Dane County Jail – Madison, WI

Dane County Jail is in Dane County, WI and is the main jail for the region. Looking for someone incarcerated at Dane County Jail? This site will tell you info about everything you might want to know about Dane County Jail,like the following: Find an inmate at Dane County Jail. How to view Dane County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And much, much more.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful prospect, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is meant to give you all the information and tips that you’ll need to make going to jail easier. If you have specific questions, just ask them, and also any feedback or comments that would be beneficial to others is welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is in jail and want to find out where they are?

Do you know somebody that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

In order to find out who’s in jail at Dane County Jail you need to go to their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Dane County Jail Inmate Roster is an online list of persons who are in jail, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting schedule. You can get information for anyone booked or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can get their inmate information faster if you enter the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for is in a different jail you should look here, too: Other County Jails in Wisconsin

A mugshot, or jail booking photo, is the photograph taken by the police when you are booked into jail. They take one and a side photo. Your full name and jail booking number will be in the pictures, and they’re stored at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched on the Dane County Jail website, or you can go in person to the Dane County Jail. When viewing online you will need to input the prisoner’s legal name, and the arrest date, if you have it.

Do you want to get your mugshot taken down from the Dane County Jail website? This will be difficult, since the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that the record of your arrest will be sealed, and will not be accessible. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Obviously, if you are in jail, your primary thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail is decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and you won’t be permitted to go out of town.

In most cases, a prisoner at Dane County Jail will be given time off for good behavior when they respect the rules and area a good inmate while they are in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be given work release detail. Either you will have to return to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you might be permitted to move into a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount of bail that is set is determined by the crime you’ve been charged with. You will need to pay 10 percent of the total amount that was set in order for you to bail out of jail. If you don’t go to court, the person that paid your bail will lose that money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail need to call the Dane County Jail. If know the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. You can also check their bail amount and status online.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but most of the time, its very simple to do. To start with, find out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you can’t use a Bail Bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail will not accept a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the inmate will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get the bail money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just don’t have the money, you should try a bail bondsman. They will generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and usually have a minimum of $100. This money is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will require that they use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

You can find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at Dane County Jail

Have you ever hired a bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out.

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

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The intake process includes these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• You have to answer some basic questions, such as your full legal name, your address, birth date and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• You will then be allowed to make a telephone call so you can contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be issued a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take to get processed? Were you treated fairly? Do you have any secrets that could help other people get through the procedure?

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When you finally post bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process can take between 30 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the quicker bail is posted, the faster you will get discharged. Also, it depends on whether or not you have a cash bond amount or if the judge has to figure out how much to set your bail at. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, expect to be discharged that morning.

In the event there is a, or if you need to start your sentence, it is recommended that you do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go to the jail, in the reception area, and tell the intake officer that think that there is an outstanding warrant 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 you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order states. Be sure that you are not late to report. Just bring things that are allowed when you go to jail, like a driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to provide information about each visitor to the jail in advance. Your visitors will be put in the visitation log as an approved visitor. All visitors must provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Anyone that gets to visitation or that is not an approved visitor will be turned away.
Jail visitation policies frequently change, so you should review the official jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

All phone calls 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 regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the jail rules, your ability to use the phone might get reduced or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: 608-284-6100

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be sent using the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other form of mail or package delivery. You must print the person’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Do not mail anything in a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail sent to inmates will be opened and examined by the officers at the jail, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Dane County Jail:

Dane County Jail
210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Madison, WI 53703

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Dane County Jail
210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Madison, WI 53703

The mail policy can change, so it would be best to visit the the Dane County Jail website when you send a letter.

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If you get arrested, you have rights, one of these being the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to have a friend or relative locate a lawyer for you. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate the criminal justice system in your county. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your case, the better your chances.

For more detailed information on how to find an attorney, go to: How to Find a Lawyer in Dane County

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender is staffed by private investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. All Public Defenders are real attorneys who are admitted to the State Bar and are licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know used the services of a Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

Dane County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They contain a court case file with a docket and each of the motions, documents, and evidence filed in the case. You have the ability to access court records with the internet service, or by going to the Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that maintains court records. They also administer the oath during court cases, and read the jury’s verdict. All records and documents associated with your court case are held at Dane County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees are the charges from your case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

A Magistrate is the type of judge that rules over your court case. They do different functions, like determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate will take into account when decide your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some cases the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember you are able to request to see your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you can correct any inaccurate information.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service to probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on how serious your crime was, you could be taken into custody immediately, or 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 incarcerated, or has ever been in jail?

To find this out you will have to go to the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Their approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

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

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants online or you can call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. You should know that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or check online. Records of arrests are public record and the information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders must be registered and listed on a sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to see these offenders online, but you should know that you will not see the actual address, rather the address block they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a case file that includes a court docket and all of the documents filed in the court case. You are able to access court records on the internet, or at Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of someone’s criminal past. These state databases are connected so you can track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You are able to go to courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that the crime was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for the following crimes:

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

When you do a criminal history search, usually will not learn if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

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

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

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it easy? 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 many reasons that people look up criminal records, and your account could help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Dane County, the Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

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


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of spending time in Dane County Jail is quite unpleasant, soon you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up every morning at 6:00AM, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. When you finish 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 Dane 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 Dane 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 funds to someone in jail changes, so be sure to double check the 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 Dane County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Dane 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 Dane County Jail

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.

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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

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

The definition of victim includes:

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

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

Victim Notification

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

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

Click here to leave a comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

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

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been incarcerated in this jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit someone at Dane County Jail?

If so, then please write your review about it. Tell us about your experience because other people can find out what to expect.

What to include in what you write:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate programs and activities


Write a review about Dane County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has a story to tell. How’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? How was day to day life at Dane County Jail? Were the other inmates cool? How has this experience impacted your life?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to send a message to a friend from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Post a message to someone at Dane County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Dane County Jail Website
Dane County Jail Inmate Search Link
Dane County Jail Mugshots
Dane County Jail Bail Amount Link

Dane County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Dane County Jail Mail Policy
Locate an inmate at Dane County Jail
Dane County Warrants
Dane County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Money to an Inmate at Dane County Jail
Dane County Jail Employment


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