Dallas County Jail – Selma, AL

Dallas County Jail is located in Dallas County, Alabama and is the main jail for this area. Do you know somebody incarcerated at Dallas County Jail? This page tells you about everything related to Dallas County Jail,like: Find an inmate at Dallas County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Dallas County Jail intake procedures. Court records. And everything else.

The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give you info that you’ll need to make the process a lot easier. If you have questions, just ask them, and also any feedback or comments that might help others would be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is locked up and don’t know how to find out where they are?

Has a friend or family member who’s been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

To search who’s in jail at Dallas County Jail you will have to click on their website and use the inmate search.

The Dallas County Jail Inmate Search is an online list of people who have been arrested, including custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. You can get information for anyone booked or discharged in the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You can locate their inmate information fast if you have the arrestee’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for is at a different jail you will want to check our Alabama county jail guide: Alabama Jails

A mugshot, also known as a jail booking picture, is a photo that the jail takes when you are processed at the jail intake. They will take one and one profile photo. Your name and jail booking number will appear on the pictures, and they’re on file at the jail.

Mugshots of inmates can be found on the website, or you can see them at the Dallas County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you have to put in the first and last name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot erased from the Dallas County Jail website? This may not be possible, as the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Of course, if you’re incarcerated, your primary thought is about when you get out. After booking, a bail amount will be set by a special judge called a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released from jail you will have to promise to be in court on your court date, and in the meantime you won’t be allowed to go out of town.

Usually, prisoners will be given time off in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and conduct themselves properly while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. Either you will have to go back to jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you might get to move to a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is money that you have to pay to the courts in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will be required to pay depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. Someone will have to pay 10% of the amount set in order to be released. If you don’t go to your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail won’t get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they will tell you what their bail is set at. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the Dallas County Jail site.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never a fun thing, but most of the time, it’s very simple to do. First of all, find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you will not be able to get a bondsman. Cash only – the jail will not take a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will get released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and in most cases have a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will in these cases ask to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond.

To talk to a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

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

Click here to leave a comment

In the state of Alabama your bail is already set by the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure – Bail Schedule, but the judge or magistrate has the last word on you bail amount. The bail schedule contains each and every crime included in state law and the specific bail you will have to pay for each crime.

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

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The jail intake process takes you through the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is really busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first thing you will have to is you will have to answer a number of questions, like what is your full name, street address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and mental history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• You will be allowed to use the telephone to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might get to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How were you treated? Can you tell us tips that might help others to get through the process?

Click here to tell your story

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. This process takes between 15 minutes to many hours. In other words the faster you can pay your bail, the sooner you will be released. Also, it depends on whether or not you’ve been given a bond amount or if a magistrate still needs to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For minor offenses, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and have a discharge date, you should plan to be released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

out against you, or if you must start a jail sentence, you should do the right thing and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go to the jail processing area, and tell them that believe that there could be a warrant out for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if there is one, they will take you into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Be sure to only bring approved items with you, for example your driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to list each visitor’s name to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will be entered into a log of approved visitors for the inmate. Every visitor is required to provide proof of identification. Any visitors that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies change often, so it would be wise to check the official jail site before you try to go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are typically pricier than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s ability to use the phone may be limited or forbidden.

The Dallas County Jail phone number is: 334-874-2530

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be sent using US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of mail delivery. You must write or type the name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the letter. Don’t mail anything in a box or package, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail sent to inmates is opened and examined and read by the officers at the jail, and the mail will be returned if deemed inappropriate.

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

Dallas County Jail
102 Church Street
Selma, AL 36702

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Dallas County Jail
102 Church Street
Selma, AL 36702

The Dallas County Jail mail policy changes often, so check the official website when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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When you get arrested, you have certain rights, one of these being that you have the right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to have a friend or family member find a lawyer when you call them. You might be thinking ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate through the complicated legal system. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better off you’ll be.

For more information about the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, go to: How to Find a Lawyer

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social case workers. All Public Defenders are licensed attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law in Alabama.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Dallas County court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They include a court case file containing a docket and all motions, documents, and evidence in the case. You are able to access your court case records using the online service, or by going to the Dallas County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who manages court records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records, documents, and evidence from your court case are available at Dallas County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees are all costs from your court case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The Dallas County court magistrate acts as the judge that presides over your case. They do a number of things, like setting your bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over first court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed to include background information and details of the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate judge will review and take into account when decide your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be requested from the person on trial, their family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember that you should request to have your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you have the opportunity to review it and correct any mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you could be immediately taken into custody, or given a date that you must report to jail to serve your sentence.

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Want to find out if someone is locked up, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you will have to query the Dallas County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Approximate booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can also call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you are able to check the court records online or call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. You should be clear that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or look online. Arrest records are in the public record and this information is accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Dallas County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders must be listed and registered on both a national and state sex offender database. 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 see these offenders on the internet, but bear in mind that you won’t see the precise address, rather the address block that they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. They include a court case file that contains a court docket and all of the filings and documents filed in the court case. You can access court records online, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal background. These online databases are all connected and you can track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You are able to go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you will find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for crimes, which include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

During a criminal records search, in most cases won’t find if that person has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? How hard was it? Did you search online or did you call the Dallas County courthouse? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records, and your account may help other people.

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Most Wanted

The FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Dallas County,The Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Dallas County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that spending time in Dallas County Jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. Inmates get an alarm for wake-up at 6:00 AM, and next you’ll have roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. After breakfast, you will work in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Dallas 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 Dallas 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 funds to Dallas County Jail inmates might change, so you should review the site when you send funds to an inmate.


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 Dallas County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Dallas 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 Dallas 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.

Click here to share your story


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

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

The definition of victim includes:

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

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

Victim Notification

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

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

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Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

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

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been a prisoner at this jail? Do you know someone that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner there?

If so, then please leave a comment below about it. Tell us about your experience so others can learn what to expect.

What to include in the review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Programs and activities


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has at least one story to tell about it. Why’d you get arrested? How did the guards treat you? What happened to you while you were locked up? Tell us about the other inmates. How did it affect you to go to jail?

Click here to share your story about when you did time in Dallas County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Trying to reconnect with someone you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Post a message to people incarcerated at Dallas County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Dallas County Jail Link
Dallas County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Dallas County Jail Mugshots
Dallas County Jail Bail Amount Link

Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure – Bail Schedule

Dallas County Jail Visitation
Dallas County Jail Mail Policy
Locate an inmate at Dallas County Jail
Dallas County Warrant Inquiry
Dallas County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Money to an Inmate at Dallas County Jail
Dallas County Jail Employment


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