Mahaska County Jail – Oskaloosa, IA

Mahaska County Jail is located in Mahaska County and is the correctional facility for the area. Do you know someone incarcerated at Mahaska County Jail? This site tells you information about anything you might want to know about Mahaska County Jail,such as: Find an inmate at Mahaska County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. 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 the person who goes to jail, but also their family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to give you information that you’ll need to make going to jail a lot easier. If you have specific questions, just ask it, and also any comments or tips that could help other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

Do you know someone that is incarcerated and don’t know how to locate them?

Has someone that’s been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to see who’s in jail at Mahaska County Jail you have to go to their website and perform an inmate search.

The Mahaska County Jail Inmate List is an online list of persons currently in custody, including status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can find information on anyone arrested and processed or released within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You can find the information faster if you’ve got your friend or family member’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If your friend or loved one is at another county jail you can check our guide to other Iowa jails: Iowa Jails

A mugshot, or booking photograph, is a photo taken by the police during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually two photos one face photo and a profile photo. Your full name and jail ID number will be in the mugshot, and they’re kept on file.

Mugshots of Mahaska County Jail inmates can be seen online, or you can see them at the Mahaska County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to enter the inmate’s name, and an arrest date, if you have one.

Do you want to have your mugshot taken down from the Mahaska County Jail website? This will be difficult, because your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest 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.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the various websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Once you’re locked up, your only thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through booking, bail will be set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either be released, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you will have to promise to be in court on your court date, and until that day you won’t be allowed to go out of town.

Usually, an inmate in the Mahaska County Jail are given early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will have to go back to jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you may be allowed to live in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay is determined by the seriousness of your crime. You or someone you know will have to post 10 percent of the total that was set before you can be released from jail. If you don’t go to court, whoever paid your bail will not get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you must call the Mahaska County Jail. If know the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you the bail amount. You can also check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Posting bail to get out of jail is never fun, but in some cases, it’s really easy if you have the money. First, you have to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If this is the case, you can’t use a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they won’t accept a check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the person will get released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If bail is set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally have a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases charge a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman will ask to use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To contact a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used 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 share your story

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

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The intake procedure is made up of the following 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.
• You must answer some simple questions, such as your full name, street address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will allow you to make a phone call to call family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, they will let you wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please share your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? Were you treated fairly? Can you tell us secrets that might help others get through jail processing?

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Once you are able to post bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged may take from 15 minutes to all day long. In simple terms, the faster you can pay your bail, the quicker you will get discharged from jail. Also, it will depend on whether you have a cash bond or if a magistrate still needs to decide on the bail amount. For a minor charge, you will get booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a date of your release, expect to be discharged that morning.

If there is a, or if you need to begin your sentence in jail, you should follow the rules and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell them that you think there may be a warrant out for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into jail custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Make sure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Only bring approved items when you go, for example your driver’s license or even photo ID, prescription medication, and a official sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to give each visitor’s name to the jail in advance of any visit. This information will go in a log of approved visitors as an Authorized visit. Each and every visitor will have to provide identification. Visitors arriving late or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Mahaska County Jail visitation procedures change often, so we suggest that you double-check the official 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 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 inmates 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, phone privileges might get reduced or forbidden completely.

The Mahaska County Jail phone number is: 641-673-4322

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be sent using US Postal Service. You must not use any other form of mail delivery. You must print the name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail received by the jail is opened and examined by the jail officers, and will get returned if it can’t be delivered.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Mahaska County Jail is:

Mahaska County Jail
214 High Ave E
Oskaloosa, IA 52577

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Mahaska County Jail
214 High Ave E
Oskaloosa, IA 52577

The mail policy at Mahaska County Jail can change, so we suggest that you check the official Mahaska County Jail site before you send a letter to an inmate.

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When you get arrested, you still have certain rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is important to get a friend or family member to find a lawyer for you. You may be thinking ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal lawyer will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and help you find your way through the complicated legal system in your county. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better.

For more detailed information on how to find a lawyer, click: How to Find an Attorney in Mahaska County

If you cannot afford a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. The Public Defender has a number of staff such as private investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys that are admitted to the Iowa State Bar Association and are fully licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

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

Mahaska County court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records have a file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all documents in the case. You are able to access your court records via the website, or at the Mahaska County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All court records related to your case are held at Mahaska County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees and costs are the costs associated with your court case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you are low income and have a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

A Magistrate acts as the judge that presides on your court case. Magistrates are judges that do several different things, like setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed to include your background information and information about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the judge will review when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family, and in some cases the victim. Don’t forget that you can ask to receive a copy of this report before sentencing, so you get the chance to review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you might get locked up immediately, or given a date to go to jail to serve your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if some you know is incarcerated, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty simple to do, just you should go to the jail’s website, and search by:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you should call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check court records on the Mahaska County court website or you can call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. You should know that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or look online. Arrest records are public record and these records are accessible to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, such as court orders. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Mahaska County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders have to be registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view sex offenders online, but bear in mind 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. Court Records include a case file containing a court docket and any of the documents and filings filed in your court case. You can access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal past. These state databases are connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from another state. You can go to the Mahaska County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a different state, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you will find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for these crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

If you do a criminal records check, in most cases will not be able to find out if someone has had:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

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

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI keeps a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Mahaska County,The Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

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


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in Mahaska County Jail is very scary, eventually you will get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up each morning at six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will be required to 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 Mahaska 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 Mahaska 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 procedure to send money to inmates might change, so be sure to review the official Mahaska County Jail site before you send any funds.


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 Mahaska County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Mahaska 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 Mahaska 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 about all about it


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Click here to 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 an inmate at Mahaska County Jail? Do you know anybody that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at this jail?

If yes, then please leave a comment below about it. Write about what you experienced so other people can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to write in the review:

• Conditions in Mahaska County Jail.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Click here to review Mahaska County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why were you locked up? How did the guards treat you? How was life in jail? What about the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Trying to talk to an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Send a message to them here.

Say Hello to Mahaska County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Mahaska County Jail Link
Mahaska County Jail Inmate Search
Mahaska County Jail Mugshots
Mahaska County Jail Bail Link

Mahaska County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Mahaska County Jail Jail Mail Link
Locate an inmate at Mahaska County Jail
Mahaska County Warrant Lookup
Mahaska County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Mahaska County Jail Send Money Procedure
Mahaska County Jail Jobs


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