Macon County Jail – Lafayette, TN

Macon County Jail is in Macon County, Tennessee and is the jail for this county. Are you looking for someone locked up in Macon County Jail? This guide gives you info about anything you might want to know about Macon County Jail,like: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Macon County Jail intake procedures. Court information. And lots more.

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The chance of going to jail is a scary prospect, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also their friends and family. This guide is meant to give you all the information and advice you need to make the process a lot easier. If you have a question, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or feedback that might help other people in the same situation will be welcome.

General Information

Address

Macon County Jail
902 Hwy 52 Bypass East
Lafayette, TN 37083

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone: (615) 666-3325
Fax:

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 in jail and want to contact them?

Has someone who has been arrested and you want to find them?

To search who’s in jail at Macon County Jail you should click on their link and use the inmate search.

Inmate Lookup

The Macon County Jail Inmate Roster is an online list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. Also, you can get info about anybody who has been arrested or discharged in the past 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to get their inmate information faster if you’ve got your friend or family member’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for could possibly be incarcerated at a different jail you can look here, too: Other County Jails in Tennessee


Mugshots

A mugshot, also called a jail processing picture, is a picture that the jail takes when you get booked into jail. They will take one full face and a side-view photo. Your full name and jail ID number will be in the photos, and they’re kept on file at the jail.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of Macon County Jail prisoners are on the Macon County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Macon County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you need to input the legal name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Mugshot Search

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Last Name

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Are you trying to have your mugshot taken off of the Macon County Jail site? This may not be possible, since the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that your arrest record would be sealed, and will not be accessible. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Naturally, once you are arrested and put in jail, your only thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve been booked, bail is set by the magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released from jail you are required to promise to go to your court date, and in the meantime you can’t leave town.

Usually, inmates in the Macon County Jail will be given an early release in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. Either you will have to go back to jail each day after work, or you may get to live in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay in order to be released from jail until you go to court. Your bail amount all depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. You will have to pay 10 percent of the total amount that was set in order to get discharged from jail. If you miss your court appearance, whoever paid your bail will lose that bail money.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

To find out someone’s bail amount you will have to call the jail. If you’ve got the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know the bail amount. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Bailing out of jail is never a fun thing, but fortunately, its simple to do if you have the money. First of all, find out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you can’t get a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail can’t take checks. When you’ve paid bail, the person will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get the bail money back.

Bail Bondsman

If the bail amount is too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and in most cases with a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will request to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Macon County

Have you ever hired a bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to leave a comment

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

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


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The jail intake process includes each of these steps:

  • You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. When the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
  • First, will have to answer a number of questions, like what is your full name, home address, date of birth and contact person.
  • They’ll also ask you about your medical and psychological history.
  • You will be issued an inmate ID number.
  • You will get fingerprinted.
  • You will get your mugshot taken.
  • Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
  • You will be allowed to make a phone call so you can talk to family, friends, or bail bondsman.
  • If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell us how it happened. How long did it take? What was your treatment like? Can you tell us things that might help other people to get through the procedure?

Click here to share your story

Discharge Procedures

Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged from jail will take from 30 minutes to quite a few hours. Or, simply, the quicker you post bail, the quicker you can get released from jail. Also, it depends on whether you have a cash bond amount or if a judge still needs to determine how much to set your bail at. For lesser charges, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, plan to get discharged that morning.

How To Turn Yourself In

warrant out for your arrest, or if you have to begin your sentence in jail, it is recommended that you follow the rules and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail, and tell them that you think there is a warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they find one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report on the date and time that the sentence order states. Make sure that you are not late to report. Only bring required items when you turn yourself in, such as your driver’s license or even your ID, prescription medication, and a sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

The inmate need to list each visitor’s full name to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s names will be entered into the visitors log as an Authorized visit. All visitors have to provide identification. Any visitors that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures frequently change, so we suggest that you check the official site before you try 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 a lot more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s phone privileges might get reduced or cut altogether.

Phone Number: (615) 666-3325

Sending Mail to Inmates

All mail must be sent using the actual US Postal Service. You can’t use any other type of mail or package delivery. You must print the name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the letter. Do not send a package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail gets opened and read and examined by the jail officers, and the mail will get returned if deemed inappropriate.

Mailing Address

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Macon County Jail:

Macon County Jail
902 Hwy 52 Bypass East
Lafayette, TN 37083

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Macon County Jail
902 Hwy 52 Bypass East
Lafayette, TN 37083


The inmate mail policy at Macon County Jail changes, so be sure to double check the official website when you send a letter to an inmate.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

When you get arrested, you have rights, and an important one is the right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to ask a friend or family member to find an attorney when you call. You might be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you understand the legal system in Macon County. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your situation, the better off you’ll be.

For more information about this, visit: How to Find a Lawyer

Public Defender

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. Public Defenders are actual attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court Records

Macon County court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They are comprised of a case file containing a docket and each of the motions, documents, and evidence filed during your court case. You, and anyone else, can access your court case records via the internet service, or at the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Clerk of Court

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records associated with your case are held at the Macon County Clerk of Court.

Fees

Court fees are the charges associated with your court case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. 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 is the person that rules on your court case. Magistrates do different functions, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

Pre-Sentencing

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed with information about the arrestee’s background and details of the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate will review and take into account when determining a sentence. Information will be gathered from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Bear in mind that you can request to get a copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you can go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

Sentencing

After you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be locked up immediately, or you could be given a date to go to jail to serve out your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

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

To do so, you need to go to the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

  • The inmate’s name.
  • Birth date.
  • Their booking date.
  • and their jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

Warrant Inquiry

If you have an outstanding warrant, you can check the court records on the Macon County court website or you can call the court directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. Bear in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you have a first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the Macon County jail, either by phone, in person, or look online. Records of arrests are in the public record and these records are accessible to anyone.

Civil Inquiry

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, which can be warrants. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All registered sex offenders are required to be registered on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see this information on the internet, but remember that you will not be able to see the exact address, just the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records

Court Records are public records. They include a case file that contains a court docket and any documents and filings filed in your court case. You can access your court records online, or at the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each and every state maintains a record of people’s criminal past. These state databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from other states. You can go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that it was in a different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal records search you are able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for these crimes:

  • DWI or DUI.
  • Drug Possession.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
  • Violent crimes like assault or murder.
  • Theft.

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually will not see if someone has had any moving violations, like:

  • Speeding or reckless driving.
  • Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
  • Been in a traffic accident.
  • Minor infractions or moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To search for driving records, you have to do a search for their driving record.

    Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your story could help other people that are in the same situation.

    Click here to tell your story

    Most Wanted

    On a Federal level, the FBI has a listing of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Macon County, the Macon County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

    FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    While the prospect of being incarcerated in the Macon County jail is quite unpleasant, in time you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you. All inmates get an alarm to wake up every morning at 6:00am, and then roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. After breakfast, you will 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 Macon 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 Macon County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

    How To Send Money to an Inmate

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

    The rules for sending funds to jail inmates can change, so it would be best to review the site before you send any funds.

    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 Macon County Jail

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

    • The right to protection from the accused.
    • The right to notification.
    • The right to attend proceedings.
    • The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
    • The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
    • The right to restitution.
    • The right to a speedy trial.
    • 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 locked up in Macon County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at Macon County Jail?

    If yes, then we would like you to tell us about it. Tell us about your jail experience because other people can find out what to expect.

    Things you can include in your review:

    • Conditions in Macon County Jail.
    • Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
    • Staff and guards
    • Commissary and food
    • Visitation
    • The other inmates.
    • Safety
    • Jail gangs
    • Prisoner programs and activities


    Write a Review of Macon County Jail

    Tell Your Story

    Anybody that’s ever been locked up has a story about it. Why’d you get arrested? Were you fairly treated? What was it like in jail? What were the other inmates like? How did getting locked up affect your life?

    Click here to share your story about when you did time in Macon County Jail

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Are you trying to find somebody you met in jail? Post a message to them below.

    Send a message to Macon County Jail


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