Smith County Jail – Raleigh, MS

Smith County Jail is located in Smith County, MS and is the primary correctional facility for that county. Know somebody locked up at Smith County Jail? This guide tells you info about anything a person needs to know about Smith County Jail,like the following: How to locate an inmate. How to view Smith County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Booking and intake procedures. Smith County court information. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary idea, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to give advice and information you need to make getting locked up less stressful. If you have questions, just ask them, and please leave any comments or tips that could help other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member in jail and don’t know how to find out where they are?

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

In order to search who’s in jail at Smith County Jail you will need to navigate to their website and perform an inmate search.

The Smith County Jail Inmate Search is an online list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and times you can visit. Also, you are able to get the same information about anyone arrested and booked or released in the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to find the information fast if you enter the arrestee’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you are looking for may be locked up at a different jail you will want to check the other Mississippi county jails in our Mississippi County Jail Guide: Mississippi County Jails

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

Mugshots of Smith County Jail inmates can be viewed online, or you can see them in person at the Smith County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you have to put in the person’s full name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Do you want to get your mugshot taken down from the Smith County Jail website? This is difficult, as the mugshot is a matter of public record. You need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Of course, once you are incarcerated, your only thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail will be decided by a special judge called a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released from jail you must agree to show up for court, and you are not allowed to travel out of the county.

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

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

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail until your court date. The amount you will have to pay all depends on how serious your charges are. You will have to put up ten percent of the total set in order to be released. If you fail to show up for your court date, the person that paid your bail will not get their money back.

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 know the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

Having to get someone out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, it’s easy if you have the money. First, you need to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you won’t be able to use the services of a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they will not accept a check. When you’ve paid bail, 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 will need to use a bail bondsman. They generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases with a minimum charge of $100. This money will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will in most cases ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

If you need a local bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out for you.

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

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The jail intake process is made up of each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first step is that you have to answer some simple questions, like your legal name, address, birthdate and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• You will be allowed to use the telephone so you can get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you will be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will be given a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please tell us what happened. How long did it take to get through intake? How did the guards treat you? Can you share any tips that could help other people that get arrested get through jail processing?

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Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. The discharge process will take from 10 minutes to hours or even all day long. In other words the faster you can post bail, the faster you will get discharged from jail. It also can depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond or if a judge must determine the bail amount. For a minor offense, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served your sentence and have a release date, you should plan to get discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you have to begin your sentence in jail, you should do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail, and let them know that you think there may be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if so, they will take you into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Make sure that you aren’t late. Be sure to only bring approved items with you, for example your driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates must provide each visitor’s name to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitors will go in a Visiting log as an Authorized visit. All visitors have to provide proof of identification. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or without a visiting order will not be able to attend visitation.
The Smith County Jail visitation procedures can change, so we suggest that you visit the official Smith County Jail jail site before you go.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Phone calls made in jail are much more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get cut back or forbidden.

The Smith County Jail phone number is: 601 782-4531

All inmate mail is required to be mailed using US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other type of delivery. You should write the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t mail a box, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail sent to inmates gets opened and inspected and read by the staff, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

The mailing address for Smith County Jail is:

Smith County Jail
P O Box 307
Raleigh, MS 39153

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Smith County Jail
P O Box 307
Raleigh, MS 39153

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

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When you’ve been arrested, you have particular rights, one of these being that you have the right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so it is important to get a friend or relative to locate a lawyer when you call them. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, look after your best interests and help you find your way through the complicated legal system in your county. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your charges, the better.

For more information about this subject, read: Find a Lawyer

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. Public Defenders are actual attorneys, members of the Mississippi State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender? What was your experience?

Smith County court records are a matter of public record. They contain a court case file containing a docket and every motions, documents, and evidence in your case. You, and anyone else, can access the records and documents in your court case using the Smith County website, or by going to the Smith County Clerk of Court.

The Smith County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the jury’s verdict. All records associated with your case are kept and available to you at Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the fees and charges from your court case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you cannot afford these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Smith County magistrate is the type of judge who presides on your case in court. Magistrates do many different things, such as setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court appearances and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed with information about the defendant’s background and information about the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate will review and take into account when deciding on the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the defendant, his or her family, and if necessary the victim. Keep in mind you are allowed to request to see your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you can review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, you will either be taken into custody immediately, or you might be given a date that you are supposed to turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if a family member or friend is in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do this, you should access the jail’s website, and search by:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you should call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can access court records online or you are able to call the court directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. You should be clear that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or find out online. An arrest is public record and this is freely available.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, like warrants. You can find these by going to the Smith County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders are required to be registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see these offenders online, but keep in mind that you will not be able to see the exact address, just the block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. They include a court case file that contains a docket and all filings and documents filed in the court case. You are able to access court records on the internet, or at Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of people’s criminal past. These databases are linked together and you can track criminal backgrounds from another state. Go to the Smith County Courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that the crime was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you can find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for crimes, which include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, you will not see if that person has had:

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

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

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are plenty of reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your story might make it easier for others.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

The FBI maintains a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Smith County, the Smith County Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in the Smith County jail is no fun, soon you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. You should expect a wake-up alarm each morning at 6am, and next you’ll have roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast participate in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. 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 Smith 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 Smith County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The procedure to send funds to jail inmates is always changing, so be sure to double check the the Smith County Jail 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Smith County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Smith 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 Smith 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:

• 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 an inmate at this jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever visited someone at this jail?

If yes, then we would like you to tell us about it. Write about your jail experience so others can find out what to expect.

Things you can include in your review:

• Conditions in Smith County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Click here to write your review of Smith County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has some stories about their time ‘inside’. How’d you get locked up? Did you get fair treatment? How was life in jail? What about the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell Your Story About Smith County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you need to find somebody you met in jail? Post a message to them below.

Send a message to someone at Smith County Jail


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