Tuolumne County Jail – Sonora, CA

Tuolumne County Jail is in Tuolumne County, CA and is the correctional facility for that area. Know someone incarcerated at Tuolumne County Jail? This site tells you info about everything you might need to know about Tuolumne County Jail,like the following: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information. And lots more.

The chance of going to jail is a scary thought, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to offer information and advice that you need to make the process easier. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any tips or comments that could help other people in the same situation would be welcome.

Do you have a friend or family member that is locked up and don’t know how to locate them?

Has somebody that’s been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

To find out who’s in jail at Tuolumne County Jail you will need to visit their web site and use the inmate search.

The Tuolumne County Jail Inmate List is an online list of people who have been arrested, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting schedule. Also, you are able to find the same information about anyone arrested and booked or discharged within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You can locate the information quicker if you enter their name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or family member is incarcerated at a different jail you should look here: California County Jails Listing

A mugshot, also called a intake picture, is the photo that the police take when you are booked into jail. They will take one full face and a side picture. Your full name and jail booking number will be in the pictures, and they will be stored at the jail.

Mugshots can be viewed on the Tuolumne County Jail website, or you can go in person to the Tuolumne County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you have to put in the legal name, and a booking date.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot taken off of the Tuolumne County Jail website? This may not be possible, because the mugshot is public record. You must file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that all of your arrest records 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 many different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Obviously, once you are incarcerated, your main thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve been booked, your bail amount will be set by a special judge called a magistrate. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either be released, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you are required to promise to show up for court, and until then you won’t be allowed to leave town.

Typically, an inmate in the Tuolumne County Jail will earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and area a good inmate while in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be granted work release. Either you will have to go back to jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you may have the chance to live in a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is how much money that you are required to pay in order to be released from jail until your court date. The amount of bail that is set all depends on the seriousness of your crime. You will need to pay ten percent of the total set before you can be released. If you don’t show up for your court date, whoever posted your bail won’t get the bail money back.

You will need to call the jail. If you have all the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is online.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but usually, its easy if you have the money. To start with, figure out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If this is the case, you won’t be able to get a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail will not take a check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the prisoner will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and sometimes with a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman will in these cases require that they use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To find a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Tuolumne County

Have you ever hired a bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out.

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In California your bail is set by the California Felony Bail Schedule, but the magistrate or judge has the final word on where your bail is set. The California Felony Bail Schedule includes all of the crimes defined by California and the specific bail you will have to pay for each one.

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

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The jail intake process includes each of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you will have to answer some questions, like your full name, address, birth date and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will get to use the telephone so you can call a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you will be allowed to wear your street clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail uniform.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please tell us what happened. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How were you treated? Do you have any secrets that might help others get through the process?

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When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. This process will take anywhere from 15 minutes to many hours. So, the faster bail is posted, the faster you can get out of jail. Also, how fast you get released will depend on whether or not you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a judge still needs to determine the amount of bail to be set. For minor offenses, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a discharge date, you should expect to get discharged in the morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you need to begin your sentence in jail, it is highly advisable that you follow the rules and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail, in the reception area, and let them know that believe that there could be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if so, you will be taken into jail custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go down to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Only bring approved items when you go, such as a driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the sentencing order from court.

To have visitors, you must provide each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s information will be put into the log for the inmate. Each and every visitor must provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors that gets to visitation or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures at Tuolumne County Jail frequently change, so make sure that you check the jail site before you go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are usually pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone privileges could be reduced or forbidden completely.

The Tuolumne County Jail phone number is: (209) 533-5815

All inmate mail has to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other method of mail or package delivery. You should write the name, inmate ID number, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send anything in a package or box, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail that you send to inmates is opened and inspected and read by the jail officers, and the mail will be sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Tuolumne County Jail:

Tuolumne County Jail
28 Lower Sunset Drive
Sonora, CA 95370

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Tuolumne County Jail
28 Lower Sunset Drive
Sonora, CA 95370

The mail policy changes often, so double check the official website before you send a letter to an inmate there.

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If you have been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these is the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to have a friend or family member find a lawyer when you call. You might be thinking ‘why do I need an attorney?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and help you navigate the complicated court system that you are now faced with. The quicker you get an attorney working on your situation, the better off you’ll be.

To read more about the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, visit: How to Find a Lawyer in Tuolumne County

If you can’t afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has access to investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. All Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers who are members of the State Bar and are legally licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Tuolumne County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They include a court case file with a docket sheet and each of the documents in the case. You are able to access court records via the internet service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who maintains the records. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your court case are kept at Tuolumne County Clerk of Court office.

Court costs and court fees are the charges associated with your court case, such as filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The Tuolumne County court magistrate is the type of judge who presides on your case. They do several different things, like determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate will review when determining a sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be solicited from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Be sure to remember that you should request to receive a copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to review it and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, which include community service and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on how serious your crime was, you might get immediately taken into custody, or you might be given a date that you are supposed to surrender and report to jail to serve your sentence.

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

To do so, you should visit the Tuolumne County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can call the jail to find out.

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants on the Tuolumne County jail website or you can call the jail. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. Bear in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Tuolumne County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or check online. Arrest records are in the public record and these records are accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, such as court orders. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are required to be registered on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to see this information online, but keep in mind that you will not get the precise address, rather the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. They include a court case file that includes a docket sheet and any of the filings and documents filed in your case. You are able to access court records on the internet, or at the Tuolumne County Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of a person’s criminal history. These state databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal histories from any other state. You can go to the Tuolumne County Courthouse and check in person or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

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

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, you will not learn if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving records, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it an easy process? Did you search online or did you call the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your account may make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

The FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Tuolumne County, the Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List

Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of spending time in Tuolumne County Jail is no fun, eventually you will get used to the daily routine there. You will get an alarm for wake-up at six in the morning, and then you’ll have roll call. You will then get breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will 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 Tuolumne 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 Tuolumne 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 inmates might change, so review the official website when you send funds 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 Tuolumne County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Tuolumne 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 Tuolumne 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 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.

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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 spent any time at Tuolumne County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever been to visit someone in this jail?

If so, then please write your review about it. Tell us about what you experienced so others can learn what to expect.

Things you could write in your review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Programs and activities


Click here to write a review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you get locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? How was day to day life at Tuolumne County Jail? What were the other inmates like? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to tell your story about Tuolumne County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you need to talk to a friend from jail? Post a message to them below.

Send a message to someone incarcerated at Tuolumne County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Tuolumne County Jail Link
Tuolumne County Jail Inmate Search
Tuolumne County Jail Mugshots
Tuolumne County Jail Bail Link

California Bail Schedule

Tuolumne County Jail Visitation
Tuolumne County Jail Mail Policy
Tuolumne County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Tuolumne County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Tuolumne County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Money to an Inmate at Tuolumne County Jail
Tuolumne County Jail Jobs


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