Duval County Juvenile Inmate Search
Searching for a juvenile who has been arrested or detained in Duval County, Florida can be difficult without the right resources.
This guide will provide information on how to locate juvenile inmates in Duval County, understand the juvenile justice system, and access legal resources.
| Facility Name | Duval Regional Juvenile Detention Center |
|---|---|
| Facility Type | State Prisons in Florida |
| Address | 1241 East 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL, 32206-4099 |
| Phone Number | 904-798-4820 |
| Capacity | 103 |
| City | Jacksonville |
| Zip | 32206-4099 |
| State | Florida |
| County | Duval County |
| Website | http://www.djj.state.fl.us/programs-facilities/detention-centers |
| Visiting Hours | Saturday – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PMSunday – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM |
Finding a Juvenile Inmate in Duval County
The first step in locating a juvenile inmate is to contact the Duval County Juvenile Detention Center. This facility houses juveniles who have been arrested in Duval County while they await court hearings or sentencing.
To search for an inmate:
- Call 904-255-1070
- Provide the juvenile’s full legal name and date of birth or approximate age
- The center can confirm if the juvenile is currently in custody
Juveniles may also be held in juvenile halls within regional Juvenile Detention Centers operated by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Contact the state agency to check for inmates state wide.
While adult arrest records are public in Florida, juvenile arrest records are confidential and not available for public searches. Only certain agencies and individuals directly involved in a juvenile’s case can access their records.
Duval County Juvenile Justice System
The court process for juveniles differs from the adult system in a few key ways:
- Juvenile Court handles all cases involving youth under 18.
- Juveniles are never referred to as “criminals” or “convicts”. Terms like “delinquent” and “youthful offender” are used instead.
- The emphasis is on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
If a juvenile is arrested in Duval County, here is the general court process:
- The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office or local police make the arrest.
- The youth is held in juvenile detention.
- The State Attorney’s Office files charges.
- A juvenile court judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed.
- There may be negotiations with the defense to reach a plea agreement and avoid trial.
- If found “delinquent”, the judge orders probation terms or rehabilitative confinement.
Juveniles with serious charges may be tried as adults and face the same penalties.
Finding Case Information on Duval County Juveniles
While juvenile records are confidential, some case details may be available from:
Duval County Clerk of Court – Some juvenile docket information can be searched online.
Police Reports – Arrest reports with limited details may be obtained from the arresting agency.
Attorneys – Defense lawyers have access to their juvenile client’s records.
Parents or guardians of a juvenile defendant can also request to view court records and documents related to the charges.
For adult criminal records, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides a free public records search online.
Contacting a Juvenile Inmate in Custody
If a juvenile is being held in detention, there are limited options for contacting them:
Phone Calls
At Duval Regional Juvenile Detention Center, inmates can’t receive regular phone calls, but they can make collect calls.
Some jails upgraded their phone systems, allowing inmates to call landlines and cell phones directly, often at a lower cost than collect calls.
Keep in mind that all outgoing calls are recorded and monitored, so it’s essential to be cautious about what is discussed.
The jail might restrict calls to certain numbers for security reasons without warning. For the latest information on phone policies at Duval Regional Juvenile Detention Center, you can call 904-798-4820.
When you’re sending mail to someone at Duval Regional Juvenile Detention Center, make sure to follow some important rules. On the envelope, include the full name and DOC number of the person you’re sending the mail to.
Be careful not to include anything in the mail that breaks prison rules, like forbidden items or inappropriate content. In most cases, you can’t send packages unless you get approval beforehand.
Keep in mind that all mail is checked before it gets to the person in the detention center. Here’s the mailing address: 1241 East 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL, 32206-4099.
In-Person Visitation
If you want to visit someone at the Florida State detention facility, it’s important to follow some rules to keep things organized.
First, check the prison’s website or call 904-798-4820 to find out the visiting hours, which are usually based on where the person you’re visiting is housed and their last name.
Before you visit, you need to fill out a Visitor Application form, and you can do this on the website http://www.dc.state.fl.us/ci/visit/000.pdf. This process includes a background check, and it might take some time for approval.
Once you’re approved, you have to follow some strict guidelines. Arrive 20 minutes early for your visit, bring a valid ID, and dress appropriately according to the dress code policy.
Here are the visiting hours at the Duval Regional Juvenile Detention Center:
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
There are also some basic rules for visitors:
- You can’t have a criminal record.
- You need a valid government ID.
- If you’re visiting someone under 16 years old, a legal guardian must be with you.
How do I send money to a Duval County juvenile inmate account?
To put money in an inmate’s account at Duval Regional Juvenile Detention Center, you have a couple of choices.
Don’t send actual cash through the mail. Instead, you can send a money order. Another option might be using Touch Pay Direct to add money.
If you want to know about any other current methods for depositing money for an inmate, you can give the jail a call at 904-798-4820.
Are Juvenile Records Public in Florida
In Florida, juvenile records are generally confidential and not available to the public. However, there are some exceptions.
For certain serious crimes like murder, sexual battery, aggravated child abuse, and others, a juvenile’s records can be made public if the crime was committed by a juvenile 14 years or older.
This includes the juvenile’s name, photograph, address, and details of the crime. For less serious crimes, a judge has discretion on whether to make certain juvenile records public, considering factors like the severity of the crime and the juvenile’s past criminal history and likelihood to reoffend.
The default in Florida is that juvenile records remain confidential, but there are exceptions for more serious crimes committed by older juveniles, where a judge can decide to open the records to the public.
Conclusion
Having a child incarcerated is distressing for any parent. While juvenile records are confidential, there are methods to locate youth in custody and access case information.
Legal help and emotional support are also available from public defenders, legal aid groups, and community organizations.
With the right assistance, families can advocate for their child’s rehabilitation and create a more positive path forward.
FAQs
How can I find out if a juvenile is in detention in Duval County?
You can contact the Duval County Juvenile Detention Center at 904-798-4820 and provide the juvenile’s full legal name, date of birth or approximate age to see if they are currently in custody.
What happens when a juvenile gets arrested in Jacksonville, FL?
Juveniles arrested in Jacksonville will be taken to the Duval County Juvenile Detention Center. They will await a hearing before a juvenile court judge who will decide on charges and next steps.
Are juvenile arrest records public in Florida?
No, juvenile arrest and court records are confidential under Florida law and are not available to the general public. Only certain authorized agencies and individuals involved in the case can access juvenile records.
How can parents visit a juvenile inmate in Duval County?
Parents or guardians may be able to visit detained juveniles in-person at the detention center, but visits are limited and require appointments. Phone calls and mail are also options for contacting incarcerated youth.
Where can I find an attorney for my child’s juvenile case?
Contact the public defender’s office, legal aid organizations, the Florida Bar referral service, or a law school legal clinic to find an attorney for a juvenile legal matter. Discounted or pro bono assistance may be available.
What happens at a juvenile detention hearing?
At a detention hearing, a judge reviews the charges and evidence against the youth. They will decide whether continued detention is needed or if the juvenile can be released to a parent or guardian.
How long can a juvenile be incarcerated?
In Florida, juveniles can be incarcerated until the age of 21 depending on the charges. Maximum sentences range from 5 days for a first misdemeanor up to life imprisonment for serious felonies.
Can a juvenile have their record expunged in Florida?
Yes, juveniles can petition to have their criminal record expunged under certain conditions, like completing their sentence or probation. An attorney can advise on eligibility and the expungement process.
What age does someone become an adult in Florida’s criminal justice system?
In Florida, the age of adulthood for criminal prosecution is 17. Youth aged 17 and under typically enter the juvenile system first before potential transfer to adult court.