When someone is arrested in Riverside County, California, families often want immediate answers about where the person is being held, whether bail has been set, and what happens next in the criminal process.
The Robert Presley Detention Center (Riverside) that allows the public to search for individuals currently in custody in county jail facilities. Riverside County provides an online inmate search system that allows the public to search for individuals currently in custody within the county jail system.
This guide explains:
how to search for someone in custody
where inmates are commonly housed in Riverside County
how to locate bail or bond information
what happens after an arrest
and what to expect during the criminal court process
Understanding the process early can help families make informed decisions after an arrest.
Riverside County Inmate Locator
Riverside County Robert Presley Detention Center ( Riverside) provides an online inmate locator system that allows the public to search for individuals currently in custody.
The inmate search system may allow users to search by:
first and last name
booking number
date of birth
Search results may include:
custody status
booking date
housing location
charges
bail information when available
If the arrest occurred recently, the individual may not immediately appear in the system because the booking process can take several hours.
What Happens After Someone Is Arrested in Riverside County?
After an arrest in Riverside County, the individual is usually transported to a local jail facility for booking and processing.
The booking process typically includes:
fingerprinting
photographs
recording personal information
entering the arrest into the jail system
documenting alleged criminal charges
After booking is completed, the person may appear in the inmate locator system.
In some situations, the person may:
be released with a citation
post bail
remain in custody until arraignment
Understanding what happens after booking and custody placement can help families prepare for the next stage of the criminal process. Learn more in our article “California Arraignment Explained: Misdemeanor vs Felony.”
Common Jail Facilities in Riverside County
Several jail facilities operate throughout Riverside County. Individuals arrested in Riverside County may be booked into different facilities depending on the city of arrest, the charges involved, classification status, and housing availability within the county jail system.
Robert Presley Detention Center (Riverside)
The Robert Presley Detention Center is located in downtown Riverside and is one of the primary intake and housing facilities in Riverside County.
This facility commonly houses individuals arrested in:
Riverside
Jurupa Valley
Moreno Valley
Eastvale
Norco
surrounding Central Riverside County communities
Many felony and misdemeanor arrestees are initially processed through this facility.
Southwest Detention Center (Murrieta)
Cois M. Byrd Detention Center (Murrieta) serves Southwest Riverside County and commonly houses individuals arrested in:
Murrieta
Temecula
Lake Elsinore
Wildomar
Menifee
nearby communities
Individuals arrested in this region are frequently transported to this facility after booking.
Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility (Banning)
The Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility is located in Banning and serves portions of Eastern Riverside County.
This facility commonly houses individuals arrested in:
Banning
Beaumont
Palm Springs
Cathedral City
Desert Hot Springs
surrounding desert and pass-area communities
The facility also houses inmates for longer-term custody in certain cases.
John J. Benoit Detention Center (Indio)
The John J. Benoit Detention Center is located in Indio and commonly houses individuals arrested throughout the Coachella Valley region.
This facility often receives individuals arrested in:
Indio
Coachella
Palm Desert
La Quinta
Rancho Mirage
Indian Wells
The inmate locator system may identify this facility as the housing location for individuals arrested in Eastern Riverside County.
How Jail Location Is Determined
The jail facility where someone is housed depends on several factors, including:
location of arrest
severity of charges
housing classification
medical or safety concerns
jail population and availability
Because inmates may be transferred between facilities, families should continue checking the Riverside County inmate locator system for updated custody information.
How to Find Bail or Bond Information
After booking, families often want to know whether bail has been set.
Depending on the charges, the inmate locator may display:
bail amount
custody status
release information
Bail may be posted by:
paying the full bail amount
using a licensed bail bond company
requesting a bail review hearing in court
If the person remains in custody, the next major court hearing is usually the arraignment.
You can learn more about the arraignment process in our article “California Arraignment Explained: Misdemeanor vs Felony.”
Our article “Bail in Riverside County" also explains how bail and custody issues commonly work in California criminal cases.
How Long Can Someone Be Held Before Court?
In many California criminal cases, an arrested person must appear before a judge within approximately 48 hours, excluding weekends and court holidays.
During the arraignment hearing, the court may:
advise the defendant of the charges
address bail
schedule future hearings
enter a plea
In some misdemeanor cases, an attorney may be able to appear on behalf of the client depending on the court and charge.
What Families Should Do After an Arrest
If a loved one has been arrested in Riverside County, families should consider the following steps as early as possible.
Search the Inmate Locator
Confirm whether the individual has completed the booking process and determine which Riverside County jail facility is currently housing the individual.
Check Bail Information
Determine whether bail has been set and whether release may be possible before arraignment.
Some inmates may qualify for release depending on:
the alleged charges
criminal history
bail schedule rules
court decisions regarding custody status
Gather Important Information
Try to obtain:
booking number
arrest date
jail location
alleged charges
This information may help when speaking with the jail, court, or an attorney.
Understand the Criminal Court Process
Understanding the criminal process early can help families prepare for upcoming court proceedings and deadlines.
To better understand the next stage after arrest, read:
Why Early Legal Representation Can Matter
The first few days after an arrest are often important in a criminal case.
During this stage, attorneys may begin:
reviewing the allegations
addressing bail concerns
preparing for arraignment
gathering information related to the investigation
In some cases, early intervention may help identify legal or procedural issues before the case progresses further.
FAQ: Riverside County Inmate Locator
How do I find someone in jail in Riverside County?
You may search the Riverside County inmate locator using the individual’s name, booking information, or date of birth.
Why is someone not showing up in the inmate locator after arrest?
The booking process can take several hours. In some cases, the inmate may not immediately appear in the online system after arrest.
How do I find bail information in Riverside County?
Bail information may appear in the inmate locator system after booking is completed.
What happens if bail is not posted?
If bail is not posted, the individual may remain in custody until arraignment.
Can someone be released without bail?
Depending on the charges and circumstances, some individuals may be released on citation or their own recognizance.
Speak With a Criminal Defense Attorney After an Arrest
If you are trying to locate a loved one after an arrest or understand what happens next in a criminal case, speaking with a criminal defense attorney may help you better understand the process.
The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates represents individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout:
Riverside County
San Bernardino County
Los Angeles County
Orange County
Our office offers free consultations, and we also have a live team member available after hours who can answer initial questions and help schedule an appointment with our legal staff.