Livingston County Jail – Pontiac, IL

Livingston County Jail is in Livingston County and is the primary jail for that area. Know somebody in jail at Livingston County Jail? This site tells you all about anything one might want to know about Livingston County Jail,like: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures and booking. Livingston County court information. And lots more.

The prospect of going to jail is a scary situation, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family and friends. This guide is designed to give information and tips you need to make getting locked up less stressful. If you have a specific question, just ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or feedback that could be a benefit to other people in the same situation is welcome.

Do you have a friend or family member that is incarcerated and don’t know how to find them?

Do you know a family member or friend that has been arrested and you want to locate them?

To see who is in jail at Livingston County Jail you need to visit their web site and do an inmate search.

The Livingston County Jail Inmate Search is a list of people who have been arrested, which includes current status, how much their bail is, and visiting hours. You can also get the same information for anybody arrested and booked or discharged within the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to find their arrest information more quickly if you have your friend or family member’s first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for might be at another jail you should check our guide to other Illinois jails: List of all county jails in Illinois

A mugshot, also known as a intake photo, is a picture that the jail takes when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is actually one and a profile photo. Your name and intake number will appear on the mugshot, and they will be on file at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched on the Livingston County Jail website, or you can view them at the Livingston County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to put in the legal name, and the arrest date.

Are you trying to get your mugshot erased from the Livingston County Jail website? This will be difficult, since your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot removed, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Of course, once you are locked up, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, bail is determined using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If you don’t get a bail set this might mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you are required to agree to be in court on your court date, and until then you must not leave the county.

Usually, an inmate are given an early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be granted work release. Either you will have to return to the jail each day after work, or you might be allowed to move to a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail until your trial. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by the crime you are charged with. Someone will have to post 10 percent of the total set before you can bail out of jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, whoever put up your bail money won’t get their money back.

You will need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they will tell you the bail amount. You can also see the bail amount online.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, it is easy if you have the money. First of all, you need to know if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you won’t be able to get a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they can’t accept a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be discharged. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get the bail money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. They will generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and sometimes charge a minimum fee of $100. This money is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman might require that they use assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To talk to a local bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman at Livingston County Jail

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out.

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

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The intake process is made up of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first thing you will have to is you must answer some simple questions, like your full legal name, address, birthdate and a contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get released.
• You will be allowed to make a telephone call in order to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you will be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? What was your treatment like? Can you tell us things that could help others make it through the process?

Click here to leave a comment

Once bail has been posted, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged will take anywhere between 15 minutes to many hours. So, the quicker you post bail, the quicker you will get discharged from jail. Also, it depends on whether or not you have a cash bond or if the magistrate must figure out how much your bail will be. For a minor offense, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a date of your release, plan to be discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

If there is a, or if you need to begin your sentence in jail, it is highly recommended that you follow the rules and turn yourself in willingly. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail intake center, and let them know that think that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if so, they will take you into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go down to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Ensure that you are not late. Make sure that you only bring things that are allowed with you, for example your driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a sentencing order from court.

Inmates must list the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will be put into a log of approved visitors as an authorized visitor. Each visitor is required to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone showing up late or that is not an approved visitor will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures frequently change, so you should visit the official jail site before you go to visitation.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are much pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules and are disciplined, your ability to use the phone might get cut back or forbidden completely.

Phone Number: 815-844-2774

All inmate mail has to be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You shouldn’t use any other type of mail or package delivery. You should write or type the person’s name, inmate ID number, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Do not mail a box, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail sent to inmates gets opened and read by the jail officers, and will get returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

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

Livingston County Jail
844 W. Lincoln St.
Pontiac, IL 61764

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Livingston County Jail
844 W. Lincoln St.
Pontiac, IL 61764

The Livingston County Jail inmate mail policy can change, so you should check the the Livingston County Jail website before you send a letter.

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When you get arrested, you have particular rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure to have a friend or relative locate a lawyer for you. You might be asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and help you find your way through the court system in your county. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better off you’ll be.

To read more about how to find a lawyer, go to: Find an Attorney

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers, 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 a Public Defender? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court records are public records. Court records include a file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all motions, documents, and evidence filed during your court case. You, and anyone else, can access the records and documents in your court case via the website, or at the Livingston County Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All court records from your court case are kept at the Livingston County Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the charges and fees from your court case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various 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.

A Magistrate acts as the judge that presides on your case in court. Magistrates do several different things, like setting bail amounts, issuing warrants, and presiding over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared with information about your background and information about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate judge will take into account when deciding on the sentence. Information will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Remember that you should ask to get a copy of this report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to correct any inaccurate information.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, which include community service to probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, you might get locked up immediately, or you could be given a date that you must to surrender and report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if some you know is incarcerated in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you need to access the Livingston County jail website, and search by:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants inquiry on the Livingston County jail website or call the court directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. You should be clear that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or you can check online. Arrest records are in the public record and the information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, which can be warrants. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders have to be listed and registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You can access these offenders online, but keep in mind that you can’t get the actual address, but only the address block that they live on.

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

Each and every state maintains records of someone’s criminal background. These online databases are connected so you can track criminal convictions from another state. You can go to courthouse and inquire, or check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you will find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, you generally won’t learn if someone had:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving histories, you have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it an easy process? Did you search online or did you make a phone call to the courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your feedback may help other people.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Livingston County, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

Livingston County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of getting locked up in the Livingston County jail is no fun, in time you will settle into the routine that is set for you in jail. All inmates get a wake-up alarm at 6:00am, and next they’ll do roll call. Then you will get breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will have 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 someone in jail might change, so visit the the Livingston County Jail website when send funds to someone in jail 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 Livingston County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Livingston 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 Livingston 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 tell your story


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• 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.

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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 been locked up in Livingston County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited an inmate at Livingston County Jail?

If you have, then you should write your review about it. Write down what you experienced so others can learn what to expect.

What to put in your review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has a story about it. How’d you get locked up? How did the guards treat you? What was it like in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did getting locked up affect your life?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you need to find somebody you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to Livingston County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Livingston County Jail Link
Livingston County Jail Inmate Search
Livingston County Jail Mugshots
Livingston County Jail Bail Amount Link

Livingston County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Livingston County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Locate an inmate at Livingston County Jail
Livingston County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Livingston County Jail Arrests
Send Funds to an Inmate at Livingston County Jail
Jobs at Livingston County Jail


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