Jefferson County Jail – Mount Vernon, IL

Jefferson County Jail is in Jefferson County, Illinois and is the primary jail for this county. Are you looking for someone locked up at Jefferson County Jail? This guide will tell you about everything you might need to know about Jefferson County Jail,such as: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Jefferson County Jail intake procedures. Jefferson County court information. And lots more.

The thought of going to jail is a scary and stressful prospect, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is designed to give you information and advice you need to make helping someone get out of jail easier. If you have a question, please feel free to ask it, and please leave any tips or comments that would be a benefit to other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

Do you know someone that is incarcerated and want to locate them?

Do you know a friend or family member who’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

In order to search who is in jail at Jefferson County Jail you will need to navigate to their web site and perform an inmate search.

The Jefferson County Jail Inmate Roster is a list of people who are in jail, including status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. You can find the same information on anybody processed or discharged within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by last name. You can locate their arrest information faster if you enter their full name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member might be at another jail you can check the other Illinois county jails in our Illinois County Jail Guide: Other County Jails in Illinois

A mugshot, also called a booking photo, is the picture taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. They will take one face photo and a side photo. Your name and jail ID number will be in the photos, and they are stored.

Mugshots of Jefferson County Jail prisoners can be found on the website, or you can go in person to the Jefferson County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you have to put in the person’s full name, and a booking date, if you know it.

Trying to figure out how to get your mugshot taken off of the Jefferson County Jail website? This will be difficult, as your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be accessible. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

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

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If you are locked up, your main thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail will be determined by the magistrate. If there is no bail 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 are released from jail you must agree to show up for court, and until that day you are not allowed to leave the area.

In most cases, inmates can earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and act right while they’re in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be given work release detail. Either you will have to return to jail every day after work, or you may get to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the courts to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you have to pay all depends on the crime you are charged with. Someone you know will need to post ten percent of the total that was set so you can bail out of jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, the person that bailed you out of jail won’t get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail have to call the Jefferson County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know what their bail is set at. You can also see the bail amount on the Jefferson County Jail site.

Bailing out of jail is no fun, but thankfully, its very simple to do. First of all, you have to find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you can’t use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail won’t take checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the inmate will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

If bail is set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bondsmen usually charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually charge a minimum charge of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If bail is very large, the bondsman may use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To contact a bail bondsman go to: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out.

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• Get Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release Programs
• Get Out For Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• Released On House Arrest
• Get Released on Your Own Recognizance

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The jail intake procedure is made up of each of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• Firstly, you will have to answer some simple questions, such as your full legal name, address, birth date and contact person.
• You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will let you use the phone so you can contact family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might get to wear your own clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please share your experience. How long did you have to wait? Were you treated fairly? Can you tell us secrets that might help other people get through jail processing?

Click here to leave a comment

When you post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. The discharge process will take anywhere between 30 minutes to hours or even all day long. Or, simply, the faster bail is posted, the sooner you can get out of jail. How quickly you get discharged depends on whether you’ve been given a cash bond or if a magistrate needs to figure out how much to set your bail at. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and know the date of your release, you should expect to get released in the morning.

out against you, or if you must report to start a sentence, you should follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go to the jail, and tell them that you think there is a warrant out for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if there is one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go down to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. Be very careful that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Only bring approved items when you go, such as a driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the copy of the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you must list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitors will be put in a Visiting log as an Authorized visit. Every visitor must provide identification. Anyone that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Jefferson County Jail visitation procedures can change, so review the official jail site before you visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Calls made in jail are usually pricier than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you are disciplined for an infraction, phone calls might get reduced or totally denied.

The Jefferson County Jail phone number is: 618-244-8004

All mall sent to inmates is required to be mailed using US Postal Service. You can’t use any other method of mail or package delivery. Clearly write the prisoner’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the letter. Do not send anything in a package, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates will be opened and read and examined by the officers at the jail, and will get returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Jefferson County Jail:

Jefferson County Jail
911 Casey Avenue
Mount Vernon, IL 62864

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Jefferson County Jail
911 Casey Avenue
Mount Vernon, IL 62864

The Jefferson County Jail mail policy changes, so double check the official Jefferson County Jail site before you send a letter to an inmate there.

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If you get arrested, you still have certain rights, and an important one is your right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to have a friend or family member find an attorney when you talk to them. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal lawyer can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and show you the way through the complicated legal system in your county. The sooner you get an attorney working on your criminal case, the better.

For more detailed information on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, visit: How to Find an Attorney in Jefferson County

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as private investigators, experts in forensics and social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys, admitted to the State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law in Illinois.

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. They include a case file with a docket sheet and all documents and motions filed in the case. You have the ability to access court records with the Jefferson County website, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that manages access to court records. They 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 Jefferson County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees associated with your court case, such as 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 can get a waiver for these fees.

A Magistrate is the type of judge that will preside on your case in court. Magistrates do many different things, which include setting your bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the defendant’s background and information about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the judge will consider when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the defendant, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim. Keep in mind you are allowed to request to receive a copy of this report prior to sentencing, and make sure that you correct the mistakes.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you will either be immediately taken into custody, or you could be given a date that you are required to go to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Want to find out if a family member or friend is currently in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty easy to do, simply just go to the jail’s website, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Birth date.
• Approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can 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 find out by checking the arrest warrants inquiry online or call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should know that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or find out online. Arrest records are in the public record and this is accessible to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, which can be court orders. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be listed and 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 crime. You are able to view sex offenders on the website, but remember that you will not see the street address, but only the block they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a court case file containing a docket sheet and any filings and documents filed in the case. You can access the court records online, or at the Jefferson County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of someone’s criminal background. These online databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal convictions from another state. Go to the Jefferson County Courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you are able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes, which can include:

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

When you do a criminal history search, you won’t discover if that person has had any:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How easy was it? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your comments could make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI maintains a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Jefferson County, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Jefferson County Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

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

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 someone in jail changes, so we suggest that you check the site when send money to someone in jail there.


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 Jefferson County Jail

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

Requirements:

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


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Family Resources

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

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

Click here to tell 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:

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• 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 this jail? Do you know anybody that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited an inmate at Jefferson County Jail?

If yes, then you should write a review about it. Write about what you experienced so other people can learn what to expect.

What to include in the review:

• Conditions in Jefferson County Jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


Write a review about Jefferson County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story about it. Why were you locked up? How did the guards treat you? How was life in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you want to reconnect with somebody you met when you were locked up? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to Jefferson County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Jefferson County Jail Website
Jefferson County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Jefferson County Jail Mugshots
Jefferson County Jail Bail Link

Jefferson County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Jefferson County Jail Mail Policy
Locate an inmate at Jefferson County Jail
Jefferson County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Jefferson County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Jefferson County Jail Send Money Procedure
Jefferson County Jail Employment


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