Gaines County Jail – Seminole, TX

Gaines County Jail is in Gaines County and is the primary correctional facility for the county. Know someone at Gaines County Jail? This page will tell you info about everything you might want to know about Gaines County Jail,like the following: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information and records. And more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is designed to give you all the info that you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail less stressful. If you have a specific question, just ask them, and any feedback or comments that could be a benefit to other people in the same situation would be much appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that is locked up and need to find out where they are?

Do you know somebody who’s been arrested and you want to locate them?

To find out who is in jail at Gaines County Jail you have to visit their link and use the inmate lookup.

The Gaines County Jail Inmate Roster is a list of people who have been arrested, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and schedule for visitation. Also, you can get the same information for anybody arrested and processed or released in the last 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to get their inmate information fast if you have their first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be at another county jail you can check our guide to other Texas jails: List of all jails in Texas

A mugshot, or jail intake photo, is the picture taken by the police when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one and a profile photo. Your name and jail booking number will be in the photos, and they will be kept on file.

Mugshots of inmates can be found on the Gaines County Jail website, or you can see them at the Gaines County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to put in their legal name, and the booking date.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot taken off of the Gaines County Jail site? This can be tricky, since the mugshot is public record. You need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that all of your arrest records would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the various mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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If you are arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After booking, your bail is decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

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

Typically, inmates will be given time off in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and area a good inmate while locked up.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will have to stay the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished with work, or you may be allowed to move to a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is how much money that you will be required to pay to get out of jail until your court date. The amount you have to pay is determined by the crime you’ve been charged with. You will have to pay to the courts ten percent of the total set in order to be released from jail. If you miss your court appearance, that person won’t get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can find out how much their bail is online.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, it is really 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 bondsman. Cash only – they can’t take a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the person will be released into your care. 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 don’t have the money, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They will usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and usually charge a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman will request to use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

If you need a bail bondsman click here: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to share your story

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

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The intake procedure takes you through the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you will answer a bunch of questions, such as what is your full name, your address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• They will let you make a phone call to talk to family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be able to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How were you treated? Do you have any secrets that might help other people make it through the procedure?

Click here to leave a comment

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process will take anywhere between 30 minutes to many hours. So, the quicker bail is posted, the sooner you will get discharged from jail. It also can depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if a judge still needs to decide on the bail amount. For minor offenses, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the release date, you should plan to be released that morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you have to start your sentence, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail intake center, and let them know that you think they might have an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. Be sure that you are not late. Be sure to only bring approved items with you, like your driver’s license or photo ID, prescription medication, as well as the copy of the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you must give information about each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will be put into the log for the requesting inmate. All visitors will be required to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Jail visitation policies frequently change, so it would be wise to double-check the jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are typically more expensive than regular phone calls. Phone calls are restricted on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, phone calls may be limited or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: (806) 546-2612

All mail has to be sent via US Postal Service. You must not use any other form of mail delivery. You have to write the prisoner’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t mail anything in a box or package, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail gets opened and read and inspected by staff, and the mail will be returned if deemed inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Gaines County Jail, use this address:

Gaines County Jail
P.O. Box 847
Seminole, TX 79360

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Gaines County Jail
P.O. Box 847
Seminole, TX 79360

The Gaines County Jail inmate mail policy changes often, so be sure to check the official website when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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When you get arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these is your right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to get a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you talk to them. You might be thinking ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and guide you through the complicated court system that you are now faced with. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your case, the better off you’ll be.

For more information on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, click here: How to Find an Attorney in Gaines County

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. All Public Defenders are actual lawyers that are members of the State Bar and are licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender? What was your experience?

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

The Gaines County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath in a court case, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your case are maintained at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are all costs from 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 can get a waiver for these fees.

The Gaines County court magistrate is the person who presides on your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do many different things, such as setting bail, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include your background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate will review and take into consideration when deciding on the sentence. Information will be collected from the defendant, their family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember you are allowed to ask to receive your own copy of the report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct any inaccurate information.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service to probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get immediately taken into custody, or you might be given a date that you must go to jail to serve your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if someone is in jail, or has ever been locked up?

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

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Their approximate booking date.
• or 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 have an outstanding warrant, you can access arrest warrants on the Gaines County jail website or you are able to call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. Keep in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and the information is freely available.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders have to be registered and listed on a sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to view these offenders on the internet, but keep in mind that you will not find the actual address, just the address block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a case file that includes a docket sheet and all of the filings and documents filed in your court case. You can access court records online, or at Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of someone’s criminal past. These online databases are connected and you can track criminal histories from other states. You are able to go to the Gaines County Courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a totally different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal records search you are able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for the following crimes:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

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

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this kind of information, you will have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? How easy was it? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal records, and your feedback could make it easier for others.

Click here to leave a comment

Most Wanted

The FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Gaines County, the Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in Gaines County Jail is no fun, in time you will become accustomed to the daily routine. Prisoners get an alarm for wake-up every morning at six in the morning, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. When you finish 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 Gaines 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 Gaines County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

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

The procedure to send money to someone in jail changes, so visit the official website 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 Gaines County Jail

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

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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 an inmate in this jail? Do you know someone that spent time there? Have you ever visited a prisoner there?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to write a review about it. Tell us about your jail experience so that others can find out what to expect.

What to write in the review:

• Conditions in Gaines County Jail.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


Click here to write your review of Gaines County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? What was it like in jail? What about the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Click here to tell your story about Gaines County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Trying to reconnect with somebody you met in jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Send a message to Gaines County Jail


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