Lake County Jail – Waukegan, IL

Lake County Jail is located in Lake County, Illinois and is the correctional facility for that area. Looking for somebody incarcerated at Lake County Jail? This site gives you info about everything related to Lake County Jail,like the following: How to locate an inmate at Lake County Jail. How to view Lake County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary and daunting situation, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also that person’s family and friends. The goal of this guide is to give you all the info that you’ll need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask it, and any comments or tips that might be beneficial to others is welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is locked up and don’t know how to locate them?

Has a friend or family member that has been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

To search who is in jail at Lake County Jail you should navigate to their web site and do an inmate lookup.

The Lake County Jail Inmate List is a list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, including current status, bail amount, and schedule for visitation. You can get the same information on anybody booked or discharged within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You can locate their inmate information more quickly if you have their name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for might be in a different jail you can look here, too: Illinois County Jails

A mugshot, also known as a booking photo, is the photograph that the jail takes when you are booked into jail. They take one frontal photo and a side picture. Your full name and jail booking number will appear on the pictures, and they are kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots can be seen on the Lake County Jail website, or you can view them at the Lake County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you have to input the full name, and an arrest date, if you have one.

Are you trying to have your mugshot taken down from the Lake County Jail site? This will be difficult, because the mugshot is a public record. You will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that your arrest record would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Of course, once you’re in jail, your only thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail will be determined by a special judge called a magistrate. If there is no bail set this can mean that you will either be released, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released you must agree to be there for your court date, and until then you will not be permitted to leave the area.

In most cases, a prisoner can earn an early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and act right while in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be allowed to do work release. Either you will have to return to jail each day when you’re finished with work, or you might have the chance to move to a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay in order to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you have to pay depends on the crime you are charged with. You or someone you know will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total set before you can get discharged from jail. If you don’t go to court, whoever paid your bail will lose all of the bail money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail must call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know the bail amount. You can also check their bail amount and status online.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but fortunately, it is easy. First, figure out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you can’t use the services of a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail won’t accept a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you just don’t have the money, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and usually with a minimum charge of $100. This money will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman will in these cases ask to use your personal assets as collateral.

You can find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to tell about all about it

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

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The jail intake process includes each of the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first thing you will have to is you have to answer some basic questions, such as your full name, street address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and mental history.
• You will be given an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get released.
• You will then be allowed to make a phone call so you can contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, they will let you skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be issued a jail jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, please tell us how it happened. How long did it take? What was your treatment like? Do you know any tips that might help others to get through the process?

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When you finally post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged may take between 10 minutes to all day. In simple terms, the faster bail is posted, the sooner you can get released from jail. How quickly you get discharged depends on if you’ve been given a cash bond or if the magistrate must determine your bail amount. For minor charges, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a discharge date, plan to get released in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you need to start your sentence, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, report to the jail processing area, and tell the intake officer that believe that there could be 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, you will be taken into jail custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Make sure that you only bring necessary items with you, for example your driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, and a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must provide the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s information will go in the visitation log as an approved visitor. Each and every visitor will have to provide proof of identification. Any visitors that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures change often, so it would be wise to review the official jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are typically pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the rules, phone privileges might get cut back or cut altogether.

The Lake County Jail phone number is: 866-566-8439

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be mailed using 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 print the name, inmate number, and the jail address on the letter that you send. Do not mail a package or box, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail sent to inmates will be opened and read by the jail staff, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Lake County Jail:

Lake County Jail
20 South County Street
Waukegan, IL 60079

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Lake County Jail
20 South County Street
Waukegan, IL 60079

The Lake County Jail inmate mail policy changes frequently, so it would be best to check the site when you send a letter.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, the first of which is your right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so it is a good idea to get a friend or family member to locate an attorney for you. You’re probably asking yourself ‘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 lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and help you find your way through the court system in Lake County. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your situation, the better your chances.

For more detailed information on how to find an attorney, read our guide: How to Find an Attorney

If you can’t afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. Also, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, experts in forensics as well as case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys who are admitted to the Illinois State Bar Association and are legally licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Court records are a matter of public record. Court records include a case file containing a docket sheet and every motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed in your case. You, and anyone else, can access your court case records using the website, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court.

The Lake County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who maintains the records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All court records from your court case are kept at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the fees and charges associated with your court case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

A Magistrate is the judge that will preside over your court case. Magistrates do different tasks, such as deciding a bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include background information and information about the defendant’s life history, which the magistrate will review when determining a sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be requested from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Remember you are able to ask to have your own copy of this report before you are sentenced, so you can correct any mistakes that it contains.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you could be locked up immediately, or given a date that you must to surrender and report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if somebody you know is currently in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do this, you should access the jail website and do an inmate search, and search by:

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

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

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Lake County court website or you are able to call the jail. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask one of the officers. You should be clear that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the Lake County jail, by phone, go there in person, or look online. Arrest records are in the public record and this information is accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, like a court order. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Lake County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders must be registered and listed on both a national and 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 this information on the internet but bear in mind that you can’t see the exact address, but only the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a case file that includes a court docket and any of the documents filed in the case. You can access your court records on the website, or at the Lake County Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of someone’s criminal background. These databases are all connected and you can track criminal histories from another state. Go to the Lake County 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 a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal history search you can find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for the following crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you will not find out if that person has had:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving histories, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How easy was it? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the jail? Was it correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal records, and your comments could help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Lake County, the Lake County Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

Lake County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in Lake County Jail is very scary, in time you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. Inmates get an alarm for wake-up at about 6:00 AM, and then roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. Following breakfast you will have 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 Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake County Jail inmates might change, so we suggest that you visit the official Lake 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Lake County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Lake 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 Lake 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.


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Family Resources

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

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

Click here to post a comment


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Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

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

The definition of victim includes:

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

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

Victim Notification

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

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

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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 spent any time at this jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at Lake County Jail?

If your answer is yes, then you should tell us about it. Write down your experience so other people can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to include in your review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates.
• Safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story about it. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Tell Your Story About Lake County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you want to say wassup to somebody you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to Lake County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Lake County Jail Link
Lake County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Lake County Jail Mugshots
Lake County Jail Bail Link

Lake County Jail Visitation
Lake County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Locate an inmate at Lake County Jail
Lake County Jail Warrant Inquiry Link
Lake County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Money to an Inmate at Lake County Jail
Jobs at Lake County Jail


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