Franklin County Jail – Benton, IL

Franklin County Jail is located in Franklin County and is the primary correctional facility for this county. Do you know someone locked up in Franklin County Jail? This guide tells you all about anything you might need to know about Franklin County Jailsuch as the following: How to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Franklin County Jail intake procedures. Court information. And lots more.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary idea, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to give info that you’ll need to make the process less stressful. If you have a question, just ask them, and also any feedback or comments that might help other people in the same situation will be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is incarcerated and want to contact them?

Do you know a family member or friend that’s been arrested and you need to locate them?

To find out who’s in jail at Franklin County Jail you have to go to their web site and perform an inmate search.

The Franklin County Jail Inmate Search is a list of persons who have been arrested, which includes status, how much their bail is, and times you can visit. You can also get the same information about anyone arrested and booked or discharged in the last 24 hours. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to get their arrest information quicker if you’ve got their first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the person you’re searching for might be locked up at a different jail you can check the other Illinois county jails in our Illinois County Jail Guide: Other County Jails in Illinois

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing photo, is the photo that the jail takes during jail intake processing. They will take one full face and a side-view photo. Your name and jail booking number will be in the mugshot, and they’re stored at the jail.

Mugshots of inmates can be found on the Franklin County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Franklin County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to input the first and last name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot erased from the Franklin County Jail website? This is difficult, as the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about getting your mugshot removed, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

Return To Main Menu

Of course, if you are in jail, your main thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail will be determined by a special judge called a magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you must agree to be in court on your court date, and until that date you can’t go out of town.

Usually, a prisoner will be given time off in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and act right while in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be granted work release. You will either have to return to the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you could have the chance to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is money that you are required to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. Your bail amount all depends on what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You will need to pay 10% of the amount set in order for you to get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, that person will not get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you need to call the Franklin County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. You can also see the bail amount on the Franklin County Jail site.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but fortunately, it’s really easy. First, figure out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you won’t be able to use a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail will not accept a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the prisoner will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. They will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and sometimes with a minimum fee of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman will usually require that they use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To contact a bail bondsman go to: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to comment

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

Return To Main Menu

The intake process includes each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is really busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• Firstly, you have to answer some questions, like what is your full name, your address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• They will let you make a phone call so you can talk to a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, they will let you wear your own clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jail uniform.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? What was your treatment like? Can you tell us secrets that might help other people to get through jail processing?

Tell Your Story

When you post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged will take anywhere from 10 minutes to many hours. In simple terms, the faster you post bail, the quicker you can get released from jail. How quickly you get discharged might depend on whether or not you’ve got a bond amount or if the magistrate must determine how much your bail will be. For lesser charges, you will get booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a date of your release, plan to be released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

out against you, or if you have to report to start a sentence, you should do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. For a warrant, report to the jail, and let them know that you think there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if there is one, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. When reporting to serve a sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Be sure to only bring allowed items with you, like your driver’s license or your ID, prescription medication, as well as the copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s names will go in a Visiting log as an authorized visitor. Every visitor must provide a photo ID when visiting. Visitors that arrives for visitation late or that is not an approved visitor will be turned away.
Visitation procedures can change, so visit the official site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . These phone calls are a lot more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on when and how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you are disciplined for an infraction, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get reduced or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The Franklin County Jail phone number is: 618-438-8211

All mall sent to inmates has to be sent using the actual US Postal Service. You must not use any other method of delivery. Clearly write or type the inmate’s name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t mail anything in a box or package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail gets opened and examined and read by the jail staff, and the mail will be returned to the sender if they decide it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Franklin County Jail:

Franklin County Jail
202 West Main St.
Benton, IL 62812

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Franklin County Jail
202 West Main St.
Benton, IL 62812

The mail policy changes often, so it would be best to visit the official website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

Return To Main Menu

Even if you’ve been arrested, you have certain rights, the first of which is your right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to ask a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you talk to them. You may be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal lawyer will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and help you find your way through the legal system that you are now faced with. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better off you’ll be.

For more information about how to find an attorney, go to: How to Find an Attorney in Franklin County

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has access to private investigators, forensics experts as well as social case workers. Public Defenders are real attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know had to use the services of a Public Defender? What was your experience?

Court records are public records and are available upon request. They contain a court case file containing a docket and each of the motions, documents, and evidence in your case. You, and anyone else, can access the records and documents in your court case via the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Franklin County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages the records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the jury’s verdict. All court records related to your court case are kept and available to you at Franklin County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees and costs are the costs associated with your case, which include filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The magistrate is the person that rules on your case. They do many different things, like setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about your background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will review when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the person on trial, their family, and in some cases the victim. Be sure to remember you are able to request to see your own copy of your pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you get the chance to correct any inaccurate information.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service to probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you may be taken into custody immediately, or given a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Are you trying to find out if some you know is incarcerated, or has been an inmate in the past?

To find this out just access the jail’s website, and search by:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their 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 think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants on the Franklin County court website or you can call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. You should know that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, on the phone, in person, or you can check online. Arrest records are public record and this is accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Franklin County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders are registered and listed on a sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You can access sex offenders online, but you should know that you will not be able to get the actual address, rather the address block they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a case file containing a court docket and all documents and filings filed in your case. You can access court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the Franklin County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of people’s criminal background. These state databases are linked together so you can track criminal backgrounds from another state. Go to county courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

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

• DUI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

During a criminal records search, usually will not find out if someone has had any moving violations, like:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving histories, you must do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it an easy process? Did you do your search online or did you call the Franklin County courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments may make it easier for others.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Franklin County, the Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link

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


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in Franklin County Jail is very scary, eventually you will get accustomed to the routine that is set for you in jail. You will get an alarm for wake-up every morning at 6:00AM, and then roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. After 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 Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Franklin County Jail can change, so be sure to check the official Franklin County Jail site before you send money 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 Franklin County Jail

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

• 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.

Click here to 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 incarcerated in Franklin County Jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at Franklin County Jail?

If yes, then you should write your review about it. Write about your jail experience so that other people can find out what to expect.

Things you might want to include in the review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner activities and programs


Click here to write a review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story to tell. Why were you locked up? Were you mistreated? How was life in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Trying to find out how to get in touch with somebody you met when you were locked up? Write your message below.

Send a message

Links and Resources

Main Franklin County Jail Website
Franklin County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Franklin County Jail Mugshots
Franklin County Jail Bail Amount Link

Franklin County Jail Visitation Procedures
Franklin County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Franklin County Jail Inmate Search
Franklin County Warrant Lookup
Franklin County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Funds to an Inmate at Franklin County Jail
Franklin County Jail Jobs


Return To Main Menu
660