How Do I Find Out If Someone Is In Local Jail?

People get arrested every single day – for misdemeanors and felonies. The only difference is where they go and how to find them.

We know, it can be scary to hear that your loved one is behind bars. Sometimes it’s only over night, other times it’s for a few days. Either scenario is unsettling.

So, what’s the first thing people jump to do? Get their loved one out of jail by posting bail or starting up a contract with a bail bonds company to get the defendant out of jail. 

If you need help with a bail bond, look no further than Synergy Bail Bonds, link can be found here. If you need assistance in finding out where your loved one is located, keep reading.

The Basics: Where Do You Start? 

Before you go on a rampage search, first know and understand the basic information.

If you know someone that’s recently been arrested and you’re trying to locate them, keep in mind that they may be in federal prison, state prison, or county jail. Where the inmate goes is directly related to the type of crime they’ve committed. So, follow this consensus:

• Federal prison = Incarceration
• State prison = 1+ year in jail
• County jail = Misdemeanors, less than 1 year in jail

Knowing the crime committed and where the arrested person will be is the first step in locating. 

Sites to Search

If you’ve deciphered that the person you are trying to locate is in federal prison, search online using this link. Here, you will need to provide information such as the person’s name, age, race, and sex. 

If you’ve deciphered that the person you are trying to locate is in state prison, search online using this link. 

If you’ve deciphered that the person you are trying to locate is in county jail, call the local jail and request information. You may need to give the defendant’s full name, age, DOB, and other relevant information. 

Arrest vs. Incarceration 

Incarcerations go through the federal and state system quicker; officers are required to book them as soon as possible. An arrest, on the other hand, can be harder to locate and track down. 

You see, police stations and local courthouses usually bring arrested individuals to county jails where they wait for their arraignment or bond and bail hearings. Finding out if someone was arrested the previous night isn’t as easy as searching a database; a few calls to law enforcement agencies may be required, which means you’ll need to exercise some time and patience while you hold on the line to get your answers. 

To start, you’ll want to contact the local police department to see if they originally made the arrest. The county sheriff’s office is also a good place to check in with. Online databases will not, we repeat, will not have these jail records immediately.  

To note: Some busier cities, like NYC, have services that are useful and may point you in the right direction to finding your loved one. Here is an example site.  

In need of legal assistance?

Don’t wait. Call Synergy Bail Bonds today at 866-320-8050. Our professionals are waiting by the phone, ready to help you choose a bond, price package, and get everyone necessary sorted. Please feel free to contact us any day, any time. We’re ready to prioritize you and your case to make sure your loved one, the defendant, secures immediate temporary release from jail. 

10% bail bond fee required. Non-refundable once a contract is signed. Discounts and payment plans applicable upon request.