Travis County Jail – Austin, TX

Travis County Jail is located in Travis County, Texas and is the correctional facility for that area. Looking for somebody incarcerated at Travis County Jail? This site will tell you information about anything one might want to know about Travis County Jail,such as: Find an inmate at Travis County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures. Court information. And much, much more.

The thought of going to jail is a scary idea, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is meant to give information and tips that you need to make getting locked up easier. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask it, and please leave any feedback or comments that might help others will be welcome.

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

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

To look up who’s in jail at Travis County Jail you will need to visit their link and do an inmate search.

The Travis County Jail Inmate List is an online list of persons currently in custody, which includes custody status, bail amount, and schedule for visitation. Also, you are able to find information about anyone arrested and booked or discharged within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to locate the information more quickly if you have the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If your friend or loved one is incarcerated at a different jail you can look here: Other Jails in Texas

A mugshot, or jail booking photo, is the picture that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one frontal photo and one profile photo. Your name and intake number will appear on the mugshot, and they will be kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Travis County Jail prisoners are on the website, or you can go in person to the Travis County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to enter the legal name, and the booking date.

Want to have your mugshot taken down from the Travis County Jail site? This may not be possible, since the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that your arrest record would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Naturally, if you are locked up, your primary thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail is decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If you don’t get a bail set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you must agree to go to your court date, and in the meantime you must not leave town.

Usually, prisoners at Travis County Jail can earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will either have to stay jail each day when you’re finished with work, or you could be permitted to move to a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is how much money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will have to pay is determined by the crime you’ve been charged with. You or someone you know will have to pay to the courts ten percent of the total that was determined before you can be released. If you fail to show up for your court date, whoever paid your bail won’t get their money back.

You will need to call the Travis County Jail. If you’ve got the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you the bail amount. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the Travis County Jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but fortunately, its easy. First of all, you need to find out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If this is the case, you will not be able to get a Bail Bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they can’t accept checks. When you’ve paid bail, the prisoner will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and in most cases have a minimum fee of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If bail is very large, the bondsman will in these cases require that they use your personal assets as collateral for the bond.

To contact a local bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman at Travis County Jail

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The jail intake procedure is made up of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• Firstly, you will answer a number of questions, such as your full legal name, your address, date of birth and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your psychological and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will be allowed to use the phone so you can contact a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, please tell us what happened. How long did it take to get through intake? What was your treatment like? Do you know any secrets that will help other people get through the process?

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Once you are able to post bail, you will get released from jail. The discharge process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to all day long. In other words the faster bail is posted, the sooner you will get discharged. It also depends on whether or not you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a judge needs to determine how much your bail will be. 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 have a release date, plan to get discharged in the morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you must start your sentence, you really should follow the rules and turn yourself in. For a warrant, report to the jail reception area, and tell someone that think that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into jail custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Be sure to only bring approved items with you, for example your driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must give each visitor’s name to the jail in advance. This information will be entered in a Visiting log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Every visitor must provide proof of identification. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Travis County Jail visitation procedures change often, so make sure that you check the official Travis County Jail jail site before you go.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Jail phone calls are generally more expensive than regular phone calls. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but bear 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, phone calls might get cut back or forbidden completely.

The Travis County Jail phone number is: 512-854-9770

All mall sent to inmates has to be sent via US Postal Service. You must not use any other method of mail delivery. You must write or type the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the letter that you send. Do not send anything in a package, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail that you send to inmates is opened and reviewed by the staff, and the mail will be sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

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

Travis County Jail
500 W. 10Th St.
Austin, TX 78701

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Travis County Jail
500 W. 10Th St.
Austin, TX 78701

The Travis County Jail inmate mail policy is always changing, so it would be best to visit the site before you send a letter.

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When you’ve been arrested, you have particular rights, and an important one is the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure you get a friend or relative to find an attorney when you talk to them. You might be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a lawyer will make sure you know your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate the criminal justice system in your county. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your situation, the better.

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

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. In addition, the Public Defender has access to independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers who are admitted to the Texas State Bar Association and are licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

All court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records include a case file containing a docket sheet and all of the documents filed in the case. You can access your court records with the Travis County website, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court.

The Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that maintains court records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the jury’s verdict. All court records relating to your case are kept at Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the charges and fees associated with your case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Travis County court magistrate is the type of judge that rules on your case. Magistrates do a number of things, like setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the arrestee’s background and information about the defendant’s life and history, which the judge will take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some cases the victim in the crime. Keep in mind that you should ask to see your own copy of this report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

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, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, you will either be taken into custody immediately, or you might be given a date to report to jail to serve your sentence.

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Want to find out if somebody you know is incarcerated, or has ever been in jail?

To do so, just visit the Travis County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

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

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the court records on the Travis County jail website or you can call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. Bear in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

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

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be registered and listed on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access these listings online, but keep in mind that you won’t get the exact address, just the address block that they live on.

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

Every state maintains records of a person’s criminal past. These online databases are connected so you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. You can go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

A criminal history search you can find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any crimes, which can include:

• DUI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually won’t see if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

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

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

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? How easy was it? Did you do your search online or did you call the jail? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, 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 Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Travis County, the Travis County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in Travis County Jail is quite unpleasant, soon you will settle into the daily routine there. You should expect a wake-up alarm every morning at 6am, and then roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. After breakfast, you will 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 Travis 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 Travis 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 rules for sending funds to Travis County Jail inmates can change, so be sure to review the the Travis County Jail website when you send any money.


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 Travis County Jail

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

Click here to share your story


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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 an inmate in Travis County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at Travis County Jail?

If you have, then please write your review about it. Tell us about what you experienced so that other people can learn what to expect.

Things you could write in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate programs and activities


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story to tell. How’d you get locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? How was life in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Trying to say wassup to an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Write your message below.

Say Hello to people incarcerated at Travis County Jail


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