Gonzales County Jail – Gonzales, TX

Gonzales County Jail is located in Gonzales County, TX and is the main correctional facility for the county. Do you know somebody in jail at Gonzales County Jail? This site tells you information about everything related to Gonzales County Jail,like: How to do a jail inmate search. How to view Gonzales County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And lots more.

The chance of going to jail is a scary situation, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s family and friends. The goal of this guide is to give you info that you need to make the process a lot easier. If you have questions, please feel free to ask it, and any feedback or comments that could be a benefit to others would be appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is incarcerated and don’t know how to find out where they are?

Do you know somebody that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out what jail they’re in?

To search who’s in jail at Gonzales County Jail you have to visit their web site and do an inmate search.

The Gonzales County Jail Inmate Locator is an online list of people who are in jail, which includes status, bail amount (if applicable), and times you can visit. Also, you can get the same information for anybody arrested and processed or released within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by their last name. You’ll be able to locate their inmate information more quickly if you enter their full name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If the inmate you are looking for might be at a different jail you will want to check our Texas county jail guide: Other County Jails in Texas

A mugshot, also known as a jail intake picture, is a photo that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one full face and a profile picture. Your name and booking number will be on the pictures, and they will be stored.

Mugshots of inmates can be viewed on the website, or you can see them at the Gonzales County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you have to enter their first and last name, and the arrest date.

Are you trying to get your mugshot taken off of the Gonzales County Jail website? This will be difficult, since the mugshot is public record. You have 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 access them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Once you’re arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail is set either through a preset bail schedule or a 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 don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released from jail you will have to promise to show up for court, and in the meantime you won’t be allowed to travel out of the county.

In most cases, an inmate are given time off for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. Either you will have to go back to the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you might be allowed to live in a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is money that you will be required to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. Your bail amount depends on what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You will need to put up 10 percent of the total amount that was set so you can get out of jail. If you miss your court date, whoever put up your bail money will not get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you what their bail is set at. You can also find out how much their bail is on the Gonzales County Jail site.

Bailing out of jail is no fun, but most of the time, its easy if you have the money. To start with, you need to find out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you can’t get a bondsman. Cash only – the jail won’t accept a check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and sometimes charge a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman may use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

If you need a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Bail bondsman

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

Click here to tell your story

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

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The jail intake process includes each of the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you must answer a number of questions, like what is your full name, home address, birth date and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• They will let you make a phone call to contact a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, they will let you wear your own clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should share your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? How were you treated? Do you know any things that might help other people that get arrested to get through the process?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. The discharge process takes anywhere from 30 minutes to all day long. So, the quicker bail is posted, the quicker you will get released. How quickly you get discharged will depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if the judge has to determine how much to set your bail at. For a minor charge, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a release date, plan to get released in the morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you must start a jail sentence, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, report to the jail reception area, and tell them that you think they might have an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if you do, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be sure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Just bring allowed items when you turn yourself in, for example a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to provide each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s names will go in a Visiting log for the inmate. Every visitor will be required to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Anyone arriving late or that is not on the visitation list will be turned away.
The Gonzales County Jail visitation procedures change often, so visit the official site before you go to the jail to visit.

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Calls made in jail are usually 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 bear in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s phone privileges might get cut back or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The Gonzales County Jail phone number is: (830) 672-6524

All inmate mail is required to be sent using the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other form of delivery. You have to print the prisoner’s name, inmate ID, and jail address on the letter. Don’t send anything in a box or package, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail received by the jail gets opened and examined by the jail officers, and will be returned to the sender if deemed inappropriate.

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

Gonzales County Jail
1713 East Sarah Dewitt Drive
Gonzales, TX 78629

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Gonzales County Jail
1713 East Sarah Dewitt Drive
Gonzales, TX 78629

The Gonzales County Jail inmate mail policy changes frequently, so we suggest that you check the the Gonzales County Jail website when you send a letter.

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If you have been arrested, you still have rights, one of these being that you have the right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure you get a friend or family member to find a lawyer for you. 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 lawyer will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and help you navigate through the legal system. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better off you’ll be.

To read more about this subject, read: Find an Attorney

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. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has access to private investigators, forensics experts as well as social workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys who are admitted to the Texas State Bar Association and are completely licensed to practice law in Texas.

Have you or someone you know used the services of a Public Defender? How did they do?

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

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records from your court case are held at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees associated with 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 will not be responsible for these fees.

The Gonzales County magistrate is the person that presides on your case in court. Magistrates do several different things, such as determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants for arrest, and overseeing initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about the defendant’s background and information about the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into consideration when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the defendant, their family, and in some cases the victim. Be sure to remember you are allowed to request to see your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you can correct any inaccurate information.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you could be locked up immediately, or given a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve out your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if somebody you know is in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do this, you need to query the jail website and do an inmate search, and search by:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their jail inmate ID.

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

If you have an outstanding warrant, you can check court records on the Gonzales County jail website or you are able to call the court. This requires a first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask them. Bear in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the Gonzales County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or find out online. An arrest is public record and the information is freely available.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, like a court order. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Gonzales County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You can access this information on the internet, but remember that you can’t find the precise address, just the address block that they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. They include a court case file containing a docket sheet and any of the documents filed in your case. You can access court records on their website, or at the Gonzales County Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal past. These online databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal convictions from other states. You can go to county courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a completely different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you are able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any of the following crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, usually will not discover if that person has had:

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

To find driving records, you must do a search for their driving history.

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

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Most Wanted

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

FBI Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that getting locked up in the Gonzales County jail is something you wish you could avoid, soon you will settle into the daily routine there. Expect an alarm to wake up at about 6am, and next you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. After breakfast, you will have 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 Gonzales 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 Gonzales 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 money to inmates can change, so be sure to review the site when 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 Gonzales County Jail

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

Speak Your Mind


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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 post a comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been a prisoner at this jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at this jail?

If so, then you should leave a comment below about it. Write down your experience so that other people can find out what to expect.

Things you might want to include in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner activities and programs


Click here to write your review of Gonzales County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? How was life in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Want to send a message to somebody you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to people incarcerated at Gonzales County Jail


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