Winnebago County Jail – Rockford, IL

Winnebago County Jail is in Winnebago County and is the primary correctional facility for the county. Know someone in jail at Winnebago County Jail? This site tells you info about everything one might want to know about Winnebago County Jail,like: How to do a jail inmate search. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Winnebago County Jail intake procedures. Court information and records. And more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also their family and friends. This guide is designed to offer information and tips that you need to make the process a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, just ask them, and please leave any tips or comments that could help others would be much appreciated.

Do you know someone that is incarcerated and want to contact them?

Do you know someone that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out where they are?

To find out who is in jail at Winnebago County Jail you will need to click on their website and use the inmate search.

The Winnebago County Jail Inmate Roster is an online list of people who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. You can get the same information on anybody who has been arrested or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to find the information fast if you have your friend or family member’s name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be at a different jail you will want to look here: Other County Jails in Illinois

A mugshot, or jail booking picture, is the photo taken by the police during jail intake processing. They take one face photo and one profile photo. Your full name and intake number will appear on the mugshot, and they will be kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots can be searched on the Winnebago County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Winnebago County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will need to enter the inmate’s full name, and the arrest date, if you have one.

Do you want to have your mugshot removed from the Winnebago County Jail site? This will be difficult, as your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

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

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Obviously, if you are locked up, your only thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, your bail will be set either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be released, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you are required to promise to be in court on your court date, and in the meantime you won’t be permitted to travel out of the county.

Typically, inmates in the Winnebago County Jail can earn time off for good behavior if they follow the rules and act right while in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will have to stay the jail every day when you’re finished working, or you may be allowed to live in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to be released from jail until your court date. Your bail amount is determined by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You will need to put up 10% of the amount that was determined so you are able to bail out of jail. If you don’t go to court, that person will lose all of the bail money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the Winnebago County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you how much their bail is. You can also check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, its very simple to do. First, you need to know if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you will not be able to get a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they won’t take a check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the prisoner will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the amount of bail set is large, of if you can’t pay it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and usually with a minimum fee of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will in most cases require that they use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

You can find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Winnebago County

Have you ever used the services of Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to post a comment

• Early Release For Good Behavior
• Get Out on Work Release
• Released For Time Served
• Be Released on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• 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 be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• You have to answer a number of questions, like what is your legal name, street address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• You will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• They will allow you to make a phone call to call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might get to keep wearing street clothes, if not you will be issued a jumpsuit.

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

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When you post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged takes anywhere from 30 minutes to all day long. Or, simply, the faster bail is posted, the faster you will get discharged. Also, how fast you get released can depend on if you have a cash bond or if the magistrate needs to determine the amount of bail to be set. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served your sentence and have a discharge date, plan to get released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

In the event there is a, or if you must report to start a sentence, you really should do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail intake center, and let them know that you think there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if so, they will take you into custody. If it is for a jail 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. Be sure to only bring allowed items when you go to jail, such as your driver’s license or even ID, prescription medication, and the official sentencing order.

Inmates need to give each visitor’s full name to the jail before anyone can visit them. This information will be entered in a log of approved visitors for the requesting inmate. Every visitor will be required to provide proof of identification. Anyone showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will be turned away.
The Winnebago County Jail visitation procedures are always changing, so review the jail site before you try to go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Jail phone calls are typically pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you are disciplined for an infraction, an inmate’s phone privileges could be reduced or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: 815-319-6600

All mail must be mailed using the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of mail or package delivery. Clearly write or type the name, inmate number, and the jail address on the letter that you send. Do not send a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail received by the jail gets opened and inspected and read by the officers at the jail, and will be returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

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

Winnebago County Jail
650 West State Street
Rockford, IL 61102

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Winnebago County Jail
650 West State Street
Rockford, IL 61102

The mail policy at Winnebago County Jail is always changing, so we suggest that you review the the Winnebago County Jail website when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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When you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to ask a friend or family member to locate an attorney when you call. You may be asking yourself ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, protect your interests and help you navigate the complicated legal system in Winnebago County. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your case, the better off you’ll be.

For more info on this, go to: Find an Attorney

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. In addition, the Public Defender Office has access to private investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are actual lawyers that are members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records contain a case file with a docket and each of the documents that have been filed in the case. You can access your court case records using the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath in a court case, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records related to your court case are maintained at Clerk of Court.

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

The magistrate is the type of judge that rules over your case in court. They do different functions, such as setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate will take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the defendant, their family, and in some circumstances the victim. Be sure to remember you can ask to have a copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, and review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, which include community service and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you may be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could be given a date to go to jail to serve your term.

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Do you want to find out if somebody you know is in jail, or has ever been locked up?

To do so, you should go to the jail’s website, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants on the website or call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and inquire at the information desk. Bear in mind that if there is a 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 Winnebago County jail, on the phone, in person, or find out online. Arrest records are public record and this is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, which can be a court order. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders must be registered and listed on a sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to see these listings on the website, but bear in mind that you will not be able to see the exact address, just the block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a court case file that contains a docket sheet and all filings and documents filed in the court case. You can access the court records on the website, or at the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal background. These online databases are linked together so you can track criminal convictions from any other state. You can go to county courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and if it was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

A criminal history search you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

If you do a criminal records check, you will not discover if someone has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Traffic accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for this information, you will have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you have to make a phone call to the jail? Was it correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback may make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Winnebago County,The Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Winnebago County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in the Winnebago County jail is very scary, in time you will settle into the daily routine there. You will get an alarm for wake-up at six in the morning, and next you’ll have roll call. Then you will get breakfast. After breakfast, you will 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 Winnebago 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 Winnebago County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The process for sending funds to people in jail might change, so double check the official website when you send funds 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 Winnebago County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Winnebago 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 Winnebago County Jail

Requirements:

• You must be over the age of 21.
• You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You must be a US Citizen.
• You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You must pass a drug test.
• You must have a good level of fitness.
• You must be in good health.
• You must 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 leave 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:

• 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.

Click here to tell your story

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 an inmate at Winnebago County Jail? Do you know anybody that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit someone there?

If yes, then please write a review about it. Tell us about your jail experience so other people can learn what to expect.

What to include in the review:

• Conditions in Winnebago County Jail.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? How was life in jail? What were the other inmates like? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Want to send a message to somebody you met when you were locked up? Post a message to them below.

Say Wassup

Links and Resources

Main Winnebago County Jail Link
Winnebago County Jail Inmate Search
Winnebago County Jail Mugshots
Winnebago County Jail Bail Link

Winnebago County Jail Visitation Procedures
Winnebago County Jail Jail Mail Link
Winnebago County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Winnebago County Warrants
Winnebago County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Money to an Inmate at Winnebago County Jail
Jobs at Winnebago County Jail


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