Brown County Jail – Mt. Sterling, IL

Brown County Jail is located in Brown County, Illinois and is the primary jail for that county. Know somebody in Brown County Jail? This site gives you information about everything a person needs to know about Brown County Jailsuch as the following: How to do a jail inmate search. How to view Brown County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information and records. And lots more.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary prospect, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s family and friends. The goal of this guide is to give you all the information and tips you need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any comments or feedback that could help others is welcome.

Do you know someone that is in jail and don’t know how to contact them?

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

To search who is in jail at Brown County Jail you have to go to their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Brown County Jail Inmate Lookup has information on persons currently in custody, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting schedule. Also, you are able to get the same information for anybody who has been arrested or discharged within the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You can find the information faster if you’ve got the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for might be in another jail you should check our guide to other Illinois jails: Illinois County Jails

A mugshot, also known as a intake photograph, is the photograph taken by the police when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one face photo and a profile photo. Your full name and booking number will be on the photos, and they will be on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Brown County Jail prisoners can be viewed online, or you can see them at the Brown County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you need to input their name, and the booking date.

Want to get your mugshot erased from the Brown County Jail site? This may not be possible, because the mugshot is public record. You will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot taken down, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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Once you’re incarcerated, your primary thought is about getting out. After booking, your bail amount is decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released from jail you will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and you are not permitted to leave town.

Typically, a prisoner in the Brown County Jail can earn early release in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and conduct themselves properly while locked up.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be allowed to do work release. You will have to return to the jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you may be allowed to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail.

Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail until your trial. The amount of bail that is set all depends on what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. Someone you know will need to post 10 percent of the total amount that was set in order to get discharged from jail. If you miss your scheduled court date, the person that paid your bail will lose all of the bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will need to call the Brown County Jail. 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. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

Bailing out of jail is never a fun thing, but most of the time, it’s easy if you have the money. First, you need to find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you won’t be able to get a Bail Bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail won’t take a check. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be discharged. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. They will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and in most cases have a minimum charge of $100. This money is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman may use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To talk to a bail bondsman click here: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used a Bail Bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

Speak Your Mind

• Early Release For Good Behavior
• Get Out on 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 intake process is made up of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• First, must answer a bunch of questions, such as what your legal name is, home address, birthdate and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will be allowed to make a phone call in order to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to wear your street 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 processed? Were you treated fairly? Do you know any secrets that might help other people make it through the procedure?

Click here to tell your story

When you finally post bail, you will be discharged from jail. The discharge process can take anywhere between 30 minutes to hours or even all day long. So, the quicker you post bail, the faster you will be freed. How quickly you get discharged might depend on whether you’ve been given a bond amount or if the judge has to figure out how much your bail will be. For a minor charge, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a discharge date, plan to get discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you need to report to start a sentence, you should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail intake center, and let them know that you think they might have a warrant for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if you do, they will take you into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, go to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. Make sure that you aren’t late. Just bring necessary items when you go, such as your driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the sentencing order from court.

The inmate need to list each visitor’s name to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will go in the visitors log for the inmate. All visitors must provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures change often, so visit the official jail site before you try to 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 . These phone calls are usually 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 must keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, phone calls may be limited or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The Brown County Jail phone number is: 217-773-2011

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be mailed using the US Postal Service. You must not use any other form of delivery. You have to clearly write or type the inmate’s name, inmate ID number, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Do not mail anything in a package or box, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail sent to inmates is opened and inspected and read by the staff, and will be returned if it can’t be delivered.

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

Brown County Jail
200 Court Street
Mt. Sterling, IL 62353

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Brown County Jail
200 Court Street
Mt. Sterling, IL 62353

The Brown County Jail mail policy changes often, so check the site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these being the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea to have a friend or family member locate an attorney for you. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and guide you through the legal system. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your case, the better.

For more detailed information on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, go to: How to Find a Lawyer in Brown County

If you cannot afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, forensics experts and social case workers. Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers that are members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law.

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

All court records are a matter of public record. Court records have a court case file containing a docket and each of the documents and motions filed in the case. You can access your court case records with the Brown County website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Brown County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence relating to your case are available at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees and costs are the costs from your court case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The magistrate is the judge that will preside on your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do a number of different things, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary court appearances and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed with information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life and public history, which the judge will take into account when deciding on the sentence. Information will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family, and in some cases the victim. Remember you are able to ask to see a copy of the pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, so you get the chance to correct any inaccurate information.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, including community service and 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 locked up immediately, or you could get a date that you are required to turn yourself into jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if some you know is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been in jail?

To do this, just visit the Brown County jail website, and search by:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Brown County court website or you are able to call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask the officer in charge. Keep in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or look online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and these records are freely available.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by getting in touch with the Brown County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access these offenders on the website, but keep in mind that you won’t see the exact address, rather the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. These records include a case file that includes a docket and all of the filings and documents filed in your court case. You are able to access your court records via the internet, or at the Brown County Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of someone’s criminal background. These databases are connected and you can track criminal histories from another state. You are able to go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will be able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

During a criminal records search, you won’t discover if someone has had:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this information, you have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the jail? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that people search for criminal records, and your story could help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Brown County, the Brown County Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Brown County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in the Brown County jail is something you wish you could avoid, soon you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you. Expect an alarm to wake up at 6am, and then you’ll have roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. After 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 Brown 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 Brown 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 people in jail is always changing, so we suggest that you review the the Brown County Jail website 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 Brown County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Brown 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 Brown 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 post 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 leave a comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been locked up in this jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited an inmate at this jail?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to tell us about it. Write down what you experienced because other people will know what to expect.

Things you might want to write in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


Click here to review Brown County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has a story about it. How’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What was it like in jail? What about 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

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you need to say wassup to a person you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

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

Links and Resources

Main Brown County Jail Link
Brown County Jail Inmate Search
View Brown County Jail Mugshots
Brown County Jail Bail Amount Link

Brown County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Brown County Jail Jail Mail Link
Brown County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Brown County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Brown County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Funds to an Inmate at Brown County Jail
Brown County Jail Employment


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