San Francisco Jail System

When a defendant is first arrested in San Francisco County they are usually brought to County Jail # 9 located at 425 7^th St., San Francisco where they are booked and processed.  The location is known as the “intake and release” center.  After the booking process is completed, defendants may remain at this facility, or they may be transferred to one of the other county jails.  Bail may be posted 24 hours at 850 Bryant St. 2^nd Floor.

The San Francisco Jail System is comprised of the following 6 jails: 

• County Jail # 1: 850 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA  94103 (6^th Floor)
• County Jail # 2: 850 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA  94103 (7^th Floor)  
• County Jail # 5: 1 Moreland Drive; P.O. Box 67 San Bruno, CA  94066
• County Jail # 7:  1 Moreland Drive; P.O. Box 67 San Bruno, CA  94066
• County Jail # 8:  850 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA  94103 (6^th Floor)
• County Jail # 9:  425 7^th St., San Francisco (Intake and release center)

 Visiting an inmate 

When visiting an inmate in San Francisco County, one must adhere to very strict visiting guidelines.  All jails maintain strict visiting hours and policies.   We recommend contacting the jail (or checking their website) prior to your visit.  

• Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
• Visitors must have valid ID
• Visitors are subject to search.
• Visitors may visit during visiting hours only
• Visitors must be properly clothed
• Children may not be left unattended
• Intoxicated visitor's will be dismissed / arrested

 Posting Bail

Those wishing to post bail in San Francisco may:

1. By utilizing a bail bondsman, one would pay the bondsman 10% of the total bail.  For example, if the bail was $20,000, one would pay the bondsman a non-refundable $2,000 premium. 
2. Post the entire bail amount directly with the jail using cash or a cashier check.  For example, if the bail amount is $20,000, one would bring this entire amount to the jail.  The jailor would accept the money and the defendant would be released.  Upon completion of the defendant’s court case (usually 1-12 months), the money would be refunded.
3. Property bonds will sometimes be permitted by the judge.  Typically, this takes 2-3 weeks and involves the indemnitor putting up California Real Estate for collateral.  The court, in effect, places a lien on the house to secure the return of the defendant to court.  Once the defendant has fulfilled all obligations, then the property is reconveyed (the lien is removed).