Etowah County Detention Center – Gadsden, AL

Etowah County Detention Center is located in Etowah County, Alabama and is the main jail for that county. Do you know someone locked up at Etowah County Detention Center? This site tells you information about anything you might need to know about Etowah County Detention Center,like the following: How to do a jail inmate search. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Court records. And everything else.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give you information and tips that you need to make getting locked up less stressful. If you have specific questions, just ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any feedback or comments that would be a benefit to other people in the same situation would be much appreciated.

Do you know someone that has gone to jail and don’t know how to contact them?

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

In order to see who’s in jail at Etowah County Detention Center you need to navigate to their web site and do an inmate lookup.

The Etowah County Detention Center Inmate Lookup has information on people who have been arrested, which includes custody status, how much their bail is, and visiting hours. You can also get the same information about anyone booked or released in the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by last name. You’ll be able to get their arrest information quicker if you’ve got the arrestee’s name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for is at another county jail you will want to look here, too: Alabama County Jails Listing

A mugshot, or jail booking photograph, is the photo that the jail takes when you are processed at the jail intake. They take one full face and a side-view photo. Your full name and jail ID number will appear on the photos, and they’re kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested are on the Etowah County Detention Center website, or you can see them in person at the Etowah County Detention Center. When you search for mugshots online you will need to input their name, and a booking date, if you have it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot erased from the Etowah County Detention Center website? This will be difficult, since your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot removed, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: Mugshot Removal

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Obviously, once you’re in jail, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail amount will be set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and until that date you will not be permitted to go out of town.

In most cases, prisoners in the Etowah County Detention Center are given early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break 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 may be allowed to do work release. Either you will have to return to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished with work, or you may have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you will be required to pay to get out of jail until your trial. The amount you will be required to pay depends on how serious your crime is. You or someone you know will have to post ten percent of the total that was determined in order for you to be released from jail. If you don’t show up for court, whoever posted your bail will lose all of the bail money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you need to call the Etowah County Detention Center. If you have all the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they will let you know the bail amount. You can also see the bail amount on the Etowah County Detention Center site.

Having to get someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but fortunately, its easy if you have the money. First, figure out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you won’t be able to use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they will not accept checks. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the person will be released into your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

If bail is set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They will generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually charge a minimum fee of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will in these cases use your personal assets as collateral for the bond.

You can find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

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 for you.

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In the state of Alabama the amount of bail you pay is pre-determined using by the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure – Bail Schedule, but keep in mind that the judge or magistrate has the final word on how much your bail will be. The Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure – Bail Schedule lists every crime included in state law and the exact bail you will have to pay for each crime.

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

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The intake process takes you through each of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you will answer some basic questions, like your legal name, street address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken from you and stored until you are released.
• You will be allowed to make a telephone call so you can talk to a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, they will let you keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please tell us what happened. How long did you have to wait? How were you treated? Do you know any secrets that could help other people make it through the procedure?

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When you pay your bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged from jail may take anywhere between 10 minutes to many hours. In other words the faster bail is posted, the quicker you will get let go. How quickly you get discharged depends on whether or not you’ve been given a bond amount or if a magistrate still needs to decide on your bail amount. For lesser charges, you will 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 discharge date, plan to get discharged in the morning.

If there is a, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, it is highly advisable that you follow the rules and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go down to the jail processing area, and let them know that think that there is a warrant for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if you do, you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Be sure to only bring approved items when you turn yourself in, such as your driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to give each visitor’s name to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s names will be entered in the visitation log for the requesting inmate. Every visitor has to provide identification. Anyone arriving late or without a visiting order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Etowah County Detention Center frequently change, so we suggest that you check the official Etowah County Detention Center jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are typically more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get reduced or cut altogether.

Phone Number: 256-549-5410

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be sent using the actual US Postal Service. You can’t use any other method of delivery. You have to write or type the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail gets opened and read by the jail administration, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Etowah County Detention Center is:

Etowah County Detention Center
827 Forrest Avenue
Gadsden, AL 35901

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Etowah County Detention Center
827 Forrest Avenue
Gadsden, AL 35901

The mail policy changes frequently, so we suggest that you visit the the Etowah County Detention Center website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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When you’ve been arrested, you have certain rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so you would be wise to get a friend or family member to locate an attorney for you. You’re probably asking yourself ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and help you find your way through the legal system in Etowah County. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better.

For more information on how to find a lawyer, read our guide: How to Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender has access to investigators, forensics experts and social case workers. All Public Defenders are real lawyers, members of the State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? How did they do?

All court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records contain a file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the documents that have been filed in the case. You are able to access court records with the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages access to court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the jury’s verdict. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your court case are kept and available to you at the Etowah County Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are all costs from your case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

The magistrate is the type of judge that will preside on your court case. Magistrates are judges that do several different things, such as setting your bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed to include background information and information about the defendant’s life and history, which the judge will take into consideration when determining the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be solicited from the defendant, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Remember you can request to receive your own copy of the report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to review it and correct any mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get taken into custody immediately, or you could get a date that you are required to report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if some you know is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do this, you will have to visit the Etowah County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• or inmate ID.

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

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants inquiry on the Etowah County court website or you are able to call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. Keep in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or check online. Records of arrests are in the public record and this information is accessible to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, like warrants. You can find these by going to the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders must be listed and registered on either a national or state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view sex offenders on the internet, but bear in mind that you will not get the actual address, just the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. They include a court case file that contains a docket sheet and all documents filed in your court case. You can access court records online, or at the Etowah County Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal past. These state databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal histories from another state. You can go to courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will be able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any crimes, which can include:

• DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, in most cases will not see if they has had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this information, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you call the Etowah County courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback could make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Etowah County, the Etowah County Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List

Etowah County Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of spending time in Etowah County Detention Center is quite unpleasant, you will soon become accustomed to the daily routine. You will get an alarm to wake up at 6:00 AM, and next they’ll do roll call. Next, 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 Etowah County Detention Center, 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 Etowah County Detention Center 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 inmates could change, so we suggest that you review the official Etowah County Detention Center 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 Etowah County Detention Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Etowah County Detention Center, 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 Etowah County Detention Center

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 comment


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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 spent any time at Etowah County Detention Center? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate there?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to write your review about it. Tell us about your jail experience so that other people can find out what to expect.

Things you can put in your review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Write a review about Etowah County Detention Center

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story about it. Why’d you get arrested? Did you experience fair treatment? How was day to day life at Etowah County Detention Center? How did you get along with the other inmates? How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Want to reconnect with somebody you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Post a message to people still locked up at Etowah County Detention Center

Links and Resources

Main Etowah County Detention Center Website
Etowah County Detention Center Inmate Search
View Etowah County Detention Center Mugshots
Etowah County Detention Center Bail Amount Link

Alabama Bail Schedule

Etowah County Detention Center Visitation Policy Link
Etowah County Detention Center Jail Mail Policy Link
Find an inmate at Etowah County Detention Center
Etowah County Warrant Lookup
Etowah County Detention Center Arrests
Etowah County Detention Center Send Money Procedure
Etowah County Detention Center Employment


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