Vigo County Jail – Terre Haute, IN

Vigo County Jail is located in Vigo County, IN and is the primary jail for the area. Do you know someone locked up at Vigo County Jail? This guide will tell you all about everything a person needs to know about Vigo County Jail,like the following: Find out who’s in jail at Vigo County Jail? Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Vigo County Jail intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary idea, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give you info you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail less stressful. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or feedback that might help others would be appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that is locked up and need to locate them?

Do you know a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you want to find them?

To find out who is in jail at Vigo County Jail you have to visit their website and perform an inmate lookup.

The Vigo County Jail Inmate Lookup is an online list of people who are in jail, which includes status, bail amount (if applicable), and times you can visit. Also, you can get the same information for anyone booked or discharged in the past 24-hour period. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You can locate their arrest information quicker if you enter the arrestee’s name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or loved one may be locked up at a different jail you will want to check our Indiana county jail guide: Indiana County Jails

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

Mugshots of Vigo County Jail inmates can be searched on the website, or you can see them at the Vigo County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to input the name, and a booking date, if you have it.

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot removed from the Vigo County Jail site? This will be difficult, as the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that your arrest record would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the many different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Once you are locked up, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail will be set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released you will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and until that date you are not allowed to go out of town.

Usually, a prisoner will earn time off for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and area a good inmate while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to do work release. You will either have to go back to jail every day after work, or you might have the chance to move to a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system to get out of jail until your court date. Your bail amount all depends on the seriousness of your crime. You will need to pay ten percent of the total set so you can be released from jail. If you don’t go to court, whoever posted your bail will lose all of the bail money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know the bail amount. You can also check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, its really easy. To start with, you need to know if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you can’t use a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail can’t take a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the person will be released into your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you just don’t have the money, you should use a bail bondsman. They will generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually have a minimum charge of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman might use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To contact a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Vigo County Jail

Have you ever used the services of bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to post a comment

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

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The intake procedure includes each of these steps:

• You will be placed 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 will answer a number of questions, such as your legal name, address, birthdate and contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and stored until you are released.
• You will get to use the phone to contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might get to wear your street clothes, if not you will be issued a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? How did the guards treat you? Can you tell us secrets that could help others to get through the procedure?

Click here to post a comment

Once you are able to post bail, you will get released from jail. The discharge process may take between 10 minutes to all day long. In other words the quicker you post bail, the quicker you will get discharged from jail. It also will depend on whether you’ve got a bond amount or if a magistrate still needs to figure out the bail amount. For a minor offense, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and are given a date of your release, you should plan to be discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

If you have a, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, it is recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go to the jail intake center, and tell someone that you think there may be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if they verify that you have one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you don’t show up late. Make sure that you only bring required items when you turn yourself in, like your driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to give information about each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. This information will be entered in a Visiting log for the requesting inmate. Each and every visitor is required to provide proof of identification. Visitors that arrives for visitation late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Vigo County Jail visitation procedures are always changing, so it would be wise to review the official site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are typically more expensive 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 a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s phone privileges might get reduced or forbidden completely.

Phone Number: 812-462-3226

All mail must be mailed using the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of mail or package delivery. You have to write the name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Don’t mail a box, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates will be opened and read by the jail officers, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

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

Vigo County Jail
201 Cherry St.
Terre Haute, IN 47807

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Vigo County Jail
201 Cherry St.
Terre Haute, IN 47807

The mail policy changes often, so we suggest that you visit the site when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you get arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so you would be wise to ask a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you call them. You may be thinking ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, an attorney will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and show you the way through the court system in Vigo County. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your situation, the better off you’ll be.

For more information on this subject, visit: Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender has access to private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are actual lawyers, admitted to the Indiana State Bar Association and are licensed to practice law in Indiana.

Have you or someone you know had to use the services of a Public Defender? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Vigo County court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. Court records contain a case file containing a docket sheet and all documents and motions filed in the case. You, and anyone else, can access court records with the online service, or at the Vigo County Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the jury’s verdict. All records, documents, and evidence from your court case are maintained at Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the costs from your court case, such as for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Vigo County court magistrate is the person that presides over your court case. Magistrates are judges that do different functions, such as deciding a bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and history, which the judge will review when determining a sentence. Information will be gathered from the person on trial, their family, and if necessary the victim. Keep in mind you can request to receive your own copy of this report before your sentencing, so you get the chance to correct the mistakes.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, including community service to probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be taken into custody immediately, or given a date that you are required to turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if some you know is currently in jail, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty simple to do, just you should query the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their inmate ID.

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

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can access court records on the Vigo County jail 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 ask one of the officers. Keep in mind 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, on the phone, in person, or you can check online. An arrest is a matter of public record and this is accessible to anyone.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Vigo County Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on a sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to see sex offenders on the internet, but remember that you won’t see the precise address, rather 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 docket sheet and any of the filings and documents filed in the case. You are able to access court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal history. These databases are linked together and you can track criminal backgrounds from any other state. Go to county courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any of the following crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

During a criminal records search, in most cases won’t learn if that person has had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving records, you must do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? How easy was it? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback might help other people.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

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

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Vigo County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in Vigo County Jail is quite unpleasant, in time you will settle into the routine that is set for you. Expect an alarm to wake up at about 6:00AM, and then roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will have to work 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 Vigo 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 Vigo 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 procedure to send funds to people in jail changes, so be sure to visit the official website when you send any funds.


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 Vigo County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Vigo 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 Vigo 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 tell about all about it


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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.

Click here to post a comment

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 Vigo County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at this jail?

If yes, then we would like you to write your review about it. Write about what you experienced because other people can find out what to expect.

Things you could write in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Programs and activities


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has some stories about their time ‘inside’. How’d you get locked up? Were you mistreated? What was it like in jail? What were the other inmates like? How has this experience impacted your life?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to send a message to a friend from jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Send a message to people still locked up at Vigo County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Vigo County Jail Link
Vigo County Jail Inmate Search
View Vigo County Jail Mugshots
Vigo County Jail Bail Amount Link

Vigo County Jail Visitation
Vigo County Jail Mail Policy
Vigo County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Vigo County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Vigo County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Money to an Inmate at Vigo County Jail
Vigo County Jail Employment


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