Winnebago County Jail – Forest City, IA

Winnebago County Jail is located in Winnebago County, Iowa and is the primary correctional facility for the county. Are you looking for someone at Winnebago County Jail? This site tells you all about everything a person needs to know about Winnebago County Jailsuch as the following: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Winnebago County Jail intake procedures. Winnebago County court information. And much more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary idea, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also their friends and family. This guide is designed to give you advice and information that you need to make the process a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, just ask it, and please leave any comments or tips that might be beneficial to other people in the same situation will be appreciated.

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

Do you know a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you want to locate them?

To search who is in jail at Winnebago County Jail you need to go to their link and use the inmate lookup.

The Winnebago County Jail Inmate Search is a list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes status, how much their bail is, and times you can visit. Also, you are able to get info about anyone who has been arrested or released in the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You’ll be able to find their arrest information quicker if you enter the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for might be at another county jail you can look here: Other County Jails in Iowa

A mugshot, or intake picture, is a photo taken by the police during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually one and a profile picture. Your full name and booking number will appear on the pictures, and they will be stored at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested are online, or you can view them at the Winnebago County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will have to enter the full name, and an arrest date, if you have it.

Do you want to get your mugshot removed from the Winnebago County Jail site? This may not be possible, since the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

Return To Main Menu

Of course, once you are locked up, your primary thought is about getting out. After you’ve been booked, your bail will be set using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either be released, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out you must promise to go to your court date, and until that day you won’t be allowed to leave the area.

Usually, a prisoner will be given early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while incarcerated.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be given work release detail. You will have to go back to jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you could have the chance to move into a halfway house when you are not working.

Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you have to pay all depends on what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. Someone you know will need to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total amount that was determined so you are able to be released from jail. If you fail to show up for your court date, the person that paid your bail will lose that money.

You will need to call the jail. If you’ve got the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they will tell you the bail amount. You can also see the bail amount on the Winnebago County Jail site.

Having to get someone out of jail is no fun, but usually, its easy. To start with, find out if they have a Cash Only Bond. If this is the case, you can’t use a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they can’t take a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the person will be released to your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you just can’t afford it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and sometimes with a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will in these cases ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To find a local bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman at Winnebago County Jail

Have you ever had to use a Bail Bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to leave a comment

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

Return To Main Menu

The jail intake procedure takes you through each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you have to answer some questions, such as what is your full legal name, your address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• They will allow you to use the phone to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might get to keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will be given a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should share your experience. How long did it take to get processed? What was your treatment like? Can you share any tips that might help others to get through jail processing?

Click here to share your story

Once bail has been posted, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged takes between 10 minutes to many hours. Or, simply, the faster bail is posted, the quicker you will get released. Also, it will depend on whether or not you’ve been given a bond amount or if a magistrate still needs to figure out your bail amount. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a discharge date, expect to be released that morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, you really should follow the law and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail, in the reception area, and tell an officer that think that there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. A record check will be run, and if you do, you will be taken into jail custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Make sure that you aren’t late. Make sure that you only bring approved items with you, like your driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you need to provide each visitor’s full name to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitors will go in the log as an Authorized visit. Each visitor will be required to provide acceptable photo identification. Anyone arriving late or that is not on the visitation list will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Winnebago County Jail visitation procedures change often, so make sure that you review the official jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . These phone calls are usually pricier than regular phone calls. There is no limit to when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone calls may be limited or totally denied.

Phone Number: 641-585-2828

All inmate mail has to be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other method of delivery. You should write the name, prisoner number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send anything in a package, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail received by the jail will be opened and read and inspected by the jail staff, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Winnebago County Jail is:

Winnebago County Jail
216 S. Clark Street
Forest City, IA 50436

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Winnebago County Jail
216 S. Clark Street
Forest City, IA 50436

The mail policy at Winnebago County Jail changes frequently, so you should review the the Winnebago County Jail website before you send a letter to an inmate there.

Return To Main Menu

Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these is your right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is important to get a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you call them. You’re probably asking yourself ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and help you understand the legal system. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

For more information on this subject, click here: Find a Lawyer

If you cannot afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender is staffed by independent investigators, forensics experts and social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are actual lawyers that are admitted to the State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney? How did they do?

All court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records contain a court case file with a docket and every documents and motions that have been filed in the case. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case with the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court that manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records and documents relating to your case are maintained at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees and costs are the costs associated with your court case, which include filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The Winnebago County magistrate is the type of judge who presides on your case in court. Magistrates do several different things, which include setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate will take into consideration when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the defendant, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Remember that you can request to see your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to review it and correct any mistakes.

After being convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get taken into custody, right there in court, or you could get a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Are you trying to find out if some you know is locked up, or has gone to jail in the past?

You can you need to access the Winnebago County jail website, and search by:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you are able to check the arrest warrants on the Winnebago County court website or you are able to call the court. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask the officer in charge. Bear in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

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

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders are required to be registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You can access these listings on the internet, but remember that you will not see the exact address, rather the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a court case file containing a docket sheet and all documents filed in your case. You are able to access court records on the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of someone’s criminal past. These online databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal histories from another state. You can go to the Winnebago County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It helps to know the county, and if it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

A criminal records search you are able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

During a criminal records search, you will not be able to see if that person has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving histories, you will have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the jail? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your feedback could help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to tell your story

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI keeps a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Winnebago County, the Winnebago County Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in Winnebago County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, in time you will settle into the daily routine. You should expect an alarm for wake-up at six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then have breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast participate 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 Winnebago 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 Winnebago 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 people in jail might change, so it would be best to visit the official website when you send funds 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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Winnebago County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Winnebago 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 Winnebago 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.


Return To Main Menu

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.

Tell Your Story


Return To Main Menu

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.


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever spent any time in this jail? Do you have a friend or family member that spent time there? Have you ever visited an inmate at Winnebago County Jail?

If so, then please leave a comment below about it. Write down your jail experience so other people can find out what to expect.

Things you can write in your comment:

• Conditions in Winnebago County Jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner activities and programs


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has at least one story to tell about it. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? How was day to day life at Winnebago County Jail? Were the other inmates cool? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Want to find somebody you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to people still locked up at Winnebago County Jail

Links and Resources

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

Winnebago County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Winnebago County Jail Jail Mail Link
Winnebago County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Winnebago County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Winnebago County Jail Arrests
Send Money to an Inmate at Winnebago County Jail
Winnebago County Jail Jobs


Return To Main Menu
926