Wharton County Jail – Wharton, TX

Wharton County Jail is located in Wharton County and is the primary correctional facility for that area. Do you know somebody locked up at Wharton County Jail? This page gives you information about everything related to Wharton County Jail,like the following: How to locate an inmate at Wharton County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Intake procedures. Court information. And lots more.

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The chance of going to jail is a scary prospect, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also their family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to offer info you need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, just ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any comments or feedback that would help other people in the same situation would be welcome.

General Information

Address

Wharton County Jail
315 East Elm Street
Wharton, TX 77488

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone: 979-282-9555
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 locked up and don’t know how to find out where they are?

Do you know somebody that has been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

In order to see who is in jail at Wharton County Jail you have to go to their web site and use the inmate lookup.

Inmate Lookup

The Wharton County Jail Inmate Locator is an online list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including current status, bail amount, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can get the same information about anyone arrested and booked or discharged within the past 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to get their arrest information fast if you have their name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for might be at another county jail you can check our guide to other Texas jails: Other County Jails in Texas


Mugshots

A mugshot, also called a jail booking photograph, is a photograph that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is make of one face photo and one profile photo. Your full name and booking number will be in the pictures, and they are stored.

View Mugshots

Mugshots can be searched online, or you can go in person to the Wharton County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to enter the person’s full name, and the booking date.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Need to know how to get your mugshot removed from the Wharton County Jail website? This is difficult, as your mugshot is public record. You need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that all of your arrest records would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Naturally, once you are arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount will be set either through a preset bail schedule or a 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 will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and until then you won’t be allowed to go out of town.

Typically, prisoners can earn an early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and conduct themselves properly while in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will be required to stay jail at the end of the day when you’re finished with work, or you could get to live in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail

Your bail is money that you have to pay to be released from jail pending trial. Your bail amount is determined by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You will need to pay ten percent of the total set so you are able to bail out of jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail will lose all of the bail 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 have to call the Wharton County Jail. If you’ve got the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. You can also find out how much their bail is on the Wharton County Jail website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Having to get someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but thankfully, it’s easy. To start with, you have to find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If this is the case, you can’t use the services of a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail won’t accept a check. When you’ve paid bail, the inmate will get released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

Bail Bondsman

If bail is set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and sometimes have a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will usually ask to use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

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

Have you ever used the services of 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 tell about all about it

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

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


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The intake procedure is made up of 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.
  • The first step is that you have to answer a bunch of questions, such as what is your full legal name, home address, birthdate and contact person.
  • Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
  • You will be issued an inmate ID number.
  • You will get fingerprinted.
  • You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
  • All personal property will be taken from you and stored until you are discharged.
  • They will let you use the phone so you can call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
  • If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be able to wear your own clothes, if not you will be given a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did you have to wait? What was your treatment like? Can you tell us tips that will help other people that get arrested get through the process?

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Discharge Procedures

When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. This process may take from 10 minutes to many hours. Or, simply, the quicker bail is posted, the faster you can get out of jail. Also, it will depend on whether you’ve been given a bond amount or if the judge still needs to figure out the amount of bail to be set. For minor offenses, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and are given a release date, you should plan to get released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

How To Turn Yourself In

If there is a, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, report to the jail, and tell an officer that you think there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if you do, you will be taken into jail custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go down to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Make sure that you only bring required items with you, like a driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the sentencing order from court.

Visitation Procedures

In order to have visitors, inmates must give information about each visitor to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s names will be put into the visitation log as an approved visitor. All visitors will be required to provide proof of identification. Visitors that arrives for visitation late or without a visiting order will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Wharton County Jail frequently change, so make sure that you double-check the official jail site before you go to visitation.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Jail phone calls are generally pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. There is no limit to when and 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 break the rules and are disciplined, phone calls could be reduced or forbidden.

The Wharton County Jail phone number is: 979-282-9555

Sending Mail to Inmates

All mail has to be sent using the US Postal Service. You must not use any other form of mail or package delivery. You have to clearly write or type the inmate’s name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the envelope. Do not mail a package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail sent to inmates gets opened and read and examined by the jail officers, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

Mailing Address

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Wharton County Jail:

Wharton County Jail
315 East Elm Street
Wharton, TX 77488

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Wharton County Jail
315 East Elm Street
Wharton, TX 77488


The inmate mail policy at Wharton County Jail changes frequently, so you should double check the the Wharton County Jail website when 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. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to get a friend or relative to find a lawyer when you call. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘but do I really need an attorney’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you through the court system in Wharton County. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better.

To read more about the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, read: Find a Lawyer

Public Defender

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender is staffed by investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are licensed lawyers that are members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

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

Court Records

Wharton County court records are a matter of public record. They have a court case file with a docket and all of the documents filed during your court case. You have the ability to access your court records with the online service, or at the Clerk of Court.

Clerk of Court

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who manages access to court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath in a court case, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your case are available at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Fees

Court fees and costs are all costs from your court case, such as for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

Magistrate

A Magistrate acts as the judge that rules over your case in court. Magistrates do a number of different things, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over first court appearances and detention hearings.

Pre-Sentencing

Your pre-sentencing report is put together with information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate judge will review and take into account when decide your sentence. Information will be requested from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some cases the victim. Bear in mind that you can ask to get your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to correct any inaccurate information.

Sentencing

After being convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, including community service to probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you may be taken into custody immediately, or you could receive a date that you are required to surrender and report to jail to serve your term.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Want to find out if a family member or friend is currently in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

To find this out you should visit the jail’s website, and search using:

  • The inmate’s name.
  • Date of birth.
  • Their booking date if you know it.
  • and their jail ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

Warrant Inquiry

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Wharton County jail website or you can 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 the person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or check online. Records of arrests are in the public record and the information is accessible by the public.

Civil Inquiry

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All registered sex offenders are registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to view this information on the website, but keep in mind that you can’t get the street address, but rather the block that they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. These records include a case file that includes a docket sheet and any of the documents filed in your court case. You are able to access court records online, or at Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each and every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal background. These state databases are all connected and you can track criminal backgrounds from another state. Go to courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

A criminal records search 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.
  • Drug crimes.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
  • Violent crimes.
  • Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, in most cases won’t find out if that person has had:

  • Speeding tickets.
  • Drivers license revoked or suspended.
  • Traffic accidents.
  • Moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To search for driving histories, you will have to do a driving records search.

    Have you ever searched for criminal records? How hard was it? Did you do your search online or did you call the courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that people look up criminal records, and your story may make it easier for others.

    Tell Your Story

    Most Wanted

    On a Federal level, the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Wharton County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

    FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    While the prospect of spending time in Wharton County Jail is no fun, soon you will get used to the daily routine. You will get an alarm to wake up each morning at 6am, and then you’ll have roll call. Then you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will 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 Wharton 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 Wharton 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 Wharton County Jail inmates can change, so you should double check the the Wharton County Jail website before you send money 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 Wharton County Jail

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Wharton 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 Wharton 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 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.

    Click here to tell about all about it

    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 this jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at Wharton County Jail?

    If your answer is yes, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Tell us about your experience because others can find out what to expect.

    What to include in the review:

    • Conditions at the jail.
    • Jail and pod layout and facility
    • Jail staff and Guards
    • Jail food and commissary
    • Visitors
    • Other Inmates.
    • Prisoner safety
    • Gang activity
    • Activities and programs


    Speak Your Mind

    Tell Your Story

    Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has at least one story to tell about it. Why were you locked up? Were you mistreated? What happened to you while you were locked up? How did you get along with the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

    Click here to tell about all about it

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Make some good friends in jail? Want to reconnect with a person you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

    Send a message to people still locked up at Wharton County Jail


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