Administrative booking is a crucial process in the criminal justice system used to formally record an individual’s arrest. Once an individual is booked into custody, the Administrative Booking Division ensures that the arrest is officially documented. The individual’s information is then entered into a database that is accessible by law enforcement and other relevant agencies, facilitating efficient tracking and management of criminal records.
The Administrative Booking Unit also provides information to the public for individuals currently in custody. Information that can be released as public information includes bail, charges, warrants, holds, initial court date, and projected release date. For the information above or further questions, please contact (408) 299-2305.
A bail bond is a financial arrangement made to ensure that a defendant appears in court after being released from custody. When someone is arrested, a judge sets a bail amount based on the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and the likelihood of them appearing in court.
If an arrestee is eligible for bail, there are two ways to post bail. One way is to post a cash bond. Simply bring the full amount of bail to the cashier's window located in the lobby of the jail, and the staff member will assist you. If the defendant cannot afford the full bail amount, they can seek the help of a bail bond agency. The agent charges a non-refundable fee. The Sheriff’s Office is prohibited by law from referring business to bail agencies. You can find Bail Bonds agencies on the Internet or the yellow pages.
Once a bail has been posted, the defendant is allowed to be released from jail until s/he is required to be present at court for scheduled proceedings and trials. A defendant must complete all court proceedings prior to receiving the posted bail amount. Generally, after all court proceedings have been completed it takes the court about 4 to 6 weeks to mail back the posted funds via check. Should you not receive a check after all court proceedings have been complete, you must take your copy of the bail receipt and contact the court. If a defendant, fails to complete all court proceedings, then money is forfeited to the court.
Bail can be posted anytime between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. Funds for bail may be paid in cash, bank cashier’s check, money orders, or bail bond. Cashier’s Check/Money Order must be made out to Santa Clara County Judicial District.
To obtain a Custody Verification Letter, please submit a request with the dates of incarceration along with a copy of your identification to the Administrative Booking Division:
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
Attn: Administrative Booking Unit
985 N. San Pedro Street
San Jose, CA 95110