Cerro Gordo County Courthouse – Mason City, IA

Cerro Gordo County Courthouse is in Cerro Gordo County and is the main correctional facility for that county. Know somebody locked up in Cerro Gordo County Courthouse? This site tells you information about everything you might want to know about Cerro Gordo County Courthousesuch as the following: How to do a jail inmate search. How to view Cerro Gordo County Courthouse mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures and booking. Court information and records. And everything else.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary thought, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to give you all the advice and information you need to make getting locked up easier. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask it, and any tips or comments that would be a benefit to other people in the same situation will be appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is incarcerated and want to locate them?

Has somebody who’s been arrested and you don’t know how to locate them?

In order to search who’s in jail at Cerro Gordo County Courthouse you will have to navigate to their link and do an inmate lookup.

The Cerro Gordo County Courthouse Inmate Lookup is a list of persons who have been arrested and are in jail, which includes custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and schedule for visitation. Also, you can find info on anybody booked or released within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to get their inmate information faster if you enter your friend or family member’s first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be in another jail you will want to check our guide to other Iowa jails: Iowa Jails

A mugshot, or booking photograph, is the photograph that the police take during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually two photos one and one profile photo. Your full name and jail booking number will be on the mugshot, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be viewed online, or you can view them at the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse. When you search for mugshots on the website you have to input the legal name, and an arrest date, if you have it.

Want to get your mugshot removed from the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse website? This will be difficult, as your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

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

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If you’re in jail, your only thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through booking, bail is decided by the magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released you are required to promise to be there for your court date, and until then you won’t be allowed to leave the county.

In most cases, an inmate in the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse will earn time off in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and act right while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to do work release. You will have to return to jail every day after work, or you might be permitted to live in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by how serious your charges are. Someone you know will need to put up ten percent of the total that was set in order to get out of jail. If you don’t show up for court, whoever put up your bail money will lose that bail money.

You have to call the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse or the County Courthouse. If you have all the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they will let you know what their bail is set at. You can also check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Bailing out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but in some cases, it’s very simple to do. To start with, you need to know if their bail 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 accept checks. When you’ve paid bail, the prisoner 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 it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They usually charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and in most cases charge a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will usually request to use your personal assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

If you need a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Cerro Gordo County

Have you ever hired a Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out.

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

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The intake process includes these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• First, have to answer some basic questions, such as what is your full name, street address, birth date and an emergency contact.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will then be allowed to make a telephone call in order to get in touch with family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be allowed to keep wearing street clothes, if not you will have to wear a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should tell us how it happened. How long did it take to get processed? How did the guards treat you? Can you tell us tips that might help others get through jail intake?

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Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. The discharge process can take between 30 minutes to all day. So, the quicker you post bail, the sooner you will get discharged from jail. How quickly you get discharged can depend on whether or not you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a judge needs to determine the amount of bail to be set. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, expect to get discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

for your arrest, or if you need to start your sentence, you really should follow the rules and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail, and tell them that think that there is a warrant out for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, 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, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Be sure that you are not late. Be sure to only bring things that are allowed when you go to jail, like a driver’s license or your ID, prescription medication, as well as the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to give each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail. Your visitor’s information will be put in the visitation log as an approved visitor. Each visitor has to provide proof of identification. Visitors that gets to visitation or that is not an approved visitor will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Cerro Gordo County Courthouse are always changing, so you should check the official Cerro Gordo County Courthouse jail site before you try to go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are much more expensive than phone calls made at home. There is no limit to when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules, an inmate’s phone privileges may be limited or totally denied.

The Cerro Gordo County Courthouse phone number is: (641) 421-3004

All mail is required to be sent via the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of mail or package delivery. You should write or type the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Don’t send a package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail received by the jail is opened and read by staff, and the mail will be returned to the sender if they decide it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Cerro Gordo County Courthouse is:

Cerro Gordo County Courthouse
17262 Lark Ave
Mason City, IA 50401

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Cerro Gordo County Courthouse
17262 Lark Ave
Mason City, IA 50401

The inmate mail policy at Cerro Gordo County Courthouse changes often, so you should double check the the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse website before you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you get arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, the most important of which is the right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure to have a friend or relative locate an attorney when you call them. You may be thinking ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate through the complicated legal system that you are now faced with. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better your chances.

For more info on how to find an attorney, read our guide: How to Find an Attorney in Cerro Gordo County

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

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

Cerro Gordo County court records are a matter of public record. They contain a court case file containing a docket sheet and all documents and motions filed during your court case. You have the ability to access court records via the internet service, or at the Cerro Gordo County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath in a court case, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence related to your case are available at Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the charges associated with your court case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

A Magistrate acts as the judge that will preside over your case in court. Magistrates do a number of things, such as deciding a bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over initial court appearances and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared with your background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the judge will take into consideration when decide your sentence. Information will be collected from the person on trial, their family, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Bear in mind you can request to get a copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you can review it and correct any mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you will either be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could be given a date to turn yourself into jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if someone is in jail, or has ever been locked up?

To do so, just go to the jail’s website, and search by:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can also call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the Cerro Gordo County jail website or call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. Keep 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 the date of their arrest, contact the Cerro Gordo County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or you can check online. An arrest is public record and this information is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, which can be a court order. You can find these by getting in touch with the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders are required to be registered on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You can access these listings on the website, but you should know that you will not be able to get the street address, but rather the address block that they live on.

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

Each state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal history. These databases are connected and you can track criminal backgrounds from another state. You are able to go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can 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 might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you can find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DUI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

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

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

To search for driving histories, you will have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you make a phone call to the Cerro Gordo County courthouse? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments may help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Cerro Gordo County, the Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in Cerro Gordo County Courthouse is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will get used to the daily routine there. All inmates get an alarm for wake-up every morning at six in the morning, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. After breakfast, you will work in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Cerro Gordo County Courthouse, 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 Cerro Gordo County Courthouse 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 process for sending funds to people in jail could change, so be sure to visit the site before send money to someone in jail 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 Cerro Gordo County Courthouse

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse, 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 Cerro Gordo County Courthouse

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 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:

• 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.

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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 Cerro Gordo County Courthouse? Do you have a family member or friend that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at Cerro Gordo County Courthouse?

If yes, then please write a review about it. Tell us about your jail experience so other people can learn what to expect.

What to put in the review:

• Conditions in Cerro Gordo County Courthouse.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitors
• Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Click here to write a review

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? How was day to day life at Cerro Gordo County Courthouse? What were the other inmates like? How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell Your Story About Cerro Gordo County Courthouse

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Trying to reconnect with someone from jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to Cerro Gordo County Courthouse

Links and Resources

Main Cerro Gordo County Courthouse Link
Cerro Gordo County Courthouse Inmate Search
View Cerro Gordo County Courthouse Mugshots
Cerro Gordo County Courthouse Bail Link

Cerro Gordo County Courthouse Visitation Procedures
Cerro Gordo County Courthouse Jail Mail Link
Locate an inmate at Cerro Gordo County Courthouse
Cerro Gordo County Warrant Inquiry
Cerro Gordo County Courthouse Arrest Lookup
Cerro Gordo County Courthouse Send Money Procedure
Jobs at Cerro Gordo County Courthouse


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