would be wise to check the jail site before you visit an inmate.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Jail phone calls are usually more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, phone privileges might get reduced or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The Chester County Detention Center phone number is: (803) 581-2602

Sending Mail to Inmates

All mall sent to inmates has to be mailed using US Postal Service. You cannot use any other form of mail or package delivery. You must print the person’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the letter. Do not send a box, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail is opened and inspected and read by staff, and will get returned if it can’t be delivered.

Mailing Address

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Chester County Detention Center, use this address:

Chester County Detention Center
2740 Dawson Drive
Chester, SC 29706

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Chester County Detention Center
2740 Dawson Drive
Chester, SC 29706


The Chester County Detention Center mail policy can change, so it would be best to double check the official Chester County Detention Center site before you send a letter.


Return To Main Menu

Court Information

Get A Lawyer

When you’ve been arrested, you have particular rights, one of these is the right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make 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 asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you find your way through the court system. The quicker you get an attorney working on your situation, the better off you’ll be.

For more information on how to find an attorney, read our guide: Find a Lawyer

Public Defender

If you cannot afford a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. The Public Defender Office is staffed by investigators, experts in forensics as well as social workers. All Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys who are admitted to the South Carolina State Bar Association and are legally licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court Records

Chester County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They are comprised of a court case file with a docket sheet and every documents filed during your court case. You are able to access your court records via the internet service, or by going to the Chester County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Clerk of Court

The Chester County Clerk of Court is a member of the court that maintains court records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records related to your case are kept and available to you at Chester County Clerk of Court office.

Fees

Court fees are the costs associated with your court 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.

Magistrate

The magistrate is the person who presides over your case. They do a number of different things, like determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants, and overseeing preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

Pre-Sentencing

A pre-sentencing report is put together to include background information and information about the arrestee’s life history, which the judge will consider when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Be sure to remember you can request to get a copy of this report before your sentencing, and make sure that you correct the mistakes.

Sentencing

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service to probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you could be taken into custody immediately, or given a date that you must to surrender and report to jail to serve your sentence.


Return To Main Menu

Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Want to find out if somebody you know is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you will have to go to the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

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

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you should call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

Warrant Inquiry

If you have an outstanding warrant, you can access court records online or you are able to call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you know the person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the Chester County jail, by phone, go there in person, or check online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and these records are freely available.

Civil Inquiry

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

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All registered sex offenders must be registered and listed on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to view these offenders on the website, but bear in mind that you can’t get the precise address, just the block of the address that they registered.

Court Records

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a court case file that contains a docket and any of the documents filed in your case. You can access your court records on the website, or at the Chester County Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Every state maintains records of someone’s criminal history. These online databases are connected and you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. You are able to go to county courthouse and inquire, or check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

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

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

But, when you do a criminal records check, you generally won’t find out if they had:

  • Tickets for speeding.
  • Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
  • Any accidents.
  • Minor infractions or moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To get this kind of information, you have to do a driving records search.

    Have you ever searched for criminal records? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your account might make it easier for others.

    Click here to tell about all about it

    Most Wanted

    On a Federal level, the FBI maintains a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Chester County,The Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

    FBI Ten Most Wanted List


    Return To Main Menu

    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    Just the thought of getting locked up in Chester County Detention Center is no fun, eventually you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. Expect a wake-up alarm each morning at 6:00 AM, and then roll call. Then you will get breakfast. Following 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 Chester County Detention 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 Chester County Detention 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 rules for sending funds to someone in jail at Chester County Detention Center is likely to change, so you should visit the official website when you send any funds.

    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.


    Return To Main Menu

    News and Media

    News

    Photos / Pictures

    Videos


    Return To Main Menu

    Jobs

    Types of Jobs at Chester County Detention Center

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Chester County Detention 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 Chester County Detention 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.


    Return To Main Menu

    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


    Return To Main Menu

    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 comment

    Sex Offender Information and Search

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

    Domestic Violence

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

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


    Return To Main Menu

    Reviews

    Reviews of this Jail

    Have you ever been a prisoner in Chester County Detention Center? Do you know someone that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at Chester County Detention Center?

    If yes, then you should leave a comment below about it. Write down your experience so that others can learn what to expect.

    Things you could write in what you write:

    • Jail conditions.
    • Jail and pod layout and facility
    • Guards and jail staff
    • Jail food and commissary
    • Having Visitors
    • Inmates.
    • Prisoner safety
    • Gangs
    • Prisoner activities and programs


    Write a Review of Chester County Detention Center

    Tell Your Story

    Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. How’d you get locked up? How did the guards treat you? What happened to you while you were locked up? What were the other inmates like? How did getting locked up affect your life?

    Tell Your Story About Chester County Detention Center

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Make some good friends in jail? Trying to send a message to a friend from jail? Post a message to them below.

    Send a message to people incarcerated at Chester County Detention Center


    Return To Main Menu
    2406

Speak Your Mind

*