Dickinson County Jail – Spirit Lake, IA

Dickinson County Jail is located in Dickinson County and is the main jail for the area. Are you looking for someone incarcerated at Dickinson County Jail? This site gives you info about anything a person needs to know about Dickinson County Jail,like: How to do a jail inmate search. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Booking and intake procedures. Dickinson County court information. And lots more.

The prospect of going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is designed to give you advice and information that you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any tips or comments that might help other people in the same situation will be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is in jail and want to find them?

Has a friend or family member that has been arrested and you don’t know how to find out what jail they’re in?

To see who’s in jail at Dickinson County Jail you need to visit their link and use the inmate search.

The Dickinson County Jail Inmate Roster has information on people currently in custody, including status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. Also, you are able to get information for anyone arrested and processed or released within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You can locate the information fast if you’ve got their full name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you are looking for could possibly be at another jail you will want to look here, too: Other Jails in Iowa

A mugshot, or jail processing photo, is the photograph taken by the police during jail intake processing. They take one frontal photo and a side photo. Your full name and jail booking number will be on the pictures, and they’re on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Dickinson County Jail inmates can be searched online, or you can view them at the Dickinson County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you need to enter the inmate’s legal name, and the booking date.

Trying to figure out how to get your mugshot removed from the Dickinson County Jail website? This will be difficult, as your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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Once you’re arrested and put in jail, your main thought is about how to get out. After booking, bail is decided either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If there is no bail set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you are required to agree to be there for your court date, and in the meantime you must not leave the area.

In most cases, an inmate at Dickinson County Jail are given time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while they’re in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will have to stay the jail at the end of the day after work, or you might get to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you will be required to pay in order to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you have to pay depends on the seriousness of your charges. You will have to pay 10 percent of the total that was set so you can bail out of jail. If you don’t go to court, the person that bailed you out of jail will lose that bail money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the jail. If you have all the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the Dickinson County Jail site.

Posting bail to get out of jail is never a fun thing, but in some cases, its easy if you have the money. First of all, figure out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you won’t be able to use a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail can’t take checks. Once you have paid the bond, the person will get released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, of if you can’t pay it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and usually with a minimum of $100. This money is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman might require that they use your assets as collateral for the bond.

If you need a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman

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

Click here to share your story

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

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The jail intake procedure takes you through the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• First, will answer a number of questions, such as what your legal name is, street address, birth date and a contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will be taken from you and stored until you are discharged.
• They will allow you to make a telephone call so you can call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to wear your street clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please tell us how it happened. How long did it take? Were you treated fairly? Can you tell us tips that might help others to get through the procedure?

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Once bail has been posted, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged may take anywhere between 10 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the faster bail is posted, the quicker you will be released. Also, it depends on if you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a judge must determine how much to set your bail at. For lesser charges, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a release date, expect to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you have to report to start a sentence, you really should follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, report to the jail intake center, and tell them that you think there may be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be sure that you are not late to report. Make sure that you only bring necessary items when you go to jail, such as a driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, and a sentencing order.

The inmate must give information about each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. This information will go into a log of visitors as an Authorized visit. Each and every visitor must provide acceptable photo identification. Any visitors that gets to visitation or that is not on the visitation list will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Dickinson County Jail are always changing, so make sure that you double-check the official jail site before you try to go to visitation.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . These phone calls are typically pricier than regular phone calls. Phone calls are restricted on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but you should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s phone privileges may be limited or totally denied.

Phone Number: 712-336-2793

All mail has to be sent via the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of mail or package delivery. You should write the name, prisoner number, and jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t mail a package, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail sent to inmates is opened and examined by the jail staff, and will get sent back if it can’t be delivered.

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

Dickinson County Jail
1802 Hill Avenue, Suite 1200
Spirit Lake, IA 51360

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Dickinson County Jail
1802 Hill Avenue, Suite 1200
Spirit Lake, IA 51360

The Dickinson County Jail inmate mail policy changes frequently, so double check the official website before you send a letter.

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When you’ve been arrested, you have particular rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea to have a friend or family member locate a lawyer for you. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal attorney will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and guide you through the criminal justice system. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your case, the better.

To read more about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, click: How to Find a Lawyer

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. The Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys, admitted to the Iowa State Bar Association and are fully licensed to practice law in Iowa.

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

Dickinson County court records are public records. They include a court case file with a docket and every motions, documents, and evidence filed in the course of your case. You are able to access court records via the online service, or at the Dickinson County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that manages access to court records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records and documents from your court case are kept and available to you at the Dickinson County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs 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 a court appointed attorney, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Dickinson County court magistrate is the person that will preside on your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do several different things, like setting your bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about your background and information about the arrestee’s life history, which the judge will review and take into consideration when determining a sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the person on trial, their family, and in some cases the victim in the crime. Bear in mind you are able to request to get your own copy of the report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct any inaccurate information.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you may be taken into custody immediately, or you might be given a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if a family member or friend is in jail, or has ever been locked up?

To do this, just go to the Dickinson County jail website, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date.
• or jail ID.

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

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can access court records online or you can call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask them. Bear in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the Dickinson County jail, by phone, go there in person, or look online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and this information is freely available.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, such as court orders. You can find these by getting in touch with the Dickinson County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders are listed and registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You can access this information on the internet, but you should know that you will not get the actual address, but only the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public records. These records include a court case file containing a docket sheet and all of the documents filed in the court case. You can access court records online, or at Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of people’s criminal history. These state databases are connected so you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. You are able to go to the Dickinson County Courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It helps to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you can find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for the following crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, you generally will not be able to find out if they have had any:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this information, you have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the Dickinson County courthouse? Was it correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your account might make it easier for others.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

The FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Dickinson County, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Dickinson County Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of getting locked up in the Dickinson County jail is very scary, you will soon get used to the daily routine. Inmates get a wake-up alarm at about 6:00AM, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will work in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 Dickinson 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 Dickinson 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 process for sending money to someone in jail might change, so it would be best to review the the Dickinson County Jail 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Dickinson County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Dickinson 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 Dickinson 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 post a comment


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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.

Speak Your Mind

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 spent any time at this jail? Do you have a family member or friend that spent time there? Have you ever visited an inmate there?

If so, then you should write a review about it. Write down your experience because others will know what to expect.

What to include in the review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner programs and activities


Click here to write your review of Dickinson County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has a story about it. Why’d you get arrested? Did you experience fair treatment? What was it like in jail? What were the other inmates like? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Tell your story about when you did time at Dickinson County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Need to get in touch with an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to Dickinson County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Dickinson County Jail Link
Dickinson County Jail Inmate Search Link
Dickinson County Jail Mugshots
Dickinson County Jail Bail Amount Link

Dickinson County Jail Visitation Procedures
Dickinson County Jail Mail Policy
Dickinson County Jail Inmate Search
Dickinson County Warrant Lookup
Dickinson County Jail Arrests
Dickinson County Jail Send Money Procedure
Dickinson County Jail Jobs


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