Cass County Jail – Atlantic, IA

Cass County Jail is in Cass County, Iowa and is the primary jail for that county. Know somebody incarcerated at Cass County Jail? This page tells you all about anything you might need to know about Cass County Jail,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information and records. And more…

The chance of going to jail is a scary and stressful situation, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is designed to give info that you’ll need to make the process a lot easier. If you have specific questions, just ask it, and any tips or comments that could be a benefit to other people in the same situation would be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend in jail and want to find out where they are?

Has a friend or family member who has been arrested and you don’t know how to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to look up who is in jail at Cass County Jail you need to click on their link and perform an inmate lookup.

The Cass County Jail Inmate Search is a list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. Also, you can get the same information on anybody arrested and booked or released in the last 24 hours. Inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You’ll be able to find their arrest information quicker if you’ve got your friend or family member’s full name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for might be in another jail you should look here, too: List of all county jails in Iowa

A mugshot, or jail intake photo, is a photo that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and a profile picture. Your name and jail booking number will be on the pictures, and they are stored.

Mugshots can be searched online, or you can see them in person at the Cass County Jail. When viewing online you have to put in the inmate’s first and last name, and a booking date, if you have it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken off of the Cass County Jail website? This will be difficult, as your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that the record of your arrest would be sealed, so no one will be able to see 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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Naturally, if you are incarcerated, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve been booked, a bail amount will be decided either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be released, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released you are required to agree to show up for court, and in the meantime you are required not to leave the county.

Usually, a prisoner at Cass County Jail can earn time off for good behavior if they follow the rules and conduct themselves properly while they’re in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be granted work release. Either you will have to return to the jail at the end of the day after work, or you may get to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is how much money that you are required to pay to be released from jail pending trial. Your bail amount depends on how serious your crime is. You will need to post 10% of the amount that was set so you can bail out of jail. If you miss your scheduled court date, whoever posted your bail won’t get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you what their bail is set at. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is no fun, but in some cases, it is simple to do if you have the money. First of all, figure out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you will not be able to use the services of a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail won’t take a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the inmate will get released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If their bail has been set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally have a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and in most cases have a minimum of $100. This is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman might require that they use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral.

To find a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Cass County Jail

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out.

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

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The jail intake procedure includes these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you will have to answer some basic questions, like what is your legal name, address, birth date and an emergency contact.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will get taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• You will be allowed to use the telephone so you can contact family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing street clothes, if not you will be given a jail uniform.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? Were you treated fairly? Do you have any secrets that will help other people make it through the process?

Click here to share your story

Once you are able to post bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process takes anywhere from 30 minutes to all day. In simple terms, the faster bail is posted, the quicker you will be released. How quickly you get discharged might depend on whether or not you have a cash bond amount or if a magistrate needs to determine the amount of bail to be set. For lesser charges, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and know the discharge date, expect to get discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must begin your jail sentence, it is recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail processing area, and tell someone that you think they might have an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be sure that you are not late to report. Make sure that you only bring approved items when you turn yourself in, like your driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the sentencing order from court.

To have visitors, you have to list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitors will be put into a Visiting log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each visitor is required to provide identification. Visitors showing up late or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures at Cass County Jail frequently change, so it would be wise to check the official jail site before you go.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Phone calls made in jail are generally more expensive than regular phone calls. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules, an inmate’s phone privileges might get cut back or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: 712-243-2206

All inmate mail must be sent via the US Postal Service. You must not use any other form of mail delivery. You must write or type the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the letter. Don’t mail anything in a box, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail is opened and inspected and read by staff, and will get sent back if it can’t be delivered.

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

Cass County Jail
5 W. 7Th Street
Atlantic, IA 50022

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Cass County Jail
5 W. 7Th Street
Atlantic, IA 50022

The Cass County Jail mail policy changes often, so we suggest that you check the official website when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you have certain rights, one of these being your right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure to ask a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you talk to them. You might be thinking ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and help you through the legal system in Cass County. The faster you get an attorney working on your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more information about how to find a lawyer, visit: How to Find an Attorney in Cass County

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has access to private investigators, forensics experts as well as case workers. Public Defenders are licensed attorneys, members of the Iowa State Bar and are legally licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? What was your experience?

Cass 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 have a court case file containing a docket and all documents that have been filed in your case. You, and anyone else, can access your court records using the internet service, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Cass County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records and documents from your court case are held at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are all costs from your court case, which include filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The Cass County magistrate is the person that will preside over your case. Magistrates do several different things, like setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and presiding over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together with the defendant’s background information and details of the defendant’s life and public history, which the magistrate will consider when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the defendant, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Remember you can request to receive a copy of your pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you can correct the mistakes.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, which include community service to probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you may be locked up immediately, or you could get a date that you must go to jail to serve your term.

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Want to find out if someone is in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you should query the jail’s website, and search by:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birth date.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail 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 a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the court records on the Cass County court website or you are able to call the jail. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. Bear in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, either by phone, in person, or look online. Arrest records are public record and this is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, such as a court order. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Cass County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All registered sex offenders have to be registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view sex offenders on the internet, but bear in mind that you will not be able to find the actual address, just the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a case file that contains a court docket and any filings and documents filed in your case. You are able to access court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal background. These databases are linked together and you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. Go to the Cass County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you can get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes, which can include:

• DUI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, you won’t be able to find out if someone has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this information, you have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you have to call the Cass County courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your story might help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Cass County, the Cass County Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Cass County Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of getting locked up in Cass County Jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. You will get an alarm for wake-up at about 6:00am, and next you’ll have roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 Cass 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 Cass County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

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

The rules for sending money to Cass County Jail inmates is always changing, so be sure to double check the official website when send funds to someone in jail 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 Cass County Jail

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

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to post a comment


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Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

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

If so, then you should write a review about it. Write about your experience so that other people can find out what to expect.

Things you might want to put in the review:

• Conditions in Cass County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner activities and programs


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has some stories about their time ‘inside’. How’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? What were the other inmates like? How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Want to find somebody you met in jail? Write your message below.

Say Hello

Links and Resources

Main Cass County Jail Website
Cass County Jail Inmate Search
View Cass County Jail Mugshots
Cass County Jail Bail Amount Link

Cass County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Cass County Jail Jail Mail Link
Cass County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Cass County Warrant Lookup
Cass County Jail Arrests
Cass County Jail Send Money Procedure
Jobs at Cass County Jail


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