Maricopa County Jail – Phoenix, AZ

Maricopa County Jail is in Maricopa County, AZ and is the primary jail for that region. Are you looking for someone locked up at Maricopa County Jail? This page gives you all about anything related to Maricopa County Jail,such as: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court records. And more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary thought, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to give information and advice that you’ll need to make helping someone get out of jail a lot easier. If you have specific questions, just ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or tips that might be beneficial to other people in the same situation would be appreciated.

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

Has a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to look up who is in jail at Maricopa County Jail you should navigate to their web site and use the inmate search.

The Maricopa County Jail Inmate Locator has information on persons who are in jail, which includes custody status, bail amount, and times you can visit. You can also get the same information on anybody who has been arrested or discharged in the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can get their arrest information faster if you’ve got their first and last name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for might be at another county jail you will want to check our guide to other Arizona jails: Arizona County Jails Directory

A mugshot, or jail processing picture, is a photo that the jail takes when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is actually two photos one and one profile photo. Your full name and intake number will appear on the mugshot, and they’re stored at the jail.

Mugshots can be seen online, or you can see them at the Maricopa County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to enter the inmate’s full name, and the arrest date, if you have one.

Need to know how to have your mugshot removed from the Maricopa County Jail site? This is difficult, because your mugshot is a public record. You must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that your arrest record 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 removing your mugshot, the different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

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Naturally, if you are locked up, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After booking, bail is set using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you will have to promise to be in court on your court date, and until then you won’t be permitted to travel out of the county.

Typically, prisoners in the Maricopa County Jail are given time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while they are in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be given work release detail. You will be required to stay the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you could have the chance to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will be required to pay depends on how serious your crime is. You or someone you know will have to put up 10 percent of the total amount that was set in order for you to be released from jail. If you don’t go to your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail will lose that money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail must call the Maricopa County Jail. If you’ve got the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you what their bail is set at. You can also check their bail amount and status on the Maricopa County Jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but in some cases, its really easy. First, figure out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you can’t use a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they will not take a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will be discharged. If the conditions of bail are not violated, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will usually charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and in most cases have a minimum fee of $100. This will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman will ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral.

If you need a bail bondsman click here: Bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to share your story

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

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The intake process is made up of each of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you will answer a number of questions, such as what is your full name, address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will get to make a telephone call to contact family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might get to keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jail uniform.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please tell our readers about your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any secrets that could help other people that get arrested get through jail processing?

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When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail may take anywhere from 10 minutes to hours or even all day long. Or, simply, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you can get out of jail. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether you have a cash bond or if a judge must determine the bail amount. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and know the date of your release, you should plan to get discharged in the morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you have to start a jail sentence, you really should follow the rules and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail intake center, and tell the intake officer that you think they might have an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if they verify that you have one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Be very careful that you aren’t late. Make sure that you only bring allowed items when you turn yourself in, such as a driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a sentencing order.

To have visitors, you must list information about each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will be put into a Visiting log for the requesting inmate. Every visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors showing up late or without a visiting order will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures can change, so you should check the official Maricopa County Jail jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . These phone calls are much more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you are disciplined for an infraction, phone privileges could be reduced or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: 602-876-1239

All mall sent to inmates must be sent using US Postal Service. You can’t use any other method of delivery. You must print the inmate’s name, inmate number, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a box, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail will be opened and inspected and read by staff, and will get returned if deemed inappropriate.

The mailing address for Maricopa County Jail is:

Maricopa County Jail
201 S. 4Th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Maricopa County Jail
201 S. 4Th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85003

The Maricopa County Jail mail policy can change, so you should double check the the Maricopa County Jail website when you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you get arrested, you still have certain rights, and an important one 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 a good idea to have a friend or relative locate an attorney for you. You may be thinking ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal lawyer will advise you about your rights, protect your interests and guide you through the legal system that you are now faced with. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your case, the better.

For more detailed information on this, read: How to Find a Lawyer in Maricopa County

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender Office has access to private investigators, experts in forensics and social workers. Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers, members of the State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law in Arizona.

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

Maricopa County court records are a matter of public record. Court records include a court case file containing a docket sheet and all documents and motions 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’s office of the Court.

The Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and also read the jury’s verdict. All records and documents associated with your case are held at Maricopa County Clerk of Court office.

Court costs and court fees are the fees and charges associated with your court case, such as 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 may not have to pay them.

A Magistrate is the type of judge that presides over your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do a number of things, such as determining how much your bail will be, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared to include your background information and information about the arrestee’s life history, which the judge will consider when determining a sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the defendant, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim. Don’t forget that you can request to see your own copy of the report before sentencing, and correct the mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service to probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, you may be taken into custody immediately, or given a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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

To do this, just go to the jail’s website, and search by:

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

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you can check the court records on the website or you are able to call the court directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. You should know that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or check online. An arrest is in the public record and this is freely available.

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

All people registered as sex offenders are registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. 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 view these listings on the internet, but remember that you will not be able to see the precise address, rather the address block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. They include a court case file that includes a docket and any filings and documents filed in the case. You are able to access your court records on the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains records of people’s criminal history. These databases are linked together so you can track criminal histories from another state. You can go to the courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a completely different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

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

When you do a criminal history search, you won’t be able to see if they have had any:

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

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

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you have to call the Maricopa County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your account could make it easier for others.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI keeps a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Maricopa County, the Maricopa County Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Maricopa County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that getting locked up in the Maricopa County jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will get accustomed to the routine that is set for you. Expect an alarm for wake-up at about 6:00am, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. Following 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 Maricopa 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 Maricopa 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 process for sending money to someone in jail at Maricopa County Jail can change, so you should review the official Maricopa County Jail site before send funds 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 Maricopa County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Maricopa 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 Maricopa 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 tell about all about it


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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:

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• 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 leave 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 locked up at this jail? Do you know anybody that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited an inmate in this jail?

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

What to include in what you write:

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


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? What was it like in jail? What were the other inmates like? How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Are you trying to get in touch with a friend from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Post a message to people incarcerated at Maricopa County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Maricopa County Jail Website
Maricopa County Jail Inmate Search Link
Maricopa County Jail Mugshots
Maricopa County Jail Bail Link

Maricopa County Jail Visitation
Maricopa County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Find an inmate at Maricopa County Jail
Maricopa County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Maricopa County Jail Arrests
Send Funds to an Inmate at Maricopa County Jail
Maricopa County Jail Jobs


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