Union County Jail – El Dorado, AR

Union County Jail is in Van Buren County, AR and is the primary jail for the region. Do you know someone in jail at Union County Jail? This guide gives you info about anything you might want to know about Union County Jail,like: How to locate an inmate at Union County Jail. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Union County Jail intake procedures. Court information. And everything else.

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

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is incarcerated and need to contact them?

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

To search who is in jail at Union County Jail you need to click on their website and use the inmate search.

The Union County Jail Inmate Locator has information on persons who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes status, how much their bail is, and visiting hours. Also, you can get info for anybody who has been arrested or released within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You can locate their arrest information more quickly if you’ve got your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the inmate you are looking for could possibly be locked up at a different jail you will want to check the other Arkansas county jails in our Arkansas County Jail Guide: Arkansas Jails

A mugshot, also called a booking photo, is the photo that the jail takes during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually one face photo and a side-view photo. Your name and booking number will be in the photos, and they’re kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested are online, or you can see them in person at the Union County Jail. When viewing online you need to put in the person’s full name, and a booking date, if you have it.

Trying to figure out how to get your mugshot taken down from the Union County Jail site? This can be tricky, since your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the many different websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

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Of course, if you are locked up, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, your bail amount is set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be released, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released from jail you are required to promise to be in court on your court date, and until that date you are not allowed to leave town.

In most cases, inmates in the Union County Jail will earn an early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. Either you will have to stay the jail every day after work, or you may get to move to a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will have to pay is determined by how serious your crime is. You will need to post ten percent of the total that was determined so you can get out of jail. If you don’t go to your court date, the person that paid your bail won’t get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you have to call the Union County Jail. If know the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know how much their bail is. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but in some cases, it is really easy. First, you have to find out if they have a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you will not be able to use a Bail Bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they can’t take a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the person 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.

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and usually with a minimum fee of $100. This money is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman will request to use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

If you need a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a bail bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out.

Speak Your Mind

• Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Released For Time Served
• Get Out on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• Get Out on House Arrest
• Own Recognizance

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The jail intake procedure includes the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you have to answer some simple questions, such as what your legal name is, address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• They will let you use the telephone in order to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please share your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How were you treated? Do you have any secrets that will help other people get through jail intake?

Click here to share your story

When you post bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail can take from 30 minutes to many hours. In other words the faster bail is posted, the sooner you will get let go. How quickly you get discharged can depend on whether you have a cash bond amount or if a magistrate has to decide on how much your bail will be. For minor offenses, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and are given a release date, expect to get discharged in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you have to report to start a sentence, you really should follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. For a warrant, go to the jail intake area, and tell them that think that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if they find one, they will take you into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Be sure that you don’t show up late. Make sure that you only bring allowed items when you go, like your driver’s license or photo ID, prescription medication, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will be entered in the visitation log for the inmate. All visitors will be required to provide acceptable photo identification. Any visitors that gets to visitation or that is not on the visitation list will not be able to attend visitation.
The Union County Jail visitation procedures can change, so you should check the official site before you go.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are generally more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on 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 there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s ability to use the phone may be limited or totally denied.

Phone Number: 870-864-1970

All mall sent to inmates must be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You must not use any other form of delivery. You should write or type the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the letter that you send. Do not send anything in a package or box, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail sent to inmates is opened and inspected by the jail officers, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

Union County Jail
250 American Road
El Dorado, AR 71730

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Union County Jail
250 American Road
El Dorado, AR 71730

The Union County Jail mail policy changes, so be sure to double check the site when you send a letter.

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When you get arrested, you have certain rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so you would be wise to get a friend or relative to locate an attorney for you. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘do I really need an attorney?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and help you navigate through the complicated court system in your county. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

To read more about the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, read our guide: Find an Attorney

If you cannot afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender Office is staffed by independent investigators, forensics experts as well as social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys that are members of the Arkansas State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law in Arkansas.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? How did they do?

Court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They include a case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the documents and motions that have been filed. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case via the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath during court cases, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence related to your case are kept at the Van Buren County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees from your case, which include filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The Van Buren County court magistrate is the person that will preside on your case in court. Magistrates do a number of different things, like determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared with background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate judge will take into account when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the person on trial, their family, and in some circumstances the victim. Remember you are allowed to request to see your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you have the opportunity to review it and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service to probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you may be locked up immediately, or you might be given a date to report to jail to do your time.

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Are you trying to find out if someone is incarcerated in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you will have to visit the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• or inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you have an outstanding warrant, you can access arrest warrants on the website or you can call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. Keep in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or find out online. An arrest is in the public record and these records are accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, such as court orders. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders have to be listed and registered on a sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view these listings on the internet, but bear in mind that you can’t find the precise address, but rather the block that they live on.

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

Each state maintains records of people’s criminal history. These state databases are all linked and you can track criminal convictions from any other state. You can go to county 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 the crime was in a different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any of the following crimes:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

During a criminal records search, you generally will not be able to see if that person has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving histories, you have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it a difficult process? Did you search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments may make it easier for others.

Click here to leave a comment

Most Wanted

The FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Van Buren County, the Van Buren County Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in the Van Buren County jail is no fun, you will soon get accustomed to the daily routine. You will get an alarm for wake-up at about 6:00 AM, and then roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. When you finish breakfast participate 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 Union 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 Union 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 inmates at Union County Jail is always changing, so check the site when send money to someone in jail there.


Commissary

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

Inmate Medications

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

Meals

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

Pods / The Yard

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

Gangs

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


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Union County Jail

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

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 share your story

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 Union County Jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate there?

If your answer is yes, then you should write your review about it. Tell us about your experience because others will know what to expect.

Things you can put in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? How was day to day life at Union County Jail? What about the other inmates? How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to leave a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to reconnect with a person you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Post a message to people still locked up at Union County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Union County Jail Link
Union County Jail Inmate Search
Union County Jail Mugshots
Union County Jail Bail Link

Union County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Union County Jail Mail Policy
Union County Jail Inmate Search
Van Buren County Warrants
Union County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Money to an Inmate at Union County Jail
Union County Jail Jobs


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