Frequently asked questions

A. A person arrested remains in custody until he/she posts bond or is released by a judge. Within 24 hours of arrest, he will appear before a judge for a First Appearance hearing. This hearing determines if there is probable cause to continue detention. The judge may raise the bond, lower the bond, or release the person on their own recognizance. The judge also will appoint a public defender if a person cannot afford an attorney. The courtroom for First Appearance hearings is at the Volusia County Branch Jail, 1300 Red John Road, Daytona Beach. Anyone may attend the hearing. After the first court appearance, an inmate is sent from the intake housing unit to Case Management orientation. A Case Counselor interviews and classifies each inmate based on charges, criminal history and other factors. Once classified, security staff assigns each inmate to a housing unit which fits a person' s classification. An inmate's classification is not permanent and may change during the jail stay, depending on behavior or charges. Each unit has a Case Counselor. If an inmate needs the Counselor's assistance, he can speak or write to the Counselor at any time during his jail stay.

A. If a person remains in custody, he is considered an inmate of the institution. If the inmate is not released on his own recognizance by the judge and a bond amount is set, anyone may come to the Branch Jail, 1300 Red John Drive, Daytona Beach, to post bond in cash or through a bondsmen. Generally, the more serious and/or the greater the number of charges, the higher the bond. For a list of Bail Bond companies, look under "Bail Bonds" in the yellow pages of the telephone book. If the inmate was arrested for Violation of Probation or Failure to Appear, there may be no bond allowed. If there is no bond allowed, only the judge who signed the warrant may set a bond.

Bond information is available by calling the Branch Jail Booking Office at (386) 254-1555 (Daytona Beach);(386) 736-5918 (DeLand) or (386) 423-3370 (New Smyrna Beach). The Booking Office is open 24 hours a day.

A. After a First Appearance hearing, an inmate who remains in custody will attend court approximately 72 hours after arrest for charges classified as misdemeanors; two to three weeks for Violation of Probation and Failure to Appear, and four to six weeks on other charges. If you know someone in jail who has not been taken to court within four to six weeks after arrest, contact the inmate' s attorney or public defender. (These are approximate times and may vary according to individual cases and scheduling by the court).

A. Inmates have access to a telephone in their cell block. Inmates are permitted to make "collect calls only." Civilians may not call the Branch Jail or Correctional Facility to speak to an inmate. Corrections staff are not permitted to accept personal, non-emergency messages for inmates. Emergency messages will be validated first, before an inmate is given the message. Inmates who wish to contact civilians who have collect call blocks on their telephone will not be granted use of a full service telephone. Inmates may correspond by mail in those cases.

A. Corrections staff may not provide legal advice or assistance to any inmate. Inmates must contact their public defender or private attorney if they have questions about their case. The Public Defender's Office has an open phone line so inmates can use the phone in their unit to call them. Inmates also may complete a request form or write a letter to their public defender. These requests are picked up daily by the Public Defender's Office. Corrections staff can provide assistance in helping inmates find out about when their court date is scheduled, what charges they face, addresses and telephone numbers of court and other outside agencies, and their assigned judge and public defender. Jail staff are not permitted to act as advocates for inmates. Most inmates are expected, and are responsible, for asking their own questions and handling correspondence with outside agencies and officials.

Q. What should I do if I believe an inmate is depressed or is contemplating suicide?

A. Incarceration can be upsetting and difficult for many people. If you know of someone in jail who feels anxious, depressed, angry or suicidal, you should call the Branch Jail immediately at (386) 254-1555 or the Volusia County Correctional Facility at (386) 254-1565 and report the situation to staff!

Q. What should I do if I know or believe an inmate was a victim of a crime in jail?

A. Call the Branch Jail at (386) 254-1555 (from Daytona Beach) or the Correctional Facility at (386) at 254-1565 (from Daytona Beach) and advise staff as soon as possible! Corrections Services' primary concern is ensuring the safety of all inmates and staff. You may also call the Branch Jail at (386) 736-5918 from the DeLand area or (386) 423-3370 from New Smyrna Beach. The DeLand telephone number for the Correctional facility is (386) 736-5916 and (386) 423-3372 from New Smyrna Beach.

A. All inmates see medical personnel and are asked about their medical problems shortly after their arrival. Inmates who remain in custody are given a physical examination within 14 days of admission. Inmates should submit a sick call slip for medical attention. Sick call slips are available in each housing area and are picked up daily. Emergency treatment is available by alerting medical staff during their twice daily visits to housing areas or by alerting any staff member.

Correctional facility
(386) 254-1565 (Daytona Beach)
(386) 736-5916 (DeLand)
(386) 423-3372 (New Smyrna Beach)

Branch Jail
(386) 254-1555 (Daytona Beach)
(386) 736-5918 (DeLand)
(386) 423-3370 (New Smyrna Beach)

All inmates are asked about their medical problems shortly after their arrival. Inmates who remain in custody are given a physical examination. Inmates should advise the Medical office about any condition that requires medical attention. If an inmate feels sick or needs medical attention, they should complete a sick call slip will be seen by clinic personnel.