Calhoun County Jail – Hardin, IL

Calhoun County Jail is in Calhoun County, Illinois and is the primary jail for that county. Know someone at Calhoun County Jail? This guide tells you all about anything related to Calhoun County Jailsuch as the following: How to locate an inmate. How to view Calhoun County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Calhoun County Jail intake procedures. Court information and records. And much more…

The prospect of going to jail is a daunting and scary situation, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also their family and friends. The goal of this guide is to offer advice and information that you’ll need to make the process easier. If you have questions, just ask them, and any tips or comments that would be beneficial to others will be welcome.

Do you have a friend or family member that is in jail and want to find them?

Do you know a family member or friend who’s been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

To search who is in jail at Calhoun County Jail you will need to go to their link and do an inmate search.

The Calhoun County Jail Inmate Search has information on people who are in jail, including custody status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can find the same information about anybody who has been arrested or discharged within the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to get their arrest information quicker if you have their name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member is in another jail you can look here, too: Other Jails in Illinois

A mugshot, also known as a jail intake picture, is a picture that the police take when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one frontal photo and a side-view photo. Your name and jail ID number will be on the pictures, and they will be on file.

Mugshots of Calhoun County Jail prisoners can be seen on the website, or you can see them in person at the Calhoun County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to put in their first and last name, and a booking date, if you know it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to have your mugshot erased from the Calhoun County Jail website? This may not be possible, since the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that the record of your arrest would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Of course, once you’re arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through booking, a bail amount will be decided by a special judge called a magistrate. If no bail is set this may 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 you are required to agree to show up for court, and until that day you are not allowed to go out of town.

Typically, prisoners will be given time off for good behavior if they follow the rules and conduct themselves properly while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will be required to stay jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you might have the chance to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to the courts to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will have to pay is determined by the crime you’ve been charged with. You will need to post ten percent of the total that was set before you can bail out of jail. If you don’t go to your scheduled court date, that person won’t get the bail money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you need to call the Calhoun County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can see the bail amount on the Calhoun County Jail site.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but usually, its simple to do if you have the money. First, you need to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If so, you won’t be able to use a bondsman. Cash only – they can’t accept checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford it, you should use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and usually have a minimum of $100. This money will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will request to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond.

You can find a local 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 you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to tell your story

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

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The jail intake procedure takes you through each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you will have to answer some simple questions, like your legal name, your address, birthdate and a contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and mental history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• They will allow you to use the telephone so you can contact family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you will be allowed to keep wearing street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, you should tell us what happened. How long did it take? What was your treatment like? Do you have any tips that could help other people get through the procedure?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you pay your bail, you will get released from jail. This process may take from 15 minutes to all day long. In other words the faster you can pay your bail, the sooner you will get discharged from jail. Also, how fast you get released might depend on if you have a bond amount or if the magistrate still needs to determine the bail amount. For lesser charges, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and have a date of your release, expect to get discharged between 9am and noon.

If there is a, or if you must start your sentence, it is recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go down to the jail, and tell an officer that think that there is a warrant for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if so, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you don’t show up late. Just bring approved items when you go to jail, such as a driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the sentencing order.

Inmates have to provide information about each visitor to the jail. Your visitor’s names will be entered into the log as an Authorized visit. Every visitor is required to provide a photo ID when visiting. Visitors that arrives for visitation late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Jail visitation policies change often, so it would be wise to review the official Calhoun County Jail jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are a lot pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, 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, your ability to use the phone might get cut back or totally denied.

The Calhoun County Jail phone number is: (618) 576-2417

All mail is required to be sent using the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of delivery. You have to print the name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Don’t send anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates gets opened and examined and read by the jail officers, and the mail will get returned if deemed inappropriate.

The mailing address for Calhoun County Jail is:

Calhoun County Jail
301 South County Road
Hardin, IL 62047

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Calhoun County Jail
301 South County Road
Hardin, IL 62047

The Calhoun County Jail inmate mail policy can change, so we suggest that you check the official website when you send a letter.

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If you have been arrested, you have rights, the first of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so it is important to have a friend or family member locate an attorney when you call. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal lawyer will advise you about your rights, protect your interests and help you navigate through the legal system in Calhoun County. The sooner you get an attorney working on your charges, the better off you’ll be.

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

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender Office has access to independent investigators, forensics experts and social workers. All Public Defenders are actual attorneys, admitted to the Illinois State Bar Association and are licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court records are a matter of public record. Court records include a court case file containing a docket and all documents and motions filed in the case. You are able to access your court records using the Calhoun County website, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that maintains the records. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records related to your court case are kept at Calhoun County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees and costs are the costs associated with your court case, such as for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you are low income and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

The Calhoun County court magistrate is the judge that rules on your court case. Magistrates do several different things, which include setting bail amounts, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together with information about your background and details of the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate will take into account when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Keep in mind that you can ask to have a copy of this report prior to sentencing, so you can go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

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

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

To find this out you should access the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

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

If you think this person is in jail, you can call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check the court records on the Calhoun County jail website or call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and inquire at the information desk. Bear in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

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

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, like court orders. You can find these by contacting the Calhoun County Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be listed and registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view this information on the internet, but you should know that you will not be able to see the precise address, but only the block that they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a court case file that includes a docket and any filings and documents filed in your case. You can access court records online, or at the Calhoun County Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal background. These databases are all linked and you can track criminal convictions from any other state. You are able to go to the courthouse and check in person or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you can 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.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, in most cases won’t find out if they have had any moving violations, like:

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

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

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it a difficult process? Did you search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that people look up criminal records, and your feedback might make it easier for others.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Calhoun County, the Calhoun County Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that serving a jail sentence in the Calhoun County jail is quite unpleasant, soon you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. All inmates get a wake-up alarm at 6:00am, and then roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will be required to work 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 Calhoun 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 Calhoun 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 procedure to send money to jail inmates changes, so it would be best to check the the Calhoun County Jail website when you send any money.


Commissary

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

Inmate Medications

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

Meals

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

Pods / The Yard

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

Gangs

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


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Calhoun County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Calhoun 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 Calhoun 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 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 Calhoun County Jail? Do you know someone there? Have you ever visited a prisoner there?

If so, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Write down what you experienced so others can find out what to expect.

Things you could put in what you write:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail 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 Calhoun County Jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How has this experience impacted your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Are you trying to talk to a person you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

Post a message to someone at Calhoun County Jail

Links and Resources

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

Calhoun County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Calhoun County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Find an inmate at Calhoun County Jail
Calhoun County Jail Warrant Inquiry Link
Calhoun County Jail Arrest Lookup
Calhoun County Jail Send Money Procedure
Jobs at Calhoun County Jail


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