Mcminn County Jail – Athens, TN

Mcminn County Jail is located in Mcminn County, TN and is the main jail for this region. Looking for somebody incarcerated at Mcminn County Jail? This site gives you about anything you might need to know about Mcminn County Jail: Find an inmate at Mcminn County Jail. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court records. And more…

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The thought of going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s family and friends. The goal of this guide is to offer information and advice that you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask it, and please leave any tips or comments that could help others is much appreciated.

General Information

Address

Mcminn County Jail
1319 South White Street
Athens, TN 37303

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone Number: (423) 745-5622
Fax:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you know someone that is incarcerated and need to contact them?

Has someone who has been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

To find out who is in jail at Mcminn County Jail you should go to their link and use the inmate lookup.

Inmate Search

The Mcminn County Jail Inmate List has information on persons who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. You can also find information for anyone booked or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You’ll be able to get their inmate information more quickly if you have the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the inmate you are looking for is in another county jail you should check the other Tennessee county jails in our Tennessee County Jail Guide: Tennessee County Jails Listing


Mugshots

A mugshot, or booking photo, is a photo taken by the police during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually one and a side-view photo. Your name and booking number will be on the pictures, and they’re kept on file.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of inmates can be viewed on the website, or you can see them at the Mcminn County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will need to put in the legal name, and an arrest date, if you have it.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Need to know how to have your mugshot removed from the Mcminn County Jail site? This may not be possible, because your mugshot is a public record. You need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that your arrest record would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot taken down, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

If you’re arrested and put in jail, your main thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount is decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released you are required to promise to show up for court, and until that day you are required not to leave town.

Usually, prisoners at Mcminn County Jail will earn time off in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and area a good inmate while they’re in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. Either you will have to go back to jail each day when you’re finished working, or you could be allowed to move into a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you have to pay all depends on how serious your charges are. Someone you know will need to pay 10 percent of the total amount that was set so you are able to be released from jail. If you miss your court date, whoever put up your bail money will lose that money.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the Mcminn County Jail website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Posting bail to get out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, it is simple to do if you have the money. First of all, you need to know if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you will not be able to use a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they can’t take a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the inmate will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

Bail Bondsman

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you should use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and usually have a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman may ask to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

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

Have you ever had to use a Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

Tell Your Story

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

  • Time Off For Good Behavior
  • Work Release Programs
  • 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 jail intake procedure takes you through each of the following steps:

  • They’ll put you in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
  • First, will have to answer a bunch of questions, such as your legal name, your address, birth date and contact person.
  • You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
  • You will be issued an inmate ID.
  • You will be fingerprinted.
  • You will have your mugshot taken.
  • Any personal property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you are released.
  • They will allow you to use the phone in order to contact a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
  • If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, they will let you keep wearing street clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did you have to wait? How were you treated? Can you share any secrets that will help other people make it through the process?

Click here to comment

Discharge Procedures

When you post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail can take anywhere from 15 minutes to all day long. So, the quicker you post bail, the faster you will get let go. How quickly you get discharged might depend on if you’ve been given a bond amount or if the judge has to determine how much your bail will be. For minor charges, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, plan to be released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

How To Turn Yourself In

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must begin your jail sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the rules and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, report to the jail intake area, and tell them that you think there is a warrant out for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Just bring required items when you turn yourself in, like a driver’s license or state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

To have visitors, you have to list the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s information will be entered in the log as an approved visitor. Every visitor will be required to provide identification. Any visitors showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Mcminn County Jail change often, so you should check the official Mcminn County Jail jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Jail phone calls are generally more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you are disciplined for an infraction, phone privileges could be reduced or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: (423) 745-5622

Sending Mail to Inmates

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be sent using the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of delivery. Clearly write or type the name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Don’t mail a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail gets opened and examined by the officers at the jail, and will get sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Mailing Address

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Mcminn County Jail:

Mcminn County Jail
1319 South White Street
Athens, TN 37303

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Mcminn County Jail
1319 South White Street
Athens, TN 37303


The inmate mail policy at Mcminn County Jail can change, so it would be best to visit the official website when send a letter to someone in jail there.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

When you get arrested, you have certain rights, one of these is that you have the right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so it is important to have a friend or family member find a lawyer for you. You may be asking yourself ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you understand the legal system in Mcminn County. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more info on how to find an attorney, read: How to Find a Lawyer in Mcminn County

Public Defender

If you can’t afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. The Public Defender’s Office has access to independent investigators, forensics experts and case workers. Public Defenders are real attorneys, admitted to the Tennessee State Bar Association and are licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? What was your experience?

Court Records

Court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. Court records contain a court case file containing a docket sheet and every motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed. You can access your court case records with the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court.

Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who manages court records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records relating to your case are held at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Fees

Court fees and costs are all costs from your court case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

Magistrate

The Mcminn County court magistrate is the person that presides over your court case. Magistrates do many different things, which include setting bail amounts, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing first court appearances and detention proceedings.

Pre-Sentencing

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed with your background information and details of the defendant’s life and public history, which the judge will consider when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the defendant, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember you can request to get your own copy of this report prior to sentencing, and make sure that you correct any inaccurate information.

Sentencing

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you could get a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve out your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Are you trying to find out if some you know is incarcerated, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you need to access the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

  • Their name.
  • Birth date.
  • Their booking date if you know it.
  • or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you should call the jail to find out.

Warrant Inquiry

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants on the website or call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask one of the officers. Bear in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you know the person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the Mcminn County jail, either by phone, go there in person, or check online. An arrest is public record and this information is freely available.

Civil Inquiry

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, which can be a court order. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All convicted sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You can access these listings on the internet, but remember that you will not see the precise address, just the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a case file containing a court docket and all filings and documents filed in the case. You can access the court records online, or at the Mcminn County Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Every state maintains a record of a person’s criminal past. These online databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal histories from any other state. Go to the Mcminn County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a completely different state, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will be able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for these crimes:

  • DUI or DWI.
  • Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
  • Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
  • Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, in most cases won’t discover if they have had any moving violations, like:

  • Speeding tickets.
  • Drivers license revoked or suspended.
  • Accidents.
  • Other moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To get this information, you will have to do a search for their driving record.

    Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your story might make it easier for others.

    Click here to leave a comment

    Most Wanted

    Everyone knows that the FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Mcminn County, the Mcminn County Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

    FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    Everyone knows that serving a jail sentence in Mcminn County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will become accustomed to the daily routine. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up each morning at six in the morning, and next you’ll have roll call. Next, you will get 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 Mcminn 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 Mcminn 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 funds to someone in jail is likely to change, so we suggest that you visit the official Mcminn County Jail site before you send funds to an inmate 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 Mcminn County Jail

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Mcminn 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 Mcminn County Jail

    Requirements:

    • You must be over the age of 21.
    • You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
    • You must be a US Citizen.
    • You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
    • You must pass a drug test.
    • You must have a good level of fitness.
    • You must be in good health.
    • You must 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.

    Click here to share 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:

    • The right to protection from the accused.
    • The right to notification.
    • The right to attend proceedings.
    • The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
    • The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
    • The right to restitution.
    • The right to a speedy trial.
    • 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.

    Click here to comment

    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 been locked up at Mcminn County Jail? Do you know anybody that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit someone in this jail?

    If so, then please tell us about it. Write about your experience because others can learn what to expect.

    Things you could put in the review:

    • Jail conditions.
    • Jail and pod facility and layout
    • Guards and jail staff
    • Jail food and commissary
    • Visitation Days
    • Inmates.
    • Prisoner safety
    • Gangs
    • Programs and activities


    Write a review about Mcminn County Jail

    Tell Your Story

    Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What happened to you while you were locked up? What about the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

    Post A Comment

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Make some good friends in jail? Do you need to talk to a friend from jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

    Send a message to someone at Mcminn County Jail


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