Worth County Jail – Northwood, IA

Worth County Jail is located in Worth County and is the main jail for this region. Are you looking for someone locked up at Worth County Jail? This guide gives you information about anything you might want to know about Worth County Jailsuch as the following: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Worth County Jail intake procedures. Worth County court information. And lots more.

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The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary thought, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s family and friends. The goal of this guide is to give you all the information and advice that you need to make the process a lot easier. If you have questions, please feel free to ask them, and any comments or feedback that would be a benefit to others will be appreciated.

General Information

Address

Worth County Jail
1000 Central Ave
Northwood, IA 50459

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone: 641-324-2481
Fax Number:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you have a friend or family member that is locked up and need to contact them?

Has a family member or friend that’s been arrested and you need to find them?

In order to find out who’s in jail at Worth County Jail you should go to their link and perform an inmate search.

Inmate Search

The Worth County Jail Inmate Search is a list of people currently in custody, which includes custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and times you can visit. Also, you can find the same information for anybody arrested and booked or released within the last 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to find their inmate information quicker if you enter your friend or family member’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for may be locked up at a different jail you will want to look here, too: Other Jails in Iowa


Mugshots

A mugshot, also called a intake photograph, is the photograph that the jail takes when you are booked into jail. They will take one full face and one profile photo. Your full name and jail ID number will be on the mugshot, and they are on file at the jail.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be viewed on the website, or you can see them in person at the Worth County Jail. When viewing online you will have to put in the person’s first and last name, and the arrest date, if you have it.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Want to have your mugshot erased from the Worth County Jail site? This is difficult, as the mugshot is a public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that your arrest record will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the different websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Of course, if you are incarcerated, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount will be set either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If no bail is set this may 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 are required to promise to be in court on your court date, and in the meantime you are not allowed to leave the county.

In most cases, prisoners in the Worth County Jail can earn an early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while they’re in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be granted work release. Either you will have to go back to the jail every day after work, or you could have the chance to sleep in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to get out of jail pending trial. The amount of bail that is set is dictated by the seriousness of your charges. You will have to post 10 percent of the total set so you are able to get out of jail. If you don’t show up for court, whoever posted your bail won’t get the bail money back.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they will let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Bailing out of jail is never a fun thing, but thankfully, it is very simple to do. To start with, you need to know if it is a Cash Only Bond. If this is the case, you can’t use a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail will not accept a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the prisoner will be released to your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

Bail Bondsman

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and usually charge a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman might use your personal assets as collateral for the bond.

To contact a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Worth County Jail

Have you ever used the services of Bail Bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out for you.

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Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

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


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The jail intake procedure includes these steps:

  • You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
  • You must answer some questions, like your full name, your address, birth date and contact person.
  • They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
  • You will be given an inmate ID.
  • You will get fingerprinted.
  • You will have your mugshot taken.
  • All personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released.
  • You will get to make a telephone call in order to call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
  • If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be allowed to wear your own clothes, if not you will be given a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? What was your treatment like? Do you have any tips that will help other people make it through the process?

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Discharge Procedures

Once you are able to post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged takes from 10 minutes to many hours. In other words the faster bail is posted, the quicker you will get discharged. How quickly you get discharged can depend on whether or not you have a cash bond amount or if the judge still needs to decide on how much your bail will be. For a minor offense, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a discharge date, you should plan to be discharged that morning.

How To Turn Yourself In

In the event there is a, or if you need to begin your sentence in jail, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail processing area, and let them know that believe that there could be a warrant out for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into jail custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you don’t show up late. Make sure that you only bring necessary items with you, like a driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the sentencing order from court.

Visitation Procedures

In order to have visitors, inmates must give information about each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s information will be entered into a log of visitors as an authorized visitor. Each visitor must provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or that does not have a visitation order will not be able to attend visitation.
The Worth County Jail visitation procedures change often, so you should review the official Worth County Jail jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . These phone calls are generally more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but bear 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 privileges might get reduced or totally denied.

The Worth County Jail phone number is: 641-324-2481

Sending Mail to Inmates

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of delivery. You have to write the prisoner’s name, inmate ID, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a package, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail gets opened and reviewed by the jail staff, and will get sent back if deemed inappropriate.

Mailing Address

The mailing address for Worth County Jail is:

Worth County Jail
1000 Central Ave
Northwood, IA 50459

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Worth County Jail
1000 Central Ave
Northwood, IA 50459


The Worth County Jail mail policy can change, so you should visit the official Worth County Jail site when you send a letter to an inmate.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

Even if you’ve been arrested, you have rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to have a friend or family member find a lawyer when you talk to them. You might be asking yourself ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ While you are not required to have one, an attorney will advise you about your rights, protect your interests and help you navigate the criminal justice system that you are now faced with. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better.

For more info on this subject, click here: How to Find a Lawyer in Worth County

Public Defender

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. The Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social workers. All Public Defenders are actual attorneys who are admitted to the Iowa State Bar Association and are licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court Records

Worth County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They have a case file containing a docket sheet and all motions, documents, and evidence filed during your court case. You can access court records via the internet service, or at the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court who manages court records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the jury’s verdict. All records and documents related to your case are held at Clerk of Court.

Fees

Court costs and court fees are the fees and charges from your court case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

Magistrate

The magistrate is the judge that rules on your case. Magistrate judges do many different things, which include setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over first court appearances and detention hearings.

Pre-Sentencing

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared with background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into account when determining a sentence. Information will be requested from the person on trial, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Be sure to remember you are able to ask to have your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, and make sure that you correct any inaccurate information.

Sentencing

If you get convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you will either be locked up immediately, or you might be given a date that you are required to turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Want to find out if some you know is in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do this, you need to access the Worth County jail website, and do a search using:

  • Name.
  • Birthdate.
  • Approximate booking date.
  • and their inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

Warrant Inquiry

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants online or you are able to call the jail. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask them. You should be clear that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you have a first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, on the phone, in person, or check online. Arrest records are in the public record and these records are accessible to anyone.

Civil Inquiry

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to see sex offenders online, but remember that you will not be able to find the exact address, just the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a court case file containing a court docket and any filings and documents filed in your case. You can access your court records online, or at the Worth County Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal past. These state databases are connected so you can track criminal convictions from other states. Go to the Worth County Courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a completely different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

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

  • DUI.
  • Drug Possession.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
  • Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
  • Property crimes like theft or larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, you generally will not discover if they has had:

  • Tickets for 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 history.

    Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it an easy process? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments could make it easier for others.

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    Most Wanted

    For Federal crimes, the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Worth County, the Worth County Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

    FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

    Worth County Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    Just the thought of getting locked up in Worth County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, in time you will settle into the routine that is set for you. All inmates get an alarm for wake-up at 6:00am, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will have to 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 Worth 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 Worth 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 someone in jail at Worth County Jail changes, so check the site 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 Worth County Jail

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Worth 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 Worth 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 post a comment


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    Victim Resources

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

    Victim’s Rights

    The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

    • 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.

    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 a prisoner at this jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited a prisoner there?

    If your answer is yes, then you should leave a comment below about it. Tell us about what you experienced so other people will know what to expect.

    What to include in your review:

    • Conditions at the jail.
    • Jail and pod layout and facility
    • Jail staff and Guards
    • Food and commissary
    • Having Visitors
    • Other Inmates.
    • Inmate safety
    • Jail gangs
    • Programs and activities


    Let Everyone Know

    Tell Your Story

    Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has a story about it. How’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? How was day to day life at Worth County Jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did it affect you to go to jail?

    Post A Comment

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Did you make friends in jail? Want to find out how to get in touch with a friend from jail? Send a message to them here.

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

    Links and Resources

    Main Worth County Jail Website
    Worth County Jail Inmate Search Link
    View Worth County Jail Mugshots
    Worth County Jail Bail Amount Link

    Worth County Jail Visitation Procedures
    Worth County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
    Worth County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
    Worth County Warrants
    Worth County Jail Arrests
    Send Funds to an Inmate at Worth County Jail
    Worth County Jail Jobs


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