Douglas County Jail – Ava, MO

Douglas County Jail is located in Douglas County and is the main jail for that area. Are you looking for someone incarcerated at Douglas County Jail? This page tells you information about everything one might want to know about Douglas County Jailsuch as the following: Find an inmate at Douglas County Jail. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Douglas County Jail intake procedures. Court information and records. And more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary and stressful prospect, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to offer information that you need to make the process a little less stressful. If you have a question, please feel free to ask them, and please leave any comments or tips that would be beneficial to other people in the same situation would be appreciated.

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

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

To look up who’s in jail at Douglas County Jail you have to click on their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Douglas County Jail Inmate Lookup is a list of persons who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes status, how much their bail is, and visiting schedule. Also, you can find info on anybody arrested and processed or discharged within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to locate the information more quickly if you’ve got your friend or family member’s full name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the inmate you are looking for is locked up at a different jail you should check the other Missouri county jails in our Missouri County Jail Guide: List of all county jails in Missouri

A mugshot, also known as a intake photograph, is the photograph that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is make of one face photo and a profile photo. Your full name and jail booking number will be on the mugshot, and they will be on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be viewed on the Douglas County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Douglas County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will have to put in the legal name, and the arrest date.

Need to know how to get your mugshot removed from the Douglas County Jail website? This is difficult, as the mugshot is a matter of public record. You will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be accessible. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the different websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Of course, once you’re arrested and put in jail, your main thought is about getting out. After you’ve been booked, bail is decided by a special judge called a magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you will have to promise to be in court on your court date, and until that day you will not be permitted to leave the county.

Typically, an inmate in the Douglas County Jail are given time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and area a good inmate while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. You will either have to go back to the jail each day after work, or you may get to live in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Your bail is the amount of money that you will be required to pay in order to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay all depends on how serious your crime is. You will need to post 10 percent of the total amount that was set in order for you to get out of jail. If you don’t go to your court appearance, whoever posted your bail won’t get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail need to call the Douglas County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they will let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

Having to get someone out of jail is no fun, but thankfully, it is easy. First, figure out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you can’t get a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they will not accept a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the prisoner will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it, you should try a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, 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 their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman may request to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond.

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

Have you ever used a Bail Bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to leave a comment

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

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The jail intake procedure is made up of each of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first step is that you must answer some questions, like your full legal name, home address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• They will allow you to make a phone call in order to talk to family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might get to wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be issued a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should share your experience. How long did it take to get processed? Were you treated fairly? Do you have any tips that might help others make it through the procedure?

Click here to share your story

Once you are able to post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged can take from 15 minutes to all day long. In other words the quicker bail is posted, the sooner you can get out of jail. It also might depend on if you have a bond amount or if the judge still needs to determine how much your bail will be. For minor charges, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the discharge date, plan to be released that morning.

If there is a, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail, in the reception area, and tell an officer that you think there may be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if so, they will take you into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go down to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Be very careful that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Make sure that you only bring necessary items when you go to jail, like your driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a sentencing order from court.

To have visitors, you must list information about each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s information will be put in the visitation log as an Authorized visit. Every visitor is required to provide identification. Any visitors that gets to visitation or without a visiting order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Douglas County Jail can change, so make sure that you check the jail site before you try to go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are generally more expensive than phone calls made at home. Phone calls are restricted on when and how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you are disciplined for an infraction, phone privileges might get cut back or cut altogether.

Phone Number: (417) 683-1020

All mall sent to inmates is required to be sent via US Postal Service. You can’t use any other form of mail or package delivery. You have to print the inmate’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the envelope. Don’t mail anything in a package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates gets opened and inspected by the officers at the jail, and the mail will get returned to the sender if they decide it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Douglas County Jail:

Douglas County Jail
209 Southeast 2Nd Avenue
Ava, MO 65608

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Douglas County Jail
209 Southeast 2Nd Avenue
Ava, MO 65608

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

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If you have been arrested, you have certain rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea to ask a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you call. You may be asking yourself ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense attorney will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you through the legal system in Douglas County. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

For more detailed information on this subject, click: How to Find a Lawyer in Douglas County

If you can’t afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys that are members of the Missouri State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records contain a case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the motions, documents, and evidence filed in the case. You, and anyone else, can access the records and documents in your court case using the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your court case are held at Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges from your court case, such as 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 Douglas County court magistrate is the judge that presides on your case in court. Magistrates do a number of different things, which include setting bail amounts, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the judge will review when determining the sentence. Information will be gathered from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some cases the victim in the crime. Keep in mind you can ask to have a copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, and go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service to probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you will either be immediately taken into custody, or you might be given a date that you must report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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

You can just go to the jail’s website, and search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you should call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the court records on the Douglas County court website or call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or check online. An arrest is public record and this information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders have to be registered on both a national and 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 or kidnapping crime. You can access these listings online, but remember that you can’t see the street address, but only the address block they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a court case file containing a docket sheet and any documents filed in your case. You can access court records on the website, or at Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of someone’s criminal background. These online databases are all linked and you can track criminal convictions from another state. You are able to go to courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that the crime was in a completely different state, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you are able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for these crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

If you do a criminal records check, in most cases will not be able to find out if someone has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding tickets.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for this information, you have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments could help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to tell your story

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Douglas County, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI 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 Douglas County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will settle into the daily routine. Prisoners get a wake-up alarm every morning at six in the morning, and next you’ll have roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. Following breakfast you will 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 Douglas 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 Douglas County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

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

The process for sending funds to Douglas County Jail inmates can change, so be sure to double check the official website when you send any money.


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 Douglas County Jail

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

Click here to tell about all about it


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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 post a 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 in this jail? Do you know someone that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner there?

If you have, then please tell us about it. Tell us about your jail experience because other people can find out what to expect.

Things you could include in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? How was life in jail? Were the other inmates cool? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Click here to tell your story about Douglas County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you want to talk to someone from jail? Post a message to them below.

Send a message to Douglas County Jail


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