Pocahontas County Jail – Pocahontas, IA

Pocahontas County Jail is located in Pocahontas County, Iowa and is the main correctional facility for this region. Looking for somebody locked up at Pocahontas County Jail? This guide tells you about anything one might want to know about Pocahontas County Jail,like the following: How to do a jail inmate search. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Intake procedures. Court information. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to offer advice and information that you need to make going to jail a little less stressful. If you have questions, please feel free to ask them, and any comments or tips that might be beneficial to others would be welcome.

Do you know someone that is in jail and want to locate them?

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

To look up who’s in jail at Pocahontas County Jail you should navigate to their web site and perform an inmate search.

The Pocahontas County Jail Inmate List is an online list of people who are in jail, which includes custody status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. You can get information on anyone who has been arrested or discharged in the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You will be able to get their arrest information fast if you’ve got their name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be incarcerated at a different jail you will want to look here, too: List of all jails in Iowa

A mugshot, or intake photo, is a photo that the jail takes when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one face photo and a profile picture. Your name and jail booking number will be on the photos, and they will be stored at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be seen online, or you can go in person to the Pocahontas County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to put in the inmate’s first and last name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Do you want to have your mugshot removed from the Pocahontas County Jail website? This is difficult, as the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

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Obviously, if you’re arrested and put in jail, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After booking, bail is determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out of jail you will have to promise to go to your court date, and until that day you won’t be allowed to leave town.

Usually, a prisoner in the Pocahontas County Jail are given early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while they are in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will be required to return to jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you could have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system to get out of jail pending trial. The amount you have to pay is determined by the crime you are charged with. You or someone you know will have to post 10 percent of the total amount that was set so you can be released from jail. If you miss your court date, that person won’t get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the Pocahontas County Jail. If you’ve got the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know what their bail is set at. You can also see the bail amount on the Pocahontas County Jail site.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, its simple to do if you have the money. To start with, you need to find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you will not be able to get a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they can’t accept checks. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the inmate will be released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just don’t have the money, you should hire a bail bondsman. They will usually have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and usually charge a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman might ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To talk to a local bail bondsman click here: Find a Bail Bondsman in Pocahontas County

Have you ever had to use a Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out for you.

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

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The intake process is made up of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• First, will answer some basic questions, such as your legal name, address, date of birth and a contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will be allowed to make a telephone call to contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you think you will get released quickly, they will let you keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please tell your story. How long did it take to get through intake? How were you treated? Do you have any secrets that could help others get through jail intake?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you finally post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail may take anywhere from 15 minutes to all day. In other words the faster you post bail, the faster you will get out of jail. How quickly you get discharged depends on whether or not you have a cash bond amount or if the judge must determine how much to set your bail at. For a minor offense, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. If you have served a sentence in jail and know the release date, you should expect to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

In the event there is a, or if you must begin your jail sentence, you should follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell an officer that think that there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if they find one, they will take you into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go down to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Only bring necessary items when you go to jail, like your driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a sentencing order from court.

Inmates have to list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitors will be entered into a log of approved visitors for the requesting inmate. Each visitor will have to provide identification. Visitors showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will be turned away.
Jail visitation policies frequently change, so you should double-check the official jail site before you try 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. There is no limit to when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but you should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the jail rules, phone calls could be reduced or forbidden completely.

Phone Number: 712-335-3308

All mall sent to inmates is required to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of delivery. Clearly write the person’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t mail anything in a box, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail sent to inmates will be opened and read and examined by the jail staff, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

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

Pocahontas County Jail
99 Court Square, Suite 9
Pocahontas, IA 50574

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Pocahontas County Jail
99 Court Square, Suite 9
Pocahontas, IA 50574

The mail policy changes often, so you should check the the Pocahontas County Jail website before you send a letter to an inmate there.

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If you have been arrested, you have certain 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 you would be wise to have a friend or relative find a lawyer when you call them. You may be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate through the criminal justice system. The faster you get an attorney working on your situation, the better your chances.

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

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. Also, the Public Defender’s Office is staffed by independent investigators, forensics experts and case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

All court records are public records. They contain a court case file with a docket and each of the documents and motions filed in the course of your case. You, and anyone else, can access the records and documents in your court case with the website, or at the Pocahontas County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the jury’s verdict. All court records relating to your case are available at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees and costs are the charges from your court case, which include filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. 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 rules over your case. Magistrate judges do a number of things, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants, and overseeing initial court appearances and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared with information about your background and as much detail about the defendant’s life and public history, which the magistrate will consider when decide your sentence. Information will be solicited from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and if necessary the victim. Keep in mind you are allowed to request to get a copy of the pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, and make sure that you review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you might get locked up immediately, or you might be given a date to surrender and report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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

This is pretty simple to do, just you should access the Pocahontas County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Pocahontas County jail website or you are able to call the court directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should be clear that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last 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 public record and this is accessible to anyone.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, such as court orders. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Pocahontas County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You can access sex offenders on the internet, but bear in mind that you won’t find the street address, just the block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. These records include a case file that contains a docket and any of the documents filed in your case. You can access your court records via the internet, or at Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal history. These state databases are all connected and you can track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You are able to go to county courthouse and inquire, or check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a different state, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any of the following crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, in most cases won’t see if they had:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this information, you will have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you make a phone call to the Pocahontas County courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments might make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI maintains a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Pocahontas County, the Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Department’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in Pocahontas County Jail is very scary, eventually you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. All inmates get an alarm for wake-up at about six in the morning, and next you’ll have roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will have to 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 Pocahontas 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 Pocahontas 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 procedure to send money to inmates might change, so double check the official website when 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 Pocahontas County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Pocahontas 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 Pocahontas 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 tell your story


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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.

Click here to comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been locked up in Pocahontas County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend that spent time there? Have you ever visited an inmate at Pocahontas County Jail?

If you have, then you should write a review about it. Write down what you experienced because other people will know what to expect.

Things you can include in what you write:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? What was your daily routine in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you need to find someone from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to people incarcerated at Pocahontas County Jail

Links and Resources

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

Pocahontas County Jail Visitation Procedures
Pocahontas County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Locate an inmate at Pocahontas County Jail
Pocahontas County Warrant Lookup
Pocahontas County Jail Arrest Lookup
Pocahontas County Jail Send Money Procedure
Pocahontas County Jail Employment


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