Kossuth County Jail – Algona, IA

Kossuth County Jail is in Kossuth County and is the jail for this area. Do you know someone at Kossuth County Jail? This site will tell you information about anything you might want to know about Kossuth County Jail,like the following: How to locate an inmate at Kossuth County Jail. How to view Kossuth County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bailing out of jail. Kossuth County Jail intake procedures. Kossuth County court information. And much more…

The chance of going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to give you info that you’ll need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail easier. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any comments or tips that would be beneficial to other people in the same situation will be appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that has gone to jail and don’t know how to find them?

Do you know a friend or family member who’s been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to look up who’s in jail at Kossuth County Jail you will need to navigate to their website and use the inmate lookup.

The Kossuth County Jail Inmate Locator is an online list of people who have been arrested and are in custody, including current status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you are able to find info for anybody arrested and booked or released within the past 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to get their inmate information fast if you enter your friend or family member’s full name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member may be at another county jail you should check our Iowa county jail guide: Iowa County Jails

A mugshot, or booking photograph, is a photograph that the police take when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is actually two photos one full face and a side picture. Your name and jail ID number will be in the mugshot, and they’re stored.

Mugshots are on the Kossuth County Jail website, or you can view them at the Kossuth County Jail. When viewing online you will need to put in the person’s first and last name, and a booking date, if you have it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot removed from the Kossuth County Jail site? This can be tricky, since the mugshot is a matter of public record. You must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For more information about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Naturally, if you are locked up, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail amount will be decided by a special judge called a magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released you must promise to go to your court date, and you will not be permitted to go out of town.

In most cases, inmates are given early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and area a good inmate while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. Either you will have to stay the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you could have the chance to sleep in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you have to pay all depends on how serious your charges are. Someone you know will need to pay 10% of the amount that was determined so you are able to bail out of jail. If you don’t go to your court date, that person will not get their money back.

You must call the Kossuth County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you’ve got the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can see the bail amount on the Kossuth County Jail site.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never a fun thing, but most of the time, its easy. First, figure out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you won’t be able to use the services of a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail can’t accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the person will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually have a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and sometimes with a minimum fee of $100. This will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman will ask to use your assets as collateral for the bond.

To find a bail bondsman click here: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of Bail Bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If so, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to tell about all about it

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

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The intake procedure is made up of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• First, must answer some simple questions, such as what is your full name, address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will let you use the phone in order to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you think you will get released quickly, 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 be issued a jail uniform.

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

Click here to post a comment

When you post bail, you will get released from jail. This process will take anywhere between 10 minutes to hours or even all day long. Or, simply, the quicker bail is posted, the faster you will get discharged. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether you’ve been given a bond amount or if the magistrate still needs to determine how much your bail will be. For a minor charge, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and have a discharge date, you should expect to be discharged between 9am and noon.

for your arrest, or if you must begin your jail sentence, you really should follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail processing area, and tell them that believe that there could be a warrant out for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Make sure that you only bring approved items when you go, like a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, and a sentencing order from court.

The inmate have to give information about each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s information will be entered in a log of approved visitors as an authorized visitor. Each visitor must provide proof of identification. Anyone arriving late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies change often, so we suggest that you check the official Kossuth County Jail jail site before you go.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Phone calls made in jail are much more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules and are disciplined, your ability to use the phone could be reduced or cut altogether.

Phone Number: 515-295-9277

All mall sent to inmates must be mailed using the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other method of mail or package delivery. You must write the name, inmate number, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Don’t mail a box, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail will be opened and read and inspected by the jail administration, and will get returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Kossuth County Jail:

Kossuth County Jail
121 West State Street
Algona, IA 50511

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Kossuth County Jail
121 West State Street
Algona, IA 50511

The Kossuth County Jail inmate mail policy changes frequently, so be sure to double check the site before you send a letter to an inmate.

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When you’ve been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these being your right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to get a friend or family member to find a lawyer for you. You’re probably asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and help you understand the criminal justice system in Kossuth County. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your case, the better.

For more info on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, visit: How to Find a Lawyer in Kossuth County

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, forensics experts and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers, members of the State Bar and are fully licensed to handle your case.

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

Kossuth County court records are public records. They are comprised of a file containing a docket and each of the motions, documents, and evidence in the case. You can access your court records with the website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records from your court case are maintained at the Kossuth County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the fees and charges associated with your case, such as for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

A Magistrate is the person who presides over your case in court. Magistrate judges do different functions, like deciding a bail amount, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over initial court appearances and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together with information about the defendant’s background and information about the arrestee’s life, which the judge will consider when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim. Keep in mind you are allowed to ask to receive a copy of this report prior to sentencing, so you can correct any mistakes that it contains.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service to probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get locked up immediately, or you could be given a date to surrender and report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if some you know is locked up, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do so, just access the Kossuth County jail website, and search by:

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

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

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Kossuth County jail website or you are able to call the jail. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask them. Keep in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the Kossuth County jail, by phone, in person, or look online. Records of arrests are in the public record and these records are accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, like a court order. You can find these by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders have to be registered on a sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see this information online, but keep in mind that you will not get the actual address, but only the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a court case file containing a docket and all filings and documents filed in your court case. You are able to access your court records via the internet, or at Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal background. These databases are all linked and you can track criminal convictions from another state. You are able to go to the Kossuth County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if it was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

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

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, you generally will not learn if that person has had any:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving histories, you will have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you call the Kossuth County courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments may help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Kossuth County,The Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link

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


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in Kossuth County Jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will get used to the routine that is set for you. Inmates get a wake-up alarm at 6:00 AM, and next you’ll have roll call. Then you will get breakfast. Following 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 Kossuth 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 Kossuth 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 someone in jail at Kossuth County Jail can change, so be sure to double check the official Kossuth County Jail site before you send any money.


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 Kossuth County Jail

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

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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

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

The definition of victim includes:

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

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

Victim Notification

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

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

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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 incarcerated in Kossuth County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate in this jail?

If you have, then we would like you to write your review about it. Write down your experience so that other people will know what to expect.

What to write in the review:

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


Click here to write your review of Kossuth County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has a story to tell. Why’d you get arrested? Did you experience fair treatment? How was life in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Are you trying to send a message to a friend from jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Post a message to people incarcerated at Kossuth County Jail

Links and Resources

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

Kossuth County Jail Visitation Procedures
Kossuth County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Kossuth County Jail Inmate Search
Kossuth County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Kossuth County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Funds to an Inmate at Kossuth County Jail
Kossuth County Jail Jobs


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