Modoc County Jail – Alturas, CA

Modoc County Jail is located in Modoc County, CA and is the primary jail for this area. Do you know somebody locked up in Modoc County Jail? This site gives you information about anything related to Modoc County Jail,such as: Find an inmate at Modoc County Jail. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Booking and intake procedures. Modoc County court information. And much more…

The prospect of going to jail is a daunting and scary situation, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their friends and family. The goal of this guide is to give you all the advice and information that you’ll need to make going to jail less stressful. If you have a specific question, just ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any comments or feedback that could be a benefit to others would be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that has gone to jail and need to find out where they are?

Has a friend or family member who’s been arrested and you need to find them?

To find out who’s in jail at Modoc County Jail you will need to visit their web site and do an inmate lookup.

The Modoc County Jail Inmate Roster is an online list of persons who are in jail, including custody status, bail amount, and visiting hours. Also, you can find information on anybody arrested and booked or discharged within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to get their arrest information faster if you have the arrestee’s name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be in another county jail you should check our guide to other California jails: Other County Jails in California

A mugshot, or jail booking picture, is the picture taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one full face and one profile photo. Your full name and booking number will be on the pictures, and they’re kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots can be viewed on the website, or you can see them in person at the Modoc County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will have to input the first and last name, and a booking date, if you know it.

Do you want to have your mugshot taken off of the Modoc County Jail website? This may not be possible, because the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that all of your arrest records would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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If you are arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail amount will be decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If no bail is set this can mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you are required to promise to be there for your court date, and you are not allowed to leave the area.

In most cases, inmates are given early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while they’re in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. You will either have to return to jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you may have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is money that you have to pay to get out of jail until your court date. The amount of bail that is set is determined by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You will need to post ten percent of the total that was determined in order for you to bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for court, the person that paid your bail will lose all of the bail money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail need to call the Modoc County Jail. If you’ve got the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will tell you what their bail is set at. Also, you can check their bail amount and status online.

Bailing out of jail is never fun, but usually, it is easy if you have the money. To start with, figure out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you won’t be able to use a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they will not accept checks. When you’ve paid bail, the prisoner will be discharged. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and usually charge a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman may ask to use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To talk to a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a bail 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 it worked out for you.

Click here to tell about all about it

In the state of California bail amounts are pre-determined using by the California Felony Bail Schedule, but keep in mind, though, the magistrate or judge has the last word on where your bail is set. The California Felony Bail Schedule lists all of the crimes defined by California and the exact amount of bail for each of the crimes.

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

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

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first thing you will have to is you must answer a bunch of questions, such as what is your full legal name, street address, birthdate and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will then be allowed to use the telephone so you can call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might get to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please tell us how it happened. How long did you have to wait? Were you treated fairly? Can you share any secrets that could help other people that get arrested make it through jail processing?

Click here to share your story

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail may take from 10 minutes to many hours. Or, simply, the faster bail is posted, the faster you will get let go. Also, it depends on whether or not you’ve been given a cash bond or if the judge has to figure out the amount of bail to be set. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a discharge date, you should expect to get discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

for your arrest, or if you must start your sentence, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail intake area, and let them know that you think they might have an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if so, you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring required items with you, for example a driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must give information about each visitor to the jail. Your visitor’s names will be put into the log as an approved visitor. Each and every visitor will have to provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors showing up late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Modoc County Jail can change, so it would be wise to review the official 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 . Calls made in jail are a lot more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There is no limit to when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but you should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s phone privileges could be reduced or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: 530-233-4416

All mail must be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You shouldn’t use any other type of mail delivery. You have to write or type the prisoner’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the letter. Don’t send anything in a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail is opened and read and inspected by staff, and will be returned if they decide it is inappropriate.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Modoc County Jail is:

Modoc County Jail
102 South Court Street
Alturas, CA 96101

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Modoc County Jail
102 South Court Street
Alturas, CA 96101

The mail policy at Modoc County Jail is always changing, so you should double check the site before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you have rights, one of these being that you have the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so you would be wise to have a friend or relative locate a lawyer for you. You may be thinking ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal lawyer will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and guide you through the complicated legal system. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your charges, the better off you’ll be.

For more information on this subject, visit: How to Find an Attorney

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, forensics experts and case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers, admitted to the California State Bar Association and are completely licensed to practice law in California.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender? What was your experience?

Court records are a matter of public record. They have a court case file with a docket sheet and all of the motions, documents, and evidence filed in the course of your case. You can access your court case records via the internet service, or at the Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages access to court records. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All court records associated with your case are held at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges from your case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may get out of having to pay them.

A Magistrate is the type of judge that rules over your case in court. Magistrates do many different things, like deciding a bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over first court appearances and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include background information and details of the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate will take into consideration when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the defendant, his or her family, and in some cases the victim in the crime. Keep in mind that you can request to receive your own copy of the report before sentencing, and review it and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service to probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be locked up immediately, or you could be given a date to surrender and report to jail to do your time.

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Do you need to find out if somebody you know is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do so, you will have to access the Modoc County jail website, and search by:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you should call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants on the Modoc County court website or you can call the jail. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask one of the officers. You should know that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or check online. Records of arrests are in the public record and this is accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, which can be a court order. You can find these by getting in touch with the Modoc County Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be listed and registered on either a national or state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to view this information on the internet, but you should know that you will not be able to get the actual address, rather the block they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a case file that contains a docket sheet and all documents filed in your court case. You can access your court records online, or at Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of people’s criminal past. These state databases are all connected and you can track criminal convictions from another state. Go to the Modoc County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It helps to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for the following crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

If you do a criminal records check, you will not be able to find out if someone has had any:

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

To find this information, you will have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it an easy process? Did you search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal records, and your comments may help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to comment

Most Wanted

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

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Modoc County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that getting locked up in the Modoc County jail is very scary, in time you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you in jail. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up each morning at 6:00 AM, and then roll call. You will then eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will have 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 Modoc 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 Modoc 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 jail inmates is likely to change, so be sure to double check the the Modoc County Jail 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Modoc County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Modoc 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 Modoc 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 leave a comment


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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:

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• 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 share your story

Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

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

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been an inmate in Modoc County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever been to visit someone there?

If so, then you should leave a comment below about it. Tell us about your jail experience so that other people will know what to expect.

Things you can put in your comment:

• Conditions in Modoc County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


Click here to review Modoc County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? How was life in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did getting locked up affect your life?

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

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

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

Send a message

Links and Resources

Main Modoc County Jail Link
Modoc County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Modoc County Jail Mugshots
Modoc County Jail Bail Amount Link

CA Bail Schedule

Modoc County Jail Visitation Procedures
Modoc County Jail Mail Policy
Modoc County Jail Inmate Search
Modoc County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Modoc County Jail Arrests
Send Money to an Inmate at Modoc County Jail
Modoc County Jail Employment


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