The Sacramento County Main Jail
(A resource guide for anyone whose family members or friends are inmates at the Sacramento County Jail)
The Sacramento County Jail is located at:
651 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-6752
This facility is open for public assistance daily from 7:00 am - 11:00 pm.
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Below our Sacramento CA criminal defense lawyers will explain the following:
Procedures on how to post bail
How to get inmate information at the Sacramento County Main Jail Division
How to contact an inmate
Rules and regulations for mail correspondence
Inmate visiting procedures and schedule at Sacramento County Main Jail Division
How to put money "on the books" for inmates
Procedure on "return of property"
Procedures on how to post bail at the Sacramento County Main Jail Division
The inmates incarcerated at the Sacramento County Jail will be eligible for bail upon conclusion of the booking procedure. If they are not released on their own recognizance, bail is necessary for them to be released from the jail. The Sacramento County Bail Schedule determines the amount of bail required according to the criminal offense committed.
Anyone may post bail at the front desk of the jail daily at anytime. Once bail is posted, the inmate will be released pending appearance in court for trial. For a more detailed discussion, please visit our page on how the bail system works in California.
Below is a list of accepted forms of bail payment at the Sacramento County Main Jail Division:
- Cash
- Cashier's Check
- Bail Bond
Cash
The full amount is required to post bail with cash. As soon as bail is posted, the inmate will be released promising to return for appearances in court to face the criminal charges. Upon conclusion of court proceedings, a refund will be issued minus a small fee that will be charged for administrative process.
Cashier's Check
The full amount is also required to post bail with a Cashier's Check. Funds must originate from a bank in the state of California and must be made payable to the "Sacramento County Sheriff's Department". Please make sure to reference the inmate's complete and correct spelling of his or her name and booking number for proper endorsement. Upon clearance of funds, bail will take effect and the inmate will be released.
Bail Bond
A bail bond agent is necessary when using a bail bond. Bail Bonds typically costs approximately between 8 to 10 % of the actual amount of bail. In this instance, the person posting bail is relieved of the financial responsibility to come up with the full amount.
Anyone may access more information on bail bond agents either on the Internet or your local directory or the Yellow Pages. Please remember to verify your bail bond agent's license upon hiring his or her services. Also, it is highly recommended to request copies of all related documents for your own records.
How to get inmate information at the Sacramento County Main Jail Division
To access inmate information
You may access inmate information if you log onto the Sheriff's Department's website at http://www.sacsheriff.com/inmate_information. Also, you may call the front desk at (916) 874-6752 and speak with a jail representative. Information on inmates incarcerated at the Sacramento County Main Jail Division is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It is important to have the inmate's complete and correct spelling of his or her name (middle name if it applies) or booking number to obtain information. Upon completion of the booking process, inmates are given access to a phone to relay this information to someone. This way, they can be reached or can be assisted with bail and other legal procedures while incarcerated.
Minors (18 years of age and under) held in custody will be housed at the Sacramento County Juvenile Hall, 9601 Keifer Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95827. This facility can be reached at (916) 875-6996.
How to contact an inmate incarcerated at the Sacramento County Main Jail Division
There are three ways to communicate with inmates incarcerated at the Sacramento County Main Jail and they are as follows:
- Phone
- Visitation
Phone privileges
Inmates held in custody at the Sacramento County Jail are provided access to a telephone to communicate with their loved ones. Although, this privilege is restricted to outgoing collect calls only. It is highly recommended to check with your local phone service to make sure this feature is not blocked so that when the inmates try to call, their calls will go through.
Mail Correspondence
Inmates housed at the Sacramento County Jail may also be reached through mail correspondence. Restrictions on mail correspondence will be discussed below.
Inmate Visitation
Inmates detained at the Sacramento County Main Jail Division are allowed to receive visitors. Similar to phone and mail correspondence, inmate visitation also has certain restrictions. But it is the most intimate contact you may have with the inmates incarcerated at the facility.
Rules and regulations on mail correspondence at the Sacramento County Jail
All mail correspondence is inspected by the Jail Staff
Inmates at the Sacramento County Main Jail are given the opportunity to correspond with their loved ones as much as they would like through mail correspondence by providing them the supplies they need on a regular basis. That being said, all mail correspondence is subject to a strict inspection for security reasons.
Each piece of mail correspondence is inspected thoroughly to find out any illegal items or continuance of criminal activities. Inmate's correspondence with his or her attorney only will be treated with privacy as an exception for legal reasons. It is necessary that all mail correspondence is addressed properly and have a return address to ensure accurate delivery.
Items you may not send in the mail
As stated above, basic supplies such as writing materials are not allowed to be sent in the mail since they are already provided to the inmates by the facility. Also, inmates are not allowed to receive any packages, books (especially hardbound), and all types of subscriptions (unless they are mailed directly from the publisher).
You may not send CASH or personal checks in the mail. Only Money Orders or Cashier's Checks are allowed if you wish to send the inmates money. You must reference the inmate's name (complete and correct spelling, including middle name if applicable) and booking number for proper endorsement.
It is against the law to send any type of illegal substances and contraband to inmates at any detention facility. You may not send Polaroid pictures or any photographs that exceeds (4"x 6") in size, envelopes with stickers or tape on the inside or outside of the letters. No mail correspondence that appears to be obscene or offensive to other people will be delivered to the inmates. Violation of any regulations above will result in refusal of delivery and will be returned to the sender, if they are not disposed by the Jail Staff.
How to address mail correspondence
General mailing address:
Inmate's Name, X- Reference number, Housing Location
Sacramento County Main Jail Division
651 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Inmate visiting procedures and hours at the Sacramento County Jail
Hours of visitation
The inmates detained at the Sacramento County Mail Jail may receive visitors twice a week from Sunday through Saturday. Each visit may not exceed an hour in duration and only one scheduled visit per day. Visiting hours are from 7:00 am till 2:30 pm and from 5:00 pm till 11:00 pm. Inmates are not allowed to accept visitors during meal time, from 2:30 pm till 5:00 pm.
Please allow at least an hour before desired time of visit for registration purposes. Each inmate may accommodate a maximum of three (3) visitors at a time, including children or infants. Visitors will only be allowed to visit with one (1) inmate per visit. Usually, visitations during the weekends are full, so it is advisable to plan your visit ahead of time before arriving at the facility.
Appointments are not required hence visits will be accommodated on a first-come, first serve basis. It is highly recommended to call first and address all inquiries before arriving at the facility.
Proof of Identification and Security Procedures
All visitors are expected to show proof of identification upon entering the facility. Everyone entering the facility will be subject to search of their person and belongings for security reasons. Visitors will be frisked and will pass through metal detectors in search of any illegal items such as drugs, contraband, or firearms.
Below is a list of valid identification accepted at the Sacramento County Jail:
- A California driver's license
- A California identification card
- A U.S. passport
- An Alien Registration card
- A U.S. Military card
Items you can't bring to inmates
It is against the law to bring any type of illegal substances such as drugs, contraband, and weapons, as well as any type of objects that might be used to inflict injury to another person at any detention facility. Visitors may only carry identification, keys, and a small wallet in the visiting area. All other items such as purses, handbags and backpacks will have to be secured before entering the facility.
Possession of any illegal items at a detention facility will result in denial of visiting privilege and possible prosecution.
Anyone who has been detained at the Sacramento County Main Jail or the Rio Consumes Correctional Facility within the last 30 days will not be allowed to conduct visitation with inmates that the facility. Moreover, anyone who has been convicted of a felony and has been detained at any state prison will be refused visiting privilege unless approved by the Jail Commander. Approval must be obtained prior to arrival at the facility. This regulation is pursuant to Penal Code 4571.
Age requirements for visitors
Visitors must be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied by their parents or legal guardians when visiting with an inmate. Parents/Legal guardians must provide proof of relationship with the minor visiting to be allowed entry. Minors who have been emancipated will be allowed to visit if they have proof of emancipation documents and valid ID.
Dress code for visitors
Visitors are required to follow the dress code enforced by the Sacramento County Main Jail Division. Dress code both applies to male and female visitors, with no exception. Basically, everyone is expected to dress appropriately. Clothing that is revealing or sexually provocative, as well as with images or writings that display acts of sex, violence, or might be offensive to others is strictly prohibited.
In addition, visitors must always wear footwear such as shoes, sandal, or boots upon entering the facility.
Restrictions and other prohibitions
Smoking, drinking, and eating are not allowed in the premises. Anyone who appears to be intoxicated or is under the influence of any illegal substance will be refused entry and will face possible prosecution. It is against the law to be intoxicated or under the influence of any illegal substance in any detention facility in the state of California.
Violation of the above regulations will result in denial of visiting privileges, and in some cases, prosecution. It is in the discretion of the Jail Commander to refuse entry to anyone who is deemed a possible threat to the safety of the inmates and the staff of the facility.
How to put "money in the books" for inmates
As a convenience to the inmates incarcerated at the Sacramento County Main Jail Division, all property in their possession at the time of arrest will be stored for them while in custody. All money will be deposited into an account that inmates may access to purchase items from the commissary. Also, anyone may deposit money into their accounts by person or mail.
Anyone may make a deposit at the front desk between the hours of 8:00 am till 6:00 pm daily. To make a deposit in person, you may only deposit cash, ATM, and/or cashier's checks/money orders. You must bring valid ID and must reference the inmate's complete and correct spelling of his or her name, reference number and booking number for accurate endorsement.
Personal checks are not accepted either by person or mail. Cash is not accepted in the mail. Only cashier's checks/money orders will be accepted in the mail. Please make sure that the inmate's information is referenced on the cashier's check/money order, otherwise they will not be deposited and will be returned to the sender.
You may also use the following methods to deposit money into an inmate's account:
ACE Cash Express - This can be done at any ACE Cash Express office. Accurate inmate information must be provided for proper endorsement.
Western Union - This can be done at any Western Union office. The Sacramento County Main Jail Division/Sacramento County Sheriff's Department ID is SSIT. Accurate inmate information is required for proper endorsement.
Touchpay Direct - This can be done by calling 1-866-232-1899 or online at http://www.touchpaydirect.net. The Sacramento County Main Jail Division location number is 257501. Accurate inmate information is required for proper endorsement.
If sending money through the mail
If you choose to send money in the mail, only cashier's checks/money orders will be accepted. Accurate inmate information is required for proper endorsement.
NOTE: Anyone who has been detained at the Sacramento County Main Jail Division or Rio Consumnes Correctional Center within the last 30 days will not be allowed to make a deposit to an inmate's account.
Procedure on "return of property" of inmates at the Sacramento County Main Jail Division
After an inmate is admitted into the facility, all properties at the time of arrest will be recorded and stored while he or she is in custody. The inmates have an option to release their property to anyone. This procedure requires completion of a Property Release Form and must be coordinated prior to collection.
Inmate property pick-up
The designated recipient must provide proof of identification upon collection of inmate property. Upon collection of inmate property, all property must be collected except for the inmate's clothing which will only be returned upon completion of sentence and actual discharge from the facility or transfer to a different facility for whatever reason.
This procedure can be done daily anytime at the front desk. It is highly recommended to call first before arriving to the facility to ensure all necessary paperwork is completed.
Additional Information
In conjunction with the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County Mail Jail Division strives to give a sense of protection and security for life and property, as well as minimize neighborhood crimes by providing inmates a secure detention, and that these inmates are treated in a safe and humane environment as regulated by the state of California Board of Corrections.
The inmates receive the required services that are integral in their rehabilitation while in custody. These services help them deal with the issues that resulted in their detention and develop the skills that will be beneficial to them upon their release. Also, it is quite instrumental in their transition back into the community reducing the rate of recidivism which is the possibility of committing another crime and resulting back into detention.
The Sacramento County Main Jail Division is operated by the Sacramento Sheriff's Department and largely serves the Sacramento County as well as its surrounding communities. In effect, it creates a better quality of living for the citizens of the city of Sacramento and the rest of the county.
If your loved one is housed at the Main Jail or the Sacramento County Juvenile Hall, feel free to contact our criminal defense lawyers at (888) 327-4652 to discuss the case.
