Jefferson County Jail – Fairfield, IA

Jefferson County Jail is in Jefferson County, IA and is the primary jail for the region. Do you know someone locked up at Jefferson County Jail? This page tells you about everything a person needs to know about Jefferson County Jail,such as: How to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bailing out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information and records. And more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting thought, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their friends and family. This guide is meant to give you all the information and tips you need to make getting locked up less stressful. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask them, and also any tips or comments that could help other people in the same situation will be appreciated.

Do you know someone that has gone to jail and don’t know how to locate them?

Has a family member or friend that has been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to search who’s in jail at Jefferson County Jail you will need to go to their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Jefferson County Jail Inmate Search is an online list of people who are in jail, which includes current status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. Also, you can get the same information for anyone processed or released within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to locate their inmate information more quickly if you have your friend or family member’s name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be incarcerated at a different jail you should look here, too: Other County Jails in Iowa

A mugshot, also known as a intake picture, is the photo that the police take during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually one frontal photo and a side-view photo. Your full name and intake number will appear on the mugshot, and they will be stored at the jail.

Mugshots of Jefferson County Jail prisoners can be viewed on the website, or you can see them in person at the Jefferson County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to input the person’s full name, and the arrest date, if you have one.

Are you trying to have your mugshot taken down from the Jefferson County Jail website? This will be difficult, as the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and will not be accessible. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Obviously, once you’re arrested and put in jail, your main thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount will be set 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 do bail out of jail you will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and you will not be permitted to travel out of the county.

In most cases, a prisoner can earn early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and area a good inmate while they’re in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to do work release. You will be required to stay the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you may be permitted to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will have to pay is determined by the seriousness of your charges. You will need to post 10 percent of the total that was set before you can bail out of jail. If you fail to show up for your court date, that person won’t get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they will tell you the bail amount. Also, you can see the bail amount on the Jefferson County Jail site.

Posting bail to get out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, its easy. To start with, you need to know if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you will not be able to use a bail bondsman. Cash only – the jail will not accept checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will be discharged. If the conditions of bail are not violated, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should try a bail bondsman. They generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases charge a minimum charge of $100. This money is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If bail is very large, the bondsman will usually request to use assets as collateral.

To talk to a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Jefferson County

Have you ever used the services of bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to tell about all about it

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

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

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you have to answer some basic questions, such as what is your full legal name, home address, birthdate and contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• They will allow you to use the telephone in order to get in touch with family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, they will let you wear your own clothes, otherwise you will be given a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please tell us what happened. How long did it take to get processed? How were you treated? Do you know any things that might help other people that get arrested to get through the process?

Click here to share your story

When you pay your bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged from jail takes from 30 minutes to hours or even all day long. In simple terms, the faster you can pay your bail, the quicker you will get let go. How quickly you get discharged depends on if you’ve been given a cash bond or if a magistrate needs to figure out the amount of bail to be set. For minor charges, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and have a release date, you should plan to get released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

out against you, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go down to the jail intake area, and tell someone that you think there is 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, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you are not late. Just bring required items when you go, like your driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail. Your visitors will be entered into a Visiting log for the inmate. Each and every visitor has to provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will not be able to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies frequently change, so you should review the jail site before you visit an inmate.

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 a lot more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the jail rules, phone calls might get reduced or cut altogether.

Phone Number: (641) 472-3967

All mail must be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other type of delivery. You should write the person’s name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the letter that you send. Do not mail a package or box, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail sent to inmates is opened and read and inspected by staff, and the mail will be sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

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

Jefferson County Jail
1200 W. Grimes Ave.
Fairfield, IA 52556

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Jefferson County Jail
1200 W. Grimes Ave.
Fairfield, IA 52556

The Jefferson County Jail mail policy is always changing, so it would be best to review the site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you have been arrested, you should know you still have rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure to get a friend or family member to locate a lawyer for you. You might be asking yourself ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a lawyer will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and help you through the court system in your county. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your situation, the better.

For more information about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, click: How to Find an Attorney in Jefferson County

If you cannot afford a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. The Public Defender is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social workers. Public Defenders are licensed attorneys that are members of the Iowa State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

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

Court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They are comprised of a file with a docket sheet and all documents and motions in your case. You have the ability to access court records via the internet service, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that manages the records. They also administer the oath during court cases, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records from your court case are kept at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees associated with your court case, which include filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Jefferson County court magistrate is the person that rules on your court case. Magistrate judges do a number of different things, like deciding a bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared with information about the arrestee’s background and information about the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will take into account when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and in some circumstances the victim. Don’t forget you can request to receive a copy of the report before sentencing, and correct any mistakes that it contains.

After being convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you may be immediately taken into custody, or you might be given a date that you must report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do this, you need to access the Jefferson County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their jail ID.

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

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant, you can check arrest warrants on the Jefferson County court website or you are able to call the jail directly. 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 there is a warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or check online. An arrest is in the public record and the information is accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access sex offenders on the internet, but bear in mind that you will not be able to find the exact address, but rather the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. They include a court case file that includes a court docket and any of the filings and documents filed in your court case. You are able to access the court records via the internet, 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 all linked so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from other states. Go to county courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and if it was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes, which can include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you generally will not see if someone has had:

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

To find this kind of information, you must do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you have to call the Jefferson County courthouse? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments could help other people.

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Most Wanted

The FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Jefferson County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of spending time in the Jefferson County jail is no fun, soon you will get used to the routine that is set for you. You should expect an alarm for wake-up every morning at six in the morning, and next you’ll have roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. When you finish eating 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 money to inmates at Jefferson County Jail is always changing, so you should double check the the Jefferson County Jail website before you send money to an inmate.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Jefferson County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 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.

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 locked up at Jefferson County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit someone in this jail?

If yes, then please leave a comment below about it. Write about what you experienced so that others will know what to expect.

Things you might want to put in what you write:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate programs and activities


Write a review about Jefferson County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you get locked up? Were you fairly treated? How was life in jail? What about the other inmates? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Click here to leave a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Need to find out how to get in touch with an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Send a message to them here.

Say Hello

Links and Resources

Main Jefferson County Jail Link
Jefferson County Jail Inmate Search
Jefferson County Jail Mugshots
Jefferson County Jail Bail Amount Link

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


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