Merced County Main Jail Facility

Need to look someone up in the Merced County Main Jail Facility? Search the Official Jail Inmate Roster to see their charges, bond amount, when they can have visitors, and their mugshot, or call the jail at 209-385-7410. You can also find the criminal courts serving Merced County, along with those in every other California county.

Merced County Main Jail Facility Inmate Search

If you need to check on a warrant in Merced County or anywhere in California, or find specific information about a court case involving you, a friend, or a relative, start with the California Superior Court.

California’s constitution guarantees most criminal defendants in Merced County and elsewhere in the state the right to pretrial release on bail, with exceptions for certain capital and violent felony cases. The California Supreme Court has ruled that ability to pay must be part of every bail decision, and that less restrictive conditions should be used when they would protect the public and ensure the defendant appears in court. Judges may not consider a request for a jury trial when setting bail (Rule 4.101).

You can learn an inmate’s bail amount by calling the Merced County Main Jail Facility at 209-385-7410. As long as you know the charge, the bail schedule for Merced County is another option. The county accepts cash, a surety bond, or a property bond.

The Merced County Main Jail Facility is licensed for 200 inmates, but it often has to take in many more offenders, especially on weekends. At most city and county jails in California, at least 35-40% of inmates turn over each month, another 25-30% every 90 days, and another 15-20% every six months, while around 8-9% stay six to twelve months. Those held longer than twelve months are usually facing serious charges such as rape or murder. Because those cases take longer to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in this county remain at one of the Merced County facilities much longer.

Approximately 22,300 offenders are arrested and detained annually by Merced County law enforcement agencies.

What is the process to pay bail for someone detained in Merced County?

After an individual is apprehended and taken to Merced County Main Jail Facility in Merced for booking, their release options vary based on the situation:

1. They might be released without bail, on the condition they appear in court on a scheduled date.
2. They may be detained until their court appearance.
3. They may be eligible for release after posting a bail or bond.  Call 209-385-7410 for the exact bail amount.

There are different ways to settle an individual's bail or bond.

• To post a cash bond, pay the full amount at the jail bonding window or the clerk's office by cash, cashier's check or money order; many facilities also accept cards at a lobby kiosk or through an online bond vendor for a fee, and you will need the inmate's full name and booking number (jail phone: 209-385-7410).
• A licensed bail bondsman in Merced County can assist with payment.
• Real property such as land or a house is accepted as collateral by many courts, provided the owner proves clear title and equity worth at least the bond, frequently twice the bond, with a deed and a current tax or appraisal value; the court that set bail signs off on it.

For more information on the bail process in Merced County, California, visit the Merced County Main Jail Facility Bail Information Page.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility? What is the Schedule?

Merced County Main Jail Facility INMATE VISITATION SCHEDULE

700 W. 22nd St.
Merced, CA 95344
209-385-7410

• Each inmate will submit the names of potential visitors using the Inmate Visitor Information Form.
• Inmates may complete and submit the form upon intake processing, and may then fill out a new form every month they are incarcerated between the 1st and 5th.
• Inmates may have as many visitors on their visiting list as they like.
• Only two visitors are allowed to visit each visiting day. Children and infants count as one of the two allowed visitors.
• Each inmate is allowed two 30-minute visits per week. Additional visits may be allowed with permission.
• The visitors will be signed in on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Valid and current State issued picture identification is required of visitors. 
• Children under age 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian in order to visit.
• The parent or guardian must also provide a copy of the minor’s birth certificate or legal documentation showing proof of guardianship.

Visiting sign-ups begin the hour before the visit is to occur.
Visitors must complete the sign in process not less than 15 minutes before the scheduled visit to ensure that the inmate has time to prepare for the visit.

*** All 2 man SHU cells in 1 BLOCK, 2 BLOCK and INTAKE will visit seperately from other SHU cells

Merced County Main Jail Facility uses Viapath / GettingOut for their Remote Video Visitation and/or Visit Scheduling. 



There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate:
1.  Using the Viapath/GettingOut/GTL Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut or GTL apps.

How it Works with GettingOut
1.  Register an account.
2. Select Merced County Main Jail Facility
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.   

• **NOTE** Friends and Family must have funds in their "Friends & Family Account" to respond to inmate messages. 
• If you deposit money online in the INMATE ACCOUNT, than they have the freedom to spend the money on visits or phone calls to anyone, or any other communications services available at Merced County Main Jail Facility.
• With the FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT, you control all communication services such as phone calls, video visits and messaging. Your inmate can only call the phone number you want.

4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number .
5. Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.

GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.

Customer Service for GettingOut
If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
GettingOut online contact form
The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in Merced County Main Jail Facility?

To visit an inmate in Merced County, whether by video or in person 'at the jail', follow these steps:

Other than 'at the jail' visits between you and your inmate, which is explained and outlined in detail on our Visit Inmate Page, Merced County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of Viapath / GettingOut. 



There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in Merced County Main Jail Facility:
1.  Using the GettingOut Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the Viapath / GettingOut apps.

To remotely visit an inmate in Merced County follow these steps:
1.  Start by confirming that Merced County Main Jail Facility's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Merced County here.
2.  The next step is to create an account here for Viapath / GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select Merced County Main Jail Facility, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.

Other Merced County Services provided by GettingOut:
 - Phone Calls & Voicemail 
 - Email, Photo & Video Sharing
-  Inmate Tablet Rental
-  Deposits

Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Merced County Main Jail Facility Visitation Services you can call them at 866-516-0115.

* All the information you need to have complete knowledge about inmate visitation; policies, rules, fees, schedules, tips, dress codes, and children, lawyers and clergy visitation in Merced County, can be found on our Visit Inmate Page.

Merced County Main Jail Facility Phone: 209-385-7410

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility?

How to Deposit Money into an Inmate's Account in Merced County Main Jail Facility

To deposit money into the account of an inmate in Merced County, follow these instructions:

• Create an account with Touchpay Services, a GTL company.
• 
• Select California.
• Select Merced County Main Jail Facility
• Enter the Inmate ID of your inmate.  This can be found by calling 209-385-7410 or by looking up the inmate's name in the Inmate Search link.
• Enter your billing information and send money.
• You can also deposit cash using the kiosk at the Merced County Main Jail Facility.  To do this you need the Inmate's ID Number and the Facility Locator Number for Merced County.

For all the information you need regarding making an inmate deposit, what it costs, how much you can send, how long it takes for your inmate to receive funds and more, and to get the Facility Locator Number, check out our Send Money Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility by Phone

Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)

• Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
• Pin Debit  -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
• Voicemail  -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Merced County Main Jail Facility, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

For full instructions on the Merced County Main Jail Facility Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility, and what can I send them?

Merced County Main Jail Facility Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
Ask the Merced County Main Jail Facility whether it accepts postcards, and what size and type, before mailing one. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Merced County Main Jail Facility also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Jail ID#
Merced County Jail
P.O. Box 2267
Merced, CA 95344

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Jail ID#
Merced County Jail
P.O. Box 2267
Merced, CA 95344

Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
Ask the Merced County Main Jail Facility whether books can be mailed in, and whether they must come straight from a publisher or retailer such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Merced County Main Jail Facility standards will be disposed of. 
Ask the Merced County Main Jail Facility whether hardcover books are accepted.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Jail ID#
Merced County Jail
P.O. Box 2267
Merced, CA 95344

Merced County Main Jail Facility Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Merced County Main Jail Facility there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.

All mail is to be shipped to the Merced County Main Jail Facility:
Inmate's Full Name & Jail ID#
Merced County Jail
P.O. Box 2267
Merced, CA 95344

For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility, and what can I purchase?

Merced County Main Jail Facility allows pre-determined commissary packs to be purchased by friends and family of inmates.  

The service they use is called icaregifts.

Instructions

1.    Register here.
2.    Click the "Find an Inmate" button and enter your loved one’s first name, last name, or inmate number. When the information is entered correctly, click the “Search” button to confirm they are in the system.
3.    Select the icare gift you want to send them.
4.    Confirm the order in your confirmation email.
5.    Merced County Main Jail Facility has up to 30 days to give your icaregift pack to your inmate.
6.    You will receive a confirmation email when it is delivered.

There are a total of fourteen (14) pre-determined icaregift packs available to choose from. 

They range in price from $10.49 for ten pre-stamped envelopes, 2 pens and a pad of writing paper…

… to $104.99 for a box of 85 snack and food items…

… with many gift packs priced in between.

Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (you must have an inmate chosen in order to review these FAQs for Merced County Main Jail Facility

Contact Info:
888-439-5020 - 8AM–9PM ET, 7 days a week.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Merced County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Merced County Main Jail Facility follow these steps:

• Register here to create an account with icaregifts for Merced County.
• 
• Choose California, then Merced County Main Jail Facility, and then the products you want shipped to them, and input your payment method. 
• NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Merced County at any one time.
• There are a total of fourteen (14) pre-determined icaregift packs available to choose from. 
• The gift packs for inmates in Merced County range in price from $10.49 for ten pre-stamped envelopes, 2 pens and a pad of writing paper, to $104.99 for a box of 85 snack and food items.

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Merced County Main Jail Facility, as well as sending money to the inmate so that they can purchase their own items, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Merced County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Merced County Main Jail Facility using an Online Messaging Service?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

Do Inmates in the Merced County Main Jail Facility have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Merced County Main Jail Facility allows inmates access to tablets to use for the services provided by Viapath / gettingout.

The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GettingOut, a GTL / Viapath company.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at Merced County Main Jail Facility, such as:

• Music
• Books
• Games
• Education
• News
• Radio
• Television
• Read mail and messages
• Video visits

-  Free services are already available for use on the device at Merced County Main Jail Facility.
-  Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
-  Merced County Main Jail Facility Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.

What Does a Tablet Cost?

To estimate costs for tablets and other services such as phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page), but the following gives you a general idea.

Game Center:

30-Day Subscription: $4.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($5.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($3.74)

Seven-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($2.49)

Unlimited eBooks:

Thirty-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($2.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($1.74)

Seven-Day Subscription: $0.49, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)

Streaming Music:

Thirty-Day Subscription: $8.99, with an additional $16.00 service infrastructure charge ($24.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $5.99, with an additional $9.00 service infrastructure charge ($14.99)

Seven-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($7.99)

Newsfeed

Thirty-Day Subscription: $3.99, with an additional $6.00 service infrastructure charge ($9.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($6.99)

Seven-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $3.00 service infrastructure charge ($3.99)

Same Day Subscription Services

Game Center: $0.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($1.49)

Unlimited eBooks: $0.25, (Total = 0.25)

Newsfeed: $0.24, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)

FM Radio: $0.24, with an additional $0.25 service infrastructure charge ($0.49)

All Subscription and message credit pricing is subject to state and local taxes. 

Replacement Components - should your inmate break it...

Tablet: $249.99 per each

Charger: $8.99 per each

Earbuds: $2.99 per each

How Inmates Can Use a Tablet to Access Services at Merced County Main Jail Facility

To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:

1.  First, Register or Sign In to Viapath/GettingOut/GTL

2.  Purchase the services you want for your Merced County Main Jail Facility inmate.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.

To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our Tablet Rental Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Merced County Main Jail Facility’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 209-385-7410 for further assistance.

What are the other City and County Jails in Merced County?

Merced County County Jails

Merced County Juvenile Facilities

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Merced County?