Van Zandt County Detention Center – Canton, TX

Van Zandt County Detention Center is located in Van Zandt County and is the correctional facility for this area. Know someone in Van Zandt County Detention Center? This page will tell you information about everything you might want to know about Van Zandt County Detention Center,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Van Zandt County Detention Center intake procedures. Van Zandt County court information. And everything else.

The prospect of going to jail is a daunting and scary idea, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is designed to offer info that you need to make going to jail a lot easier. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any feedback or comments that could be a benefit to others will be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend in jail and need to locate them?

Has a friend or family member that has been arrested and you don’t know how to find out where they are?

To see who is in jail at Van Zandt County Detention Center you will need to click on their web site and use the inmate search.

The Van Zandt County Detention Center Inmate Roster is a list of people who are in jail, including custody status, how much their bail is, and visiting hours. You can find the same information about anyone arrested and booked or released within the last 24 hours. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to find their arrest information more quickly if you have the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be in another jail you will want to check our guide to other Texas jails: List of all county jails in Texas

A mugshot, also known as a jail booking photograph, is the photo taken by the police when you are processed at the jail intake. They take one full face and a side photo. Your full name and jail booking number will appear on the pictures, and they are stored at the jail.

Mugshots of Van Zandt County Detention Center inmates can be viewed online, or you can see them at the Van Zandt County Detention Center. When viewing mugshots online you will need to enter the prisoner’s legal name, and an arrest date, if you know it.

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot taken off of the Van Zandt County Detention Center website? This may not be possible, since the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that your arrest record would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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If you are arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is when and how to get out. After booking, bail will be set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be released, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you must promise to go to your court date, and until that date you are not allowed to travel out of the county.

Typically, a prisoner in the Van Zandt County Detention Center are given an early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and act right while incarcerated.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be given work release detail. You will have to go back to jail every day when you’re finished working, or you may get to live in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to be released from jail pending trial. Your bail amount all depends on the seriousness of your crime. You or someone you know will have to pay ten percent of the total that was set before you can bail out of jail. If you don’t go to your court date, whoever posted your bail will not get their money back.

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, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know what their bail is set at. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Having to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but fortunately, it’s very simple to do. First, figure out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you won’t be able to get a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they will not take checks. Once the cash bond has been paid, the prisoner will get released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If bail is set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They will usually charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and usually have a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman will in these cases ask to use your personal assets as collateral.

To contact a local bail bondsman click here: How to find a bail bondsman

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

Click here to tell your story

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

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The jail intake process includes each of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first step is that you will have to answer a bunch of questions, such as your full legal name, home address, date of birth and a contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will be allowed to use the telephone in order to get in touch with family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, they will let you keep wearing street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail uniform.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please share your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? Were you treated fairly? Do you have any things that could help other people that get arrested make it through the procedure?

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Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. This process will take between 30 minutes to many hours. In simple terms, the faster bail is posted, the faster you will get released. Also, it depends on whether you’ve got a cash bond or if the judge still needs to determine how much to set your bail at. For minor offenses, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served your sentence and know the date of your release, you should plan to get discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you must report to start a sentence, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail intake center, and tell an officer that think that there is a warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, 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, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Ensure that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring necessary items with you, such as a driver’s license or state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list information about each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s information will be put into the visitors log for the requesting inmate. Each and every visitor is required to provide identification. Anyone arriving late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Van Zandt County Detention Center can change, so you should review the official jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are much pricier than regular phone calls. There is no limit to when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the jail rules, phone privileges might get reduced or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: 903-567-4133

All mail has to be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other method of mail or package delivery. You have to write or type the prisoner’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the letter. Do not mail a package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail received by the jail will be opened and read by the staff, and the mail will get returned to the sender if they decide it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Van Zandt County Detention Center:

Van Zandt County Detention Center
1220 West Dallas
Canton, TX 75103

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Van Zandt County Detention Center
1220 West Dallas
Canton, TX 75103

The Van Zandt County Detention Center inmate mail policy is always changing, so double check the site before you send a letter.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, one of these is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea to get a friend or relative to locate a lawyer when you talk to them. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and guide you through the legal system in Van Zandt County. The sooner you get an attorney working on your case, the better your chances.

To read more about how to find a lawyer, click: How to Find an Attorney

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. The Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. All Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys, admitted to the State Bar and are licensed to handle your case.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

All 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 include a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all documents and motions filed in the course of your case. You can access your court records using the Van Zandt County website, or at the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All court records associated with your case are kept and available to you at Van Zandt County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees are the fees and charges associated with your case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Van Zandt County magistrate acts as the judge that will preside over your case. Magistrates do many different things, which include determining how much your bail will be, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include background information and information about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate will review when deciding on the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be solicited from the defendant, their family, and in some cases the victim. Remember you can ask to have your own copy of the report prior to sentencing, and make sure that you correct any inaccurate information.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be immediately taken into custody, or you could get a date to report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if someone is currently in jail, or has ever been in jail?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you should go to the Van Zandt County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can also call the jail to find out.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants on the website or you are able to call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should know that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Van Zandt County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or find out online. Arrest records are a matter of public record and the information is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, like court orders. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You can access sex offenders online, but remember that you can’t get the street address, rather the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a case file that includes a docket and any documents and filings filed in the case. You are able to access the court records on their website, or at the Van Zandt County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of people’s criminal past. These online databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal histories from any other state. Go to county courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and in the event that it was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

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

• DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

When you do a criminal history search, you generally will not learn if someone has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this kind of information, you have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How easy was it? Did you do your search online or did you make a phone call to the courthouse? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback may make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a listing of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Van Zandt County, the Van Zandt County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that serving a jail sentence in the Van Zandt County jail is no fun, eventually you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. You should expect an alarm to wake up at about 6:00AM, and then you’ll have roll call. You will then have breakfast. Following breakfast you will have to work in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 Van Zandt County Detention Center, 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 Van Zandt County Detention Center 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 process for sending funds to someone in jail could change, so be sure to visit the official website when you send any money.


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 Van Zandt County Detention Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Van Zandt County Detention Center, 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 Van Zandt County Detention Center

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 tell about all about it


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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 been a prisoner at Van Zandt County Detention Center? Do you have a family member or friend that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner in this jail?

If you have, then we would like you to tell us about it. Write down what you experienced so that other people will know what to expect.

What to write in your comment:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


Write a review about Van Zandt County Detention Center

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has at least one story to tell about it. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? What was it like in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Are you trying to send a message to an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Send a message to them here.

Post a message to people still locked up at Van Zandt County Detention Center


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