Metro West Detention Center – Miami, FL

Metro West Detention Center is in Miami-Dade County and is the jail for that region. Do you know someone incarcerated at Metro West Detention Center? This guide tells you all about everything one might want to know about Metro West Detention Centersuch as the following: How to locate an inmate at Metro West Detention Center. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Intake procedures. Miami-Dade County court information. And more…

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to give you information and advice you need to make going to jail a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, just ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or feedback that might be a benefit to others will be much appreciated.

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

Has a family member or friend who has been arrested and you need to locate them?

To find out who is in jail at Metro West Detention Center you will need to visit their link and perform an inmate lookup.

The Metro West Detention Center Inmate List is an online list of persons who are in jail, including current status, bail amount, and schedule for visitation. You can get the same information on anyone who has been arrested or released within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You can get the information quicker if you have your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for is locked up at a different jail you should look here, too: Florida Jails

A mugshot, or intake photograph, is a photo taken by the police when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one and a side-view photo. Your name and booking number will appear on the mugshot, and they’re on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched on the website, or you can see them at the Metro West Detention Center. When you search for mugshots online you will need to input the name, and an arrest date, if you have it.

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot erased from the Metro West Detention Center site? This will be difficult, since the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you have to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that all of your arrest records would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. 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 many different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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If you are incarcerated, your main thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount will be decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either be released, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you must agree to go to your court date, and in the meantime you won’t be permitted to travel out of the county.

In most cases, prisoners can earn time off for good behavior when they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while they’re in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to do work release. You will be required to stay jail every day when you’re finished working, or you may be allowed to live in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is how much money that you are required to pay to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you have to pay depends on what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You will need to put up 10 percent of the total amount that was set in order to be released. If you don’t go to your court appearance, whoever posted your bail will lose all of the bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will have to call the jail. If you’ve got the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the Metro West Detention Center website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but usually, it is easy if you have the money. First of all, you have to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you won’t be able to use a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail will not take a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the prisoner will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If their bail has been set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and in most cases have a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman might request to use your personal assets as collateral.

You can find a local bail bondsman click here: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The jail intake procedure takes you through each of the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• First, must answer some simple questions, like what is your legal name, your address, birthdate and an emergency contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and mental history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• They will allow you to make a phone call so you can contact a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be able to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail uniform.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please share your experience. How long did it take? What was your treatment like? Can you share any secrets that could help other people that get arrested to get through jail intake?

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Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged from jail takes from 10 minutes to hours or even all day long. Or, simply, the faster bail is posted, the faster you will get discharged. Also, how fast you get released depends on whether you’ve been given a bond amount or if a judge has to decide on the bail amount. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and have a release date, plan to be released that morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail, and tell the intake officer that you think they might have a warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if so, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. When reporting to serve a sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Only bring allowed items when you go, for example your driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list information about each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s names will be put in a Visiting log as an approved visitor. All visitors is required to provide acceptable photo identification. Any visitors showing up late or that is not an approved visitor will be turned away.
Jail visitation policies are always changing, so make sure that you check the jail site before you go to visitation.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are typically more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but you should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules and are disciplined, your ability to use the phone might get reduced or forbidden.

Phone Number: 786-263-5101

All mail must be mailed using US Postal Service. You can’t use any other type of mail or package delivery. You should print the prisoner’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the letter that you send. Do not mail anything in a package, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail received by the jail will be opened and read and inspected by the jail administration, and will be returned if they decide it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Metro West Detention Center is:

Metro West Detention Center
13850 Nw 41St Street
Miami, FL 33178

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Metro West Detention Center
13850 Nw 41St Street
Miami, FL 33178

The mail policy at Metro West Detention Center changes often, so review the the Metro West Detention Center website when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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When you’ve been arrested, you have certain rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so it is important to ask a friend or family member to locate an attorney when you call. You might be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you understand the complicated court system that you are now faced with. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

To read more about this subject, go to: How to Find an Attorney in Miami-Dade County

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender has access to independent investigators, forensics experts as well as social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys who are members of the Florida State Bar and are legally licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Miami-Dade County court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records contain a file containing a docket and every documents and motions filed in the case. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case using the internet service, or at the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records related to your case are kept at Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees associated with your case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The magistrate acts as the judge who presides on your case. Magistrates do different tasks, like setting your bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and overseeing first court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when determining the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Bear in mind you are allowed to ask to have a copy of the report before your sentencing, so you can correct any mistakes that it contains.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on how serious your crime was, you might get taken into custody, right there in court, or given a date that you are supposed to go to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Want to find out if someone is incarcerated, or has ever been locked up?

You can just access the jail’s website, and search by:

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

If you think this person is in jail, you should call the jail to find out.

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the court records on the Miami-Dade County jail website or you can call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. You should be clear that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are public record and this information is freely available.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, such as warrants. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

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

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. They include a court case file that contains a court docket and any documents filed in the case. You can access your court records on the internet, or at the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of someone’s criminal past. These databases are all connected so you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. You are able to go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you will find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any crimes, which can include:

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

If you do a criminal records check, usually will not be able to see if that person had:

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

To search for driving records, you will have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal records, and your feedback could make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Miami-Dade County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List

Miami-Dade County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that serving a jail sentence in Metro West Detention Center is something you wish you could avoid, soon you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up at about 6am, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then eat breakfast. When you finish eating 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 Metro West Detention Center, 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 Metro West Detention Center 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 process for sending money to jail inmates can change, so you should check the official Metro West Detention Center site before send money to someone in jail 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 Metro West Detention Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Metro West Detention Center, 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 Metro West Detention Center

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 tell 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:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You 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 an inmate at this jail? Do you know anybody that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at Metro West Detention Center?

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

What to write in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate programs and activities


Write a Review of Metro West Detention Center

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you get arrested? Were you fairly treated? How was life in jail? What about the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to send a message to somebody you met when you were locked up? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message

Links and Resources

Main Metro West Detention Center Website
Metro West Detention Center Inmate Search
View Metro West Detention Center Mugshots
Metro West Detention Center Bail Link

Metro West Detention Center Visitation Procedures
Metro West Detention Center Jail Mail Link
Metro West Detention Center Inmate Search
Miami-Dade County Warrant Inquiry
Metro West Detention Center Arrests
Send Money to an Inmate at Metro West Detention Center
Metro West Detention Center Jobs


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