Berrien County Jail – Nashville, GA

Berrien County Jail is in Berrien County, Georgia and is the primary jail for this county. Are you looking for somebody locked up at Berrien County Jail? This guide tells you about anything a person needs to know about Berrien County Jailsuch as the following: How to do a jail inmate search. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And lots more.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary idea, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to give information that you need to make helping someone get out of jail a lot easier. If you have a question, just ask them, and please leave any feedback or comments that might be beneficial to other people in the same situation would be welcome.

Do you have a family member or friend that is locked up and need to contact them?

Has somebody that’s been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to find out who is in jail at Berrien County Jail you need to go to their web site and do an inmate search.

The Berrien County Jail Inmate List has information on people who have been arrested and are in jail, which includes custody status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. You can get info on anybody arrested and processed or released in the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by last name. You’ll be able to find their arrest information quicker if you have your friend or family member’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be at another jail you can look here: Georgia County Jails Directory

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

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be found on the website, or you can see them in person at the Berrien County Jail. When viewing online you have to input the inmate’s first and last name, and the booking date, if you have one.

Do you want to have your mugshot removed from the Berrien County Jail site? This may not be possible, as the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that your arrest record would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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If you’re in jail, your only thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail will be determined by a special judge called a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out you will have to agree to be there for your court date, and until then you are not permitted to go out of town.

Typically, an inmate in the Berrien County Jail will be given early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and conduct themselves properly while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. Either you will have to stay the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you may have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to get out of jail until your trial. The amount of bail that is set all depends on the seriousness of your crime. You or someone you know will have to pay 10% of the amount that was determined in order for you to get discharged from jail. If you miss your scheduled court date, the person that bailed you out of jail won’t get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know what their bail is set at. You can also check their bail amount and status online.

Having to get someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but in some cases, its really easy if you have the money. First, you need to find out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you won’t be able to use a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they can’t take a personal check. When you’ve paid bail, the prisoner will be discharged. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just don’t have the money, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases with a minimum fee of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman will in these cases use your assets as collateral for the bond.

You can find a local bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Speak Your Mind

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

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The jail intake process is made up of each of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• Firstly, you have to answer some simple questions, like what is your full legal name, address, birthdate and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will let you make a phone call in order to contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be able to wear your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take to get through intake? What was your treatment like? Do you know any tips that could help others to get through the procedure?

Speak Your Mind

When you finally post bail, you will get discharged from jail. The discharge process takes anywhere between 10 minutes to quite a few hours. Or, simply, the faster you can post bail, the quicker you can get released from jail. Also, it depends on whether or not you’ve been given a bond amount or if a magistrate still needs to figure out your bail amount. For lesser charges, you will get booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and have a release date, expect to be discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

for your arrest, or if you have to report to start a sentence, you really should follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, go to the jail reception area, and tell the intake officer that you think there is a warrant out for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they verify that you have one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go down to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order states. Be sure that you are not late. Just bring required items when you go to jail, such as your driver’s license or state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the official sentencing order.

The inmate need to give information about each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s information will be put into a Visiting log for the requesting inmate. Each visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Berrien County Jail visitation procedures change often, so we suggest that you check the official Berrien County Jail jail site before you go to visitation.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Phone calls made in jail are generally 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 bear 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, phone calls might get cut back or eliminated altogether.

The Berrien County Jail phone number is: 229-686-7071

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of mail or package delivery. You must write the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t mail a package or box, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail sent to inmates is opened and read and examined by the jail administration, and the mail will get returned to the sender if deemed inappropriate.

The mailing address for Berrien County Jail is:

Berrien County Jail
500 County Farm Rd
Nashville, GA 31639

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Berrien County Jail
500 County Farm Rd
Nashville, GA 31639

The mail policy changes often, so visit the site before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you have certain rights, the most important of which is the right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea to have a friend or relative find an attorney when you talk to them. You might be thinking ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and help you through the complicated court system. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your case, the better your chances.

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

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. Also, the Public Defender’s Office is staffed by private investigators, experts in forensics as well as case workers. Public Defenders are licensed attorneys, admitted to the Georgia State Bar Association and are licensed to handle your case.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Berrien County court records are public records and are available upon request. They have a court case file with a docket and all of the motions, documents, and evidence filed in the case. You are able to access court records via the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Berrien County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk 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 jury’s verdict. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your case are kept and available to you at Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the fees and charges from your case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The Berrien County magistrate is the type of judge that presides on your court case. Magistrates do many different things, like setting bail amounts, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the defendant’s background and details of the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate will consider when decide your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the person on trial, their family, and if necessary the victim of the crime. Keep in mind that you can ask to have a copy of this report prior to sentencing, and make sure that you review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, which include community service to probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you may be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could be given a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has ever been in jail?

This is pretty simple to do, just just query the Berrien County jail website, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants inquiry on the Berrien 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 the officer in charge. You should know that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or check online. Arrest records are a matter of public record and these records are freely available.

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

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

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a court case file that contains a court docket and all of the documents filed in the case. You can access your court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of someone’s criminal past. These databases are connected so you are able to track criminal histories from other states. Go to courthouse and inquire, or check online. It is helpful to know the county, and if it was in a completely different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for these crimes:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, in most cases will not be able to see if that person has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you call the Berrien County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your account may help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to leave a comment

Most Wanted

The FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Berrien County, the Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Berrien 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 serving a jail sentence in the Berrien County jail is no fun, soon you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you. Inmates get an alarm to wake up at about six in the morning, and next you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will have to work 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 Berrien 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 Berrien 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 process for sending funds to Berrien County Jail inmates might change, so double check the site before you send any funds.


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 Berrien County Jail

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

Requirements:

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

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• The right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Click here to 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 been a prisoner in this jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner in this jail?

If your answer is yes, then please tell us about it. Write about your jail experience because other people will know what to expect.

Things you can write in your comment:

• Conditions in Berrien County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Click here to review Berrien County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has a story about it. How’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? What was it like in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Tell your story about when you did time at Berrien County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Want to talk to a person you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to Berrien County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Berrien County Jail Website
Berrien County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Berrien County Jail Mugshots
Berrien County Jail Bail Link

Berrien County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Berrien County Jail Mail Policy
Berrien County Jail Inmate Search
Berrien County Warrants
Berrien County Jail Arrest Lookup
Berrien County Jail Send Money Procedure
Berrien County Jail Employment


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