Madera County provides an online inmate database for public use. The sheriff's office maintains this system at the county jail in Madera. People can search for current inmates by name. The database shows booking information and custody status. It updates regularly as new arrests occur. Families use this tool to locate people in custody. Attorneys check it for client information. Anyone can access this free public service. The system complies with California law requiring release of booking details. You can verify arrest information without visiting the jail in person. Phone contact is also available for questions about custody and bookings.
The Madera County Sheriff's Office runs an inmate search portal. Find it at inmatepublicview.maderacounty.com. This system shows people currently in custody. Search by first name, last name, or both. Results display immediately when you enter information.
Each listing includes basic details about the inmate. You see their full name and booking number. The system shows date of birth. Physical description appears in results. Arrest date and booking date are listed. The database may show charges in some cases. Bail amounts appear when set by the court or schedule.
The inmate search interface provides quick access to custody information. This system follows California Government Code Section 7923.600. That law requires agencies to make booking information public. The portal is accessible 24 hours a day from any device with internet access.
The main jail facility is at 1200 North Madera Avenue in Madera, CA 93637. Call (559) 675-7770 for custody information. Staff can verify if someone is in jail. They answer questions about the booking process. The facility operates around the clock. In-person visits have scheduled hours. Phone lines are available during business hours for records questions.
Madera County has no cities over 100,000 population. The City of Madera is the county seat and largest community. Other cities include Chowchilla. All arrests in the county go to the main jail facility. The sheriff's office books people arrested anywhere in Madera County.
California law sets clear rules on arrest information. State and local agencies must make certain details public. This includes the full name of every arrested individual. Their occupation is releasable. Physical description covers date of birth, eye color, hair color, sex, height, and weight. Time and date of arrest must be disclosed. Booking time and date are public information.
The location where arrest occurred is releasable. Factual circumstances surrounding the arrest can be shared. Bail amount becomes public when set. These requirements come from state statute. The law ensures transparency in law enforcement. Anyone can request this information. No special reason is needed to access booking logs.
When someone gets arrested in Madera County, they are transported to the jail. This happens regardless of where the arrest occurred. The booking process begins upon arrival. Staff collect personal information. They take fingerprints and photographs. They conduct a medical screening. Personal property gets inventoried and stored.
The entire booking process takes several hours. During this time, information enters the jail management system. The online database updates after booking completes. This usually happens within 24 hours of arrest. The system then shows the person as in custody. When someone is released, the database reflects that change. Released inmates are removed from the active custody list.
Release happens for various reasons. Some people post bail and are freed. Others get released on their own recognizance. Courts may order release at arraignment. Charges might be dropped before filing. Time served can lead to immediate release for minor offenses. The inmate database shows current status at any given time.
California Penal Code Section 13300 defines local summary criminal history information. This includes master records compiled by local agencies. The law governs how counties maintain and share criminal records. Public prosecutors may release information when it enhances public safety or understanding of the justice system.
Penal Code Section 11105 covers state criminal history. The California Department of Justice maintains statewide records. These include fingerprints and arrest histories from all counties. Access to state records is restricted. Law enforcement can query DOJ databases. The public cannot directly access these files. Individuals can request their own criminal history through a separate process.
The California Public Records Act spans Government Code Sections 7920.000 through 7931.000. This law gives people the right to access public records. It lists exemptions for certain sensitive information. Police incident reports have limited disclosure. Full arrest reports are often exempt. However, booking information and police blotter entries must be released.
You can submit public records requests to the Madera County Sheriff's Office. Contact the Records Bureau for information. Submit requests in writing for best results. Be specific about what you want. Include names, dates, and case numbers when possible. The agency has ten days to respond to your request. They must tell you if records exist. They must provide an estimate for producing records.
Some records are available right away. Others require research and copying. Fees apply to most records. California law allows agencies to charge for direct costs. This is usually ten cents per page. Large requests may require prepayment. Staff can give you a cost estimate before processing begins.
The Madera County Superior Court handles criminal prosecutions. The courthouse is in Madera at 200 S. Gateway Drive. Court records are separate from jail records. They show what charges were filed by prosecutors. You can search for cases at the courthouse. Case files include hearing dates and outcomes. These records tell you what happened after arrest.
Not every arrest leads to criminal charges. Prosecutors decline some cases. Others get dismissed by judges. Some people are released without any filing. The court record provides the complete story. It shows plea agreements and trial outcomes. Sentencing information appears in court files. This supplements the booking information from the sheriff.
The sheriff's office website may have additional information. Look for press releases about significant arrests. Crime statistics might be available online. Contact information for different divisions appears on their site. Check for updates to services and office hours.
Legal aid programs serve Madera County residents. They help with questions about criminal records. Some offer assistance with record clearance. Services are often free for eligible individuals. Contact local legal aid organizations for help understanding your rights and options.
The Madera County jail may use third-party systems for inmate services. These might include phone systems for inmate calls. Money deposit services allow families to send funds. Visitation may require online scheduling. Check with the jail for current procedures and approved vendors.