Union County Jail – Creston, IA

Union County Jail is located in Union County, Iowa and is the main correctional facility for this area. Are you looking for somebody locked up at Union County Jail? This guide will tell you all about anything related to Union County Jail: Find an inmate at Union County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information and records. And much more…

The prospect of going to jail is a scary situation, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to give information and advice that you need to make getting locked up less stressful. If you have specific questions, just ask them, and also any comments or tips that would be a benefit to others will be appreciated.

Do you know someone that is incarcerated and want to find them?

Do you know a friend or family member that has been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

In order to look up who is in jail at Union County Jail you need to click on their web site and do an inmate search.

The Union County Jail Inmate Roster is an online list of people currently in custody, including custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. You can get the same information about anyone who has been arrested or released in the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You can locate their inmate information faster if you’ve got their name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for may be incarcerated at a different jail you should check our guide to other Iowa jails: Iowa Jails

A mugshot, also known as a jail booking picture, is a photo taken by the police during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually one and a profile photo. Your full name and booking number will be on the pictures, and they’re kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched on the website, or you can see them at the Union County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you need to enter their full name, and the arrest date, if you have one.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken off of the Union 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 would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot taken down, the various websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Of course, once you are arrested and put in jail, your main thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail amount is set by a special judge called a magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you are required to agree to show up for court, and until that day you are not permitted to leave the area.

Usually, inmates at Union County Jail will be given early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while they’re in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be given work release detail. You will either have to return to the jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you may get to live in a halfway house instead of jail.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail until your trial. The amount you will have to pay depends on the seriousness of your charges. You will have to post 10 percent of the total that was determined in order for you to be released from jail. If you miss your scheduled court date, the person that paid your bail will lose that bail money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you need to call the Union County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

Posting bail to get out of jail is never a fun thing, but usually, it’s simple to do if you have the money. First of all, find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you will not be able to use a bail bondsman. Cash only – they can’t accept checks. When you’ve paid bail, the inmate will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and usually charge a minimum of $100. This money is non-refundable and the bondsman only accepts cash. If bail is very large, the bondsman will usually request to use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To talk to a bail bondsman go to: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired 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.

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

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The jail intake procedure takes you through these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• First, will answer a bunch of questions, such as what your legal name is, address, date of birth and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and mental history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• You will then be allowed to make a phone call to talk to family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will be given a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, please tell us how it happened. How long did it take to get processed? How did the guards treat you? Do you have any secrets that will help other people make it through the process?

Click here to tell your story

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged may take anywhere between 10 minutes to quite a few hours. So, the faster you can pay your bail, the quicker you can get released from jail. It also will depend on if you’ve got a cash bond amount or if the judge needs to decide on the bail amount. For a minor charge, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a release date, plan to get released that morning.

If you have a, or if you have to start a jail sentence, you should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail intake area, and let them know that you think there may be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. 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. When reporting to serve a sentence, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be sure that you are not late. Just bring required items when you turn yourself in, like your driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

The inmate need to provide each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance. This information will be entered into a log of visitors for the inmate. Every visitor must provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors arriving late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Union County Jail frequently change, so you should review the official Union County Jail 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 . These phone calls are generally pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but inmates 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 rules, phone calls might get reduced or forbidden completely.

The Union County Jail phone number is: 641-782-7717

All mail is required to be sent via US Postal Service. You cannot use any other form of delivery. You should write the name, prisoner number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send a box or package, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail sent to inmates will be opened and reviewed by the officers at the jail, and the mail will be returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

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

Union County Jail
302 N. Pine St.
Creston, IA 50801

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Union County Jail
302 N. Pine St.
Creston, IA 50801

The mail policy at Union County Jail changes, so you should review the site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you have rights, the first of which is your right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to get a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you call. You might be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate through the complicated court system in your county. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more information on this, go to: Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as private investigators, experts in forensics and social workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys who are members of the State Bar and are licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

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

All court records are public records. Court records are comprised of a file with a docket and all of the motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed in your case. You have the ability to access court records with the Union County website, or by going to the Union County Clerk of Court.

The Union County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that manages access to court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records relating to your case are kept at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are all costs from your case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you cannot afford these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The Union County court magistrate is the type of judge who presides on your court case. Magistrates are judges that do different tasks, which include setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and presiding over first court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared with information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when determining a sentence. Information will be solicited from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some cases the victim. Remember that you should ask to see a copy of the report prior to sentencing, and make sure that you go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, including community service to probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you will either be locked up immediately, or you could get a date that you must go to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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

This is pretty easy to do, simply you will have to query the Union County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

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

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants on the Union County jail website or you are able to call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind 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 first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or check online. Records of arrests are in the public record and these records are available to anyone.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, such as warrants. You can access civil process orders by going to the Union County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders must be registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You can access these listings on the internet, but bear in mind that you can’t see the street address, but rather the block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a court case file containing a docket sheet and any filings and documents filed in your court case. You can access the court records online, or at Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of someone’s criminal history. These databases are all connected so you can track criminal convictions from other states. You can go to the Union County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you can get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

If you do a criminal records check, usually will not learn if that person has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this kind of information, you will have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback could help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Union County, the Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Union 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 Union County Jail is quite unpleasant, in time you will get used to the routine that is set for you. Inmates get an alarm for wake-up each morning at six in the morning, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will 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 Union 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 Union 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 process for sending money to jail inmates is always changing, so double check the official website before 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 Union County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Union 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 Union County Jail

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

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:

• 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 been incarcerated in Union County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at this jail?

If you have, then please leave a comment below about it. Write down your jail experience so that others can learn what to expect.

What to write in the review:

• Conditions in Union County Jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? What was your daily routine in jail? Were the other inmates cool? How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to tell your story about Union County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Trying to find a person you met in jail? Post a message to them below.

Post a message to people incarcerated at Union County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Union County Jail Link
Union County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Union County Jail Mugshots
Union County Jail Bail Amount Link

Union County Jail Visitation Procedures
Union County Jail Jail Mail Link
Locate an inmate at Union County Jail
Union County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Union County Jail Arrest Lookup
Union County Jail Send Money Procedure
Jobs at Union County Jail


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