Hidalgo County Jail – Edinburg, TX

Hidalgo County Jail is located in Hidalgo County, Texas and is the primary jail for the region. Know someone at Hidalgo County Jail? This site tells you info about anything a person needs to know about Hidalgo County Jail,like: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Booking and intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also their friends and family. This guide is meant to give you information that you’ll need to make going to jail a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask them, and please leave any feedback or comments that would help other people in the same situation will be much appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that has gone to jail and want to contact them?

Has a friend or family member that has been arrested and you don’t know how to find out where they are?

To see who is in jail at Hidalgo County Jail you will have to click on their web site and use the inmate lookup.

The Hidalgo County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of persons who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes custody status, bail amount, and schedule for visitation. You can get information about anybody arrested and processed or discharged in the last 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to get their arrest information more quickly if you’ve got their first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for might be at another county jail you should check our guide to other Texas jails: List of all county jails in Texas

A mugshot, also known as a booking photograph, is a photograph taken by the police when you are processed at the jail intake. They take one frontal photo and a profile picture. Your name and booking number will appear on the pictures, and they are stored.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be seen online, or you can view them at the Hidalgo County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will need to put in the prisoner’s first and last name, and the arrest date.

Do you want to get your mugshot erased from the Hidalgo County Jail website? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that your arrest record would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the various mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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If you’re locked up, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After booking, a bail amount will be set either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released you are required to promise to go to your court date, and until then you are required not to leave the county.

In most cases, an inmate at Hidalgo County Jail will be given time off for good behavior if they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly 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. You will be required to return to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished with work, or you may be permitted to move into a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will have to pay all depends on the seriousness of your charges. You will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total amount that was set in order to get out of jail. If you don’t go to your court appearance, that person won’t get their money back.

You will have to call the Hidalgo County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. You can also see the bail amount on the jail website.

Posting bail to get out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but usually, it’s very simple to do. First, you need to know if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you can’t use the services of a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail won’t take a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the person will be released into your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you just don’t have the money, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and usually with a minimum charge of $100. This is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman may request to use your assets as collateral.

To contact a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at Hidalgo County Jail

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

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• Time Off For Good Behavior
• Get Out on Work Release
• Get Out For 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 is made up of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you must answer a bunch of questions, such as your full legal name, street address, birthdate and an emergency contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will be taken from you and stored until you are released.
• They will allow you to make a phone call so you can 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 street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell us what happened. How long did it take? How did the guards treat you? Do you have any secrets that will help others make it through the procedure?

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Once bail has been posted, you will get discharged from jail. The discharge process can take from 15 minutes to all day long. In other words the faster bail is posted, the quicker you will get discharged. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether you’ve been given a bond amount or if the judge has to determine the amount of bail to be set. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a date of your release, you should expect to get discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

for your arrest, or if you have to begin your sentence in jail, you should follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, go down to the jail intake center, and tell someone that you think they might have a warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if so, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report at the 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. Be sure to only bring approved items when you go, such as your driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates must provide each visitor’s name to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s information will be entered into a Visiting log for the requesting inmate. Each visitor will be required to provide acceptable photo identification. Anyone that gets to visitation or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures frequently change, so review the jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . These phone calls are a lot more expensive than phone calls made at home. Phone calls are restricted on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates 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, your ability to use the phone may be limited or forbidden.

The Hidalgo County Jail phone number is: 956-383-8114

All mall sent to inmates must be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other type of delivery. You should write the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and jail address on the letter that you send. Do not mail a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail sent to inmates is opened and inspected by the jail officers, and the mail will get returned if deemed inappropriate.

The mailing address for Hidalgo County Jail is:

Hidalgo County Jail
711 El Cibolo Road
Edinburg, TX 78541

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Hidalgo County Jail
711 El Cibolo Road
Edinburg, TX 78541

The mail policy at Hidalgo County Jail changes often, so it would be best to review the the Hidalgo County Jail website when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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When you get arrested, you have certain rights, one of these is the right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so it is important to get a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you call them. You may be thinking ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and help you find your way through the complicated court system that you are now faced with. The quicker you get an attorney working on your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more information on this subject, read our guide: How to Find an Attorney in Hidalgo County

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender Office has access to private investigators, forensics experts as well as social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys, admitted to 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 Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

All court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They are comprised of a file containing a docket sheet and all of the motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed. You can access the records and documents in your court case via the Hidalgo County website, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All court records relating to your case are available at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the fees and charges associated with your case, which include filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The magistrate is the type of judge that rules over your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do different functions, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed with the defendant’s background information and information about the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will consider when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the defendant, their family, and if necessary the victim. Keep in mind you can request to have a copy of the report before your sentencing, so you get the chance to correct any inaccurate information.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you may be locked up immediately, or you could receive a date that you are required to go to jail to serve your term.

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Do you want to find out if somebody you know is incarcerated in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do this, just visit the Hidalgo County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date.
• or inmate ID.

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

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you are able to check the court records online or you can call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. Bear in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the Hidalgo County jail, by phone, in person, or look online. Records of arrests are public record and these records are available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All registered sex offenders must be registered and listed on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view this information on the internet but bear in mind that you will not find the precise address, rather the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

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

Each and every state maintains a record of a person’s criminal background. These databases are linked together so you can track criminal convictions from another state. You can go to the Hidalgo County Courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that the crime was in a completely different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal history search you will find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

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

If you do a criminal records check, you generally will not learn if that person had:

• Speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this kind of information, you must do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments could help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Hidalgo County, the Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in the Hidalgo County jail is quite unpleasant, in time you will settle into the daily routine there. Inmates get an alarm for wake-up each morning at six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. Then you will have breakfast. When you finish eating 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 Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo County Jail inmates is likely to change, so we suggest that you review the official website 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 Hidalgo County Jail

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

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You 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.

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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 a prisoner in this jail? Do you know anybody that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate in this jail?

If yes, then please write your review about it. Write down what you experienced so that other people will know what to expect.

Things you might want to write in what you write:

• Conditions in Hidalgo County Jail.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Click here to review Hidalgo County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why were you locked up? Did you get fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? Were the other inmates cool? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Want to find out how to get in touch with a friend from jail? Send a message to them here.

Say Hello to people incarcerated at Hidalgo County Jail


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