Union County Jail

Q: Does Union County have bail?

Does Union County have bail? Yes, Union County has bail and recognizes most types of bonds. As of January 1, 2024, Florida moved to a statewide uniform bond schedule. The uniform bond schedule may change every year. The Union County Jail will let you know the amount of the bond. Under most circumstances your bond amount is set during the booking process, and you are eligible to bond out prior to going to court. Prior to January 1, 2024, each county set their own bond schedule. For more serious crimes, bond will be set at the first appearance.

Q: What kind of bonds are accepted in Union County?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Union County? Florida offers bail in the form of cash bail or surety bond and bonds from a professional bondsperson.

Q: Who can set bail in Union County?

Who can set bail in Union County? Under most circumstances your bond amount is set during the booking process by a judge, and you are eligible to bond out prior to going to court. Prior to January 1, 2024, each county set their own bond schedule. For more serious crimes, bond will be set at the first appearance. Bail is set by a judge in accordance with a precalculated schedule based on the seriousness of the offense.

Q: When is bail set in Union County Florida?

When is bail set in Union County Florida? In most cases bail is set immediately after arrest, based on the precalculated schedule. If a defendant is not eligible for immediate release bail may be set by a judge at the initial court hearing, or arraignment.

Q: How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Union County Jail?

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Union County Jail? To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Union County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 386-496-2501. There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status. Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours. If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online. Union County Jail Booking Roster

Q: What happens during booking in Union County?

What happens during booking in Union County? After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Union County for booking. Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.

Q: What is the booking process like at the Union County Jail?

What is the booking process like at the Union County Jail? Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Union County and other Florida and USA jurisdictions. If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse. It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.

Q: What kind of questions are asked during booking?

What kind of questions are asked during booking? The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs. What happens with an offender’s personal property during booking? During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member. Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed. If the offender remains in jail for any length of time, the Union County Jail will allow a friend or family member to pick up the inmate's property if the offender gives written authorization for a named person to do so. To find out the days and times for picking up an inmate's property, and what you will need to bring to verify your identity, call the jail at 386-496-2501 during business hours.

Q: How long does the Union County Jail booking process take?

How long does the Union County Jail booking process take? Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender. If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable. What happens after an offender is booked into the Union County Jail? At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release. If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Union County Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel. Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.

Question 1

How Do You Find Someone in the Union County Jail?

Answer

To search for an inmate in the Union County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 386-496-2501 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Arrests Warrants for Union County and the entire state of Florida, as well as Union County Criminal Court Cases and Courts for each county in the state of Florida.

Union County Jail Inmate Search

The Union County Jail maintains an average of 36 offenders in custody on any given day. The Union County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Union County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 3,060 offenders.

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Question 2

About the Union County Jail

Answer

The 36-bed Union County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Union County as they wait for their trial or as they serve their sentence, usually less than one year.

It serves many law enforcement organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, local police, Immigration, and other surrounding counties as needed.

If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 386-496-2501, and an online listing of all the detainees is published for your own investigation.

Upon intake, the booking process is completed, which includes a medical screening, fingerprinting and mugshots, DNA sample, along with an assessment to determine security needs, medical needs, mental health requirements, and housing assignment.

Staff is available to transport all inmates to court dates and any medical appointments or emergency needs, as well as inspecting all mail for contraband, receiving commissary funds and other money for inmates, maintaining the safety of the community and the security of the facility, and other tasks.

The Union County Jail also provides several other services to inmates including basic needs in meals, laundry, and hygiene items, and programs including AA, counseling, religious programs, education, recreation, and opportunities to grow social and life skills.

Along with the efforts made by the staff, reduced recidivism is seen when inmates are able to stay in contact and supported by their family or friends who are not incarcerated so mail, phones, and visits are provided.

Visits are in person, and are via video and an account is created online to book and complete visits, allowing both visitors and inmates to schedule a visit.

Phone accounts are also registered online, and allow for inmates to make outgoing calls during the daytime and evening hours when they are not participating in a task or program.

Information for money for an inmate’s commissary can be found on our Inmate Money page.

All personal mail is sent to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Union County Jail
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054

Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.

Legal mail, money orders, books and newspaper and magazine subscriptions are mailed to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Union County Jail
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054

Jail (Main): 386-496-2501
Sheriff: 386-496-2501

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Question 3

Recent Bookings & Arrests

Answer

How does the booking process work at Union County Jail?

Once someone is arrested, they are taken to Union County Jail for booking. This process involves identifying the individual, determining charges, and deciding if they will be released on their own recognizance, released on bail, or held in custody until their court date.

It’s important for the arrestee to stay silent, as anything they say can be used against them. The best advice is to avoid answering any questions about the arrest until legal counsel is present.

The booking process at Union County Jail typically includes the following steps:

Verifying identity.
Taking a mugshot.
Answering questions regarding medical, mental health, and substance use history.
DNA collection, if required.
Conducting a thorough search.
Confiscating personal belongings.
Providing a free phone call.

Depending on circumstances, booking can take anywhere from one hour to up to 48 hours, especially during busy periods or if the individual is uncooperative. For questions about paying an arrestee’s bond or bail amount, contact the facility at 386-496-2501.

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Question 4

Directions / Map to the Union County Jail

Answer

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Question 5

Inmate Bail and Bonding

Answer

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

After an individual is apprehended and taken to Union County Jail in Lake Butler 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 386-496-2501 for the exact bail amount.

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

Bail can be paid using cash, a money order, or a credit card.
A licensed bail bondsman in Union County can assist with payment.
Real estate located in the county can be used as bail collateral.

For more information on the bail process in Union County, Florida, visit the Union County Jail Bail Information Page.

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Question 6

Inmate Visitation

Answer

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Union County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Union County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054
386-496-2501

Visits are 30 minutes.
You must be on the inmate's visitor list, immediate family only.
The actual visitation times depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 386-496-2501 and get your inmate's times.
Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 386-496-2501 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!


THURSDAY	1:00PM - 3:00PM
FRIDAY	1:00PM - 3:00PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Union County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.

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Question 7

Remote Video Visitation

Answer

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Union County Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Union County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.

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Question 8

Inmate Money Accounts

Answer

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Union County Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Union County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.

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Question 9

Inmate Phone Contact

Answer

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Union County Jail?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Union County Jail 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 Union County Jail, 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 Union County Jail 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 Union County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.

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Question 10

Mailing an Inmate

Answer

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

Union County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Union County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Union County Jail 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 & Inmate ID#
Union County Jail
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Union County Jail
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054

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
The Union County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source 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 Union County Jail standards will be disposed of.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Union County Jail
50 NW 1st Street
Lake Butler, FL 32054

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Union County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.

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Question 11

Inmate Commissary

Answer

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Union County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.

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Question 12

Texting and Emailing an Inmate

Answer

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Union County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.

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Question 13

Inmate Tablets

Answer

Do Inmates in the Union County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Union County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 386-496-2501 for further assistance.

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Question 14

Are there photos of the Union County Jail? What does it look like?

Answer

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Question 15

Other Jails in Union County

Answer

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

Union County County Jails

Union County Jail

Union County Juvenile Facilities

Alachua Regional Juvenile Detention Center Union County Detention Center

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Question 16

Other Jails Nearby

Answer

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

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Union County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Union County

Union County Jail Information

How does the booking process work at Union County Jail?

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

Union County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Union County Jail by Phone

Union County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Search for an Inmate in Union County

Union County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Union County

Union County Jail Information

How does the booking process work at Union County Jail?

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

Union County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Union County Jail by Phone

Union County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Search for an Inmate in Union County

Inmate SearchUnion County & City of Lake Butler

Inmate SearchState of Florida and Federal Lockups

Union County JailContact Information