Fayette County Jail – Vandalia, IL

Fayette County Jail is located in Fayette County and is the primary jail for that region. Are you looking for someone locked up in Fayette County Jail? This site gives you info about anything related to Fayette County Jail,like the following: How to locate an inmate at Fayette County Jail. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And much more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary thought, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also their family and friends. This guide is meant to give information and advice you need to make going to jail less stressful. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any feedback or comments that could be a benefit to other people in the same situation would be much appreciated.

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

Has someone that has been arrested and you need to locate them?

To search who is in jail at Fayette County Jail you should navigate to their link and perform an inmate search.

The Fayette County Jail Inmate List has information on persons who are in jail, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. Also, you can find information on anyone processed or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to get their inmate information more quickly if you enter your friend or family member’s full name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member may be incarcerated at a different jail you can look here: Other Jails in Illinois

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing photo, is the photograph taken by the police when you get booked into jail. They take one and a side picture. Your full name and jail ID number will be on the mugshot, and they are stored at the jail.

Mugshots can be searched on the Fayette County Jail website, or you can go in person to the Fayette County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to put in the person’s full name, and a booking date.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to have your mugshot removed from the Fayette County Jail site? This can be tricky, as your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

Return To Main Menu

Naturally, once you are locked up, your only thought is about getting out. After you’ve been booked, a bail amount is determined by the magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this may mean that you will either be released, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you will have to promise to be there for your court date, and until that date you will not be permitted to leave the county.

In most cases, inmates in the Fayette County Jail are given time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and area a good inmate while incarcerated.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to do work release. You will either have to return to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you might get to move into a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is money that you are required to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. Your bail amount depends on how serious your charges are. Someone will have to post 10 percent of the total amount that was set before you can get out of jail. If you don’t show up for your court date, that person will lose all of the bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the Fayette County Jail. If know the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can check their bail amount and status online.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but most of the time, it’s easy if you have the money. First, find out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you won’t be able to use a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail won’t accept a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the inmate will be released into your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and sometimes charge a minimum fee of $100. This will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If bail is very large, the bondsman will usually ask to use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To contact a local bail bondsman visit our page about: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to tell about all about it

• Early Release For Good Behavior
• Get Out on Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• House Arrest
• Own Recognizance

Return To Main Menu

The intake process includes each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you will have to answer some simple questions, such as what your legal name is, street address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will get to use the telephone to contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, they will let you wear your own clothes, otherwise you will be given a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please tell us what happened. How long did it take? How did the guards treat you? Do you have any secrets that could help other people get through jail intake?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you pay your bail, you will get discharged from jail. This process can take anywhere between 30 minutes to quite a few hours. So, the faster you post bail, the faster you will get discharged. How quickly you get discharged might depend on if you have a cash bond or if the magistrate must decide on your bail amount. For minor charges, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and are given a date of your release, you should plan to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you must begin your jail sentence, you really should follow the rules and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail intake center, and tell the intake officer that believe that there could be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. A record check will be run, and if so, they will take you into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go down to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Make sure that you are not late to report. Only bring necessary items when you go, such as your driver’s license or ID, prescription medication, as well as an official sentencing order.

To have visitors, you have to list each visitor’s name to the jail in advance. This information will be entered in the log for the inmate. Each visitor has to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone arriving late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Jail visitation policies can change, so make sure that you check the official site before you go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Jail phone calls are usually pricier than regular phone calls. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the jail rules, phone calls might get reduced or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: (618) 283-2141

All mall sent to inmates is required to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You must not use any other method of mail or package delivery. You should print the person’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the envelope. Do not send anything in a package, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail will be opened and read by the jail officers, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

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

Fayette County Jail
221 S. 7Th Street, Room 500
Vandalia, IL 62471

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Fayette County Jail
221 S. 7Th Street, Room 500
Vandalia, IL 62471

The inmate mail policy at Fayette County Jail changes often, so be sure to check the the Fayette County Jail website before you send a letter.

Return To Main Menu

If you get arrested, you still have certain rights, and an important one is the right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to ask a friend or family member to find a lawyer for you. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and show you the way through the complicated legal system in your county. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better.

For more detailed information on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, go to: How to Find a Lawyer in Fayette County

If you cannot afford an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. Also, the Public Defender Office has access to independent investigators, forensics experts as well as social case workers. All Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers that are members of the State Bar and are licensed to practice law in Illinois.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

All court records are public records. They include a file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents in your case. You are able to access your court case records using the online service, or at the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath in a court case, and also read the jury’s verdict. All records associated with your case are kept at Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges from your case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Fayette County court magistrate is the person that presides on your case. Magistrate judges do different tasks, such as determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants for arrest, and overseeing initial court appearances and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared with background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate judge will review when deciding on the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be requested from the defendant, his or her family members, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember that you should request to receive a copy of the report before sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct any mistakes that it contains.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you will either be locked up immediately, or you could receive a date that you must go to jail to serve your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Do you want to find out if someone is currently in jail, or has ever been locked up?

To do so, you will have to query the jail’s website, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

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

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants on the website or you are able to call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. You should be clear that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

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

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, like court orders. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All convicted 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 see this information on the internet, but remember that you will not see the precise address, rather the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. These records include a case file that contains a docket sheet and any of the filings and documents filed in your court case. You are able to access your court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal past. These databases are all linked and you can track criminal histories from any other state. You can go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal history search you can find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any of the following crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually will not see if that person had:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this kind of information, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it an easy process? Did you search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal records, and your feedback might help other people.

Post A Comment

Most Wanted

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

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Fayette County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in Fayette County Jail is no fun, soon you will get accustomed to the routine that is set for you in jail. You will get a wake-up alarm each morning at six in the morning, and then roll call. Then you will have breakfast. When you finish eating 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 Fayette 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 Fayette County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The process for sending money to someone in jail at Fayette County Jail is always changing, so be sure to visit the site before you send funds to an inmate there.


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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Fayette County Jail

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

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


Return To Main Menu

Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to leave a comment


Return To Main Menu

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:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims 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.

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.


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been a prisoner in Fayette County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at this jail?

If you have, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Write down your experience because others will know what to expect.

What to write in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Programs and activities


Speak Your Mind

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? What happened to you while you were locked up? What about the other inmates? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Click here to tell your story about Fayette County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Trying to talk to somebody you met in jail? Post a message to them below.

Send a message to people incarcerated at Fayette County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Fayette County Jail Link
Fayette County Jail Inmate Search Link
Fayette County Jail Mugshots
Fayette County Jail Bail Link

Fayette County Jail Visitation Procedures
Fayette County Jail Mail Policy
Find an inmate at Fayette County Jail
Fayette County Warrant Lookup
Fayette County Jail Arrest Lookup
Fayette County Jail Send Money Procedure
Fayette County Jail Employment


Return To Main Menu
658