Information for the Friends and Family of Inmates at Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility

Posted in General FAQ'S,Riverside Jails Information on February 22, 2016

The Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility, also knowing as the Banning Jail, was originally a Japanese internment camp during World War II, and now temporarily houses inmates waiting for arraignment or until they post bail. The Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility also houses any defendants who have been convicted and sentenced to long-term incarceration. The facility is managed by Captain David Kondrit.

We have gathered some helpful information for the friends and family members of inmates held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility. If you have more detailed questions or need legal advice, contact award-winning Riverside defense attorney Graham Donath for a free consultation today.

Posting Bail at Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility

Bail is the fee inmates or their loved ones must pay for the inmate’s release until trial. If they do not pay bail, they are held until the end of their trial. The bail amount is collateral that is held by the court to ensure the accused appears at all of his or her required court hearings and appointments.

If bail is paid outright, it needs to be a single payment for the full bail amount. As long as the accused attends every required court appearance, the bail money is returned after the case concludes. Should he or she fail to appear for any court date, the bail money is forfeited to the court.

Bail bonds require 10% of the full amount of bail to be paid, which is a nonrefundable fee to the bail bond agent. The rest of the bail fee does not have to be paid as long as the defendant successfully appears for all of their court hearings. If not, whoever obtained the bail bond is required to pay the full bail amount to the bail agent.

Contact with Inmates

Inmates are allowed to make one free outgoing phone call after being booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility. Friends and family members may put “money on the books” to allow an inmate to purchase prepaid phone cards from the Correctional Facility Commissary to make additional calls. Phone cards may not be directly sent to inmates.

There are other restrictions for sending mail to inmates as well. Other prohibited items that will not be delivered to inmates include:

• Food, flowers, or trinkets.
• Odor-causing substances such as perfume or cologne.
• Any more than five photographs at a time. Inmates are only permitted to have up to five photos at any given time.
• Photos containing sexual, gang-related, or violent imagery.
• Any kind of stamp, stickers, labels, stationery, craft supplies, glitter, or sticky notes.
• Postcards or greeting cards.
• Mail written in gel-based ink or that contains lipstick, crayon, glue, or correctional fluid.
• Money or personal checks will not be delivered to an inmate.

However, US Postal Service money orders are acceptable for an inmate to make purchases at the Banning Jail Commissary. Paperback books that are mailed straight from publishers or reputable retail companies are acceptable. Hardbound or leather-bound books are not permitted.

Mail for inmates at Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility must have a return address or it will not be delivered and can be sent to:

[Inmate’s name and booking number]
Smith Correctional Facility
1627 South Hargrave Street
Banning, CA 92220

Rules for Visitation

Visiting hours at Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Riverside are by appointment only; same day appointments are not available. To schedule a visit, call (951) 922-7540 any day between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All visitors must present state or government-issued photo identification during their visit. A parent or legal guardian needs to accompany any child visiting, and only two people (including a child or infant) are permitted at any one time per visit. Banning Jail staff reserves the right to deny entry to any person they deem poses any type of threat to inmates, other visitors, or the staff. Visit the Banning Jail website for more information regarding visitation, including visiting hours.

Click on the map below for directions.

Contact a Riverise Criminal Lawyer

The Law Offices of Graham D. Donath, APC specialize in the defense of those who have been accused of a crime. Keep in mind that hiring a criminal defense attorney does not equate to an admission of guilt. Reliable legal counsel will ensure your rights are protected through every step of your legal battle in any situation. Contact our firm today for a free, no obligation consultation.