Shelby County Jail – Center, TX

Shelby County Jail is in Shelby County and is the correctional facility for this region. Looking for someone in jail at Shelby County Jail? This page will tell you information about anything you might need to know about Shelby County Jailsuch as the following: How to locate an inmate. How to view Shelby County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures. Shelby County court information. And lots more.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary prospect, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to offer information and advice that you need to make going to jail less stressful. If you have questions, please feel free to ask it, and please leave any feedback or comments that could be a benefit to others will be much appreciated.

Do you know someone in jail and don’t know how to find out where they are?

Do you know a family member or friend who has been arrested and you want to find them?

In order to look up who is in jail at Shelby County Jail you have to go to their web site and use the inmate lookup.

The Shelby County Jail Inmate List has information on persons who have been arrested, which includes current status, how much their bail is, and visiting schedule. You can also get information about anyone who has been arrested or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You can locate the information fast if you have their full name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or loved one is locked up at a different jail you will want to check our guide to other Texas jails: Texas County Jails

A mugshot, or booking photograph, is the picture that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. They will take one face photo and a side picture. Your name and jail ID number will be on the pictures, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be found on the Shelby County Jail website, or you can see them at the Shelby County Jail. When viewing online you need to enter the full name, and the arrest date, if you have it.

Do you want to get your mugshot erased from the Shelby County Jail website? This is difficult, because the mugshot is public record. You will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that your arrest record would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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Obviously, once you’re in jail, your only thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount is decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and you will not be permitted to go out of town.

Usually, inmates at Shelby County Jail can earn time off in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and area a good inmate while incarcerated.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be granted work release. Either you will have to return to the jail each day when you’re finished with work, or you may have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is money that you are required to pay to get out of jail until your trial. The amount you have to pay depends on the seriousness of your crime. Someone will have to put up 10 percent of the total amount that was set before you can be released. If you fail to show up for court, whoever put up your bail money will not get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know the bail amount. You can also find out how much their bail is on the Shelby County Jail site.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, it is really easy. To start with, you have to find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If this is the case, you can’t use the services of a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail won’t take a personal check. When you’ve paid bail, the person will be released to your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and sometimes charge a minimum of $100. This is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will in these cases use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

You can find a bail bondsman visit our page about: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The intake procedure includes the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you have to answer some simple questions, like what is your full legal name, address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released.
• You will then be allowed to use the phone to get in touch with family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you will be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will be issued a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get processed? How were you treated? Do you have any secrets that will help others get through jail intake?

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Once you are able to post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged may take between 30 minutes to many hours. So, the quicker bail is posted, the quicker you will be released. How quickly you get discharged might depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond or if the magistrate has to decide on how much to set your bail at. For a minor offense, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served your sentence and are given a date of your release, you should expect to get released that morning.

In the event there is a, or if you need to start your sentence, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail reception area, and tell the intake officer that believe that there could be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a record check, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Make sure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Be sure to only bring required items when you go, such as your driver’s license or state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list information about each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitors will go into a log of approved visitors for the inmate. Each and every visitor has to provide acceptable photo identification. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or that does not have a visitation order will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures can change, so you should double-check the official site before you try to visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Jail phone calls are much pricier than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s phone privileges might get reduced or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: 936-598-5600

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be mailed using US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other type of mail delivery. You have to clearly print the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Do not send anything in a box or package, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail will be opened and inspected by the jail administration, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

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

Shelby County Jail
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Shelby County Jail
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935

The Shelby County Jail mail policy can change, so be sure to check the site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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When you’ve been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these being that you have the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to have a friend or relative find a lawyer for you. You might be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense lawyer will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and guide you through the criminal justice system that you are now faced with. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better.

To read more about how to find an attorney, read: Find an Attorney

If you can’t afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. The Public Defender has access to investigators, forensics experts and social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys that are members of the Texas State Bar and are fully licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

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

Shelby County court records are a matter of public record. Court records include a court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all motions, documents, and evidence filed in the case. You can access the records and documents in your court case via the internet service, or at the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Shelby County Clerk of Court is a member of the court that manages access to court records. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence from your case are held at 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 don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The magistrate is the person who presides on your case. Magistrates do a number of things, which include setting bail amounts, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared with information about your background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life history, which the judge will review and take into consideration when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Be sure to remember that you should request to have a copy of this report before your sentencing, and make sure that you correct any mistakes that it contains.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you might get taken into custody, right there in court, or you might be given a date to surrender and report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do this, you should visit the jail’s website, and search by:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Their approximate booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail to find out.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants on the Shelby County court website or you can call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the Shelby County jail, either by phone, in person, or check online. Arrest records are public record and this information is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders have to be registered and listed on a sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view this information on the website, but you should know that you can’t see the precise address, just the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. These records include a case file containing a docket and any of the documents filed in the case. You can access court records on their website, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains records of someone’s criminal history. These state databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You can go to the Shelby County Courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if it was in a totally different state, you might have to pay for a more intensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, in most cases won’t be able to find out if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

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

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

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it an easy process? Did you search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments could help other people.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Shelby County, the Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Shelby County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of getting locked up in Shelby County Jail is very scary, you will soon settle into the routine that is set for you. You should expect a wake-up alarm at about 6:00 AM, and next they’ll do roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. Following breakfast you will have to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 funds to inmates changes, so you should double check the official Shelby County Jail site 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 Shelby County Jail

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

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• The right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

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

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been locked up in this jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever visited someone in this jail?

If your answer is yes, then please leave a comment below about it. Write about your jail experience so that others can find out what to expect.

What to include in your review:

• Conditions in Shelby County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story to tell. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? How was day to day life at Shelby County Jail? What about the other inmates? How has this experience impacted your life?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Need to find someone you met in jail? Write your message below.

Send a message to Shelby County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Shelby County Jail Website
Shelby County Jail Inmate Search
View Shelby County Jail Mugshots
Shelby County Jail Bail Link

Shelby County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Shelby County Jail Jail Mail Link
Shelby County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Shelby County Warrant Inquiry
Shelby County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Money to an Inmate at Shelby County Jail
Shelby County Jail Jobs


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