Search Marin County Jail Roster
Marin County operates its jail roster through the Sheriff's Office in San Rafael. Anyone can look up inmates booked into the county detention facility. The roster updates in real time as people come in and leave. You do not need an account or fee to search. Marin County makes all booking log information available under California Public Records Act provisions. The system shows names, booking dates, charges, and custody status for each inmate. This roster only covers the main jail facility in San Rafael where all county arrests get processed.
Marin County Quick Facts
Marin County Booking Log
The Marin County Sheriff maintains a live booking log at apps.marincounty.gov/bookinglog with current custody information. This tool lets you search by name or booking date. Results show up fast. You see charge details and bond amounts right away.
The booking log states its purpose clearly. Information gets released to the public in line with California Public Records Act rules. Specifically, it follows Government Code 6254 f (1). This law requires counties to share certain arrest data. Details include the person's physical description, arrest time and place, booking date, charges filed, and bail amount. Counties must also show where the inmate is held and when they might get released.
You can view the booking log from any device. It works on phones and tablets. The county updates records throughout the day as new bookings happen. Some entries change when people post bail or get moved to state custody. The log shows both current inmates and recent releases within the past few days.
Marin County Jail Information
The Marin County Jail sits at 13 Peter Behr Drive in San Rafael. Call the jail at (415) 473-6653 for questions about an inmate. Staff can help you with visitation rules and phone call options. The main lobby operates during business hours on weekdays.
All arrests in Marin County get booked at this one facility. The jail holds people before trial and those serving sentences up to one year. Inmates with longer terms go to state prison after conviction. The Sheriff's Office handles all jail operations including intake, medical care, meals, and release processing.
Bail information appears on the booking log but you post bond through the court system. Each case has different requirements. Some inmates qualify for release on their own recognizance. Others must pay full bail or use a bondsman. Contact the jail if you need clarification on a specific case.
VINE Inmate Tracking
Marin County participates in the VINE system. VINE stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. You can use it at vinelink.dhs.gov to track inmates across California. The service is free. Pick California and then Marin County. Type the person's name.
VINE sends alerts when custody status changes. Sign up to get a call, text, or email when someone gets released. This helps victims and family members stay informed. The system updates every few hours based on data from the jail. You can also call VINE at 877-411-5588 to search by phone. Automated voice prompts walk you through the process. All VINE services work in English and Spanish.
Inmate Communication Services
Marin County Jail uses GTL VisitMe for video visits. Friends and family set up accounts through the GTL website. Video visits replace most in-person visits now. You schedule a time slot and connect from home. There is a fee per visit. The jail also contracts with JPay for inmate messages and money transfers.
To send money to an inmate, use JPay or the jail's approved vendor. You need the person's full name and booking number. Funds go into their commissary account within one to three days. Inmates use this money for phone calls, snacks, and personal items from the jail store. Never send cash or checks directly to the jail. All payments must go through official channels.
Phone calls from the jail go through a contracted provider. Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid accounts. Rates vary based on call type and destination. International calls cost more. To set up a prepaid account for an inmate, visit the provider's website or call their customer service line. You will need to fund the account before the inmate can use it.
Legal Assistance in Marin County
The Public Defender's Office represents people who cannot afford a private lawyer. Their office is in San Rafael near the courthouse. You do not contact them directly. The court appoints a public defender at your first appearance if you qualify. They handle misdemeanor and felony cases in Marin County.
Legal Aid of Marin offers free civil legal help but does not take criminal cases. For criminal defense, you need either the public defender or a private attorney. The Marin County Bar Association can refer you to local criminal defense lawyers. Many offer free consultations. Some work on payment plans.
Court records are separate from jail records. You access case files through the Marin County Superior Court. The court website has an online case search. You can also visit the clerk's office in person. Court records show charges, court dates, and case outcomes. These records stay public even after someone leaves jail.
Nearby County Jail Rosters
If you cannot find someone in Marin County, check neighboring jails. Sonoma County sits to the north and operates its own roster. San Francisco County lies south across the Golden Gate. Napa County is east of Marin and runs a separate search tool.
Sometimes people get transferred between counties based on where charges were filed. California also uses county jails to house state inmates temporarily. If an inmate is not in the Marin County system, try searching the state database at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov for people in state custody. Federal inmates are in a different system entirely through the Bureau of Prisons.