Franklin County Jail – Chambersburg, PA

Franklin County Jail is in Franklin County and is the jail for this county. Looking for someone at Franklin County Jail? This site will tell you all about anything you might need to know about Franklin County Jail: Find out who’s in jail at Franklin County Jail? Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures. Court information. And lots more.

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The chance of going to jail is a scary situation, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to give advice and information that you need to make the process a lot easier. If you have questions, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any comments or feedback that would be a benefit to other people in the same situation is welcome.

General Information

Address

Franklin County Jail
1804 Opportunity Avenue
Chambersburg, PA 17201

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone: 717-264-9513
Fax Number:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend in jail and need to contact them?

Do you know a family member or friend who has been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

To search who is in jail at Franklin County Jail you will have to navigate to their website and perform an inmate search.

Inmate Search

The Franklin County Jail Inmate Locator is an online list of persons who have been arrested, including current status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. You can get info for anyone who has been arrested or discharged in the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You will be able to get their inmate information more quickly if you have the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or family member may be in another jail you will want to check our guide to other Pennsylvania jails: Pennsylvania Jails


Mugshots

A mugshot, also called a booking photograph, is the photograph that the police take during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually one frontal photo and a profile photo. Your full name and intake number will be in the photos, and they’re kept on file at the jail.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of Franklin County Jail prisoners can be seen on the Franklin County Jail website, or you can go in person to the Franklin County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to put in the prisoner’s full name, and the booking date.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to have your mugshot removed from the Franklin County Jail site? This will be difficult, because the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be accessible. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Of course, once you are incarcerated, your main thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, bail is decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this may mean that you will either be released, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out of jail you will have to promise to go to your court date, and until that date you are required not to go out of town.

Usually, a prisoner at Franklin County Jail will be given an early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will have to go back to jail every day when you’re finished working, or you could get to move to a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You will have to pay to the courts ten percent of the total that was determined in order for you to get out of jail. If you don’t show up for your court appearance, the person that bailed you out of jail 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 have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will let you know what their bail is set at. You can also check their bail amount and status on the Franklin County Jail website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Having to get someone out of jail is no fun, but usually, it’s really easy if you have the money. First, you need to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you can’t use a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they will not accept checks. Once you have paid the bond, the prisoner will be released into your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

Bail Bondsman

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it, you should try a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually with a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman may ask to use your personal assets as collateral.

To find a bail bondsman go to: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to post a comment

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

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


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The intake procedure includes each of these steps:

  • You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
  • The first step is that you have to answer some basic questions, such as your full name, your address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
  • Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
  • You will be given an inmate ID number.
  • You will get fingerprinted.
  • You will have your mugshot taken.
  • All personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
  • You will get to make a phone call to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
  • If you think you will get released quickly, you will be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to wear a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please tell us what happened. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any things that could help other people make it through the process?

Click here to tell your story

Discharge Procedures

When you pay your bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged from jail can take between 30 minutes to many hours. In simple terms, the faster bail is posted, the quicker you can get released from jail. It also will depend on whether you have a cash bond amount or if a judge must figure out how much to set your bail at. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and have a date of your release, plan to get discharged between 9am and noon.

How To Turn Yourself In

If the sheriff has a, or if you must report to start a sentence, you should follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail reception area, and tell someone that believe that there could be a warrant out for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if there is one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Just bring allowed items when you turn yourself in, for example your driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, and a sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

Inmates have to provide information about each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitors will be entered in the visitation log as an Authorized visit. Each and every visitor must provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Anyone showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures frequently change, so it would be wise to visit the jail site before you try to go to visitation.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are much more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but you should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules and are disciplined, your ability to use the phone might get cut back or forbidden completely.

Phone Number: 717-264-9513

Sending Mail to Inmates

All mail has to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other type of mail or package delivery. You must print the person’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send a box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates is opened and inspected by the jail officers, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Mailing Address

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

Franklin County Jail
1804 Opportunity Avenue
Chambersburg, PA 17201

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Franklin County Jail
1804 Opportunity Avenue
Chambersburg, PA 17201


The mail policy at Franklin County Jail changes, so we suggest that you double check the official website when you send a letter to an inmate.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

If you have been arrested, you have rights, one of these being the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure to have a friend or family member locate a lawyer when you call. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and guide you through the court system in your county. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better.

For more detailed information on this, read: Find an Attorney

Public Defender

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. The Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. Public Defenders are licensed lawyers that are admitted to the State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use the services of a Public Defender? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court Records

All court records are public records. Court records have a file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed in your case. You are able to access your court case records via the internet service, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Clerk of Court

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that maintains the records. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All court records associated with your court case are maintained at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Fees

Court costs and court fees are all costs associated with your court case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you will not be responsible for these fees.

Magistrate

A Magistrate acts as the judge that rules on your case. They do many different things, which include setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and overseeing preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

Pre-Sentencing

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together with information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the magistrate judge will consider when determining the sentence. Information will be requested from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Keep in mind that you should ask to have a copy of the pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

Sentencing

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will then get sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, which include community service to probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you might get immediately taken into custody, or you could get a date to go to jail to serve your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Are you trying to find out if somebody you know is locked up, or has ever been in jail?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you need to query the jail’s website, and search by:

  • Name.
  • Birth date.
  • Their booking date.
  • and their jail inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

Warrant Inquiry

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can find out by checking the court records on the website or you can call the court. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. Bear in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you have a first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Franklin County jail, either by phone, go there in person, or look online. An arrest is public record and this information is available to anyone.

Civil Inquiry

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, like a court order. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Franklin County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All convicted sex offenders have to be registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to view these offenders online, but you should know that you will not find the street address, but only the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are public records. These records include a case file that includes a docket and all documents filed in your case. You can access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the Franklin County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal background. These databases are all linked and you can track criminal convictions from other states. Go to courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

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

  • DUI or DWI.
  • Drug offenses.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
  • Violent crimes like assault or murder.
  • Property crimes like theft or larceny.

During a criminal records search, you will not discover if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

  • Speeding tickets.
  • Drivers license suspended or revoked.
  • Traffic accidents.
  • Other moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To search for this kind of information, you must do a driving records search.

    Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you have to call the Franklin County courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback may help other people.

    Click here to tell your story

    Most Wanted

    On a Federal level, the FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Franklin County, the Franklin County Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

    FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    Everyone knows that being incarcerated in the Franklin County jail is very scary, eventually you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up every morning at six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. After breakfast, you will work 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 Franklin 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 Franklin 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 inmates at Franklin County Jail might change, so be sure to check the site when you send money to an inmate there.

    Commissary

    The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

    Inmate Medications

    If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

    Meals

    You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

    Pods / The Yard

    The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

    Gangs

    As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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    News and Media

    News

    Photos / Pictures

    Videos


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    Jobs

    Types of Jobs at Franklin County Jail

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

    Tell Your Story


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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:

    • 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 tell your story

    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 someone that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit someone at this jail?

    If you have, then you should write your review about it. Write down what you experienced so others can find out what to expect.

    Things you might want to include in your review:

    • Conditions at the jail.
    • Jail and pod facility and layout
    • Staff and guards
    • Jail food and commissary
    • Visitors
    • Other Inmates.
    • Inmate safety
    • Gangs
    • Inmate activities and programs


    Click here to write your review

    Tell Your Story

    Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has a story to tell. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What was it like in jail? Were the other inmates cool? How did going to jail affect your life?

    Tell Your Story

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Want to get in touch with a person you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

    Say Wassup


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