Buchanan County Jail – Independence, IA

Buchanan County Jail is located in Buchanan County, IA and is the primary correctional facility for the region. Know someone in Buchanan County Jail? This page will tell you information about everything related to Buchanan County Jail,like: How to locate an inmate at Buchanan County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information and records. And much more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is designed to give information and advice you need to make the process a lot easier. If you have a question, just ask them, and also any tips or comments that could be beneficial to others is appreciated.

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

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

To look up who is in jail at Buchanan County Jail you will need to go to their web site and do an inmate lookup.

The Buchanan County Jail Inmate Lookup is an online list of persons currently in custody, which includes current status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. Also, you can find information about anybody who has been arrested or released in the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to locate the information more quickly if you have your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you are looking for might be incarcerated at a different jail you will want to look here: Other Jails in Iowa

A mugshot, or jail intake photo, is the picture that the jail takes when you are booked into jail. They take one frontal photo and one profile photo. Your full name and booking number will be on the mugshot, and they’re stored.

Mugshots of Buchanan County Jail inmates can be found on the website, or you can see them at the Buchanan County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will have to input the inmate’s legal name, and the booking date.

Need to know how to have your mugshot removed from the Buchanan County Jail site? This will be difficult, as your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be accessible. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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Naturally, if you’re in jail, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail amount will be decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you are required to agree to show up for court, and in the meantime you can’t leave town.

Usually, an inmate at Buchanan County Jail will be given an early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will have to go back to jail each day after work, or you might have the chance to move into a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Your bail is how much money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail until you go to court. Your bail amount all depends on what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You or someone you know will have to pay to the courts 10% of the amount set before you can be released. If you fail to show up for your court date, the person that paid your bail will lose that bail money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail must call the Buchanan County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they will let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never a fun thing, but in some cases, it’s easy if you have the money. First of all, you have to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you won’t be able to use a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail won’t take a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the person will be discharged. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and sometimes with a minimum charge of $100. This money is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman may require that they use your assets as collateral for the bond.

To contact a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to tell your story

• Get Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• 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 procedure is made up of the following steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• Firstly, you have to answer some basic questions, like what is your full name, address, date of birth and a contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• You will get to use the phone to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take? How were you treated? Do you know any things that might help other people that get arrested make it through the procedure?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you pay your bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged can take anywhere between 15 minutes to all day long. Or, simply, the faster you post bail, the sooner you will get discharged from jail. Also, how fast you get released can depend on whether or not you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a magistrate still needs to figure out how much your bail will be. For minor charges, 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, expect to be released in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you must report to start a sentence, you really should follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail processing area, and tell the intake officer that you think there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if there is one, they will take you into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Be sure to only bring required items with you, for example your driver’s license or even state issued ID, prescription medication, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you must give information about each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s information will go in a Visiting log for the requesting inmate. Every visitor will be required to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors that gets to visitation or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Buchanan County Jail frequently change, so we suggest that you check the official jail site before you try to go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Jail phone calls are much pricier than phone calls made at home. Phone calls are restricted on when and how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get reduced or forbidden completely.

The Buchanan County Jail phone number is: 319-334-2568

All inmate mail has to be sent using US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of delivery. You must write the name, prisoner number, and jail address on the letter that you send. Do not send anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail gets opened and inspected by the staff, and will be sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Buchanan County Jail:

Buchanan County Jail
210 5Th Ave Ne
Independence, IA 50644

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Buchanan County Jail
210 5Th Ave Ne
Independence, IA 50644

The mail policy changes, so be sure to review the official website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these is the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure you ask a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you call them. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, an attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and guide you through the court system. The faster you get an attorney working on your situation, the better off you’ll be.

To read more about how to find a lawyer, read our guide: How to Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has access to independent investigators, forensics experts as well as social workers. All Public Defenders are real attorneys, members of the Iowa State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records are comprised of a court case file containing a docket and all documents that have been filed. You are able to access court records via the website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Buchanan County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the jury’s verdict. All records relating to your case are held at Buchanan County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees are all costs from your case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

A Magistrate is the judge that presides on your court case. They do a number of things, like setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together with the defendant’s background information and details of the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate 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 circumstances the victim. Bear in mind you are allowed to ask to see your own copy of the report before your sentencing, so you have the opportunity to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you will either be taken into custody immediately, or you might be given a date that you must report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Want to find out if someone is in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you should go to the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can also call the jail to find out.

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you are able to check the arrest warrants online or you can call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. You should be clear that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or find out online. An arrest is in the public record and this is accessible by the public.

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 going to the Buchanan County Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All registered sex offenders must be registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see these offenders online, but you should know that you won’t find the actual address, but only the address block that they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a court case file that contains a docket sheet and any documents and filings filed in your court case. You can access your court records on the internet, or at the Buchanan County Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of a person’s criminal background. These online databases are all linked so you can track criminal histories from other states. Go to the Buchanan County Courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and if it was in a totally 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 the following crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, you won’t be able to find out if that person had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving records, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? How easy was it? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your comments may help other people.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Buchanan County, the Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in the Buchanan County jail is no fun, soon you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. Inmates get an alarm for wake-up each morning at six in the morning, and next you’ll have roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. After breakfast, you will be required 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 Buchanan 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 Buchanan 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 money to someone in jail at Buchanan County Jail could change, so we suggest that you double check the official Buchanan County Jail site when you send funds to an inmate.


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 Buchanan County Jail

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

Click here to tell 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:

• 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.

Click here to post a comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

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

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been a prisoner in this jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner in this jail?

If you have, then we would like you to write your review about it. Write down your experience because others can find out what to expect.

Things you can write in what you write:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Programs and activities


Write a review about Buchanan County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why were you locked up? Did you get fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? Were the other inmates cool? How has this experience impacted your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Trying to get in touch with a person you met in jail? Post a message to them below.

Send a message to people incarcerated at Buchanan County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Buchanan County Jail Website
Buchanan County Jail Inmate Search
View Buchanan County Jail Mugshots
Buchanan County Jail Bail Amount Link

Buchanan County Jail Visitation
Buchanan County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Buchanan County Jail Inmate Search
Buchanan County Warrant Lookup
Buchanan County Jail Arrests
Buchanan County Jail Send Money Procedure
Jobs at Buchanan County Jail


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