Dewitt County Jail – Clinton, IL

Dewitt County Jail is located in De Witt County, Illinois and is the main correctional facility for the county. Know someone incarcerated at Dewitt County Jail? This page gives you about everything a person needs to know about Dewitt County Jailsuch as the following: Find an inmate at Dewitt County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And much more…

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and stressful situation, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is designed to give information you need to make helping someone get out of jail less stressful. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask them, and any comments or feedback that might be a benefit to others would be welcome.

Do you have a friend or family member in jail and want to find out where they are?

Do you know someone that’s been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

To see who is in jail at Dewitt County Jail you should go to their website and perform an inmate lookup.

The Dewitt County Jail Inmate Locator is an online list of people who are in jail, which includes status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you are able to find the same information for anybody arrested and booked or discharged in the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to locate the information fast if you enter the arrestee’s name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be at a different jail you should look here, too: Illinois County Jails

A mugshot, also called a jail booking photo, is a picture that the police take when you get booked into jail. They will take one face photo and a side photo. Your name and booking number will be on the photos, and they are kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Dewitt County Jail prisoners can be seen online, or you can go in person to the Dewitt County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you need to input the first and last name, and an arrest date.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to have your mugshot taken off of the Dewitt County Jail website? This is difficult, since the mugshot is public record. You need to file a Petition to Expunge in 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.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot removed, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Naturally, once you are locked up, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount is determined using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you will have to promise to be in court on your court date, and in the meantime you are required not to leave the area.

Typically, an inmate in the Dewitt County Jail will earn an early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and act right while locked up.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will either have to stay jail every day after work, or you might get to move into a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is money that you will be required to pay in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will be required to pay is dictated by the crime you’ve been charged with. You will need to post ten percent of the total that was determined in order for you to be released from jail. If you don’t go to your court appearance, the person that bailed you out of jail will lose that bail money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you must call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can see the bail amount on the Dewitt County Jail site.

Posting bail to get out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, it is really easy if you have the money. First of all, you have to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you won’t be able to get a bondsman. Cash only – the jail won’t accept checks. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be released into your care. 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 will need to use a bail bondsman. They will usually charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and in most cases have a minimum charge of $100. This money is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will in most cases ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

If you need a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in De Witt County

Have you ever hired a bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out.

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

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The jail intake procedure includes these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first thing you will have to is you have to answer some simple questions, such as what is your full name, your address, birthdate and an emergency contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• You will then 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, you might get to keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take? Were you treated fairly? Can you tell us tips that might help other people that get arrested to get through the process?

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Once bail has been posted, you will be discharged from jail. This process may take anywhere between 30 minutes to quite a few hours. So, the quicker you post bail, the quicker you will be released. Also, it will depend on whether you’ve got a bond amount or if a magistrate has to figure out how much to set your bail at. For minor offenses, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you get to the end of your sentence and know the date of your release, you should plan to be released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

If there is a, or if you must start your sentence, it is recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail, and tell someone that you think there is a warrant out for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if there is one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Ensure that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring allowed items with you, for example a driver’s license or even your ID, prescription medication, as well as an official sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must provide each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will be entered into a log of approved visitors as an approved visitor. Each and every visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Anyone showing up late or without a visiting order will not be able to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies change often, so we suggest that you review the official Dewitt County Jail jail site before you try to go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are typically more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the jail rules, your ability to use the phone could be reduced or cut altogether.

The Dewitt County Jail phone number is: 217-935-7860

All inmate mail is required to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other form of delivery. You should write the name, inmate ID, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not mail anything in a box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail received by the jail gets opened and read and inspected by the jail officers, and will get returned if deemed inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Dewitt County Jail, use this address:

Dewitt County Jail
101 W. Washington St.
Clinton, IL 61727

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Dewitt County Jail
101 W. Washington St.
Clinton, IL 61727

The inmate mail policy at Dewitt County Jail is always changing, so you should check the official website before you send a letter.

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When you get arrested, you should know you still have rights, and an important one 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 it is a good idea to have a friend or family member find a lawyer for you. You’re probably asking yourself ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and guide you through the court system. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your case, the better.

For more information about this subject, read our guide: Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, you will get a public defender. Also, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, forensics experts and social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys, members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know used the services of a Public Defender? How did they do?

De Witt 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 have a file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the documents filed in the course of your case. You, and anyone else, can access court records via the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office.

The De Witt County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who manages access to court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the jury’s verdict. All records associated with your case are held at the De Witt County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees associated with your case, which include filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The magistrate is the type of judge that presides over your court case. Magistrate judges do many different things, such as deciding a bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and overseeing first court appearances and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together with your background information and information about the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate will review and take into consideration when decide your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim. Bear in mind that you should ask to get a copy of this report before your sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct the mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, including community service and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be immediately taken into custody, or you could receive a date that you are required to report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if someone is incarcerated, or has ever been locked up?

You can you need to go to the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• Their 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 should call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can access court records on the De Witt County jail website or call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. You should be clear that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the De Witt County jail, by phone, go there in person, or check online. Records of arrests are public record and these records are available to anyone.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, such as court orders. You can find these by getting in touch with the De Witt County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders must be registered on either a national or 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 view sex offenders online, but keep in mind that you can’t find the street address, just the address block that they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a court case file that includes a docket sheet and all of the documents and filings filed in your case. You are able to access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the De Witt County Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains records of people’s criminal background. These online databases are connected and you can track criminal convictions from other states. You are able to go to the De Witt County Courthouse and check 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 totally different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal history search you are able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any of the following crimes:

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

If you do a criminal records check, in most cases will not find out if that person has had:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? How easy was it? Did you do your search online or did you call the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your account may help other people.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In De Witt County, the De Witt County Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

De Witt County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in the De Witt County jail is very scary, you will soon settle into the daily routine there. Prisoners get a wake-up alarm every morning at 6am, and then roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast participate in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 Dewitt 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 Dewitt 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 someone in jail can change, so you should visit the official Dewitt County Jail 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 Dewitt County Jail

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

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to 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 incarcerated in Dewitt County Jail? Do you know anybody that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit someone at Dewitt County Jail?

If yes, then we would like you to tell us about it. Write down your jail experience so others can learn what to expect.

Things you could write in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Write a review about Dewitt County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? Tell us about the other inmates. How did it affect you to go to jail?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Need to say wassup to somebody you met when you were locked up? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Send a message to Dewitt County Jail

Links and Resources

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

Dewitt County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Dewitt County Jail Jail Mail Link
Dewitt County Jail Inmate Search
Dewitt County Jail Warrant Inquiry Link
Dewitt County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Funds to an Inmate at Dewitt County Jail
Dewitt County Jail Jobs


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