Knox County Jail – Knoxville, TN

Knox County Jail is in Knox County and is the jail for that area. Are you looking for someone incarcerated at Knox County Jail? This page tells you all about everything one might want to know about Knox County Jail,like: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Knox County Jail intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

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The thought of going to jail is a scary and daunting thought, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to give information that you’ll need to make going to jail a lot easier. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask them, and also any comments or feedback that might be a benefit to other people in the same situation would be appreciated.

General Information

Address

Knox County Jail
400 Man Street
Knoxville, TN 37918

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone: 865-215-2476
Fax Number:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you know someone that has gone to jail and want to locate them?

Do you know a friend or family member who’s been arrested and you don’t know how to locate them?

In order to see who is in jail at Knox County Jail you need to visit their website and perform an inmate search.

Inmate Locator

The Knox County Jail Inmate Search is a list of persons who have been arrested, including current status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. You can find information about anyone processed or released in the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to get their inmate information fast if you’ve got their first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for might be incarcerated at a different jail you should look here, too: Tennessee Jails


Mugshots

A mugshot, or jail booking picture, is the photo that the police take when you are booked into jail. They take one and a side photo. Your full name and booking number will be in the pictures, and they will be on file at the jail.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched on the Knox County Jail website, or you can see them at the Knox County Jail. When viewing online you have to input the legal name, and an arrest date, if you have one.

Mugshot Search

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First Name

Last Name

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Do you want to get your mugshot taken down from the Knox County Jail website? This is difficult, because the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Naturally, once you’re locked up, your only thought is about when you get out. After booking, a bail amount will be decided either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either be released, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released you must agree to go to your court date, and until then you can’t go out of town.

In most cases, a prisoner at Knox County Jail can earn an early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and area a good inmate while incarcerated.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to participate in work release. Either you will have to stay the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you may be permitted to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail

Your bail is the amount of money that you will be required to pay to get out of jail pending trial. The amount of bail that is set is determined by the seriousness of your crime. Someone will have to put up 10% of the amount that was set in order to be released from jail. If you miss your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail will lose that money.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will need to call the Knox County Jail. If you’ve got the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you what their bail is set at. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never a fun thing, but most of the time, it’s really easy if you have the money. To start with, you need to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you can’t use a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail won’t accept checks. Once you have paid the bond, the person will be released into your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

Bail Bondsman

If their bail has been set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. They usually have a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and sometimes have a minimum charge of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and the bondsman only accepts cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman will in these cases use assets as collateral for the bond.

To find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Bail bondsman

Have you ever used a Bail Bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to share your story

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

  • Early Release For Good Behavior
  • Work Release Programs
  • Released For Time Served
  • Be Released on a Pre-Trial Release Program
  • House Arrest
  • Get Released on Your Own Recognizance


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The intake process is made up of the following steps:

  • You will be placed in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
  • First, will answer some simple questions, such as your legal name, home address, birth date and an emergency contact.
  • They’ll also ask you about your psychological and medical history.
  • You will be given an inmate number.
  • You will be fingerprinted.
  • You will have your mugshot taken.
  • All of your personal property will get taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
  • You will get to use the telephone so you can contact a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
  • If you are expected to be released shortly, you will be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to wear a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please tell your story. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How did the guards treat you? Can you share any secrets that could help other people that get arrested get through jail processing?

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Discharge Procedures

Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. The discharge process may take anywhere between 15 minutes to many hours. Or, simply, the faster you post bail, the sooner you will get released. How quickly you get discharged will depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond or if the magistrate still needs to decide on how much to set your bail at. For lesser charges, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and know the discharge date, you should expect to get discharged between 9am and noon.

How To Turn Yourself In

In the event there is a, or if you have to start your sentence, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, report to the jail intake area, and tell the intake officer that you think there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, go down to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Ensure that you are not late to report. Just bring necessary items when you go to jail, for example your driver’s license or even photo ID, prescription medication, and a copy of the sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail. This information will go in the visitation log as an authorized visitor. Each and every visitor must provide proof of identification. Visitors showing up late or that is not on the visitation list will be turned away.
The Knox County Jail visitation procedures are always changing, so we suggest that you double-check the jail site before you try to go to visitation.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are usually more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules, your ability to use the phone may be limited or forbidden completely.

Phone Number: 865-215-2476

Sending Mail to Inmates

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other form of mail or package delivery. You have to write or type the prisoner’s name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t send a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail is opened and inspected by the jail staff, and will get sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Mailing Address

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Knox County Jail is:

Knox County Jail
400 Man Street
Knoxville, TN 37918

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Knox County Jail
400 Man Street
Knoxville, TN 37918


The mail policy can change, so be sure to double check the official Knox County Jail site before you send a letter to an inmate there.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

If you have been arrested, you still have rights, one of these being that you have the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so you would be wise to ask a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you talk to them. You may be thinking ‘why do I need an attorney?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you through the complicated court system that you are now faced with. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better off you’ll be.

For more info on how to find an attorney, go to: How to Find an Attorney in Knox County

Public Defender

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender has access to investigators, experts in forensics and social workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys that are admitted to the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law in Tennessee.

Have you or someone you know used the services of a Public Defender? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court Records

All court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They include a file containing a docket and all of the documents and motions that have been filed in the case. You are able to access court records using the online service, or at the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

Clerk of Court

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court that maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and also read the jury’s verdict. All court records associated with your case are maintained at Knox County Clerk of Court office.

Fees

Court costs and court fees are the charges and fees from your case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have been assigned a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

Magistrate

The Knox County court magistrate is the judge who presides over your case in court. They do different functions, such as setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Pre-Sentencing

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the magistrate will review and take into consideration when determining the sentence. Information will be gathered from the person on trial, their family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Don’t forget that you can request to get a copy of the report before sentencing, and go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

Sentencing

When you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get immediately taken into custody, or you could receive a date that you are supposed to go to jail to do your time.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Do you need to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been locked up?

To do this, just query the Knox County jail website, and search using:

  • Name.
  • Birth date.
  • Their approximate booking date.
  • or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you should call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

Warrant Inquiry

If you have an outstanding warrant, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants on the Knox County court website or call the jail. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask them. You should know that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you know a person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the Knox County jail, either by phone, in person, or find out online. Arrest records are a matter of public record and these records are accessible by the public.

Civil Inquiry

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, such as court orders. You can find these by contacting the Knox County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All people registered as sex offenders must be registered on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to see these offenders on the website, but keep in mind that you won’t find the precise address, but rather the address block that they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. These records include a court case file that contains a court docket and any documents and filings filed in your court case. You can access your court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each state maintains a record of people’s criminal history. These databases are all linked so you can track criminal histories from any other state. You can go to county courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will be able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for crimes, which include:

  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
  • Drug crimes.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
  • Violent crimes like assault or murder.
  • Property crimes like theft or larceny.

During a criminal records search, you generally won’t be able to see if someone has had any moving violations, like:

  • Tickets for speeding.
  • Drivers license revoked or suspended.
  • Accidents.
  • Moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To find driving records, you have to do a driving history search.

    Have you ever searched for criminal records? How hard was it? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the Knox County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that people look up criminal records, and your comments may help other people that are in the same situation.

    Click here to leave a comment

    Most Wanted

    The FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Knox County, the Knox County Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

    FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    While the prospect of spending time in Knox County Jail is very scary, in time you will settle into the daily routine there. You will get an alarm for wake-up every morning at 6:00am, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. After breakfast, you will be required to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

    Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Knox County Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

    Dress Code

    When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Knox County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

    How To Send Money to an Inmate

    You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

    The rules for sending money to jail inmates could change, so we suggest that you double check the the Knox County Jail website when send funds to someone in jail there.

    Commissary

    The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

    Inmate Medications

    If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

    Meals

    You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

    Pods / The Yard

    The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

    Gangs

    As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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    News and Media

    News

    Photos / Pictures

    Videos


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    Jobs

    Types of Jobs at Knox County Jail

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Knox County Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

    Apply for a Job at Knox County Jail

    Requirements:

    • You have to be over the age of 21.
    • You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
    • You have to be a US Citizen.
    • You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
    • You have to pass a drug test.
    • You have to have a good level of fitness.
    • You have to be in good health.
    • You have to have a valid Driver’s License
    • An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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    Family Resources

    There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

    If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

    Tell Your Story


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    Victim Resources

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

    Victim’s Rights

    The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

    • You have the right to protection from the accused.
    • You have the right to notification.
    • You have the right to attend proceedings.
    • You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
    • You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
    • You have the right to restitution.
    • You have the right to a speedy trial.
    • You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

    The definition of victim includes:

    • Spouses and children of all victims.
    • Parents and guardians of minor victims.
    • Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
    • Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

    There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

    Victim Notification

    The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

    Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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    Sex Offender Information and Search

    All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

    Domestic Violence

    If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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    Reviews

    Reviews of this Jail

    Have you ever spent any time in Knox County Jail? Do you know someone that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner in this jail?

    If your answer is yes, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Write down your experience so that others can learn what to expect.

    Things you might want to include in the review:

    • Conditions in Knox County Jail.
    • Jail and pod facility and layout
    • Guards and staff
    • Commissary and food
    • Visitation
    • The other inmates – what are they like?
    • Safety
    • Gangs
    • Prisoner programs and activities


    Click here to write your review of Knox County Jail

    Tell Your Story

    Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you get arrested? Were you fairly treated? What was it like in jail? What were the other inmates like? How did getting locked up affect your life?

    Click here to leave a comment

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Make some good friends in jail? Need to find somebody you met when you were locked up? Write your message below.

    Send a message to Knox County Jail


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