Cook County Department Of Corrections – Chicago, IL

Cook County Department Of Corrections is located in Cook County and is the main jail for the county. Looking for someone in jail at Cook County Department Of Corrections? This site gives you information about everything you might want to know about Cook County Department Of Corrections,such as: How to do a jail inmate search. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And much, much more.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to give you all the information that you need to make helping someone get out of jail less stressful. If you have questions, just ask it, and also any feedback or comments that would help other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is locked up and don’t know how to find out where they are?

Has someone who’s been arrested and you want to find them?

In order to search who is in jail at Cook County Department Of Corrections you need to click on their link and use the inmate search.

The Cook County Department Of Corrections Inmate List has information on people who have been arrested and are in jail, including current status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. Also, you can find the same information for anyone arrested and processed or discharged within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to get their arrest information faster if you have the arrestee’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If your friend or loved one might be at another county jail you will want to look here: List of all county jails in Illinois

A mugshot, or jail booking photo, is the picture taken by the police during jail intake processing. They will take one frontal photo and a profile picture. Your name and jail ID number will be on the mugshot, and they will be stored at the jail.

Mugshots of Cook County Department Of Corrections inmates are on the website, or you can see them in person at the Cook County Department Of Corrections. When you search for mugshots on the website you have to put in their legal name, and a booking date, if you know it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot erased from the Cook County Department Of Corrections site? This can be tricky, because the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you have to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that your arrest record would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

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

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Once you’re incarcerated, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail amount is determined by a special judge called a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you will have to agree to be there for your court date, and until then you are required not to leave the area.

In most cases, a prisoner in the Cook County Department Of Corrections are given early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while incarcerated.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be granted work release. Either you will have to return to jail at the end of the day after work, or you might have the chance to move to a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will be required to pay depends on the seriousness of your crime. Someone you know will need to pay 10 percent of the total that was set before you can get out of jail. If you don’t show up for court, the person that paid your bail won’t get the bail money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the Cook County Department Of Corrections or the County Courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they will let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

Posting bail to get out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but thankfully, it is easy if you have the money. To start with, you need to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If so, you won’t be able to use the services of a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail can’t take a check. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be released into your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you will get this money back.

If bail is set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually have 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. This is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman might request to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

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

Have you ever used a bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you will answer a number of questions, such as what is your full legal name, your address, birthdate and an emergency contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• You will be allowed to use the phone to get in touch with a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, they will let you wear your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take? Were you treated fairly? Can you tell us tips that could help others make it through jail intake?

Click here to tell your story

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged from jail can take from 30 minutes to hours or even all day long. In other words the quicker bail is posted, the quicker you can get released from jail. Also, how fast you get released will depend on if you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a judge needs to figure out the amount of bail to be set. For a minor offense, you will get booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served your sentence and have a release date, plan to get discharged between 9am and noon.

If there is a, or if you have to begin your sentence in jail, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail intake area, and tell an officer that you think there is a warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if you do, you will be taken into jail custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring things that are allowed when you go, such as your driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the official sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s names will be put in a Visiting log as an Authorized visit. All visitors must provide acceptable photo identification. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures change often, so we suggest that you double-check the official site before you try to visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are usually more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules, phone calls could be reduced or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

Phone Number: 773-674-7100

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be mailed using the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of mail delivery. Clearly print the prisoner’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t send a package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail gets opened and inspected and read by the officers at the jail, and will get sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

The mailing address for Cook County Department Of Corrections is:

Cook County Department Of Corrections
2700 South California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Cook County Department Of Corrections
2700 South California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608

The mail policy at Cook County Department Of Corrections can change, so it would be best to review the the Cook County Department Of Corrections website before you send a letter.

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When you’ve been arrested, you have certain rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to have a friend or family member locate an attorney for you. You might be thinking ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, look after your best interests and help you find your way through the complicated legal system that you are now faced with. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your case, the better your chances.

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

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender has access to independent investigators, forensics experts as well as case workers. All Public Defenders are licensed attorneys who are members of the Illinois State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law.

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

All court records are a matter of public record. They have a file with a docket sheet and all documents filed in the case. You, and anyone else, can access your court records via the internet service, or at the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Cook County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who maintains court records. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and also read the jury’s verdict. All records related to your case are maintained at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees and costs are all costs from your case, such as filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The Cook County court magistrate is the type of judge who presides on your case. Magistrates are judges that do several different things, which include setting bail, writing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the judge will review and take into consideration when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Bear in mind that you can ask to get your own copy of this report before your sentencing, and make sure that you correct any mistakes that it contains.

After being convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, which include community service to probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you might get locked up immediately, or you could be given a date to report to jail to serve your sentence.

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

You can just query the Cook County jail website, and search by:

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

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants on the 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 them. Bear in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

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

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, such as warrants. You can access civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All registered sex offenders must be registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You can access sex offenders online, but remember that you will not find the exact address, but only the block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. They include a case file that includes a docket sheet and any of the documents and filings filed in your court case. You are able to access court records on the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the county where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of a person’s criminal background. These online databases are linked together so you can track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You can go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It helps to know the county, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you can find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any crimes, which can include:

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

When you do a criminal history search, usually won’t discover if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records, and your comments might make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Cook County, the Cook County Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Cook County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in the Cook County jail is quite unpleasant, you will soon settle into the routine that is set for you. You should expect an alarm for wake-up every morning at six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. After breakfast, participate in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 Cook County Department Of Corrections, 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 Cook County Department Of Corrections 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 funds to someone in jail at Cook County Department Of Corrections is always changing, so be sure to double check the official Cook County Department Of Corrections 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 Cook County Department Of Corrections

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Cook County Department Of Corrections, 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 Cook County Department Of Corrections

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 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:

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

The definition of victim includes:

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

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

Victim Notification

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

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

Speak Your Mind

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 at this jail? Do you know someone that spent time there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at this jail?

If yes, then please tell us about it. Write down what you experienced so other people can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to write in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate activities and programs


Write a Review of Cook County Department Of Corrections

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. How’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? How was life in jail? What were the other inmates like? How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you want to find out how to get in touch with somebody you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to someone at Cook County Department Of Corrections

Links and Resources

Main Cook County Department Of Corrections Website
Cook County Department Of Corrections Inmate Search
Cook County Department Of Corrections Mugshots
Cook County Department Of Corrections Bail Amount Link

Cook County Department Of Corrections Visitation Procedures
Cook County Department Of Corrections Mail Policy
Cook County Department Of Corrections Inmate Search
Cook County Warrants
Cook County Department Of Corrections Arrest Inquiry
Cook County Department Of Corrections Send Money Procedure
Jobs at Cook County Department Of Corrections


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