Refugio County Jail – Refugio, TX

Refugio County Jail is in Refugio County and is the primary jail for the county. Are you looking for someone locked up at Refugio County Jail? This guide will tell you all about anything you might need to know about Refugio County Jail,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. How to view Refugio County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Refugio County Jail intake procedures. Refugio County court information. And lots more.

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The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful prospect, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to give you information and tips that you need to make helping someone get out of jail a lot easier. If you have a question, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any comments or feedback that could be beneficial to others would be welcome.

General Information

Address

Refugio County Jail
808 Commerce Street
Refugio, TX 78377

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone: 361-526-2351
Fax:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you have a family member or friend that is in jail and want to find out where they are?

Do you know a friend or family member that has been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

To see who is in jail at Refugio County Jail you need to visit their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

Inmate Locator

The Refugio County Jail Inmate Search has information on people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes status, bail amount, and times you can visit. You can get info on anyone arrested and booked or released in the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to locate their inmate information fast if you enter the arrestee’s full name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for could possibly be incarcerated at a different jail you can check our Texas county jail guide: Texas County Jails Listing


Mugshots

A mugshot, or jail processing picture, is a photo taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. They take one face photo and a profile photo. Your full name and jail booking number will appear on the mugshot, and they’re on file at the jail.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be seen online, or you can go in person to the Refugio County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you have to enter the person’s first and last name, and the arrest date.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot erased from the Refugio County Jail website? This may not be possible, because the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the various 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

Of course, if you are arrested and put in jail, your main thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail will be set using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you must promise to be in court on your court date, and you won’t be permitted to go out of town.

Usually, inmates at Refugio County Jail will earn time off for good behavior if they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be granted work release. Either you will have to stay the jail each day when you’re finished with work, or you could have the chance to sleep in a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail

Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will have to pay is determined by the seriousness of your crime. Someone will have to put up 10 percent of the total amount that was determined in order for you to get out of jail. If you don’t show up for your court date, that person will lose all of the bail money.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

To find out someone’s bail amount you must call the Refugio County Jail. If you have all the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know the bail amount. You can also see the bail amount on the Refugio County Jail website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Bailing out of jail is never a fun thing, but fortunately, it’s really easy. First, you have to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you won’t be able to get a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail will not take checks. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be released to your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

Bail Bondsman

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and in most cases have a minimum fee of $100. This is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will in these cases request to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To contact a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to share your story

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

  • Get Time Off For Good Behavior
  • Work Release Programs
  • Get Out For Time Served
  • Pre-Trial Release Programs
  • House Arrest
  • Own Recognizance


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The jail intake procedure takes you through these steps:

  • You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
  • Firstly, you will answer a number of questions, such as what is your full name, street address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
  • You will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
  • You will be given an inmate ID number.
  • You will be fingerprinted.
  • You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
  • All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
  • They will allow you to use the phone in order to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
  • If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be able to wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a 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 in the holding cell? How did the guards treat you? Can you share any tips that could help others make it through the process?

Click here to tell your story

Discharge Procedures

When you post bail, you will get discharged from jail. This process will take from 15 minutes to all day long. Or, simply, the faster bail is posted, the faster you will get discharged. Also, it will depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond or if a magistrate must decide on how much to set your bail at. For lesser charges, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. If you have served a sentence in jail and know the discharge date, you should expect to get discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

How To Turn Yourself In

issued for your arrest, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, report to the jail reception area, and tell them that you think there may be a warrant out for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if so, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Ensure that you don’t show up late. Make sure that you only bring necessary items when you go, such as your driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, and a sentencing order from court.

Visitation Procedures

In order to have visitors, inmates have to give each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance. Your visitors will go into the visitors log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each visitor is required to provide a photo ID when visiting. Any visitors arriving late or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Refugio County Jail visitation procedures frequently change, so you should check the official site before you go to visitation.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are typically more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules and are disciplined, your ability to use the phone might get cut back or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: 361-526-2351

Sending Mail to Inmates

All mall sent to inmates is required to be mailed using US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of mail or package delivery. You must print the prisoner’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not mail anything in a box, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail is opened and inspected by staff, and will get returned to the sender if deemed inappropriate.

Mailing Address

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Refugio County Jail, use this address:

Refugio County Jail
808 Commerce Street
Refugio, TX 78377

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Refugio County Jail
808 Commerce Street
Refugio, TX 78377


The inmate mail policy at Refugio County Jail changes frequently, so we suggest that you check the site before you send a letter to an inmate there.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, the most important of which is the right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure you ask a friend or family member to find an attorney when you call them. You might be asking yourself ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and guide you through the court system in your county. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

For more detailed information on how to find an attorney, read our guide: Find an Attorney

Public Defender

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. The Public Defender has access to independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are real attorneys, admitted to the State Bar and are fully licensed to handle your case.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Court Records

Court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records include a file containing a docket sheet and each of the motions, documents, and evidence in your case. You, and anyone else, can access court records with the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office.

Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who manages access to court records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records, documents, and evidence from your court case are available at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Fees

Court fees are the charges and fees associated with your court case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you cannot afford these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

Magistrate

The Refugio County magistrate is the type of judge who presides on your court case. They do a number of different things, which include setting bail, issuing warrants, and overseeing preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

Pre-Sentencing

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about your background and information about the arrestee’s life, which the judge will review and take into account when determining your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Don’t forget you are allowed to request to get a copy of the report prior to sentencing, so you can correct any inaccurate information.

Sentencing

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, which include community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you may be locked up immediately, or you could be given a date that you are supposed to surrender and report to jail to do your time.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Do you need to find out if someone is in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just just access the jail’s website, and do a search using:

  • Their name.
  • Birthdate.
  • Approximate booking date.
  • and their jail ID.

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

Warrant Inquiry

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants on the Refugio County court website or you can call the jail. This requires a 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 Refugio County jail, by phone, go there in person, or find out online. Arrest records are public record and the information is available to anyone.

Civil Inquiry

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, which can be warrants. You can find these by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All registered sex offenders are required to be listed and 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 offense. You are able to see sex offenders on the internet, but keep in mind that you will not be able to find the exact 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. These records include a case file that contains a docket and all of the filings and documents filed in the court case. You can access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each state maintains a record of a person’s criminal background. These state databases are connected and you can track criminal histories from any other state. Go to the Refugio County Courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and if the crime was in a different state, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you can get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any of the following crimes:

  • DUI.
  • Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Rape or other sexual assault.
  • Violent crimes like assault or murder.
  • Theft, breaking and entering.

When you do a criminal history search, in most cases will not be able to find out if someone has had:

  • Speeding or reckless driving.
  • Drivers license suspended or revoked.
  • Accidents.
  • Other moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To search for driving records, you will have to do a driving records search.

    Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it an easy process? Did you do your search online or did you make a phone call to the jail? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records, and your story could help other people.

    Click here to share your story

    Most Wanted

    The FBI maintains a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Refugio County,The Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

    FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    While the prospect of spending time in Refugio County Jail is very scary, soon you will settle into the routine that is set for you. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up at six in the morning, and then you’ll have roll call. Then you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast participate in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. 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 Refugio 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 Refugio 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 procedure to send money to inmates is always changing, so we suggest that you review the site before you send funds to an inmate.

    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 Refugio County Jail

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Refugio 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 Refugio 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 comment


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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.

    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 in this jail? Do you know someone that spent time there? Have you ever visited an inmate at this jail?

    If you have, then you should leave a comment below about it. Write about what you experienced so that other people will know what to expect.

    Things you can include in your comment:

    • Jail conditions.
    • Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
    • Guards and staff
    • Jail food and commissary
    • Visitors
    • The other inmates.
    • Safety
    • Gangs
    • Activities and programs


    Click here to write your review of Refugio County Jail

    Tell Your Story

    Everyone’s who has been put in jail has a story about it. How’d you get locked up? How did the guards treat you? What was it like in jail? Were the other inmates cool? How has this experience impacted your life?

    Speak Your Mind

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Did you make friends in jail? Need to reconnect with someone you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

    Send a message to someone at Refugio County Jail


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