Buena Vista County Jail – Storm Lake, IA

Buena Vista County Jail is located in Buena Vista County, Iowa and is the primary jail for that area. Do you know somebody at Buena Vista County Jail? This site tells you about anything you might need to know about Buena Vista County Jail: Find out who’s in jail at Buena Vista County Jail? Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Buena Vista County Jail intake procedures. Buena Vista County court information. And much more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary idea, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s family and friends. The goal of this guide is to offer info that you’ll need to make helping someone get out of jail less stressful. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask it, and please leave any tips or comments that would be a benefit to others will be much appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that is in jail and want to find them?

Do you know somebody that’s been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to look up who is in jail at Buena Vista County Jail you have to go to their website and do an inmate search.

The Buena Vista County Jail Inmate List is a list of people who have been arrested, including custody status, how much their bail is, and times you can visit. You can also get information for anyone who has been arrested or released in the past 24 hours. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to get their inmate information quicker if you have their full name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member might be in another jail you will want to look here: Other Jails in Iowa

A mugshot, also called a booking photo, is the picture taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. They take one face photo and a side picture. Your name and booking number will be in the photos, and they are on file at the jail.

Mugshots are on the website, or you can view them at the Buena Vista County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will need to enter the prisoner’s name, and the booking date.

Are you trying to get your mugshot taken off of the Buena Vista County Jail website? This is difficult, because your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that your arrest record would be sealed, and will not be accessible. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: Mugshot Removal

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Naturally, once you’re incarcerated, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail is set using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released you will have to promise to go to your court date, and you are not permitted to leave the area.

In most cases, a prisoner will be given an early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

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

Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to the courts to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will have to pay all depends on what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. Someone will have to post ten percent of the total set so you are able to bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for your court appearance, the person that paid your bail will lose all of the bail money.

You will need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Having to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but thankfully, it is simple to do if you have the money. First of all, figure out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you will not be able to use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they can’t take a check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the prisoner will be released to 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 can’t afford it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally have a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and in most cases with a minimum charge of $100. This money is non-refundable and the bondsman only accepts cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will usually ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral.

To talk to a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a Bail Bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The intake process is made up of each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. When the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first step is that you have to answer some basic questions, such as your legal name, home address, birthdate and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and will be stored until you are released.
• They will allow you to make a phone call in order to get in touch with family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please tell our readers about your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How were you treated? Can you share any tips that might help others make it through the process?

Click here to leave a comment

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged will take anywhere between 30 minutes to hours or even all day long. In simple terms, the quicker bail is posted, the faster you will get discharged. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether you have a cash bond or if the magistrate must figure out your bail amount. For a minor charge, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served your sentence and know the date of your release, plan to be discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

for your arrest, or if you must begin your jail sentence, you really should follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell someone that you think they might have a warrant for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if so, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Make sure that you are not late to report. Just bring allowed items when you go, for example a driver’s license or even your ID, prescription medication, and a copy of the sentencing order.

The inmate have to provide each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance. This information will go in a Visiting log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each visitor has to provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors that arrives for visitation late or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Buena Vista County Jail can change, so review the official site before you go.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Jail phone calls are typically more expensive than regular phone calls. There is no limit to 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 a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s phone privileges might get reduced or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: (712) 732-2452

All mail has to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of delivery. You must print the name, inmate ID number, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Do not send a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail sent to inmates gets opened and examined and read by the jail staff, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Buena Vista County Jail, use this address:

Buena Vista County Jail
411 Expansion Blvd
Storm Lake, IA 50588

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Buena Vista County Jail
411 Expansion Blvd
Storm Lake, IA 50588

The inmate mail policy at Buena Vista County Jail is always changing, so we suggest that you visit the official website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you get arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, and an important one is your right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to get a friend or relative to find a lawyer when you call. You might be thinking ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate the complicated court system. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better.

For more info on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, read: Find a Lawyer

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social workers. Public Defenders are licensed attorneys who are admitted to the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender? How did they do?

All court records are a matter of public record. Court records are comprised of a case file with a docket and each of the motions, documents, and evidence filed during your court case. You are able to access your court records via the online service, or at the Buena Vista County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence related to your case are held at Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the charges associated with your court case, such as filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The Buena Vista County magistrate is the judge who presides over your court case. Magistrates do several different things, such as setting bail, issuing warrants, and overseeing preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together with information about your background and information about the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will take into account when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the person on trial, their family, and in some cases the victim. Bear in mind that you should request to get a copy of this report before your sentencing, so you can correct any mistakes that it contains.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you may be immediately taken into custody, or you could be given a date that you are required to turn yourself into jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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

You can just access the Buena Vista County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birth date.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

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

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants on the Buena Vista County jail website or call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are in the public record and these records are available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, which can be warrants. You can access civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state 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 this information on the website, but keep in mind that you can’t see the precise address, just the block that they live on.

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

Every state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal history. These state databases are all linked and you can track criminal histories from other states. You can 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 it was in a totally different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

A criminal history search you will be able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for these crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, in most cases will not be able to find out if someone has had:

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

To get this information, you will have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? How hard was it? Did you do your search online or did you call the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments could help other people.

Speak Your Mind

Most Wanted

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

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Department’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in Buena Vista County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. All inmates get an alarm for wake-up at six in the morning, and then roll call. Then you will have breakfast. When you finish 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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 someone in jail at Buena Vista County Jail might change, so you should review the official Buena Vista County Jail site 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 Buena Vista County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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 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.

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 a prisoner at Buena Vista County Jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit someone in this jail?

If your answer is yes, then please write your review about it. Write about your jail experience because other people can find out what to expect.

Things you can write in your review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has a story to tell. Why were you locked up? Were you mistreated? How was day to day life at Buena Vista County Jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell your story about when you did time at Buena Vista County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Trying to send a message to a friend from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to people incarcerated at Buena Vista County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Buena Vista County Jail Link
Buena Vista County Jail Inmate Search Link
Buena Vista County Jail Mugshots
Buena Vista County Jail Bail Amount Link

Buena Vista County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Buena Vista County Jail Jail Mail Link
Buena Vista County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Buena Vista County Jail Warrant Inquiry Link
Buena Vista County Jail Arrests
Buena Vista County Jail Send Money Procedure
Buena Vista County Jail Jobs


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