Chula Vista City Jail – Chula Vista, CA

Chula Vista City Jail is in Calaveras County, CA and is the correctional facility for that area. Know someone locked up at Chula Vista City Jail? This site tells you info about anything related to Chula Vista City Jail,such as: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Intake procedures. Calaveras County court information. And much more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s friends and family. The goal of this guide is to give you information you need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any tips or comments that could be beneficial to other people in the same situation would be much appreciated.

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

Has somebody who’s been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

To find out who is in jail at Chula Vista City Jail you should go to their website and do an inmate search.

The Chula Vista City Jail Inmate Locator is an online list of people who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes status, bail amount, and visiting hours. You can also find information on anybody booked or released within the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to find their arrest information faster if you enter their first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you’re searching for is incarcerated at a different jail you can look here: California County Jails Listing

A mugshot, also known as a jail intake photo, is a photo that the jail takes when you get booked into jail. They will take one and a side photo. Your full name and jail ID number will be on the mugshot, and they’re stored at the jail.

Mugshots of Chula Vista City Jail inmates can be searched on the website, or you can see them at the Chula Vista City Jail. When viewing online you have to input the prisoner’s name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken down from the Chula Vista City Jail website? This can be tricky, because your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that your arrest record would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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Once you are in jail, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve been booked, a bail amount will be decided by the magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released you must agree to show up for court, and until that day you are required not to leave town.

Typically, a prisoner at Chula Vista City Jail are given time off for good behavior when they follow the rules and area a good inmate while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to do work release. You will either have to stay jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you may be permitted to live in 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 until your court date. The amount you have to pay is determined by the seriousness of your charges. Someone will have to put up 10 percent of the total set before you can get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, the person that paid your bail will lose that money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the Chula Vista City Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they will let you know what their bail is set at. You can also check their bail amount and status on the Chula Vista City Jail site.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but fortunately, it is really easy if you have the money. First, you need to know if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you can’t use a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail will not accept a check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the inmate will get released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases charge a minimum fee of $100. This will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman may request to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond.

You can find a bail bondsman click here: Bail bondsman

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

Click here to tell about all about it

In the state of California the amount of bail you pay is predetermined by the California Felony Bail Schedule, but keep in mind that the magistrate or judge has the final say on you bail amount. The bail schedule lists every crime included in California and the specific amount of bail for each of the crimes.

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

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The jail intake procedure includes these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If there are a lot of arrests, it will take a while to get processed.
• You must answer some questions, such as what is your full legal name, your address, date of birth and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and mental history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will be allowed to use the telephone in order to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please share your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? What was your treatment like? Can you share any secrets that could help others get through jail intake?

Click here to leave a comment

Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. This process will take from 15 minutes to quite a few hours. Or, simply, the quicker bail is posted, the sooner you can get released from jail. Also, how fast you get released might depend on whether or not you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if the judge has to figure out the amount of bail to be set. For minor charges, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and have a discharge date, expect to be released in the morning.

In the event there is a, or if you need to begin your jail sentence, it is recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell them that think that there is a warrant out for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they find one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report on the date and time that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Ensure that you don’t show up late. Just bring required items when you turn yourself in, like a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, and the sentencing order.

The inmate have to give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail. This information will be put into a log of approved visitors for the inmate that requested the visitor. Every visitor has to provide identification. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or that is not an approved visitor will not be able to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies frequently change, so we suggest that you check the official Chula Vista City Jail jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Phone calls made in jail are generally pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates 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, phone calls might get cut back or eliminated completely.

The Chula Vista City Jail phone number is: 619-691-5220

All inmate mail is required to be sent using the actual US Postal Service. You must not use any other form of mail or package delivery. You must write or type the person’s name, prisoner number, and jail address on the letter. Do not send a package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail received by the jail is opened and read by the jail administration, and the mail will get returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Chula Vista City Jail, use this address:

Chula Vista City Jail
315 Fourth Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Chula Vista City Jail
315 Fourth Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910

The Chula Vista City Jail mail policy is always changing, so it would be best to review the official Chula Vista City Jail site when you send a letter.

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If you get arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these being your 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’re probably asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal lawyer will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and guide you through the criminal justice system in Calaveras County. The sooner you get a lawyer involved with your case, the better your chances.

To read more about how to find an attorney, read our guide: Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has access to investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. Public Defenders are real attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are licensed to practice law in California.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Court records are public records. They include a file with a docket and all motions, documents, and evidence in your case. You are able to access your court case records using the Calaveras County website, or by going to the Calaveras County Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court that manages court records. They also administer the oath during court cases, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All court records relating to your case are kept at the Calaveras County Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the charges from your case, such as for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you are low income and have been assigned a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

A Magistrate is the judge that will preside on your case in court. Magistrate judges do different functions, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together with the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the defendant, his or her family members, and, if applicable, the victim. Be sure to remember you are allowed to ask to see a copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you get the chance to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you might be given a date that you are supposed to go to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Want to find out if some you know is locked up, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do this, you need to access the Calaveras County jail website, and search by:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you should call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the court records on the website or you are able to call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or check online. An arrest is in the public record and this information is accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, which can be court orders. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All convicted sex offenders must be registered and listed on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You can access sex offenders on the internet, but keep in mind that you can’t see the exact address, rather the address block they live on.

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

Each state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal background. These state databases are all connected and you can track criminal histories from any other state. You are able to go to county courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for crimes, which include:

• DUI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

If you do a criminal records check, you generally will not see if that person has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving records, you will 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 have to call the jail? Was the information you received correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your account might make it easier for others.

Click here to tell your story

Most Wanted

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

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of getting locked up in Chula Vista City Jail is no fun, eventually you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you in jail. Expect an alarm for wake-up each morning at 6:00am, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will be required to 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 Chula Vista City 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 Chula Vista City 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 people in jail could change, so check the official website before you send money to an inmate 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 Chula Vista City Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Chula Vista City 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 Chula Vista City 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.

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:

• 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 post a 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.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been an inmate at Chula Vista City Jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit someone there?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Tell us about your jail experience because others can learn what to expect.

Things you could put in the review:

• Conditions in Chula Vista City Jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Inmate programs and activities


Click here to review Chula Vista City Jail

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you get locked up? Were you fairly treated? How was life in jail? Were the other inmates cool? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Want to find a person you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

Post a message to someone at Chula Vista City Jail

Links and Resources

Main Chula Vista City Jail Link


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