Kern County operates detention facilities managed by the Kern County Sheriff's Department, serving Bakersfield and surrounding communities. The jail system processes bookings from law enforcement agen...
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Claim This Spot →California's third-largest county by area. Bakersfield is the county seat and largest city. Major oil and agricultural county. The Lerdo Detention Facility in Shafter is one of the largest jail facilities in the Central Valley.
Kern County operates detention facilities managed by the Kern County Sheriff's Department, serving Bakersfield and surrounding communities. All law enforcement agencies in the county route their bookings through the county jail system.
When searching for an inmate in Kern County, have their full legal name and date of birth ready. With both on hand, you can verify results quickly and confirm you have the right person.
Need help locating an inmate?
📞 Free 24/7 Search: (916) 633-2220Whether you just found out about an arrest or haven't heard from someone in days, here's exactly what to do - in order.
Use the online inmate locator orCall the Kern County Sheriff's Office or our free search line with the person's full legal name and date of birth.
Obtain the booking number, charges listed, bail amount, and which facility they are being held at.
If bail has been set, a licensed bail bondsman can secure release for approximately 10% of the bail amount. Call (916) 633-2220, a licensed bail bondsman serving Kern County is available 24/7.
Arraignment in Kern County takes place within 48 - 72 hours of booking at Kern County Superior Court. Ensure legal representation is in place before this hearing.
Kern County Superior Court operates multiple courthouses. The main Bakersfield courthouse handles the majority of serious criminal cases. Branch courthouses operate in Delano, Mojave, Ridgecrest, and Tehachapi. Arraignments for Lerdo Detention Facility and downtown Bakersfield jail inmates typically occur at the main Truxton Avenue courthouse within 48 hours.
Once you've confirmed your loved one is in Kern County custody, time matters. Here are the four things to do immediately.
Understanding the process that follows an arrest in Kern County helps families act quickly and avoid critical mistakes during a stressful situation.
After arrest, the person is transported to the Kern County jail for booking. A standard booking includes fingerprinting, intake photos, and a warrant check, and typically takes 2 to 6 hours. The inmate typically shows up in the county's records system as soon as booking is completed.
For most misdemeanors, bail is set according to the Kern County bail schedule immediately after booking. For felony cases, the bail determination is made at arraignment, which California law requires within 48 hours. Don't wait, call a licensed bail bondsman as soon as bail is set to begin securing your loved one's release.
The first court appearance in Kern County occurs at the Kern County Superior Court, typically within 48 hours of arrest for in-custody defendants. At the arraignment hearing, the defendant hears the formal charges, enters a plea, and bail conditions are confirmed or modified. An attorney should be present if at all possible.
If your loved one was recently arrested in Kern County and does not yet appear in the online system, booking may still be in progress. Call our free line and a live agent will check directly with the Kern County Sheriff and verify their status in minutes.
Licensed bail bondsmen operating in Kern County can typically post bond within 2 to 4 hours of receiving the required paperwork and premium payment. Our free line connects you directly with a bondsman who knows the Kern County jail system and local court schedule.
Once you have located your loved one at Kern County Jail, staying in contact is the next priority. Kern County follows California guidelines for all inmate contact including in-person visits, mail, phone calls, and commissary deposits. Here is what family members and friends need to know.
Visitors must be pre-approved by Kern County Jail and present a valid government-issued photo ID. All visitors are subject to search. Visitors on active parole or probation are usually not allowed into the facility. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Always verify visiting hours with the Kern County Sheriff before traveling as schedules change regularly. An increasing number of California county jails offer video visitation as an alternative to face-to-face visits.
Standard first-class letters and postcards are accepted at Kern County Jail and inspected before delivery. Write the inmate's legal name and booking number on the outside of the envelope. Direct package delivery is not accepted at the majority of California county jails. Use approved vendors for books and clothing. Never send cash, checks, or gift cards through the mail. Always use the jail's designated commissary deposit service when sending funds to an inmate.
Commissary deposits for Kern County inmates are made through services like JPay, Access Corrections, or TouchPay. Online, phone, and lobby kiosk payment options are typically available depending on the facility. Accounts are typically credited within 24 to 48 hours, though weekend deposits may take slightly longer. Through the jail's commissary ordering system, inmates can spend account funds on food, hygiene products, stationery, and phone credits.
Outgoing calls from Kern County Jail are placed through a contracted phone service provider. Before receiving calls, family members and friends must establish a prepaid account with the phone vendor. California regulates in-state jail call rates. The most common phone vendors serving California jails are GTL/ViaPath at connectnetwork.com, Securus at securustech.net, and ICSolutions. Contact the Kern County Sheriff's Office or check their website to confirm the current provider for the facility.
Need help? A live agent can search Kern County records, neighboring counties, and state systems on your behalf. Free. No sales pitch. Available 24 hours a day.
ⓘ Calls may be answered by a licensed bail bond agent.