Navigating the intake process at the Volusia County Branch Jail can feel overwhelming when you're trying to locate a loved one or understand what happens after an arrest. Knowing the exact intake steps, fees, bond options, and communication rules helps families reduce uncertainty during a stressful situation.
The primary facility handling new intakes is the Volusia County Branch Jail located in Daytona Beach. When someone is brought into custody, they go through a standardized intake procedure that includes identification, fingerprinting, photography, and a medical and mental health screening. Understanding these operational policies makes it easier to track an inmate's status and handle bond requirements efficiently.
The Volusia County Jail Booking Process
Intake begins the moment an arresting law enforcement agency brings an individual to the facility. Officers collect and inventory personal property, which is stored securely in the corrections ID and receiving area. Large items like backpacks or purses are typically retained by the arresting police agency, while smaller personal effects stay with jail property until release.
Following property intake, individuals undergo fingerprinting and background checks to confirm their identity and log official charges into the Volusia County Corrections database. Jail staff then conduct a preliminary medical and mental health evaluation. Once processing concludes, inmates receive a security classification based on their charges, criminal history, and behavioral risk factors, which determines their housing assignment within the facility.
Volusia County assesses specific administrative charges during intake. The county applies a one-time per-booking fee of $30.00 alongside a daily subsistence fee of $5.00. These charges are automatically deducted from the inmate's account. Inmates who participate in assigned work details can have the daily subsistence fee waived.
Locating an Inmate and Checking Status
If you need to find someone after an arrest, the county provides an online lookup tool through the Volusia County Inmate Information Search portal. This database updates continuously as new bookings and releases occur.
To run a search, you can use the inmate's legal name, booking number, or case number. The search results display the booking date, current housing location, active charges, and assigned bond amounts. If you experience issues with the online system or prefer speaking to staff directly, you can contact the Volusia County Branch Jail Booking Office. The booking office operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 386-254-1555.
Posting Bond and First Appearance Hearings
Most defendants must remain in custody until they post bond or a judge orders their release. Bond amounts are determined by a pre-established administrative bond schedule based on the severity of the alleged offense, or by the specific judge who issued an arrest warrant.
Anyone arrested without a prior warrant will go before a judge during a First Appearance hearing. These hearings take place within 24 hours of admission to the jail. During this hearing, the judge reviews the charges, evaluates probable cause, and can adjust or confirm the bond amount.
When you're ready to secure a release, you can post bond in cash or work through a licensed surety bail bondsman. Payments and bond transactions are handled directly through the Branch Jail lobby at 1300 Red John Drive in Daytona Beach. Always verify bond requirements through the booking office before traveling to the facility.
Inmate Communication and Property Rules
Communication privileges are restricted during the initial 72 hours of incarceration while intake processing and classification wrap up. Once assigned to a permanent housing unit, inmates gain access to approved communication channels.
- Phone Calls: Managed through IC Solutions or by calling 888-506-8407.
- Messaging: Digital text communication is available through Smart Jail Mail.
- Mail and Commissary: Inmates can receive approved correspondence and order commissary items twice per week. Family members can also purchase care packages online through authorized vendor platforms.
If you need to pick up personal property left behind at booking, the property window is open 24/7. You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Note that clothing items are not released, as they stay with the inmate or are reissued upon final release.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the typical booking process take?
The duration of booking varies based on facility volume, medical clearance needs, and fingerprint clearance times. It typically ranges from a few hours to several hours before an inmate is assigned a permanent housing location.
Can I drop off prescription medication at the jail?
Prescription medications can be brought to the facility, but jail medical staff must verify and approve them before they are administered to the inmate. Staff will not hand over unverified outside medications.
What are the rules for inmate visitation?
Volusia County offers both in-person and video visitation options. Inmates must submit requests through case management to add visitors to their approved list for onsite visits, while remote video visits can be arranged through external communication platforms.
What should I do if I suspect a phone scam regarding bond money?
Be cautious of callers claiming to be jail employees or bondsmen who ask for payment via peer-to-peer apps like Zelle, Cash App, or cryptocurrency. Official bond payments must be handled securely through cash or licensed bonding agents at the jail lobby.
