Ellis County Jail – Waxahachie, TX

Ellis County Jail is located in Ellis County, Texas and is the jail for that county. Do you know someone locked up at Ellis County Jail? This site gives you information about everything you might want to know about Ellis County Jail,like the following: Find out who’s in jail at Ellis County Jail? Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information and records. And much more…

The prospect of going to jail is a daunting and scary situation, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their friends and family. This guide is designed to give advice and information that you need to make getting locked up a lot easier. If you have a specific question, just ask it, and also any comments or tips that might be beneficial to other people in the same situation would be appreciated.

Do you know someone in jail and want to locate them?

Do you know someone that has been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

To see who’s in jail at Ellis County Jail you will have to visit their link and use the inmate lookup.

The Ellis County Jail Inmate List is an online list of persons who have been arrested, which includes custody status, bail amount, and schedule for visitation. You can also get information about anybody arrested and processed or released in the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can get their inmate information more quickly if you have the arrestee’s name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for may be at a different jail you will want to check our guide to other Texas jails: Other County Jails in Texas

A mugshot, also known as a jail intake photograph, is a picture taken by the police when you are processed at the jail intake. They take one full face and a side picture. Your full name and intake number will appear on the pictures, and they will be kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of inmates can be viewed on the Ellis County Jail website, or you can view them at the Ellis County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will have to input the inmate’s name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Are you trying to have your mugshot taken down from the Ellis County Jail site? This is difficult, 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 all of your arrest records will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal services: Mugshot Removal

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Naturally, if you are in jail, your only thought is about how to get out. After you’ve been booked, your bail amount will be determined either by bail schedule or magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released you must promise to be there for your court date, and until then you won’t be permitted to leave the county.

Typically, inmates in the Ellis County Jail are given time off for good behavior if they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while they are in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to do work release. You will be required to stay jail at the end of the day after work, or you may be permitted to sleep in a halfway house when you are not working.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the courts to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will be required to pay is dictated by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You or someone you know will have to post 10 percent of the total amount that was set in order to be released from jail. If you don’t show up for your court appearance, whoever put up your bail money will lose that bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the Ellis County Jail. If you have all the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they will tell you what their bail is set at. You can also check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, it is easy if you have the money. First, you need to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If this is the case, you can’t use a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail will not take a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the person will get released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the bail amount is too high, or you just can’t afford it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and usually charge a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman may request to use your assets as collateral.

To talk to a local bail bondsman visit our page about: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to tell about all about it

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

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The intake procedure includes each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you have to answer a bunch of questions, like what is your legal name, home address, birth date and a contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and mental history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• They will let you use the phone to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please tell your story. How long did it take to get through intake? Were you treated fairly? Do you know any things that might help others make it through jail intake?

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When you pay your bail, you will get discharged from jail. This process can take from 15 minutes to all day long. So, the faster you can pay your bail, the quicker you will be released. How quickly you get discharged will depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if the judge needs to figure out how much your bail will be. For minor charges, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served your sentence and know the release date, you should plan to be discharged that morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must start a jail sentence, you should follow the rules and turn yourself in willingly. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go down to the jail reception area, and tell someone that you think there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if there is one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go down to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Ensure that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring allowed items when you go, for example your driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, and the sentencing order from court.

The inmate need to provide each visitor’s full name to the jail. Your visitor’s information will be entered in a log of visitors as an Authorized visit. Each visitor must provide identification. Visitors showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be able to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies can change, so it would be wise to visit the official Ellis County Jail jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . These phone calls are usually pricier than phone calls made at home. There is no limit to when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the jail rules, your ability to use the phone might get reduced or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The Ellis County Jail phone number is: 972-825-4931

All mall sent to inmates must be sent using US Postal Service. You cannot use any other form of mail delivery. Clearly write the prisoner’s name, inmate number, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail received by the jail will be opened and inspected and read by the staff, and the mail will be returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

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

Ellis County Jail
300 S Jackson Street
Waxahachie, TX 75165

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Ellis County Jail
300 S Jackson Street
Waxahachie, TX 75165

The Ellis County Jail inmate mail policy changes, so you should check the site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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When you get arrested, you have certain rights, one of these being that you have the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to have a friend or relative find an attorney for you. You might be thinking ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a lawyer will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and show you the way through the criminal justice system in your county. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your situation, the better your chances.

For more info on how to find a lawyer, read: Find a Lawyer

If you can’t afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. Public Defenders are actual lawyers who are members of the Texas State Bar and are completely licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender? How did they do?

Ellis County court records are public records. Court records contain a file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the documents that have been filed in your case. You are able to access the records and documents in your court case via the internet service, or at the Ellis County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Ellis County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records from your case are maintained at the Ellis County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees from your case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The magistrate is the judge who presides over your court case. Magistrates do a number of things, which include determining how much your bail will be, writing arrest warrants, and overseeing first court appearances and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together with the defendant’s background information and details of the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into consideration when determining a sentence. Information will be gathered from the defendant, their family, and in some circumstances the victim. Don’t forget you are able to ask to have a copy of this report before sentencing, and correct any inaccurate information.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you will either be locked up immediately, or you could get a date to go to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if someone is in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

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

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you are able to check the court records on the Ellis County jail website or you can call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. You should be clear that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are public record and this is accessible to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, like court orders. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders must be registered and listed on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view sex offenders on the website, but keep in mind that you will not be able to see the actual address, but rather the address block that they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. These records include a case file that includes a court docket and any of the filings and documents filed in the court case. You are able to access your court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal past. These databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal convictions from another state. You are able to go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It helps to know the county, and if the crime was in a completely different state, you may have to pay 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 crimes, which include:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

During a criminal records search, you generally won’t find if that person has had any:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this information, you will have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you call the courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal records, and your story could help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Ellis County,The Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in Ellis County Jail is no fun, you will soon settle into the daily routine there. All inmates get a wake-up alarm each morning at 6:00 AM, and then you’ll have roll call. You will then get breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will be required to 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 Ellis 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 Ellis 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 someone in jail changes, so visit the site when send funds to someone in jail there.


Commissary

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

Inmate Medications

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

Meals

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

Pods / The Yard

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

Gangs

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


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Ellis County Jail

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

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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 share 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 a prisoner at this jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited someone at Ellis County Jail?

If so, then you should tell us about it. Tell us about your jail experience so that other people will know what to expect.

Things you can put in what you write:

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


Click here to write your review of Ellis County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story about it. Why were you locked up? Were you mistreated? How was day to day life at Ellis County Jail? Were the other inmates cool? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell your story about when you did time at Ellis County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to send a message to a person you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to people still locked up at Ellis County Jail


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