Macon County Jail – Decatur, IL

Macon County Jail is located in Macon County and is the main correctional facility for this county. Do you know someone in jail at Macon County Jail? This guide will tell you about anything a person needs to know about Macon County Jail: Find out who’s in jail at Macon County Jail? Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures. Court records. And lots more.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful idea, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to give you information that you need to make going to jail easier. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask them, and please leave any tips or comments that would be beneficial to other people in the same situation will be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is in jail and don’t know how to locate them?

Has somebody who’s been arrested and you want to locate them?

To look up who’s in jail at Macon County Jail you have to go to their website and do an inmate lookup.

The Macon County Jail Inmate Locator is an online list of people who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes current status, bail amount, and visiting hours. Also, you can get information about anybody who has been arrested or discharged in the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to find the information quicker if you have their full name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member might be incarcerated 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 booking photograph, is the photograph that the police take when you are booked into jail. They will take one full face and a side picture. Your name and jail booking number will appear on the pictures, and they’re stored at the jail.

Mugshots of inmates can be searched on the website, or you can see them at the Macon County Jail. When viewing online you will need to input the first and last name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Trying to figure out how to get your mugshot erased from the Macon County Jail website? This may not be possible, because your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and will not be accessible. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Once you are incarcerated, your main thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail amount is decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released from jail you will have to promise to be in court on your court date, and until that date you won’t be permitted to travel out of the county.

In most cases, inmates will be given time off for good behavior if they follow the rules and area a good inmate while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you may be allowed to do work release. You will be required to return to jail every day after work, or you might be permitted to move to a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is the amount of money that you are required to pay in order to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by the crime you’ve been charged with. Someone will have to post 10 percent of the total that was set in order to get out of jail. If you miss court, that person won’t get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail must call the Macon County Jail. If know the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they will 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 never a fun thing, but in some cases, it’s really easy. First, you need to know if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you will not be able to get a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail can’t accept checks. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the prisoner will be released into your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get the bail money back.

If bail is set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and usually have a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and the bondsman only accepts cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will in these cases ask to use assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

You can find a bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how things turned out.

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• 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 procedure takes you through the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you must answer some simple questions, such as your full legal name, your address, birthdate and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will get to use the telephone in order to get in touch with a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you will be allowed to keep wearing street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be issued a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please tell us what happened. How long did it take? Were you treated fairly? Do you have any secrets that could help other people that get arrested get through jail intake?

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When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. The discharge process takes from 30 minutes to all day long. In other words the faster you can post bail, the faster you will get let go. Also, how fast you get released might depend on whether or not you’ve got a bond amount or if the judge must decide on the bail amount. For minor offenses, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the discharge date, plan to get discharged that morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you need to start a jail sentence, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, report to the jail intake area, and tell an officer that you think there may be a warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if so, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Just bring allowed items when you go, like a driver’s license or state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list each visitor’s full name to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitors will go in the visitation log for the inmate. Each visitor will have to provide acceptable photo identification. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or that is not on the visitation list will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Macon County Jail change often, so review the official jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Calls made in jail are a lot pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you are disciplined for an infraction, phone calls might get cut back or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

Phone Number: 217-424-1341

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required 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 delivery. You must print the prisoner’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a box or package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail is opened and examined by the officers at the jail, and will get sent back to the person who mailed it if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

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

Macon County Jail
333 South Franklin Street
Decatur, IL 62523

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Macon County Jail
333 South Franklin Street
Decatur, IL 62523

The mail policy at Macon County Jail changes often, so be sure to review the official Macon County Jail site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you have been arrested, you still have rights, the first of which is the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to get a friend or relative to find a lawyer for you. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and help you understand the legal system that you are now faced with. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

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

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, forensics experts and case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are actual lawyers, admitted to the Illinois State Bar Association and are legally licensed to practice law in Illinois.

Have you or someone you know used the services of a Public Defender? How did they do?

Macon County court records are public records and are available upon request. They have a file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and every documents and motions in the case. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case using the website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Macon County Clerk of Court is a member of the court who manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records, documents, and evidence from your court case are kept at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the charges and fees associated with your case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Macon County magistrate is the type of judge who presides on your court case. Magistrate judges do a number of different things, such as setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and presiding over preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared to include the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life and public history, which the judge will take into account when decide your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the defendant, his or her family members, and in some cases the victim of the crime. Keep in mind you are allowed to ask to receive a copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, and make sure that you correct the mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, ranging from community service to probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you will either be taken into custody, right there in court, or you might be given a date to go to jail to serve out your sentence.

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

To find this out you need to visit the Macon County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Approximate booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can call the jail to find out.

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants on the Macon County court website or you can call the jail. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. You should know that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, in person, or check online. Records of arrests are public record and the information is freely available.

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

All people registered as sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view this information on the website, but you should know that you won’t get the street address, but rather the block that they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. These records include a court case file that includes a court docket and all documents and filings filed in your case. You can access the court records on the website, or at Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of people’s criminal history. These databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You are able to go to courthouse and inquire, or check online. It helps to know the county, and in the event that it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal history search you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any of the following crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

If you do a criminal records check, you will not be able to find out if that person has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you search online or did you make a phone call to the Macon County courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments might make it easier for others.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Macon County,The Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

Macon County Sheriff’s Department’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in Macon County Jail is no fun, in time you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. Prisoners get an alarm for wake-up every morning at 6:00am, and then you’ll have roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. When you finish 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 Macon 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 Macon 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 jail inmates could change, so it would be best to review the official website when 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Macon County Jail

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

• 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.

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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 in Macon County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member there? Have you ever visited a prisoner in this jail?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to tell us about it. Write down your experience so that others will know what to expect.

What to include in what you write:

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


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has a story about it. Why were you locked up? Were you mistreated? How was day to day life at Macon County Jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Need to say wassup to somebody you met in jail? Write your message below.

Say Hello to someone at Macon County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Macon County Jail Website
Macon County Jail Inmate Search Link
Macon County Jail Mugshots
Macon County Jail Bail Amount Link

Macon County Jail Visitation Procedures
Macon County Jail Jail Mail Link
Locate an inmate at Macon County Jail
Macon County Warrant Lookup
Macon County Jail Arrests
Send Money to an Inmate at Macon County Jail
Macon County Jail Employment


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