Dekalb County Jail – Fort Payne, AL

Dekalb County Jail is in DeKalb County and is the primary jail for that county. Do you know somebody at Dekalb County Jail? This page will tell you all about anything one might want to know about Dekalb County Jail: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures and booking. DeKalb County court information. And everything else.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful situation, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also their friends and family. The goal of this guide is to offer info that you’ll need to make going to jail easier. If you have questions, please feel free to ask them, and please leave any comments or feedback that would help other people in the same situation is welcome.

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

Do you know someone who has been arrested and you want to locate them?

In order to find out who is in jail at Dekalb County Jail you have to go to their website and do an inmate lookup.

The Dekalb County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of persons who have been arrested, which includes status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. Also, you can get the same information about anyone processed or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You can find the information faster if you have their full name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for is locked up at a different jail you can look here, too: List of all county jails in Alabama

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

Mugshots of Dekalb County Jail prisoners can be searched on the website, or you can view them at the Dekalb County Jail. When viewing online you will need to input the prisoner’s first and last name, and an arrest date, if you have it.

Trying to figure out how to get your mugshot taken down from the Dekalb County Jail website? This may not be possible, because the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and will not be available 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 removed, the various mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Once you’re arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount will be determined by the magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you must promise to show up for court, and until then you will not be permitted to leave the county.

In most cases, prisoners at Dekalb County Jail are given an early release in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will have to go back to jail each day when you’re finished working, or you could be permitted to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is money that you are required to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount of bail that is set all depends on what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You or someone you know will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total amount that was set before you can get out of jail. If you miss your court date, whoever posted your bail won’t get their money back.

You will have to call the jail. If know the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will let you know the bail amount. You can also check their bail amount and status online.

Posting bail to get out of jail is no fun, but fortunately, it is really easy. First of all, figure out if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you won’t be able to get a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail can’t take a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the person will be released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the bail amount is too high, or you just can’t afford it, you should use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will usually have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and in most cases charge a minimum fee of $100. This will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman may request to use your personal assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To contact a local bail bondsman visit our page about: How to find a bail bondsman

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

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In Alabama your bail is predetermined by the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure – Bail Schedule, but keep in mind that the judge or magistrate has the final say on you bail amount. The bail schedule contains all crimes included in Alabama and the exact bail you will have to pay for each one.

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

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The jail intake procedure takes you through each of the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you will have to answer a bunch of questions, such as what your legal name is, address, date of birth and a contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate ID.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• Any property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you are 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 think you will get released quickly, you might get to keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail uniform.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take? What was your treatment like? Can you share any secrets that will help other people that get arrested get through the process?

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When you post bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged takes anywhere from 30 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the faster you can post bail, the quicker you will get let go. How quickly you get discharged depends on if you’ve been given a bond amount or if the magistrate needs to determine the bail amount. For lesser charges, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a release date, you should expect to be released in the morning.

issued for your arrest, 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, go down to the jail reception area, and tell someone that think that there is a warrant out for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if so, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you aren’t late. Be sure to only bring approved items when you turn yourself in, such as your driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to give each visitor’s name to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s information will be entered into the log for the requesting inmate. Each visitor must provide proof of identification. Visitors that gets to visitation or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Dekalb County Jail visitation procedures frequently change, so it would be wise to check the jail site before you try to go to visitation.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are typically more expensive than phone calls made at home. There is no limit to when and how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, your ability to use the phone might get cut back or cut altogether.

Phone Number: 256-845-8563

All mail has to be sent using the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of mail delivery. You have to clearly print the person’s name, inmate number, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail is opened and inspected by the jail administration, and the mail will get sent back if deemed inappropriate.

The mailing address for Dekalb County Jail is:

Dekalb County Jail
2801 Jordan Road Sw
Fort Payne, AL 35968

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Dekalb County Jail
2801 Jordan Road Sw
Fort Payne, AL 35968

The inmate mail policy at Dekalb County Jail changes frequently, so it would be best to double check the the Dekalb County Jail website when you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you get arrested, you should know you still have rights, and an important one is your right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea to have a friend or relative find a lawyer when you call them. You’re probably asking yourself ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate through the court system in DeKalb County. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better off you’ll be.

For more information on how to find an attorney, go to: Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office is staffed by private investigators, forensics experts and social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are real attorneys that are admitted to the Alabama State Bar Association and are licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records contain a file containing a docket and all documents and motions that have been filed in your case. You, and anyone else, can access the records and documents in your court case using the DeKalb County website, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court who manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records and documents related to your case are maintained at Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges from your case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have been assigned a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The DeKalb County court magistrate acts as the judge who presides over your case in court. Magistrate judges do different functions, which include setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together with the defendant’s background information and details of the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate will review and take into consideration when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the defendant, their family, and if necessary the victim. Remember that you can ask to see your own copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, and make sure that you review it and correct any mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service to probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you might get locked up immediately, or given a date to turn yourself into jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Want to find out if some you know is currently in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do so, just go to the DeKalb County jail website, and search by:

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

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

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the court records on the website or you can call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. You should know that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the DeKalb County jail, either by phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and these records are freely available.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, like court orders. You can find these by getting in touch with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are registered and listed on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You are able to see sex offenders on the website, but bear in mind that you will not see the precise address, rather the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a case file containing a docket sheet and any of the filings and documents filed in your court case. You can access your court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of people’s criminal background. These online databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from another 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 it was in a different state, you might have to pay for a more intensive search.

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

• DUI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

During a criminal records search, usually won’t be able to find out if someone has had:

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

To find driving histories, you have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your account might help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

The FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In DeKalb County, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in the DeKalb County jail is no fun, in time you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you in jail. Inmates get an alarm to wake up every morning at 6:00AM, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will work 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 Dekalb 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 Dekalb 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 rules for sending funds to Dekalb County Jail inmates is always changing, so you should check the site before you send any money.


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 Dekalb County Jail

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

Speak Your Mind


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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 incarcerated in this jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited an inmate in this jail?

If so, then we would like you to write your review about it. Write down what you experienced so others will know what to expect.

Things you can put in the review:

• Conditions in Dekalb County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you get arrested? Were you fairly treated? What was it like in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you want to find someone from jail? Post a message to them below.

Post a message to someone at Dekalb County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Dekalb County Jail Link
Dekalb County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Dekalb County Jail Mugshots
Dekalb County Jail Bail Link

Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure – Bail Schedule

Dekalb County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Dekalb County Jail Mail Policy
Find an inmate at Dekalb County Jail
DeKalb County Warrant Inquiry
Dekalb County Jail Arrests
Dekalb County Jail Send Money Procedure
Jobs at Dekalb County Jail


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