Macoupin County Jail – Carlinville, IL

Macoupin County Jail is located in Macoupin County and is the main correctional facility for the region. Know someone in Macoupin County Jail? This page gives you info about everything related to Macoupin County Jail,like the following: Find an inmate at Macoupin County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures and booking. Macoupin County court information. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary prospect, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their family and friends. This guide is meant to give you information and advice that you’ll need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a question, just ask them, and any comments or feedback that might help other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member 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 need to find out what jail they’re in?

To search who is in jail at Macoupin County Jail you have to visit their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Macoupin County Jail Inmate Lookup has information on persons who have been arrested and are in jail, which includes status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. Also, you are able to find the same information about anybody booked or released in the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can get the information more quickly if you have your friend or family member’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or family member is at another county jail you can check our Illinois county jail guide: Illinois County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also called a jail processing picture, is a photograph taken by the police during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually two photos one frontal photo and a side photo. Your name and jail ID number will be in the photos, and they are on file at the jail.

Mugshots can be seen online, or you can see them at the Macoupin County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will have to put in the name, and an arrest date, if you have it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to have your mugshot taken down from the Macoupin County Jail website? This may not be possible, because the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be accessible. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Obviously, if you’re arrested and put in jail, your main thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, bail will be decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this might mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

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

Usually, an inmate at Macoupin County Jail can earn an early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and act right while they’re in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to do work release. Either you will have to go back to jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you could be permitted to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail until your trial. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by how serious your charges are. Someone will have to pay 10 percent of the total that was determined in order to get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your court date, the person that bailed you out of jail will lose that money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will need to call the Macoupin County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the Macoupin County Jail website.

Posting bail to get out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, its simple to do if you have the money. To start with, you need to know if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you won’t be able to use the services of a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they can’t accept checks. When you’ve paid bail, the prisoner will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just don’t have the money, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and sometimes with a minimum fee of $100. This money will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman might ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To contact a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used a bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to tell about all about it

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

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The intake process takes you through each of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• Firstly, you will have to answer some basic questions, such as what is your full name, home address, date of birth and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will be allowed to make a phone call in order to get in touch with a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be able to wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

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

Speak Your Mind

When you finally post bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail takes anywhere between 10 minutes to all day long. In simple terms, the faster you post bail, the faster you can get released from jail. Also, it can depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if a judge needs to determine your bail amount. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served your sentence and are given a date of your release, plan to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must begin your jail sentence, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail, and tell an officer that you think they might have a warrant out for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if so, you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Ensure that you don’t show up late. Only bring required items with you, such as a driver’s license or state issued ID, prescription medication, and a sentencing order.

To have visitors, you have to give information about each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s information will be entered in a Visiting log for the requesting inmate. All visitors will have to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Anyone arriving late or that is not an approved visitor will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures can change, so we suggest that you check the official Macoupin County Jail jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Phone calls made in jail are a lot more expensive than regular phone calls. There is no limit to when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates must keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules, an inmate’s ability to use the phone could be reduced or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

Phone Number: 217-854-3135

All inmate mail is required to be sent using the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of delivery. You must write or type the name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the envelope. Don’t send anything in a box, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail is opened and reviewed by staff, and will get sent back if they decide it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Macoupin County Jail:

Macoupin County Jail
215 South East St
Carlinville, IL 62626

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Macoupin County Jail
215 South East St
Carlinville, IL 62626

The mail policy changes frequently, so be sure to double check the official website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you get arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these is the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to have a friend or relative locate an attorney when you talk to them. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a lawyer can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and help you understand the complicated court system that you are now faced with. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better.

For more information about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, read: How to Find a Lawyer

If you cannot afford a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. The Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as investigators, forensics experts and case workers. Public Defenders are licensed lawyers that are members of the State Bar and are legally licensed to handle your case.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

All court records are public records. They have a case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the motions, documents, and evidence in your case. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case via the Macoupin County website, or at the Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that manages the records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records and documents related to your court case are held at the Macoupin County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the fees and charges from your court case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The magistrate is the judge that presides on your court case. Magistrates are judges that do different tasks, like determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over first court appearances and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about your background and details of the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be requested from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Bear in mind that you should request to see your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, and make sure that you review it and correct any mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be locked up immediately, or you could be given a date that you are required to report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Want to find out if some you know is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been in jail?

This is pretty simple to do, just just visit the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• 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 get confirmation.

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check court records on the Macoupin County jail website or you can call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. Keep in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

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

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, such as a court order. You can find these by contacting the Macoupin County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on a sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to see these offenders online, but remember that you can’t find the exact address, just the block that they live on.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a case file that includes a docket sheet and any 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 Macoupin County Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of people’s criminal background. These online databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal histories from another state. You are able to go to county courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal history search you are able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for these crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, you won’t be able to see if someone has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the jail? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that people look up criminal records, and your story may help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to tell your story

Most Wanted

The FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Macoupin County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Macoupin County Top 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 Macoupin County Jail is no fun, in time you will settle into the routine that is set for you in jail. You should expect a wake-up alarm each morning at 6:00 AM, and then you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will be required to 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 Macoupin 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 Macoupin 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 money to people in jail changes, so you should visit the the Macoupin County Jail website when you send money to an inmate.


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 Macoupin County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Macoupin 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 Macoupin 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 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:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You 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.

Click here to tell your story

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 locked up in this jail? Do you know anybody that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited someone in this jail?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to tell us about it. Write down your experience so other people can learn what to expect.

Things you could include in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitors
• The other inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate programs and activities


Write a Review of Macoupin County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? How was life in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell Your Story About Macoupin County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Want to find out how to get in touch with someone from jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to someone at Macoupin County Jail

Links and Resources

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

Macoupin County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Macoupin County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Locate an inmate at Macoupin County Jail
Macoupin County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Macoupin County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Funds to an Inmate at Macoupin County Jail
Macoupin County Jail Jobs


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