Lauderdale County Jail – Meridian, MS

Lauderdale County Jail is located in Lauderdale County and is the correctional facility for that county. Know someone locked up at Lauderdale County Jail? This site will tell you all about anything a person needs to know about Lauderdale County Jailsuch as the following: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Lauderdale County Jail intake procedures. Court information. And much more…

The chance of going to jail is a scary thought, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also their friends and family. This guide is meant to give you information and advice you need to make going to jail easier. If you have questions, just ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or tips that could be a benefit to others is appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is locked up and want to contact them?

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

In order to look up who’s in jail at Lauderdale County Jail you have to navigate to their link and do an inmate lookup.

The Lauderdale County Jail Inmate Roster is an online list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes custody status, bail amount, and schedule for visitation. You can find the same information for anybody booked or discharged within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to get their arrest information more quickly if you enter their name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or loved one is locked up at a different jail you can check our Mississippi county jail guide: Other Jails in Mississippi

A mugshot, also known as a jail intake picture, is the photograph that the jail takes when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is actually two photos one face photo and a profile picture. Your name and jail ID number will appear on the pictures, and they are on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be found on the Lauderdale County Jail website, or you can view them at the Lauderdale County Jail. When viewing online you will have to put in their full name, and an arrest date, if you have it.

Are you trying to have your mugshot erased from the Lauderdale County Jail website? This is difficult, because the mugshot is a matter of public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that your arrest record would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. 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 taken down, the various mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal services: Mugshot Removal

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Once you are arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail amount will be decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this may mean that you will either be released, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released from jail you must agree to be in court on your court date, and you are required not to leave town.

In most cases, prisoners at Lauderdale County Jail are given time off in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and conduct themselves properly while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to do work release. You will either have to go back to the jail every day after work, or you might have the chance to move to a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay depends on what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. Someone will have to pay ten percent of the total that was determined in order for you to be released. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, whoever put up your bail money will not get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will have to call the Lauderdale County Jail. If you’ve got the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know what their bail is set at. You can also see the bail amount on the jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but usually, it’s really easy. To start with, you have to find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you can’t use the services of a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they can’t accept a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just don’t have the money, you should use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and sometimes charge a minimum charge of $100. This money is non-refundable and the bondsman only accepts cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will in most cases request to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond.

To contact a bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman at Lauderdale County Jail

Have you ever had to use a Bail Bondsman either 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 leave a comment

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

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The jail intake procedure is made up of each of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• First, have to answer a bunch of questions, such as what your legal name is, your address, birth date and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and mental history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• You will then be allowed to make a phone call so you can get in touch with a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you will be allowed to wear your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? Were you treated fairly? Do you know any secrets that will help other people that get arrested to get through the procedure?

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When you pay your bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged takes from 15 minutes to all day. Or, simply, the quicker bail is posted, the faster you will be released. It also can depend on if you’ve got a cash bond or if a magistrate still needs to figure out the bail amount. For a minor offense, 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 know the discharge date, expect to get released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you need to start your sentence, you really should do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail processing area, and tell an officer that you think they might have an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. A record check will be run, and if you do, you will be taken into jail custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you aren’t late. Only bring approved items with you, for example your driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must give each visitor’s full name to the jail. Your visitor’s names will be put in a log of approved visitors as an Authorized visit. Each visitor will have to provide proof of identification. Anyone arriving late or without a visiting order will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Lauderdale County Jail frequently change, so double-check the official 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 . Calls made in jail are generally more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you are disciplined for an infraction, phone privileges could be reduced or forbidden completely.

The Lauderdale County Jail phone number is: (601) 482-9800

All mall sent to inmates has to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other type of delivery. Clearly write or type the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and the jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t send a package or box, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail is opened and read by the officers at the jail, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

Lauderdale County Jail
2001 5Th Street
Meridian, MS 39301

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Lauderdale County Jail
2001 5Th Street
Meridian, MS 39301

The Lauderdale County Jail mail policy changes often, so it would be best to check the official Lauderdale County Jail site before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you have been arrested, you have certain rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure to get a friend or family member to locate an attorney when you call. You may be thinking ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and guide you through the complicated legal system that you are now faced with. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better.

For more detailed information on this, visit: Find an Attorney

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. Also, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, forensics experts and case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys, members of the State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Lauderdale County court records are public records. They are comprised of a case file with a docket and every documents and motions in your case. You are able to access your court case records with the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Lauderdale County 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 when court is in session, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records and documents associated with your court case are kept and available to you at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees from your case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you are low income and have a court appointed attorney, you may not have to pay them.

The Lauderdale County court magistrate is the judge who presides on your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do a number of different things, which include setting bail, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared with background information and details of the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into consideration when decide your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some cases the victim. Be sure to remember you are allowed to ask to get your own copy of the report before your sentencing, so you have the opportunity to review it and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you will either be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could get a date that you are required to report to jail to do your time.

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

This is pretty simple to do, just you will have to query the Lauderdale County jail website, and search using:

• Their name.
• Birth date.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you should call the jail to find out.

If you have an outstanding warrant, you can access court records online or you are able to call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. You should know that if there is a warrant for your arrest, 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 Lauderdale County jail, by phone, go there in person, or find out online. An arrest is in the public record and this is freely available.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to see sex offenders on the website, but you should know that you will not be able to find the exact address, but only the block that they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. They include a court case file containing a court docket and any of the filings and documents filed in the case. You can access the court records on their website, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal past. These databases are all linked so you can track criminal convictions from any other state. You can go to the Lauderdale County Courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and in the event that it was in a different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you are able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

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

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

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

To find driving histories, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Did you do your search online or did you make a phone call to the Lauderdale County courthouse? Was it correct? There are plenty of reasons that people look up criminal records, and your story could help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Lauderdale County, the Lauderdale County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in the Lauderdale County jail is no fun, soon you will get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. You will get an alarm for wake-up at 6am, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. After breakfast, participate 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 Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale 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 someone in jail at Lauderdale County Jail is likely to change, so you should review the official website when you send money 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 Lauderdale County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale 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:

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

The definition of victim includes:

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

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

Victim Notification

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

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

Click here to share your story

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 incarcerated in Lauderdale County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend that spent time there? Have you ever visited an inmate at Lauderdale County Jail?

If yes, then please leave a comment below about it. Tell us about what you experienced because other people can find out what to expect.

What to write in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Safety
• Gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has a story about it. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? How was life in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to find out how to get in touch with a person you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to people still locked up at Lauderdale County Jail


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