San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility – Chula Vista, CA

San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility is in San Diego County, CA and is the primary correctional facility for that county. Do you know somebody incarcerated at San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility? This site tells you all about everything you might want to know about San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facilitysuch as the following: How to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Intake procedures. Court records. And more…

The chance of going to jail is a scary situation, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also that person’s friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to give information and tips that you’ll need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask them, and also any feedback or comments that might help others is welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is incarcerated and want to contact them?

Do you know someone who’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out where they are?

In order to look up who’s in jail at San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility you need to go to their website and use the inmate lookup.

The San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility Inmate Locator is a list of people who have been arrested, including custody status, how much their bail is, and visiting hours. Also, you can get the same information on anybody booked or released in the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to locate their inmate information fast if you enter your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be in another county jail you can check our California county jail guide: Other County Jails in California

A mugshot, also known as a intake photo, is a photograph that the police take when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is actually two photos one face photo and a side photo. Your name and intake number will be on the photos, and they will be stored.

Mugshots can be found on the website, or you can go in person to the San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility. When you search for mugshots on the website you will have to input the inmate’s first and last name, and the booking date.

Need to know how to get your mugshot removed from the San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility site? This can be tricky, since the mugshot is a matter of public record. You need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. 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 websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Naturally, if you are in jail, your only thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, your bail will be set either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out of jail you must agree to show up for court, and until that day you must not go out of town.

In most cases, a prisoner in the San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility can earn time off for good behavior if they respect the rules and act right while they are in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be allowed to do work release. You will either have to return to jail at the end of the day after work, or you could have the chance to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to get out of jail until your trial. The amount you will have to pay all depends on the crime you are charged with. You will need to pay 10 percent of the total amount that was determined so you can bail out of jail. If you don’t go to court, the person that paid your bail won’t get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will have to call the San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility. If you have all the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility site.

Having to get someone out of jail is never fun, but fortunately, it is really easy if you have the money. First, you need to know if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you will not be able to use the services of a bail bondsman. Cash only – the jail won’t take a check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the inmate will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

If bail is set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. They generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases charge a minimum of $100. This will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If bail is very large, the bondsman might use assets as collateral for the bond.

If you need a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility

Have you ever had to use a bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If so, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to share your story

In the state of California bail amounts are pre-determined using by the California Felony Bail Schedule, but keep in mind that the magistrate or judge has the final say on how high your bail is set. The California Felony Bail Schedule includes all crimes included in state law and the exact amount of bail for each one.

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

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The jail intake procedure takes you through these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first step is that you will have to answer some basic questions, such as what is your full name, street address, date of birth and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and mental history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• You will be allowed to use the telephone so you can talk to family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did you have to wait? What was your treatment like? Can you tell us tips that will help other people that get arrested make it through jail processing?

Click here to share your story

When you finally post bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process will take anywhere from 15 minutes to all day. Or, simply, the quicker bail is posted, the quicker you can get released from jail. Also, how fast you get released can depend on whether or not you have a cash bond or if a magistrate has to decide on how much to set your bail at. For a minor offense, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the discharge date, you should plan to be released in the morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you must begin your jail sentence, it is highly recommended that you follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail intake center, and let them know that you think they might have an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order states. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Just bring allowed items when you turn yourself in, for example your driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you must give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. This information will be put in a log of approved visitors as an Authorized visit. Each visitor will have to provide proof of identification. Visitors showing up late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures at San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility are always changing, so make sure that you visit the official San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility jail site before you try to go to visitation.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Jail phone calls are generally more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, 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 are disciplined for an infraction, phone privileges might get reduced or forbidden.

The San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility phone number is: (619) 691-4810

All inmate mail is required to be sent via the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other form of mail delivery. You must write or type the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send a box, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail that you send to inmates gets opened and read and inspected by the jail administration, and the mail will be returned if deemed inappropriate.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility is:

San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility
500 Third Ave.
Chula Vista, CA 91910

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility
500 Third Ave.
Chula Vista, CA 91910

The San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility inmate mail policy changes frequently, so you should check the official San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility site when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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When you’ve been arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these is the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure to have a friend or family member locate an attorney when you call them. You might be thinking ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a lawyer will advise you about your rights, protect your interests and guide you through the court system in your county. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

For more information on this, click: How to Find an Attorney in San Diego County

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. The Public Defender is staffed by investigators, forensics experts and social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers, members of the State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you ever had to use the services of a Public Defender? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court records are a matter of public record. Court records have a case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents that have been filed in your case. You, and anyone else, can access court records using the San Diego County website, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

The San Diego County Clerk of Court is a member of the court that manages court records. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the jury’s verdict. All records and documents from your case are maintained at the San Diego County Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the fees and charges from your case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The magistrate is the type of judge that presides over your case. Magistrate judges do several different things, such as determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants, and presiding over initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together with information about the defendant’s background and information about the defendant’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into consideration when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the person on trial, their family, and if necessary the victim. Remember you are allowed to request to have a copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you can correct the mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you will either be taken into custody immediately, or you might be given a date to go to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if a family member or friend is currently in jail, or has ever been locked up?

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

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

If you think that they are currently 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 are able to check the arrest warrants on the San Diego County court website or call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. You should know 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 San Diego County jail, either by phone, in person, or look online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and the information is freely available.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, such as court orders. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All registered sex offenders must be listed and registered 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 crime. You are able to see these listings on the internet, but you should know that you will not find the street address, just the block that they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a case file that includes a court docket and all of the documents filed in the case. You are able to access your court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of someone’s criminal history. These databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from another state. You are able to go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you are able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes, which can include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you generally won’t be able to see if that person had:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it an easy process? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the San Diego County courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your story could make it easier for others.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In San Diego County,The Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that spending time in San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility is no fun, soon you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. You should expect an alarm for wake-up each morning at six in the morning, and then roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. After breakfast, you will 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 San Diego County Jail – South Bay 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 – South Bay 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 – South Bay Detention Facility inmates is always changing, so it would be best to review the site before 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 San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility

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

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:

• 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.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

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

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been locked up at this jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited someone at this jail?

If you have, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Write down what you experienced so that other people will know what to expect.

Things you can include in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Write a review about San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you get locked up? Were you mistreated? What was it like in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Want to send a message to a person you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to someone at San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility

Links and Resources

Main San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility Link
San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility Inmate Search Link
San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility Mugshots
San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility Bail Amount Link

California Felony Bail Schedule

San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility Visitation Procedures
San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility Mail Policy
San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility Inmate Inquiry Link
San Diego County Warrants
San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility Arrest Inquiry
San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility Send Money Procedure
San Diego County Jail – South Bay Detention Facility Jobs


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