Can You Visit Someone at Santa Rita Jail If You Have a Criminal Record?

A criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you from visiting Santa Rita Jail, but several situations require permission first. If you've been confined in the Alameda County Jail System within the last six months, you'll need prior written or verbal authorization from the Commanding Officer (or a designee) before visiting. You also need written permission from the Commanding Officer if any of the following apply: a prior felony conviction involving violence, a conviction for bringing contraband into a jail, a non-violent felony conviction within the last three years, a felony conviction that included confinement in a California state prison, or a prior felony or misdemeanor conviction while you're currently on county probation or parole.

Who Is Affected

• ✓ Confined in the Alameda County Jail System within the last six months: you cannot visit without prior written or verbal authorization from the Commanding Officer or designee.
• ✓ Previously convicted of a felony involving violence: you are not allowed to visit without written permission of the Commanding Officer.
• ✓ Previously convicted of bringing contraband into a jail: you are not allowed to visit without written permission of the Commanding Officer.
• ✓ Convicted of a non-violent felony within the last three years: you cannot visit without written permission from the Commanding Officer.
• ✓ Previously convicted of a felony and confined in a California state prison: you are not allowed to visit without written permission of the Commanding Officer.
• ✓ Previously convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and currently on county probation or parole: you cannot visit without written permission of the Commanding Officer.

"Authorization from the Commanding Officer" means exactly what it sounds like: if you fall into one of the restricted categories, you can't visit unless the Commanding Officer (or a designee) approves you first. For people confined in the Alameda County Jail System within the last six months, the policy allows prior written or verbal authorization. For the other criminal-history categories listed above, the policy specifically requires written permission. If you think any of these might apply to you, sort out the permission question before you show up. It'll save you a wasted trip and an uncomfortable denial at the door.

1. Call Santa Rita Jail before you go - Use the main number, (925) 551-6500, and explain what category you fall into (for example, confinement in the Alameda County Jail System within the last six months) so you can ask what authorization is required.
2. Ask what type of approval you need - The policy distinguishes between prior written or verbal authorization in some cases and written permission in others, so confirm what applies to you.
3. Write down who you spoke with and what you were told - Bring those notes with you on your visit day in case staff need to verify the approval.
4. Bring any paperwork that supports your situation - If you have documents showing dates of release, completion of probation or parole, or other relevant details, bring them in case you are asked.

Trying to visit without the required permission can get you turned away at the door. Violations during visiting can lead to warnings, termination of the visit, or suspension of your visiting privileges. More serious violations carry criminal consequences. Santa Rita Jail states that possessing firearms, narcotics, drugs, or alcohol on jail property is a felony, and violators will be arrested.

Checklist Before Travel

• ✓ If you were confined in the Alameda County Jail System within the last six months, get prior written or verbal authorization from the Commanding Officer (or designee) before you try to visit.
• ✓ Call the jail in advance to ask how permission is handled and what you should bring: (925) 551-6500.
• ✓ Keep a note of the date/time of your call and the name of the person you spoke with.
• ✓ Bring any paperwork you have that helps confirm your status and dates (release paperwork, probation or parole end dates, court paperwork).
• ✓ Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID so you are ready for check-in.
• ✓ Leave anything that could be considered contraband at home or locked in your vehicle.
• ✓ Double-check you are going to the right location: Santa Rita Jail, 5325 Broder Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568.