Muscatine County Jail – Muscatine, IA

Muscatine County Jail is located in Muscatine County, IA and is the jail for the county. Know someone incarcerated at Muscatine County Jail? This page gives you information about anything a person needs to know about Muscatine County Jail,such as: How to locate an inmate at Muscatine County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to give you information and advice you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a question, please feel free to ask them, and also any tips or comments that could help others will be appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that has gone to jail and need to contact them?

Do you know a friend or family member that has been arrested and you need to locate them?

In order to search who is in jail at Muscatine County Jail you have to visit their web site and use the inmate search.

The Muscatine County Jail Inmate Search has information on persons who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes custody status, how much their bail is, and visiting hours. You can also find info about anyone arrested and booked or released within the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by last name. You will be able to locate their inmate information quicker if you’ve got your friend or family member’s name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for is in another county jail you should check our guide to other Iowa jails: Iowa Jails

A mugshot, or jail intake photograph, is a photograph that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually one full face and one profile photo. Your full name and booking number will be on the pictures, and they are kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Muscatine County Jail inmates can be found on the Muscatine County Jail website, or you can view them at the Muscatine County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you have to enter the person’s legal name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Are you trying to get your mugshot taken off of the Muscatine County Jail website? This may not be possible, as the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that your arrest record 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 websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Of course, if you’re locked up, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail is set by a special judge called a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you are required to promise to be there for your court date, and until then you will not be permitted to leave the county.

Usually, an inmate are given an early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and area a good inmate while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to do work release. You will have to go back to the jail every day after work, or you may have the chance to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail until your trial. The amount you will be required to pay is dictated by the crime you’ve been charged with. You will have to post ten percent of the total that was determined so you are able to bail out of jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, whoever put up your bail money will lose that bail money.

You need to call the jail. If you have all the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Bailing out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but thankfully, it is very simple to do. First of all, you need to know if it is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you will not be able to get a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they will not take a check. When you’ve paid bail, the inmate will be discharged. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you will get this money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, of if you can’t pay it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. They will usually charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and usually charge a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman will ask to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To find a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at Muscatine County Jail

Have you ever hired a bail bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to share your story

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

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The jail intake process includes each 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.
• The first step is that you will answer a bunch of questions, like what is your full legal name, home address, birth date and contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will then be allowed to make a telephone call to contact family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, they will let you keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should tell us what happened. How long did it take to get through intake? How did the guards treat you? Can you tell us secrets that might help other people to get through the process?

Click here to tell your story

When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. The discharge process can take between 15 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the faster you can post bail, the sooner you can get out of jail. Also, it can depend on if you’ve been given a bond amount or if a magistrate must decide on the bail amount. For lesser charges, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served your sentence and are given a discharge date, expect to be discharged in the morning.

If there is a, or if you must begin your jail sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. If you have a warrant, go to the jail, and let them know that believe that there could be a warrant out for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if so, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Make sure that you aren’t late. Be sure to only bring approved items when you go to jail, such as a driver’s license or your ID, prescription medication, and the sentencing order from court.

Inmates need to give each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will go in the visitation log for the inmate. All visitors will be required to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Visitors showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will not be able to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies frequently change, so check the official Muscatine County Jail jail site before go to the jail 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 typically 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 bear in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you are disciplined for an infraction, an inmate’s phone privileges might get reduced or forbidden.

The Muscatine County Jail phone number is: 563-262-4190

All inmate mail is required to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You must not use any other form of mail delivery. You have to write or type the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not mail anything in a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. Any mail is opened and read and examined by staff, and will be returned to the sender if deemed inappropriate.

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

Muscatine County Jail
400 Walnut Street
Muscatine, IA 52761

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Muscatine County Jail
400 Walnut Street
Muscatine, IA 52761

The Muscatine County Jail inmate mail policy changes often, so double check the the Muscatine County Jail website when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you get arrested, you have certain rights, one of these being your right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to get a friend or relative to find a lawyer for you. You might be asking yourself ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you find your way through the court system in your county. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better off you’ll be.

For more detailed information on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, read: How to Find an Attorney in Muscatine County

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. The Public Defender has access to independent investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys, admitted to the Iowa State Bar Association and are completely licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Muscatine County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They are comprised of a file with a docket and every documents filed during your court case. You are able to access the records and documents in your court case with the online service, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

The Muscatine County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages access to court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records and documents related to your court case are kept at Clerk of Court.

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

The magistrate is the judge that presides over your case. Magistrates do a number of different things, like setting bail amounts, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court appearances and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate will review and take into account when determining a sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the person on trial, their family, and in some circumstances the victim. Bear in mind you are able to request to have your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

When you are 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 particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you will either be immediately taken into custody, or given a date that you must report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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

To do this, you need to query the Muscatine County jail website, and do a search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• or inmate ID.

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

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants inquiry on the Muscatine County jail website or you are able to call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. You should be clear that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

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

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Muscatine County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders are required to be listed and registered 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 offense. You are able to view sex offenders on the internet, but bear in mind that you won’t get the street address, but only the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. They include a case file that includes a court docket and any of the filings and documents filed in the case. You can access your court records on the website, or at the Muscatine County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of someone’s criminal history. These databases are linked together so you can track criminal backgrounds from any other state. Go to courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you are able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any of the following crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

When you do a criminal history search, usually won’t be able to find out if that person has had any moving violations, like:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you have to call the jail? Was the information you received correct? There are lots of reasons that people look up criminal records, and your feedback may help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Muscatine County, the Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Muscatine County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in the Muscatine County jail is something you wish you could avoid, soon you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you. You will get a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00am, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then get breakfast. After breakfast, you will be required to work in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine County Jail can change, so we suggest that you review the official website before send money 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 Muscatine County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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 leave 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 an inmate in this jail? Do you know anybody that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited an inmate there?

If so, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Write down what you experienced because others can learn what to expect.

Things you could write in your review:

• Conditions in Muscatine County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Write a review about Muscatine County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you get locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? What about the other inmates? How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to leave a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Want to reconnect with somebody you met when you were locked up? Send a message to them here.

Post a message to people incarcerated at Muscatine County Jail

Links and Resources

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

Muscatine County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Muscatine County Jail Jail Mail Link
Muscatine County Jail Inmate Search
Muscatine County Warrants
Muscatine County Jail Arrest Lookup
Muscatine County Jail Send Money Procedure
Jobs at Muscatine County Jail


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