Van Buren County Jail – Keosauqua, IA

Van Buren County Jail is in Van Buren County, IA and is the correctional facility for the area. Do you know somebody in jail at Van Buren County Jail? This site gives you information about anything related to Van Buren County Jail: How to do a jail inmate search. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. Van Buren County court information. And everything else.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful prospect, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to offer information and advice that you’ll need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail less stressful. If you have a question, feel free to ask it, and also any tips or comments that might help others would be much appreciated.

Do you know someone that is in jail and need to contact them?

Do you know someone who has been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

In order to see who is in jail at Van Buren County Jail you will need to go to their website and do an inmate search.

The Van Buren County Jail Inmate List is an online list of persons who are in jail, including status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. Also, you are able to find the same information on anyone booked or discharged in the past 24-hour period. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to get their arrest information fast if you have their name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you are looking for may be at another jail you will want to check our guide to other Iowa jails: List of all county jails in Iowa

A mugshot, or intake photo, is a picture taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one face photo and a profile picture. Your name and jail booking number will be on the pictures, and they’re kept on file.

Mugshots of inmates are online, or you can see them in person at the Van Buren County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will need to enter the prisoner’s first and last name, and a booking date, if you have it.

Need to know how to get your mugshot erased from the Van Buren County Jail site? This can be tricky, as your mugshot is a matter of public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, and will not be accessible. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, 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’re incarcerated, your primary thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail is decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you are required to agree to go to your court date, and you must not travel out of the county.

Typically, a prisoner at Van Buren County Jail will earn time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to do work release. You will be required to go back to jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you may be permitted to sleep in a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is money that you will be required to pay in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you have to pay is determined by the seriousness of your charges. You or someone you know will have to put up ten percent of the total set in order for you to get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your court date, whoever paid your bail will lose that money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Van Buren County Jail site.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but fortunately, it is really easy if you have the money. To start with, you need to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you won’t be able to get a bondsman. Cash only – the jail will not take a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will be released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should try a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually charge a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman will use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at Van Buren County Jail

Have you ever used a bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, 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
• Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• House Arrest
• Own Recognizance

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The intake process is made up of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• First, have to answer a number of questions, like what is your full legal name, address, birth date and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and mental history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will get to use the telephone so you can contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might get to keep wearing street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did you have to wait? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any secrets that could help other people that get arrested to get through the procedure?

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Once bail has been posted, you will get released from jail. The discharge process takes from 10 minutes to all day. In simple terms, the faster you can pay your bail, the quicker you will be freed. How quickly you get discharged can depend on whether or not you have a bond amount or if a judge must decide on how much to set your bail at. For minor offenses, you will get booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a release date, expect to be discharged that morning.

In the event there is a, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, you really should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail intake area, and tell someone 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 you do, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. Be sure that you are not late. Only bring things that are allowed with you, like a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list each visitor’s full name to the jail. Your visitor’s names will be put in the visitors log as an approved visitor. Each and every visitor will have to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Visitors that gets to visitation or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Van Buren County Jail visitation procedures are always changing, so you should double-check the jail site before you visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Jail phone calls are generally more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, 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 jail rules, phone privileges might get reduced or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The Van Buren County Jail phone number is: 319-293-3426

All mall sent to inmates is required to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of delivery. Clearly print the person’s name, inmate number, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail sent to inmates will be opened and examined by the jail staff, and will get returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

The mailing address for Van Buren County Jail is:

Van Buren County Jail
907 Broad St.
Keosauqua, IA 52565

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Van Buren County Jail
907 Broad St.
Keosauqua, IA 52565

The inmate mail policy at Van Buren County Jail can change, so review the the Van Buren County Jail website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you get arrested, you should know you still have rights, the most important of which is your right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure you have a friend or family member find an attorney for you. You may be thinking ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate through the legal system in Van Buren County. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your case, the better.

For more detailed information on how to find an attorney, click here: How to Find an Attorney in Van Buren County

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. In addition, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. All Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers who are members of the Iowa State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court records are a matter of public record. Court records contain a court case file with a docket and all of the motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed in your case. You, and anyone else, can access your court records via the Van Buren County website, or by going to the Van Buren County Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages the records. They 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 case are kept at Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the fees and charges from your case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may get out of having to pay them.

The Van Buren County magistrate is the judge that presides on your court case. Magistrates do different tasks, such as setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over initial court appearances and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about the defendant’s background and details of the defendant’s life, which the magistrate judge will review and take into account when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the defendant, their family, and, if applicable, the victim. Be sure to remember you can request to get a copy of your pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, and make sure that you review it and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, ranging from community service to probation, to prison or jail time. 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 you could receive a date that you are supposed to go to jail to do your time.

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

To do so, just access the Van Buren County jail website, and search using:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you should call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you can check court records on the Van Buren County jail website or you can call the court. This requires a first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and inquire at the information desk. You should be clear that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Van Buren County jail, either by phone, go there in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and this is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, which can be court orders. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as 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 tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view this information on the internet, but keep in mind that you will not be able to find the actual address, but rather the block they live on.

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

Each and every state maintains a record of someone’s criminal past. These online databases are connected so you are able to track criminal histories from any other state. Go to the Van Buren County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will be able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for these crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, in most cases won’t be able to find out if they has had:

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

To search for driving histories, you must do a driving records search.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you have to call the jail? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments might help other people.

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Most Wanted

The FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Van Buren County, the Van Buren County Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Van Buren 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 being incarcerated in the Van Buren County jail is something you wish you could avoid, in time you will get used to the routine that is set for you. All inmates get a wake-up alarm at about 6:00am, and next you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. When you finish 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 Van Buren 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 Van Buren 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 jail inmates is always changing, so check the site when 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 Van Buren County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Van Buren 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 Van Buren County Jail

Requirements:

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


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Family Resources

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

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

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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

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

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been incarcerated in Van Buren County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited a prisoner there?

If so, then please tell us about it. Write down what you experienced because other people can learn what to expect.

Things you can include in the review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


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Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story about it. Why were you locked up? Were you mistreated? What happened to you while you were locked up? What were the other inmates like? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you want to find out how to get in touch with someone you met in jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Say Hello to people incarcerated at Van Buren County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Van Buren County Jail Link
Van Buren County Jail Inmate Search Link
Van Buren County Jail Mugshots
Van Buren County Jail Bail Link

Van Buren County Jail Visitation
Van Buren County Jail Jail Mail Link
Van Buren County Jail Inmate Search
Van Buren County Warrants
Van Buren County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Funds to an Inmate at Van Buren County Jail
Van Buren County Jail Employment


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