Sonoma County Jail Inmate Search
Sonoma County recent bookings are searchable through the online inmate database operated by the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. When someone gets arrested in Sonoma County, they are booked into the Main Adult Detention Facility in Santa Rosa or the North County Detention Facility in Windsor. The public can search current inmates and recent bookings through the online portal. Enter a name or booking number to find custody status, charges, and booking dates. The system shows who is in jail right now and provides details about each inmate. California law requires public access to booking records and Sonoma County provides free online searches 24 hours a day.
Sonoma County Jail Quick Facts
Search Sonoma County Inmates
The Sonoma County Sheriff provides an online inmate search system. This database lets you look up current inmates and recent bookings. Type in a last name and first name to search. The system returns matching records with custody information.
Search results show key booking details. You see the inmate's full name and physical description. Booking number helps track the person through the jail system. Booking date tells you when they arrived at the facility. Current facility shows if they are at the Main Jail in Santa Rosa or North County in Windsor. Charges list alleged crimes with California code sections.
The database updates regularly as new bookings happen and inmates get released. Current custody status shows if the person is still in jail. Scheduled release date might appear if available. The system works on computers and mobile devices. No registration is required. You can search Sonoma County bookings anytime from anywhere with internet access.
For questions about an inmate not answered in the online system, call the jail. Main Adult Detention Facility staff can provide information about visiting hours and inmate accounts. Have the person's full name and booking number ready when you call.
Sonoma County Detention Facilities
Sonoma County operates two main jail facilities. The Main Adult Detention Facility is in Santa Rosa. This large facility handles most bookings for the county. The North County Detention Facility in Windsor provides additional capacity. Both facilities process arrestees from cities like Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, and Sebastopol.
Booking procedures include fingerprinting and photographing. Staff conduct background checks for outstanding warrants. Medical screening happens during intake. Classification determines which facility and housing unit is appropriate. Men and women are housed separately. Some inmates await trial while others serve short sentences.
Inmates can make phone calls during scheduled times. Visitation happens on specific days through video systems. Check with each facility for current policies and hours. Mail gets screened before delivery. The commissary sells approved items. Family members can put money on an inmate's account for commissary and phone calls.
Information in Booking Records
Sonoma County booking records contain standard data required by California law. The full legal name appears first. Date of birth confirms identity. Physical description includes height, weight, hair color, and eye color. This information comes from measurements and photographs taken during booking.
Each booking gets a unique number in the jail system. This tracks the person through custody and court proceedings. Booking date and time show when they arrived. Facility assignment tells you which jail holds them. Charges list alleged crimes with code sections. PC stands for Penal Code. Common charges include PC 460 for burglary, PC 243 for battery on officer, and PC 1320 for failure to appear.
The arresting agency shows which department made the arrest. Sonoma County Sheriff handles many arrests but you also see Santa Rosa Police, Petaluma Police, and California Highway Patrol. Bail amount appears if set by a judge or bail schedule.
Request Sonoma County Records
The online inmate search provides free basic information. For certified copies or detailed arrest reports, contact the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. Submit your request in writing. Include the person's name, arrest date, and what documents you need.
California law gives agencies 10 days to respond. Sonoma County can extend this by 14 days for complex requests. Simple booking records come back faster. The county charges copying fees. Ask about costs before submitting your request.
Some records have restrictions. Active investigations might be exempt. Juvenile records need authorization. Medical information stays confidential. Staff will explain what they can release.
Note: Crime victims may qualify for free copies under California law.
Sonoma County Court
The Sonoma County Superior Court handles criminal cases. The main courthouse is in Santa Rosa. Inmates appear within 48 hours if in custody. The judge sets bail at arraignment. Public defenders get appointed for those who cannot afford attorneys. Jail staff transport inmates to court for hearings. Family can attend most public proceedings.
VINE Custody Alerts
VINE works in Sonoma County. Register at vinelink.vineapps.com/state/CA or call 1-877-411-5588. Get notifications when someone gets released. Choose phone, text, or email. The service is free and anonymous.
Cities in Sonoma County
Most Sonoma County cities use the county jail system for bookings. Major cities include:
- Santa Rosa - County seat and largest city
- Petaluma - Second largest city
- Rohnert Park - South county city
- Sebastopol - West county city
- Healdsburg - North county city
- Windsor - North county near detention facility
All these cities bring arrestees to Sonoma County detention facilities for booking and custody.
Sonoma County Resources
Legal aid programs help people who cannot afford attorneys. Bail bonds companies operate throughout the county. Victim advocates provide support during the criminal process. The California Department of Justice maintains statewide records you can request for background checks. For jail condition concerns, contact the Board of State and Community Corrections.
Nearby California Counties
Sonoma County borders several other counties with their own jail systems: