Champaign County Jail – Urbana, IL

Champaign County Jail is located in Champaign County, IL and is the correctional facility for that area. Looking for someone locked up at Champaign County Jail? This page gives you information about everything one might want to know about Champaign County Jail,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Champaign County Jail intake procedures. Champaign County court information. And everything else.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting situation, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also that person’s friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to offer information that you’ll need to make getting locked up easier. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask it, and please leave any comments or tips that could be beneficial to other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that has gone to jail and need to contact them?

Has a friend or family member that has been arrested and you don’t know how to locate them?

In order to look up who’s in jail at Champaign County Jail you will have to click on their web site and use the inmate lookup.

The Champaign County Jail Inmate List is an online list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, including status, how much their bail is, and times you can visit. Also, you are able to get information about anyone arrested and booked or released within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You can locate the information quicker if you enter the arrestee’s name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or loved one is incarcerated at a different jail you can check our Illinois county jail guide: List of all county jails in Illinois

A mugshot, also known as a booking photo, is a picture taken by the police when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is actually one face photo and a side photo. Your full name and booking number will be on the mugshot, and they’re stored.

Mugshots of Champaign County Jail prisoners are on the Champaign County Jail website, or you can view them at the Champaign County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to input the prisoner’s legal name, and the arrest date, if you have one.

Trying to figure out how to get your mugshot taken down from the Champaign County Jail website? This may not be possible, as the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be accessible. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Obviously, once you’re arrested and put in jail, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount is determined by a special judge called a magistrate. 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 don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you will have to promise to show up for court, and in the meantime you are not permitted to leave the area.

In most cases, inmates in the Champaign County Jail will be given time off for good behavior when they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while they’re in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be allowed to participate in work release. Either you will have to stay the jail each day when you’re finished with work, or you might get to sleep in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay is dictated by how serious your charges are. You will need to put up 10 percent of the total that was set in order for you to bail out of jail. If you fail to show up for your court date, that person won’t get their money back.

You need to call the Champaign County Jail. If know the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will let you know the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Champaign County Jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is no fun, but most of the time, it is easy. First, you need to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If so, you will not be able to use a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they will not take a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the prisoner will be released to your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and sometimes with a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman will usually request to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral.

To contact a bail bondsman click here: Bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The intake process includes these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you will answer some simple questions, like what is your full name, address, date of birth and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will allow you to use the telephone so you can contact family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• 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, otherwise you will be given a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get processed? Were you treated fairly? Can you share any things that could help other people get through jail processing?

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Once bail has been posted, you will get discharged from jail. The discharge process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to all day long. Or, simply, the faster bail is posted, the faster you will be released. Also, it will depend on if you’ve got a cash bond amount or if the magistrate must decide on the amount of bail to be set. For minor offenses, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served your sentence and are given a discharge date, you should plan to be discharged that morning.

In the event there is a, or if you must start a jail sentence, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go to the jail, and tell the intake officer that you think there may be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, 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 on the date and time that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Make sure that you only bring necessary items when you turn yourself in, like your driver’s license or photo ID, prescription medication, as well as the official sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must give information about each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. This information will go in a log of approved visitors for the requesting inmate. Each and every visitor must provide proof of identification. Visitors that gets to visitation or that is not an approved visitor will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures can change, so it would be wise to double-check the official Champaign County Jail jail site before you go.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are typically more expensive than phone calls made at home. There is no limit to when and how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s phone privileges might get cut back or forbidden completely.

The Champaign County Jail phone number is: 217-384-1243

All mall sent to inmates must be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other method of delivery. You have to write or type the person’s name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the envelope. Do not send a package, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail will be opened and inspected and read by the jail administration, and will get sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Champaign County Jail is:

Champaign County Jail
502 S Lierman Ave
Urbana, IL 61802

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Champaign County Jail
502 S Lierman Ave
Urbana, IL 61802

The mail policy changes, so you should check the official website before you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you have been arrested, you still have rights, one of these being your right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure you have a friend or family member locate a lawyer when you call them. You might be thinking ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal attorney can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and help you navigate the legal system in your county. The sooner you get a lawyer involved with your charges, the better.

For more detailed information on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, read: How to Find an Attorney in Champaign County

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are real attorneys that are members of the Illinois State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law in Illinois.

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

All court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. Court records are comprised of a case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the motions, documents, and evidence filed in the case. You are able to access your court records via the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains the records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence related to your case are kept and available to you at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges from your case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The magistrate is the judge that presides on your case in court. Magistrate judges do different functions, like deciding a bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over first court appearances and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared with information about your background and details of the defendant’s life history, which the magistrate will take into account when determining the sentence. Information will be requested from the person on trial, his or her family, and if necessary the victim. Be sure to remember you are able to request to have your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you can correct any inaccurate information.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, including community service to probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you will either be taken into custody immediately, or given a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if somebody you know is in jail, or has ever been in jail?

You can just visit the jail’s website, and search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you should call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you are able to check the arrest warrants inquiry online or call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the Champaign County jail, by phone, go there in person, or look online. Records of arrests are public record and this information is accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, such as court orders. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders must be registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to see these listings online, but you should know that you won’t get the precise address, just the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a case file containing a docket and all documents filed in your case. You are able to access your court records on the website, or at Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of people’s criminal past. These databases are all connected so you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. You are able to go to the Champaign County Courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you might have to pay for a more intensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you can find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for the following crimes:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you generally won’t be able to find out if someone has had any:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving records, you must do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal records, and your story might help other people.

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Champaign County,The Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

Champaign County Top 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 Champaign County Jail is no fun, you will soon get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. You should expect an alarm to wake up every morning at 6:00 AM, and then you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. After breakfast, you will be required 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 Champaign 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 Champaign 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 money to jail inmates could change, so you should review the official Champaign County Jail site before you send funds to an inmate.


Commissary

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

Inmate Medications

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

Meals

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

Pods / The Yard

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

Gangs

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


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Champaign County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Champaign 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 Champaign 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:

• 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 post 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 a prisoner in this jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever visited someone at this jail?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to write your review about it. Tell us about your jail experience because other people will know what to expect.

Things you can put in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Click here to write your review of Champaign County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has a story to tell. How’d you get locked up? Were you fairly treated? What was it like in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

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

Send a message to Champaign County Jail

Links and Resources

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

Champaign County Jail Visitation
Champaign County Jail Jail Mail Link
Champaign County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Champaign County Jail Warrant Inquiry Link
Champaign County Jail Arrests
Send Money to an Inmate at Champaign County Jail
Champaign County Jail Employment


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