Monona County Jail – Onawa, IA

Monona County Jail is in Monona County and is the primary jail for that area. Do you know somebody locked up at Monona County Jail? This site will tell you all about everything you might want to know about Monona County Jailsuch as the following: Find out who’s in jail at Monona County Jail? Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures. Court information. And everything else.

The prospect of going to jail is a scary prospect, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to give you information and advice that you need to make going to jail a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask it, and any comments or tips that could be a benefit to other people in the same situation would be appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member in jail and want to contact them?

Has somebody that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out what jail they’re in?

To find out who’s in jail at Monona County Jail you will need to navigate to their website and perform an inmate lookup.

The Monona County Jail Inmate Search has information on people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes status, bail amount, and visiting hours. Also, you are able to find the same information for anyone booked or released within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to get their inmate information more quickly if you enter your friend or family member’s first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member could possibly be locked up at a different jail you will want to look here: Iowa County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also known as a jail booking photograph, is the photo that the police take when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is actually one and a profile picture. Your name and jail ID number will appear on the mugshot, and they’re on file at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched on the Monona County Jail website, or you can see them at the Monona County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you need to input the prisoner’s legal name, and a booking date, if you have it.

Want to get your mugshot erased from the Monona County Jail site? This is difficult, as the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Of course, if you’re locked up, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail is set using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released you will have to agree to go to your court date, and in the meantime you won’t be allowed to travel out of the county.

In most cases, a prisoner in the Monona County Jail will be given early release in exchange for good behavior when 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 may be granted work release. Either you will have to stay jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you might be permitted to move into a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you have to pay is dictated by the seriousness of your crime. You will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total amount set so you are able to bail out of jail. If you miss your scheduled court date, the person that bailed you out of jail will lose that money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you have to call the Monona County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you’ve got the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you what their bail is set at. You can also check their bail amount and status on the Monona County Jail site.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but usually, it is very simple to do. To start with, find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If this is the case, you can’t get a bail bondsman. Cash only – the jail will not take checks. Once you have paid the bond, the person will be released to your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually charge you a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and usually charge a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will in these cases ask to use your assets as collateral.

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

Have you ever used a bail bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

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• Time Off For Good Behavior
• Get Out on Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Get Out on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• House Arrest
• Own Recognizance

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The jail intake procedure includes each of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first thing you will have to is you have to answer a bunch of questions, like what is your legal name, your address, birth date and a contact person.
• You will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will be allowed to use the telephone in order to call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be allowed to wear your own clothes, if not you will be given a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, please share your experience. How long did it take to get processed? How did the guards treat you? Do you have any things that will help other people make it through the process?

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When you post bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged from jail may take from 10 minutes to many hours. In other words the faster you can pay your bail, the faster you can get released from jail. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if the judge needs to decide on the bail amount. For minor charges, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a release date, you should plan to be discharged between 9am and noon.

If the sheriff has a, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, you should follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell an officer that think that there is a warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, go down to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Just bring necessary items with you, such as your driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a sentencing order.

The inmate must list the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s information will be entered in a Visiting log as an approved visitor. Every visitor must provide identification. Any visitors showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
The Monona County Jail visitation procedures can change, so visit the jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Jail phone calls are generally more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and 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, your ability to use the phone may be limited or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: (712) 433-1414

All mall sent to inmates has to be sent using the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other type of delivery. Clearly write the prisoner’s name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t send a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. Any mail gets opened and examined by the jail officers, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

Monona County Jail
909 7Th Street
Onawa, IA 51040

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Monona County Jail
909 7Th Street
Onawa, IA 51040

The mail policy changes frequently, so be sure to review the official Monona County Jail site before you send a letter to an inmate.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure you ask a friend or family member to locate an attorney when you talk to them. You might be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ While you are not required to have one, a lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and guide you through the complicated legal system in your county. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

For more info on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, read our guide: How to Find an Attorney in Monona County

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has access to investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are licensed lawyers who are admitted to the Iowa State Bar Association and are completely licensed to practice law.

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

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 file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and every documents and motions in the case. You can access your court records using the internet service, or at the Monona County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court who maintains court records. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and read the jury’s verdict. All records, documents, and evidence relating to your case are kept at the Monona County Clerk of Court.

Court fees are all costs associated with your case, such as for example 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 can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The magistrate acts as the judge that presides over your court case. Magistrate judges do many different things, such as setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life history, which the judge will consider when determining your sentence. Information will be gathered from the person on trial, their family, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Bear in mind that you can request to receive your own copy of the report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to correct the mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get taken into custody, right there in court, or you could get a date that you are supposed to go to jail to serve out your sentence.

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

To do so, you need to visit the Monona County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their approximate booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the website or you can call the court. This requires a first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask the officer in charge. You should be clear that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are in the public record and the information is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, which can be a court order. You can access civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be listed and registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to see this information on the internet but bear in mind that you won’t find the actual address, rather the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a court case file containing a docket and any of the documents filed in your case. You can access the court records on their website, or at the Monona County Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each and every state keeps a record of a person’s criminal past. These online databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal convictions from any other state. Go to the Monona County Courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

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

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually won’t see if they has had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this kind of information, you must do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it an easy process? Did you search online or did you call the jail? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your story could help other people.

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Most Wanted

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

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Monona County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in the Monona County jail is very scary, in time you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. You will get an alarm to wake up at about 6:00 AM, and next you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. Following breakfast participate 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 Monona 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 Monona 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 funds to someone in jail could change, so you should check the official Monona County Jail site when 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 Monona County Jail

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

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

If you have, then please write a review about it. Tell us about your experience because other people can find out what to expect.

Things you could write in your review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Write a Review of Monona County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. Did going to jail affect your life? How?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Trying to send a message to someone from jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to someone at Monona County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Monona County Jail Website
Monona County Jail Inmate Search Link
Monona County Jail Mugshots
Monona County Jail Bail Link

Monona County Jail Visitation
Monona County Jail Jail Mail Link
Monona County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Monona County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Monona County Jail Arrests
Monona County Jail Send Money Procedure
Monona County Jail Jobs


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