Cowlitz County Corrections Department – Longview, WA

Cowlitz County Corrections Department is located in Cowlitz County, WA and is the main jail for this region. Know someone in jail at Cowlitz County Corrections Department? This guide will tell you information about anything you might need to know about Cowlitz County Corrections Department,like the following: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary and stressful prospect, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to give information and tips you need to make getting locked up easier. If you have questions, just ask them, and any tips or comments that could be beneficial to others would be appreciated.

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

Do you know a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to locate them?

In order to see who’s in jail at Cowlitz County Corrections Department you should click on their website and do an inmate lookup.

The Cowlitz County Corrections Department Inmate Search is a list of persons who have been arrested and are in custody, including status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting schedule. You can also find info for anybody booked or discharged in the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to get the information fast if you enter their first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If your friend or family member might be in another county jail you can check our Washington county jail guide: List of all county jails in Washington

A mugshot, also called a jail processing photo, is the photo taken by the police during jail intake processing. They take one full face and one profile photo. Your full name and jail ID number will appear on the photos, and they’re on file at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be found online, or you can go in person to the Cowlitz County Corrections Department. When viewing mugshots online you need to input the person’s legal name, and an arrest date, if you have it.

Trying to figure out how to get your mugshot removed from the Cowlitz County Corrections Department site? This may not be possible, because your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, and will not be available 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 different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

Return To Main Menu

If you are locked up, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, your bail amount will be decided by the magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this may 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 must promise to show up for court, and until that date you must not go out of town.

In most cases, a prisoner will be given an early release in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and area a good inmate while they’re in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be given work release detail. You will be required to go back to jail each day after work, or you may get to move to a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you will have to pay all depends on the seriousness of your crime. You will need to pay to the courts 10% of the amount that was determined in order for you to get discharged from jail. If you don’t go to your court date, whoever paid your bail will lose that bail money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you need to call the Cowlitz County Corrections Department. If you’ve got the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know the bail amount. You can also see the bail amount on the Cowlitz County Corrections Department site.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but most of the time, its simple to do if you have the money. To start with, find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you can’t use the services of a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail will not take checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will be released to your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally have a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and in most cases with a minimum of $100. This is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will usually use assets as collateral.

To find a local bail bondsman click here: Bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to comment

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

Return To Main Menu

The intake process is made up of these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you will answer some questions, like what is your full name, your address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will get to use the telephone so you can get in touch with a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail uniform.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did you have to wait? How were you treated? Can you tell us secrets that will help other people make it through the process?

Post A Comment

When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. The discharge process takes anywhere from 15 minutes to quite a few hours. So, the faster you can pay your bail, the quicker you can get released from jail. Also, how fast you get released will depend on whether you have a bond amount or if the judge needs to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For lesser charges, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a release date, you should plan to get released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

out against you, or if you need to begin your sentence in jail, you really should follow the rules and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail, and let them know that you think there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they verify that you have one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go down to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Just bring allowed items with you, like a driver’s license or your 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 must list each visitor’s full name to the jail. Your visitors will be entered into a log of visitors as an approved visitor. Every visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures can change, so check the official Cowlitz County Corrections Department jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Calls made in jail are typically more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s ability to use the phone may be limited or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: 360-577-3094

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other method of mail or package delivery. You should write or type the name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t send a package, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail sent to inmates is opened and read by staff, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Cowlitz County Corrections Department, use this address:

Cowlitz County Corrections Department
1935 1St Avenue
Longview, WA 98632

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Cowlitz County Corrections Department
1935 1St Avenue
Longview, WA 98632

The inmate mail policy at Cowlitz County Corrections Department is always changing, so review the official Cowlitz County Corrections Department site when you send a letter to an inmate there.

Return To Main Menu

When you get arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these is your right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to have a friend or relative locate an attorney for you. You’re probably asking yourself ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you find your way through the complicated court system that you are now faced with. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your case, the better your chances.

To read more about this, click here: Find an Attorney

If you can’t afford a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. The Public Defender’s Office has access to private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. Public Defenders are real attorneys, members of the Washington State Bar and are completely licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? What was your experience?

Court records are public records. Court records are comprised of a file containing a docket sheet and all of the documents and motions filed during your court case. You are able to access your court case records using the Cowlitz County website, or by going to the Cowlitz County Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court that manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and read the jury’s verdict. All records, documents, and evidence from your case are available at the Cowlitz County Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the charges and fees from your case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may get out of having to pay them.

The Cowlitz County magistrate acts as the judge who presides over your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do several different things, which include setting your bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together to include background information and details of the defendant’s life, which the judge will take into account when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the defendant, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Keep in mind you are allowed to request to receive your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you can correct any mistakes that it contains.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service to probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you could get a date that you must go to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Are you trying to find out if some you know is incarcerated in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

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

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you have an outstanding warrant, you can check the arrest warrants on the Cowlitz County jail website or call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. Keep in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or find out online. An arrest is a matter of public record and the information is freely available.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, like court orders. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All registered sex offenders are listed and registered 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 offense. You are able to see this information online, but bear in mind that you will not find the exact address, just the address block that they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a court case file that includes a docket sheet and all of the documents filed in your case. You are able to access your court records on the internet, or at the Cowlitz County Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of a person’s criminal background. These state databases are connected and you can track criminal histories from other states. You can go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if it was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for these crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, usually won’t find out if that person has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the jail? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments may help other people.

Post A Comment

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Cowlitz County,The Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in Cowlitz County Corrections Department is very scary, soon you will become accustomed to the daily routine. All inmates get a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00am, and next they’ll do roll call. Then you will get breakfast. When you finish eating 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 Cowlitz County Corrections Department, 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 Cowlitz County Corrections Department uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

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

The procedure to send money to someone in jail at Cowlitz County Corrections Department is always changing, so we suggest that you visit the official website before you send funds 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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Cowlitz County Corrections Department

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Cowlitz County Corrections Department, 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 Cowlitz County Corrections Department

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.


Return To Main Menu

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


Return To Main Menu

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 tell about all about it

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.


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been an inmate in this jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever visited an inmate at Cowlitz County Corrections Department?

If your answer is yes, then you should write your review about it. Write down your jail experience so that others can learn what to expect.

Things you can put in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has a story about it. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What happened to you while you were locked up? Were the other inmates cool? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to tell your story about Cowlitz County Corrections Department

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you want to say wassup to an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Post a message to people incarcerated at Cowlitz County Corrections Department


Return To Main Menu
3083