O’Brien County Jail – Primghar, IA

O’Brien County Jail is in O’Brien County and is the jail for this area. Are you looking for someone at O’Brien County Jail? This page will tell you info about everything related to O’Brien County Jail: Find an inmate at O’Brien County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. O’Brien County Jail intake procedures. Court information. And much, much more.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary thought, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also their friends and family. The goal of this guide is to give you advice and information you need to make helping someone get out of jail easier. If you have a question, feel free to ask it, and please leave any feedback or comments that might be beneficial to other people in the same situation would be welcome.

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

Has somebody that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out where they are?

To look up who is in jail at O’Brien County Jail you will have to go to their link and do an inmate search.

The O’Brien County Jail Inmate Roster has information on persons who are in jail, including current status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. Also, you are able to find information about anyone who has been arrested or discharged within the past 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You can get their arrest information more quickly if you’ve got your friend or family member’s full name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one may be incarcerated at a different jail you can check the other Iowa county jails in our Iowa County Jail Guide: Other County Jails in Iowa

A mugshot, also called a jail processing photograph, is the photograph that the jail takes during jail intake processing. They take one face photo and a side picture. Your name and jail booking number will be on the pictures, and they will be kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of O’Brien County Jail inmates are on the O’Brien County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the O’Brien County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you have to enter the inmate’s name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Do you want to get your mugshot taken down from the O’Brien County Jail site? This is difficult, since the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the various mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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Obviously, if you’re in jail, your main thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve been booked, bail will be determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released from jail you will have to agree to be there for your court date, and until then you can’t travel out of the county.

Typically, prisoners in the O’Brien County Jail will be given time off for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while they are in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be allowed to do work release. You will either have to stay jail each day when you’re finished with work, or you may be allowed to live in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is money that you will be required to pay to get out of jail pending trial. The amount you will have to pay is determined by how serious your charges are. You will have to pay ten percent of the total that was determined so you are able to be released. If you don’t show up for court, the person that paid your bail won’t get the bail money back.

You must call the jail. If you’ve got the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they will tell you the bail amount. You can also check their bail amount and status on the O’Brien County Jail site.

Bailing out of jail is never a fun thing, but usually, it is easy. To start with, you need to find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you won’t be able to use a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they can’t accept a check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will get released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it, you should use a bail bondsman. They will generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and sometimes have a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will in most cases request to use assets as collateral for the bond.

If you need a local bail bondsman click here: Find a Bail Bondsman in O’Brien County

Have you ever hired a Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The jail intake procedure takes you through each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• You will answer a bunch of questions, like your full name, street address, date of birth and a contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• They will let you make a phone call so you can get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be allowed to wear your street clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please tell us how it happened. How long did it take to get through intake? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any secrets that could help other people that get arrested get through jail intake?

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When you finally post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail takes anywhere between 15 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the faster you can post bail, the quicker you will get out of jail. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if a magistrate must determine the amount of bail to be set. For minor offenses, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served your sentence and know the release date, you should expect to be released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

for your arrest, or if you must start a jail sentence, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail processing area, and tell the intake officer that you think there is a warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they find one, they will take you into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go down to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. Be sure that you aren’t late. Be sure to only bring things that are allowed with you, such as a driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as an official sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must list each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will be entered into a Visiting log as an authorized visitor. All visitors must provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures can change, so it would be wise to visit the official jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are usually 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 should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules and are disciplined, your ability to use the phone could be reduced or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

Phone Number: (712) 957-5245

All mail has to be sent using US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of mail delivery. Clearly write the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Don’t send anything in a box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail will be opened and inspected by the officers at the jail, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

The mailing address for O’Brien County Jail is:

O’Brien County Jail
240 1St Street Ne Po Box 260
Primghar, IA 51245-0260

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
O’Brien County Jail
240 1St Street Ne Po Box 260
Primghar, IA 51245-0260

The O’Brien County Jail inmate mail policy changes, so check the the O’Brien County Jail website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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When you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, the first of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to ask a friend or family member to find an attorney when you talk to them. You may be thinking ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and help you through the complicated legal system that you are now faced with. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better your chances.

To read more about how to find an attorney, go to: How to Find a Lawyer

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. Also, the Public Defender Office is staffed by private investigators, forensics experts and case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are actual lawyers that are members of the Iowa State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

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

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

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court who maintains court records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records, documents, and evidence from your court case are held at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges and fees associated with your case, such as for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The O’Brien County court magistrate is the judge who presides over your case in court. They do many different things, such as setting bail, issuing warrants for arrest, and overseeing preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the defendant’s background and details of the defendant’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into consideration when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and if necessary the victim. Don’t forget you can request to get your own copy of the report before sentencing, so you have the opportunity to review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

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

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Are you trying to find out if somebody you know is locked up, or has ever been in jail?

To do this, you should visit the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants inquiry on the O’Brien County jail website or call the court directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. Keep in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the O’Brien County jail, by phone, go there in person, or check online. Records of arrests are in the public record and this information is freely available.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, like warrants. You can find these by contacting the O’Brien County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access these listings online, but you should know that you will not find the exact address, but only the address block they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a court case file that contains a docket and all documents and filings filed in the case. You can access your court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of people’s criminal history. These state databases are all connected and you can track criminal histories from another state. You are able to go to county courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a completely different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you will be able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for crimes, which include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

If you do a criminal records check, in most cases will not learn if they have had any:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Traffic accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you call the courthouse? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your account may help other people.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In O’Brien County, the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List

O’Brien County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that spending time in the O’Brien County jail is something you wish you could avoid, in time you will settle into the daily routine there. You will get an alarm for wake-up at about 6:00 AM, and then you’ll have roll call. Then you will have 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 O’Brien 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 O’Brien 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 inmates is always changing, so check the the O’Brien County Jail website before you send money to an inmate 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 O’Brien County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the O’Brien 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 O’Brien 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 post a comment


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• 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 spent any time at O’Brien County Jail? Do you know anybody that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited a prisoner there?

If you have, then we would like you to write a review about it. Write about what you experienced because others can learn what to expect.

Things you could write in what you write:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? What was it like in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell your story about when you did time at O’Brien County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you want to say wassup to somebody you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message

Links and Resources

Main O’Brien County Jail Link
O’Brien County Jail Inmate Search Link
View O’Brien County Jail Mugshots
O’Brien County Jail Bail Amount Link

O’Brien County Jail Visitation Policy Link
O’Brien County Jail Mail Policy
Locate an inmate at O’Brien County Jail
O’Brien County Warrant Lookup
O’Brien County Jail Arrests
Send Money to an Inmate at O’Brien County Jail
O’Brien County Jail Jobs


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