Ford County Jail – Paxton, IL

Ford County Jail is located in Ford County, IL and is the main correctional facility for that area. Know somebody locked up in Ford County Jail? This site gives you info about everything you might want to know about Ford County Jail,like: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bailing out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information. And much more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also that person’s friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to offer information and tips you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, just ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any feedback or comments that could be beneficial to other people in the same situation would be welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is in jail and don’t know how to find out where they are?

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

In order to look up who’s in jail at Ford County Jail you need to navigate to their website and do an inmate lookup.

The Ford County Jail Inmate List is a list of people who have been arrested and are in custody, including custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting schedule. Also, you can get information about anybody processed or released in the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You can locate their arrest information more quickly if you enter your friend or family member’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you are looking for could possibly be in another county jail you should check our Illinois county jail guide: Illinois Jails

A mugshot, also called a intake photograph, is the photograph taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. They will take one frontal photo and a side-view photo. Your name and intake number will be on the pictures, and they will be kept on file.

Mugshots of Ford County Jail inmates can be viewed on the website, or you can see them in person at the Ford County Jail. When viewing online you will need to put in the first and last name, and an arrest date, if you know it.

Do you want to get your mugshot erased from the Ford County Jail website? This can be tricky, as your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: Mugshot Removal

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Naturally, once you’re locked up, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After booking, bail will be determined by the magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this might mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released you must agree to be there for your court date, and until then you won’t be allowed to go out of town.

In most cases, a prisoner in the Ford County Jail can earn time off in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while they are in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will either have to stay the jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you may be permitted to move into a halfway house when you are not working.

Your bail is how much money that you are required to pay to be released from jail until your trial. The amount you will have to pay all depends on the crime you are charged with. Someone will have to pay to the courts ten percent of the total that was determined so you can be released from jail. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, that person won’t get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the jail. If you’ve got the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you how much their bail is. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Bailing out of jail is never a fun thing, but in some cases, its easy if you have the money. First, you need to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you can’t use a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail won’t take a check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the inmate will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get the bail money back.

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

To find a local bail bondsman click here: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a bail bondsman 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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• Time Off For Good Behavior
• Get Out on 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 procedure is made up of the following steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• You will answer some questions, such as your legal name, street address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and mental history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you are released.
• They will let you use the phone to call family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, they will let you keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should tell our readers about your experience. How long did you have to wait? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any things that might help other people that get arrested get through the process?

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When you post bail, you will get discharged from jail. This process will take anywhere from 30 minutes to all day. So, the quicker bail is posted, the faster you will get released. Also, it will depend on whether or not you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a magistrate still needs to decide on how much to set your bail at. For lesser charges, you will get 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, you should plan to be released that morning.

out against you, or if you have to start a jail sentence, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, report to the jail reception area, and tell them that think that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, 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 don’t show up late. Be sure to only bring required items with you, like your driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the official sentencing order.

The inmate need to list each visitor’s full name to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitors will go in the log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each and every visitor must provide identification. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Ford County Jail can change, so make sure that you review the jail site before you go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Jail phone calls are usually more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone calls might get reduced or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

Phone Number: 217 379-2324

All mall sent to inmates must be sent using the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other method of delivery. You have to clearly write the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and jail address on the letter. Don’t mail anything in a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates gets opened and read by the jail staff, and will get sent back to the person who mailed it if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

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

Ford County Jail
235 N. American
Paxton, IL 60957

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Ford County Jail
235 N. American
Paxton, IL 60957

The Ford County Jail inmate mail policy changes often, so we suggest that you check the official Ford County Jail site before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you have been arrested, you should know you still have rights, and an important one is your right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to have a friend or relative locate an attorney when you call them. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘why do I need an attorney?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate through the court system. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your situation, the better your chances.

For more info on how to find an attorney, read our guide: Find a Lawyer

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender Office has access to investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys who are admitted to the State Bar and are completely licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Ford County court records are public records and are available upon request. They are comprised of a court case file containing a docket and all motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed in your case. You are able to access your court case records via the Ford County website, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All court records related to your court case are kept and available to you at Clerk of Court.

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

The Ford County magistrate acts as the judge that presides over your case. They do many different things, like deciding a bail amount, issuing warrants, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared with information about the defendant’s background and details of the defendant’s life and public history, which the judge will take into account when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some circumstances the victim. Keep in mind you are allowed to ask to have your own copy of the report before you are sentenced, so you get the chance to review it and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you might get locked up immediately, or you could get a date to report to jail to do your time.

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Do you want to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

To find this out just go to the Ford County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person 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 are able to check the court records on the website or you are able to call the jail. This requires a first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask one of the officers. You should know that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, in person, or check online. Arrest records are public record and this information is accessible to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by contacting the Ford County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to see sex offenders online, but bear in mind that you can’t get the exact address, rather the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a case file containing a docket sheet and all documents and filings filed in your court case. You are able to access court records via the internet, or at Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of a person’s criminal past. These databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal histories from any other state. You are able to go to county courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

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

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

When you do a criminal history search, you generally will not be able to find out if they has had:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving records, you will have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the Ford County courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your account could make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI keeps a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Ford County, the Ford County Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List

Ford County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of spending time in Ford County Jail is very scary, soon you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. Inmates get an alarm to wake up at about 6:00 AM, and then roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. After breakfast, you will work 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 Ford 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 Ford County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The procedure to send money to someone in jail at Ford County Jail can change, so be sure to double check the official Ford County Jail site when 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 Ford County Jail

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

Requirements:

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


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Family Resources

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

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

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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• 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 at this jail? Do you know someone that spent time there? Have you ever visited an inmate at Ford County Jail?

If so, then please tell us about it. Write down your experience so other people can find out what to expect.

Things you can write in your review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you get locked up? Were you fairly treated? How was day to day life at Ford County Jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Click here to tell your story about Ford County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Are you trying to reconnect with a friend from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to someone at Ford County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Ford County Jail Link
Ford County Jail Inmate Search
Ford County Jail Mugshots
Ford County Jail Bail Link

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


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