Putnam County Jail is in Putnam County, Illinois and is the correctional facility for the region. Looking for somebody locked up in Putnam County Jail? This page tells you info about everything a person needs to know about Putnam County Jail: Find an inmate at Putnam County Jail. How to view Putnam County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Putnam County Jail intake procedures. Putnam County court information. And much, much more.
Main Menu
On this page you will find: (click to jump to section) | |
Address | Phone Number |
Inmate Search | Mugshots |
Bail Bonds | Bail Bondsman |
Intake & Discharge | Visitation & Phone Calls |
Court Records | Criminal Records | Arrest Records | Warrant Search |
Life In Jail | Send Money to Inmate |
News | Photos & Video |
Family Resources | Victim Resources |
Jobs | Reviews |
The chance of going to jail is a scary and stressful idea, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also their family and friends. This guide is designed to give information that you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail less stressful. If you have specific questions, just ask it, and any feedback or comments that might help others will be welcome.
General Information
Address
Putnam County Jail
120 North 4Th Street
Hennepin, IL 61327
Phone Number and Fax Number
Phone Number: 815-925-7084
Fax:
Map and Directions
Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail
Do you know someone that is in jail and want to locate them?
Has a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?
To see who’s in jail at Putnam County Jail you will need to visit their web site and perform an inmate search.
Inmate Lookup
The Putnam County Jail Inmate Lookup is a list of people who have been arrested, which includes custody status, how much their bail is, and times you can visit. You can find info for anybody arrested and booked or released within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to locate their inmate information quicker if you enter your friend or family member’s full name, birth date, or arrest number.
If your friend or family member may be at a different jail you can look here, too: Illinois Jails
Mugshots
A mugshot, also called a jail processing picture, is a picture that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. They will take one and a side picture. Your name and jail ID number will be in the photos, and they are on file.
View Mugshots
Mugshots of Putnam County Jail prisoners are on the website, or you can go in person to the Putnam County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you need to put in the person’s legal name, and the booking date, if you have one.
How To Get Your Mugshot Removed
Are you trying to have your mugshot taken down from the Putnam County Jail website? This can be tricky, as your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.
To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed
Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail
Of course, if you are incarcerated, your main thought is about getting out. After booking, your bail will be decided either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.
If you do bail out of jail you are required to promise to show up for court, and until then you can’t leave the area.
Typically, an inmate can earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while they’re in jail.
If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to do work release. You will be required to go back to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished with work, or you may be permitted to sleep in a halfway house instead of the jail.
Bail
Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by the crime you are charged with. Someone you know will need to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total set in order to bail out of jail. If you fail to show up for court, that person won’t get their money back.
Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is
You have to call the Putnam County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Putnam County Jail site.
How To Bail Someone Out of Jail
Having to get someone out of jail is never fun, but in some cases, its easy. First of all, you need to know if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you can’t use the services of a bail bondsman. Cash only – they will not take a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.
Bail Bondsman
If bail is set too high, or you just don’t have the money, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and usually charge a minimum of $100. This will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman will in these cases use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.
To find a local bail bondsman go to: Find a Bail Bondsman in Putnam County
Have you ever hired a Bail Bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.
Speak Your Mind
Other Ways to Get Out of Jail
- Time Off For Good Behavior
- Get Out on Work Release
- Released For Time Served
- Be Released on a Pre-Trial Release Program
- Get Out on House Arrest
- Own Recognizance
Jail Policies and Procedures
Intake Procedures / Booking
The intake procedure is made up of each of these steps:
- You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
- The first thing you will have to is you will have to answer some simple questions, such as what is your full name, street address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
- They’ll also ask you about your medical and mental history.
- You will be given an inmate number.
- You will be fingerprinted.
- You will have your mugshot taken.
- All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
- You will be allowed to use the telephone in order to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
- If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail uniform.
Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take? What was your treatment like? Do you have any secrets that will help other people that get arrested to get through the process?
Click here to post a comment
Discharge Procedures
When you post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail takes anywhere between 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. Or, simply, the quicker bail is posted, the quicker you will get discharged from jail. How quickly you get discharged might depend on whether or not you have a bond amount or if the judge needs to determine the amount of bail to be set. For a minor charge, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and know the discharge date, you should plan to get released that morning.
How To Turn Yourself In
In the event there is a, or if you need to begin your jail sentence, it is recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell the intake officer that believe that there could be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they find one, you will be taken into jail custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go down to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Be sure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Just bring necessary items with you, like a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, and a official sentencing order.
Visitation Procedures
Inmates have to list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s names will be entered in the visitors log as an Authorized visit. All visitors have to provide identification. Anyone that gets to visitation or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures frequently change, so it would be wise to visit the official Putnam County Jail jail site before you try to go to visitation.
Visiting Hours
Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy
All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are typically pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s ability to use the phone could be reduced or eliminated altogether.
Phone Number: 815-925-7084
Sending Mail to Inmates
Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other form of delivery. You have to clearly write or type the inmate’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the letter. Do not send a box or package, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail sent to inmates will be opened and read by the officers at the jail, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.
Mailing Address
The mailing address for Putnam County Jail is:
Putnam County Jail
120 North 4Th Street
Hennepin, IL 61327
Here is how you should address the letter:
[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Putnam County Jail
120 North 4Th Street
Hennepin, IL 61327
The mail policy at Putnam County Jail is always changing, so we suggest that you check the official website before send a letter to someone in jail there.
Court Information
Get A Lawyer
Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, and an important one is your right to request a lawyer. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to get a friend or family member to locate a lawyer for you. You may be thinking ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, look after your best interests and guide you through the legal system that you are now faced with. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your charges, the better.
For more information about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, visit: Find a Lawyer
Public Defender
If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. All Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers that are admitted to the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.
Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?
Court Records
Putnam County court records are public records. They are comprised of a file containing a docket and every documents and motions that have been filed. You are able to access the records and documents in your court case with the internet service, or at the Clerk of Court’s office.
Clerk of Court
A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages court records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records, documents, and evidence from your case are kept at the office of the Clerk of Court.
Fees
Court costs and court fees are the charges associated with your case, such as for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.
Magistrate
The Putnam County court magistrate acts as the judge that rules over your court case. Magistrate judges do different tasks, which include setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over first court appearances and detention hearings.
Pre-Sentencing
A pre-sentencing report is completed to include the defendant’s background information and information about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate will consider when determining the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the person on trial, his or her family, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Keep in mind that you should ask to receive a copy of the report prior to sentencing, so you can review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.
Sentencing
If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on how serious your crime was, you could be locked up immediately, or you could be given a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve out your sentence.
Public Records
Inmate Inquiry
Are you trying to find out if a family member or friend is in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?
This is pretty simple to do, just you should query the jail’s website, and search by:
- Their name.
- Birth date.
- Their approximate booking date.
- and their jail inmate ID.
If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you should call the jail to find out.
Warrant Inquiry
If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you are able to check the court records on the Putnam County jail website or you are able to call the court directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.
Arrest Inquiry
If you know the person’s first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, either by phone, in person, or look online. Arrest records are a matter of public record and this is available to anyone.
Civil Inquiry
Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, which can be a court order. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.
Sex Offender Search / Lookup
All people registered as sex offenders have to be registered on both a national and 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 can access these offenders online, but you should know that you will not find the street address, just the block they live on.
Court Records
Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. They include a case file containing a docket and all of the documents filed in the court case. You can access court records via the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.
Criminal Records
Each and every state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal past. These databases are all connected and you can track criminal backgrounds from any other state. Go to county courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a totally different state, you might have to pay for a more intensive search.
A criminal records search you are able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any crimes, which can include:
- DWI or DUI.
- Drug crimes.
- Kidnapping.
- Rape or other sexual assault.
- Violent crimes.
- Property crimes like theft or larceny.
If you do a criminal records check, you generally will not learn if they has had:
- Speeding or reckless driving.
- Drivers license revoked or suspended.
- Any accidents.
- Other moving violations.
- Parking Tickets.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Conditions at the jail.
- Jail layout and facility
- Guards and staff
- Commissary and food
- Visitors
- Other Inmates.
- Safety
- Gangs
- Prisoner activities and programs
To get this kind of information, you must do a search for their driving history.
Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your account might help other people that are in the same situation.
Speak Your Mind
Most Wanted
For Federal crimes, the FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Putnam County, the Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.
Putnam County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List
Life In Jail / What Its Like
Daily Life
Just the thought of spending time in the Putnam County jail is something you wish you could avoid, you will soon get used to the daily routine there. All inmates get an alarm for wake-up each morning at 6:00 AM, and next they’ll do 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 Putnam 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 Putnam 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 funds to someone in jail at Putnam County Jail can change, so double check the official website 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.
News and Media
News
Photos / Pictures
Videos
Jobs
Types of Jobs at Putnam County Jail
The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Putnam 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 Putnam County Jail
Requirements:
Family Resources
There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.
If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.
Click here to comment
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 definition of victim includes:
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.
Speak Your Mind
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.
Reviews
Reviews of this Jail
Have you ever been locked up in Putnam County Jail? Do you know anybody that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit someone there?
If yes, then you should write a review about it. Tell us about your experience so that others will know what to expect.
Things you can put in your comment:
Tell Your Story
Everyone’s who has been put in jail has a story to tell. How’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? How was life in jail? What about the other inmates? How did getting locked up affect your life?
Click here to share your story about when you did time in Putnam County Jail
Send a Message to Your Cell Mate
Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Trying to find out how to get in touch with an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Leave a message for them here.
Send a message to people incarcerated at Putnam County Jail
Links and Resources
Main Putnam County Jail Link
Putnam County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Putnam County Jail Mugshots
Putnam County Jail Bail Amount Link
Putnam County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Putnam County Jail Mail Policy
Putnam County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Putnam County Warrants
Putnam County Jail Arrest Lookup
Putnam County Jail Send Money Procedure
Putnam County Jail Jobs
Speak Your Mind