San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility – Vista, CA

San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility is located in San Diego County and is the correctional facility for that region. Know somebody at San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility? This page will tell you all about anything you might want to know about San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility,like: Find out who’s in jail at San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility? How to view San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility intake procedures. Court records. And everything else.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful prospect, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also their family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to give you all the advice and information that you need to make the process a lot easier. If you have a question, please feel free to ask them, and any comments or tips that could be beneficial to others will be welcome.

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

Has a family member or friend that has been arrested and you need to find them?

To look up who’s in jail at San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility you should click on their website and use the inmate search.

The San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility Inmate Locator is a list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including custody status, bail amount, and times the inmate can have visitors. You can find the same information on anybody who has been arrested or released within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You will be able to find the information quicker if you’ve got their first and last name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for is in a different jail you will want to check our California county jail guide: Other Jails in California

A mugshot, or jail processing photo, is the photo that the police take when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is actually one frontal photo and a side-view photo. Your full name and intake number will be on the pictures, and they are stored at the jail.

Mugshots of San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility inmates can be searched online, or you can go in person to the San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility. When you search for mugshots online you will have to put in the name, and a booking date, if you know it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot removed from the San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility site? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the various mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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If you are locked up, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve been booked, your bail amount will be determined either by bail schedule or magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released you are required to agree to show up for court, and until that date you are required not to travel out of the county.

In most cases, prisoners in the San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility can earn time off in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and conduct themselves properly while in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. Either you will have to return to jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you might have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the courts to be released from jail until you go to court. Your bail amount is dictated by how serious your charges are. Someone will have to post 10 percent of the total that was determined before you can be released. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, the person that bailed you out of jail will lose that bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. You can also find out how much their bail is on the San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but usually, it’s simple to do if you have the money. First, you need to find out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you will not be able to use a bail bondsman. Cash only – they will not accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the person will be released to your care. 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 can’t afford it, you should try a bail bondsman. They will generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and sometimes have a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If bail is very large, the bondsman will usually request to use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

You can find a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to leave a comment

In the state of California the amount of bail you pay is already set by the California Felony Bail Schedule, but keep in mind, though, the judge or magistrate has the ultimate say on you bail amount. The bail schedule lists all of the crimes included in state law and the specific bail amount for each of the crimes.

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

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The intake procedure takes you through these 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 some questions, such as what is your full legal name, home address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All personal property will be taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• They will let you make a telephone call in order to talk to a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be able to wear your own clothes, otherwise you will be given a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please tell your story. How long did it take? How did the guards treat you? Do you have any things that might help others get through jail intake?

Tell Your Story

When you post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged will take anywhere from 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. So, the faster you post bail, the faster you can get out of jail. Also, it depends on if you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if a judge still needs to decide on how much your bail will be. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and know the discharge date, plan to get released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

out against you, or if you need to start a jail sentence, you really should follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If you have a warrant, report to the jail intake center, and tell someone that believe that there could be a warrant out for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go down to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be very careful that you aren’t late. Be sure to only bring required items when you go, such as your driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to provide each visitor’s name to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s information will be entered in a Visiting log for the inmate that requested the visitor. All visitors is required to provide a photo ID when visiting. Any visitors arriving late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility visitation procedures are always changing, so it would be wise to check the official 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. Phone calls made in jail are a lot pricier than regular phone calls. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but bear 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 may be limited or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: 760-940-4473

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be sent via the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of mail or package delivery. You have to print the person’s name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the envelope. Don’t mail a box, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail sent to inmates will be opened and inspected by the jail administration, and will be sent back if they decide it is inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility, use this address:

San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility
325 S. Melrose Dr., Ste. 200
Vista, CA 92081

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility
325 S. Melrose Dr., Ste. 200
Vista, CA 92081

The San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility mail policy changes, so we suggest that you visit the the San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility website before you send a letter to an inmate there.

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When you get arrested, you have rights, the most important of which is the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to get a friend or relative to locate a lawyer when you call. You might be thinking ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and help you understand the legal system that you are now faced with. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better.

For more info on how to find a lawyer, click: Find a Lawyer

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are actual lawyers that are admitted to the State Bar and are licensed to practice law in California.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

San Diego County court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. Court records have a case file with a docket sheet and all of the motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed in your case. You are able to access the records and documents in your court case via the online service, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records from your case are available at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees and costs are the costs associated with your court case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have a court appointed attorney, you may get out of having to pay them.

The magistrate is the person that will preside on your case. They do a number of things, which include setting bail amounts, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court appearances and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate will review and take into account when determining the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the defendant, his or her family, and in some cases the victim in the crime. Keep in mind you can ask to receive a copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you can review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, which include community service and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on how serious your crime was, you could be locked up immediately, or you could be given a date that you are required to surrender and report to jail to do your time.

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Do you want to find out if someone is locked up, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just just go to the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you should call the jail get confirmation.

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants on the San Diego County court website or call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask them. Keep in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, in person, or look online. Arrest records are in the public record and this information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, such as warrants. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on either a national or state 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 can access these offenders on the website, but bear in mind that you can’t find the street address, but rather the address block of the address that they registered.

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

Each and every state maintains a record of people’s criminal background. These state databases are linked together and you can track criminal convictions from other states. Go to county courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a completely different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

A criminal history search you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for the following crimes:

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

If you do a criminal records check, you generally won’t discover if that person has had:

• Speeding tickets.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this information, you must do a driving records search.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it an easy process? Did you search online or did you call the jail? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your feedback may help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In San Diego County, the San Diego County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of getting locked up in the San Diego County jail is quite unpleasant, in time you will get used to the daily routine. You will get an alarm to wake up each morning at six in the morning, and next you’ll have roll call. Then you will have breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will be required to work in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility, 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 San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility 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 funds to San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility inmates might change, so double check the the San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility website when you send funds to an inmate.


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 San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility, 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 San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility

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 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:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Click here to tell 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 locked up in this jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate in this jail?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to tell us about it. Write about your jail experience so others can learn what to expect.

Things you could put in the review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner activities and programs


Click here to review San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has at least one story to tell about it. Why were you locked up? Did you get fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you need to find out how to get in touch with a friend from jail? Post a message to them below.

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Links and Resources

Main San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility Link
San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility Inmate Search
View San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility Mugshots
San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility Bail Link

California Bail Schedule

San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility Visitation Policy Link
San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility Mail Policy
San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility Inmate Inquiry Link
San Diego County Warrants
San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility Arrests
San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility Send Money Procedure
San Diego County Jail – Vista Detention Facility Employment


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