Mason County Corrections – Havana, IL

Mason County Corrections is in Mason County, Illinois and is the main correctional facility for that region. Are you looking for someone in Mason County Corrections? This page tells you info about everything a person needs to know about Mason County Corrections: Find an inmate at Mason County Corrections. How to view Mason County Corrections mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. Court records. And everything else.

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and stressful prospect, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also their friends and family. This guide is designed to give information you need to make going to jail a little less stressful. If you have questions, feel free to ask them, and please leave any comments or tips that could be a benefit to others is welcome.

Do you have a family member or friend that is locked up and need to find out where they are?

Has somebody that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out what jail they’re in?

To find out who’s in jail at Mason County Corrections you have to go to their website and perform an inmate search.

The Mason County Corrections Inmate Roster has information on persons who have been arrested and are in jail, including custody status, bail amount, and times the inmate can have visitors. You can also get information on anybody booked or released within the last 24 hours. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to find their inmate information quicker if you enter your friend or family member’s name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for could possibly be in another jail you should check our Illinois county jail guide: Other Jails in Illinois

A mugshot, or booking photo, is a picture that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. They will take one face photo and a profile picture. Your full name and intake number will be in the photos, and they are stored.

Mugshots are online, or you can view them at the Mason County Corrections. When viewing online you will have to put in their full name, and an arrest date.

Are you trying to have your mugshot taken down from the Mason County Corrections site? This is difficult, as the mugshot is a matter of public record. You need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Once you’re incarcerated, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After booking, a bail amount is determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. 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 do bail out you must agree to be there for your court date, and until that date you won’t be allowed to go out of town.

In most cases, a prisoner in the Mason County Corrections will be given early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and area a good inmate while they are in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to do work release. You will either have to stay the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you could be permitted to live in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the courts to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount of bail that is set all depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. Someone will have to post 10 percent of the total that was determined in order for you to get out of jail. If you miss court, the person that bailed you out of jail won’t get the bail money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the Mason County Corrections. If you’ve got the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, it is easy. First of all, you have to find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If this is the case, you won’t be able to get a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail will not take a check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the person will get released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally have a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and usually have 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 bondsman might ask to use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

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

Have you ever hired a Bail Bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to tell your story

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

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The intake procedure is made up of each of the following steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• First, must answer a bunch of questions, such as what your legal name is, address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released.
• You will be allowed to make a phone call to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, they will let you wear your street clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please tell us how it happened. How long did you have to wait? Were you treated fairly? Do you know any things that will help other people to get through the process?

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When you pay your bail, you will get discharged from jail. The discharge process may take from 30 minutes to all day. In simple terms, the quicker bail is posted, the sooner you will get discharged. Also, how fast you get released can depend on whether you have a cash bond or if the magistrate needs to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served your sentence and are given a discharge date, you should expect to be released between 9am and noon.

If the police have a, or if you need to begin your sentence in jail, you should follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail intake area, and let them know that you think there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be very careful that you aren’t late. Only bring required items when you go, like your driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must give 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 for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each visitor will have to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Visitors that gets to visitation or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures at Mason County Corrections are always changing, so double-check 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. These phone calls are a lot pricier than phone calls made at home. There is no limit to when and 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 are disciplined for an infraction, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get reduced or cut altogether.

The Mason County Corrections phone number is: 309-543-4311

All mail is required to be sent via US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of mail or package delivery. You must write the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and reviewed by the officers at the jail, and the mail will be returned to the sender if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

Mason County Corrections
102 West Market Street
Havana, IL 62644

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Mason County Corrections
102 West Market Street
Havana, IL 62644

The mail policy at Mason County Corrections changes, so be sure to visit the official Mason County Corrections site before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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When you’ve been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, the first of which is your right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to ask a friend or family member to find an attorney when you talk to them. You may be thinking ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and show you the way through the court system in Mason County. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your situation, the better your chances.

For more information on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, click here: How to Find a Lawyer

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office is staffed by investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys who are admitted to the Illinois State Bar Association and are fully licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

All court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They include a court case file containing a docket sheet and each of the documents and motions in your case. You are able to access court records with the website, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court who maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath in a court case, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records associated with your court case are kept at Mason County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees and costs are the costs associated with your case, such as for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

The Mason County court magistrate acts as the judge who presides over your court case. Magistrates do different tasks, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together to include background information and information about the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into account when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the person on trial, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Don’t forget you are able to ask to have your own copy of your pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you can correct any mistakes that it contains.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, which include community service and probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you could be locked up immediately, or given a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve out your sentence.

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Want to find out if somebody you know is in jail, or has ever been in jail?

To find this out you should go to the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Approximate booking date.
• or inmate ID.

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

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant, you can check the arrest warrants on the website or call the court directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. You should be clear that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Arrest records are public record and this is freely available.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, like court orders. You can find these by contacting the Mason County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view this information on the internet, but keep in mind that you won’t see the exact address, but only the block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. They include a case file that contains a court docket and all documents and filings filed in the case. You are able to access your court records on the internet, or at the Mason County Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of a person’s criminal history. These online databases are all linked and you can track criminal histories from any other state. You can go to the Mason County Courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and if it was in a completely different state, you might have to pay for a more intensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any of the following crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

If you do a criminal records check, usually will not find if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

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

To get driving histories, you have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the jail? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal records, and your story could make it easier for others.

Click here to comment

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Mason County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Mason 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 Mason County Corrections is no fun, you will soon become accustomed to the routine that is set for you in jail. You should expect an alarm to wake up at six in the morning, and then you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. Following breakfast participate in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 Mason County Corrections, 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 Mason County Corrections 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 can change, so it would be best to visit the official Mason County Corrections site when you send money to an inmate.


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 Mason County Corrections

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Mason County Corrections, 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 Mason County Corrections

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.

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:

• 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 been incarcerated in this jail? Do you have a family member or friend that spent time there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at this jail?

If yes, then you should leave a comment below about it. Tell us about your experience so others can learn what to expect.

Things you could put in your comment:

• Conditions in Mason County Corrections.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Click here to write your review of Mason County Corrections

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has a story to tell. Why’d you get arrested? Were you fairly treated? How was life in jail? Were the other inmates cool? How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell Your Story About Mason County Corrections

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Are you trying to get in touch with somebody you met in jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Say Hello to Mason County Corrections

Links and Resources

Main Mason County Corrections Link
Mason County Corrections Inmate Search Link
Mason County Corrections Mugshots
Mason County Corrections Bail Amount Link

Mason County Corrections Visitation
Mason County Corrections Mail Policy
Find an inmate at Mason County Corrections
Mason County Warrant Lookup
Mason County Corrections Arrest Lookup
Send Funds to an Inmate at Mason County Corrections
Mason County Corrections Jobs


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