Columbia County Detention Facility – Lake City, FL

Columbia County Detention Facility is located in Columbia County and is the main jail for the region. Know somebody incarcerated at Columbia County Detention Facility? This site tells you information about everything a person needs to know about Columbia County Detention Facility: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information. And much more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting situation, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to give info that you’ll need to make the process a lot easier. If you have a question, just ask it, and also any tips or comments that might be beneficial to others will be welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is in jail and want to find them?

Do you know a friend or family member who’s been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

To look up who’s in jail at Columbia County Detention Facility you will have to visit their link and use the inmate lookup.

The Columbia County Detention Facility Inmate Roster is an online list of people who are in jail, including custody status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. You can find the same information on anybody arrested and processed or released in the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You will be able to get their inmate information fast if you’ve got your friend or family member’s name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the inmate you are looking for could possibly be locked up at a different jail you can check our Florida county jail guide: Other County Jails in Florida

A mugshot, or jail intake photograph, is a picture that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. They take one frontal photo and a side-view photo. Your name and jail ID number will appear on the pictures, and they are on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be found online, or you can see them in person at the Columbia County Detention Facility. When you search for mugshots online you have to input the prisoner’s first and last name, and a booking date, if you have one.

Do you want to get your mugshot removed from the Columbia County Detention Facility website? This can be tricky, as your mugshot is a public record. You will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, and will not be accessible. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Naturally, once you are in jail, your only thought is about when you get out. After booking, a bail amount will be determined by a special judge called a magistrate. If there is no bail set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you will have to promise to show up for court, and you will not be permitted to leave town.

Usually, prisoners can earn time off in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while they’re in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be given work release detail. Either you will have to return to the jail every day when you’re finished working, or you could be permitted to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is how much money that you will be required to pay to get out of jail pending trial. The amount you will be required to pay is determined by how serious your charges are. You or someone you know will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total set before you can get out of jail. If you don’t go to your scheduled court date, whoever posted your bail will lose that money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know how much their bail is. You can also see the bail amount online.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but fortunately, it’s easy if you have the money. To start with, find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you can’t use a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they can’t accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the prisoner will get released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

If bail is set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and in most cases have a minimum fee of $100. This will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will usually ask to use your personal assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To contact a bail bondsman click here: Bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of bail bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out.

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

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The jail intake procedure takes you through each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first thing you will have to is you will have to answer some questions, such as what is your full name, home address, birth date and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your psychological and medical history.
• You’ll 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.
• You will then be allowed to make a telephone call to talk to family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, they will let you keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be issued a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? Were you treated fairly? Can you tell us secrets that will help other people make it through jail processing?

Click here to share your story

When you post bail, you will get discharged from jail. The discharge process may take anywhere between 15 minutes to many hours. Or, simply, the faster you can pay your bail, the faster you will be released. Also, how fast you get released can depend on whether or not you have a cash bond amount or if the judge needs to figure out the amount of bail to be set. For minor charges, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and have a discharge date, you should plan to be discharged in the morning.

If there is a, or if you must report to start a sentence, you really should follow the rules and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. For a warrant, report to the jail reception area, and tell an officer that think that there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Only bring allowed items when you turn yourself in, such as a driver’s license or even ID, prescription medication, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must provide information about each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitors will go into a log of approved visitors for the inmate. Each and every visitor will have to provide a photo ID when visiting. Any visitors arriving late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will be turned away.
The Columbia County Detention Facility visitation procedures can change, so double-check the jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are usually more expensive than phone calls made at home. There is no limit to when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates must keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules, phone calls may be limited or cut altogether.

The Columbia County Detention Facility phone number is: (386) 755-7000

All mall sent to inmates must be sent using the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other type of mail or package delivery. You have to write the name, inmate 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, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail gets opened and read and examined by the jail staff, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Columbia County Detention Facility:

Columbia County Detention Facility
389 Northwest Quinten Street
Lake City, FL 32055

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Columbia County Detention Facility
389 Northwest Quinten Street
Lake City, FL 32055

The Columbia County Detention Facility inmate mail policy changes often, so you should review the official Columbia County Detention Facility site before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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When you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, one of these is that you have the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure you get a friend or relative to find a lawyer when you call them. You may be thinking ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a lawyer will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate the court system in Columbia County. The sooner you get an attorney working on your situation, the better.

For more detailed information on how to find an attorney, click here: Find a Lawyer

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender is staffed by investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. Public Defenders are licensed lawyers who are admitted to the State Bar and are licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Columbia County court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records have a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the motions, documents, and evidence filed in the case. You are able to access your court case records using the internet service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Columbia County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the jury’s verdict. All records associated with your case are available at the Columbia County Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the charges and fees from your court case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have a court appointed attorney, you may not have to pay the fees.

The Columbia County court magistrate is the judge that rules over your case. They do many different things, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s 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 take into account when determining a sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the person on trial, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember that you should request to have your own copy of this report before sentencing, so you get the chance to correct any mistakes that it contains.

When you are 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 to probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, you might get locked up immediately, or given a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if somebody you know is in jail, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you should query the Columbia County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can also call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the website or you can call the jail. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should know that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or you can check online. An arrest is public record and this is accessible to anyone.

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

All registered sex offenders are registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see these listings online, but you should know that you can’t see the actual address, rather the block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a case file containing a docket sheet and any documents filed in your case. You are able to access your court records on the website, or at the Columbia County Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of someone’s criminal background. These databases are connected so you can track criminal convictions from other states. You are able to go to courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you are able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you won’t learn if that person has had any:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving histories, you must do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it easy? Did you do your search online or did you make a phone call to the Columbia County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that people look up criminal records, and your story may make it easier for others.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Columbia County, the Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Columbia County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in Columbia County Detention Facility is quite unpleasant, eventually you will get accustomed to the daily routine. You should expect an alarm to wake up each morning at 6:00 AM, and then you’ll have roll call. Then you will have breakfast. After breakfast, participate 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 Columbia County 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 Columbia County 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 inmates at Columbia County Detention Facility changes, so you should visit the official Columbia County Detention Facility site before you send money to an inmate there.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Columbia County Detention Facility

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Columbia County 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 Columbia County 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.

Speak Your Mind


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

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

The definition of victim includes:

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

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

Victim Notification

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

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

Click here to post a comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

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

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been incarcerated in this jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever been to visit someone in this jail?

If yes, then you should write your review about it. Write down your experience so that others can find out what to expect.

What to write in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


Write a review about Columbia County Detention Facility

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has a story to tell. Why were you locked up? How did the guards treat you? What happened to you while you were locked up? How did you get along with the other inmates? How has this experience impacted your life?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

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

Send a message to Columbia County Detention Facility

Links and Resources

Main Columbia County Detention Facility Link
Columbia County Detention Facility Inmate Search Link
Columbia County Detention Facility Mugshots
Columbia County Detention Facility Bail Amount Link

Columbia County Detention Facility Visitation Procedures
Columbia County Detention Facility Mail Policy
Columbia County Detention Facility Inmate Search
Columbia County Detention Facility Warrant Inquiry Link
Columbia County Detention Facility Arrest Inquiry
Send Funds to an Inmate at Columbia County Detention Facility
Jobs at Columbia County Detention Facility


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