Show All Answers

1. When is visiting day?

Each cell block has it's own visiting day during the course of the week, so you must know the cell block in which the person you wish to visit is housed. Visiting hours may vary according to cell block. Inmates are restricted to one hour of visiting each week, and all visits start at the top of the hour. For full schedule by block

2. How can I get money to someone in jail?

You may come to the jail and use the machine in the lobby, or visit www.govpaynow.com, or dial 1.888.277.2535

3. How do I find out when an inmate goes to court?

The court calendar is controlled by the court. The court advises the jail each morning as to which inmates will be seen for that day. The jail does not disclose details regarding inmate movement to the public. Questions about court appearances should be directed to the court at 209-966-5711.

4. What happens if an inmate is sentenced to a term in state prison?

All inmates going to state prison will be transported by the jail. The jail does not disclose details regrding inmate movement to the public. These inmates are taken to either DVI in Tracey, CA or VSP in Chowchilla, CA. For more information on these facilities see the jail home page. More...

5. How can I find some one who has been sent to prison?

You may call (916) 445-6713 Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm. You must have either the CDC # or the name and date of birth for the individual you are looking for.

6. When I asked what someone's charges were, I got a number. What does this number mean?

The number equates to a California Code Section. Usually either Penal Code (PC), Health and Safety Code (HS) or Business and Professional Code (BP). A complete list of these codes and their meanings is available on line, or by using the link provided on Facility home page. To California Codes

7. Someone I know was arrested and taken to jail. What happens now?

A great deal depends on why they were arrested. If the charge is a misdemeanor, an arrestee will USUALLY be booked, cited and released. If intoxication is involved, they will need to sober up first. If the charge is a felony, or if the subject was picked up on a warrant, the subject will probably be held at least until they see a judge or post bail. You may contact the Facility to determine the bail amount for your inmate. The court will decide when the inmate sees a judge. The court can be reached at 209-966-5711.

8. How can I bail someone out of jail?

Bail is generally set at the time of booking. The bail amount for a given inmate may change during the court process. You may call the jail at any time to determine the current bail for a given inmate. There are two ways to make bail. You may bring the FULL AMOUNT of the bail in cash or cashier's check to the jail. Once the subject fulfils their court appearance responsibilities, the court will arrange to refund the entire amount to you. Alternatively you may contact a bail bond agency. Bond agencies will typically require a percentage of the bail amount (typically 10% - 15%) as a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit, plus some type of security against the bond. In addition, a bonds person will want someone who is not incarcerated to "co-sign" the bond. They will then post the bond for you. In either case once the bond is posted the arrestee will be released from jail immediately. A partial listing of local bond agents is available on the Facility home page.

9. What can I mail to an inmate?

Inmates may receive letters. Non-pornographic drawings on plain paper and photographs (except Polaroid) are acceptable. Greeting cards must not have plastic or magazine type paper. Do not include envelopes, blank paper, stickers or stamps. No perfume, scent or lipstick. Inmates may not receive packages. Do not send publications or books of any kind.

10. What may I bring to an inmate in jail?

The jail will not accept ANY personal property for inmates except one pair of clear perscription glasses (NOT readering glasses), perscription medication in the original container with valid perscription information on the container (subject to approval by jail medical staff). No other items will be accepted except by arrangement with the Jail Lieutenant. You may bring paperback books to the jail to be donated to the jail library.

11. How can I get a message to an inmate?

You may visit an inmate on his or her visiting day, or you may write to an inmate. There is no other provision for communicating with an inmate unless they call you. Inmates can not recieve phone calls of any type, and staff will not take a message of any kind for an inmate. In the case of a family death or other legitimate emergency, you may call the jail and ask for the Lieutenant.

12. I am required by the state to register for a criminal offense. How do I do that?

You may call the Facility at 209-966-3616 and ask for an appointment. Appointments are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and appointment times are on a first come, first served basis. Be aware that there is a time frame within which you are legally mandated to register each year, and it is your responsibility to ensure you adhere to that time frame.

13. Does Mariposa County have alternative incarceration programs?

Mariposa County has both a Work Furlough program, and a Weekend Service Program. You may contact the Facility during normal business hours to find out more about these programs. Mariposa County also has an Electronic Monitoring program and a jail diversion program which are administered by the Probation Department. You may contact Probation for more information about these programs.