Elkhart County Corrections Center – Elkhart, IN

Elkhart County Corrections Center is in Elkhart County, Indiana and is the main correctional facility for that region. Know somebody in Elkhart County Corrections Center? This site tells you information about anything you might want to know about Elkhart County Corrections Centersuch as the following: How to locate an inmate at Elkhart County Corrections Center. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures. Court records. And lots more.

The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also that person’s family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to give you all the information and tips you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a lot easier. If you have specific questions, just ask it, and any comments or tips that could be a benefit to other people in the same situation will be welcome.

Do you know someone that is locked up and want to contact them?

Do you know someone that has been arrested and you don’t know how to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to look up who’s in jail at Elkhart County Corrections Center you should click on their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Elkhart County Corrections Center Inmate Locator is a list of people who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes custody status, bail amount, and visiting hours. Also, you can get info about anybody who has been arrested or released within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to locate the information quicker if you’ve got the arrestee’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be locked up at a different jail you should check our Indiana county jail guide: Indiana County Jails Listing

A mugshot, or booking photo, is the photo taken by the police during jail intake processing. They take one full face and one profile photo. Your name and booking number will be on the mugshot, and they’re on file.

Mugshots can be searched on the website, or you can see them in person at the Elkhart County Corrections Center. When viewing mugshots online you need to input the person’s first and last name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Do you want to get your mugshot removed from the Elkhart County Corrections Center website? This can be tricky, as the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that the record of your arrest will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Naturally, if you are incarcerated, your main thought is when and how to get out. After booking, a bail amount will be determined by the magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you are required to promise to be in court on your court date, and until that date you are not permitted to leave the county.

Typically, a prisoner are given time off for good behavior when they follow the rules and act right while they’re in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to do work release. You will be required to go back to jail each day after work, or you might get to move to a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is the amount of money that you will be required to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount of bail that is set depends on how serious your crime is. Someone will have to pay 10% of the amount set so you can get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, whoever posted your bail will lose all of the bail money.

You will have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they will let you know the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Elkhart County Corrections Center website.

Bailing out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, it’s simple to do if you have the money. To start with, figure out if it is a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you will not be able to get a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they can’t take a personal check. When you’ve paid bail, the inmate will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you should use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen usually charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and sometimes with a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman will use your personal assets as collateral for the bond.

To find a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Elkhart County

Have you ever used the services of Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to tell about all about it

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

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The intake procedure is made up of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you have to answer a number of questions, such as your legal name, your address, birthdate and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will get taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• You will get to make a phone call so you can call family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you will be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any things that might help other people that get arrested make it through the procedure?

Click here to leave a comment

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process can take between 10 minutes to all day. Or, simply, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you can get out of jail. Also, it depends on whether or not you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if a magistrate still needs to figure out how much your bail will be. For a minor charge, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and know the discharge date, expect to get discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

In the event there is a, or if you must report to start a sentence, it is recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go to the jail processing area, and tell them that you think there is a warrant out for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if you do, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring approved items when you go to jail, like your driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, and the sentencing order.

The inmate need to give information about each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. This information will be put in the visitors log as an authorized visitor. Each visitor has to provide identification. Visitors arriving late or that is not on the visitation list will not be able to attend visitation.
The Elkhart County Corrections Center visitation procedures change often, so make sure that you check the jail site before you go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Jail phone calls are a lot more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but you should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the jail rules, phone privileges might get reduced or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

Phone Number: 574-891-2100

All inmate mail has to be sent using the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of delivery. You have to clearly print the person’s name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the envelope. Don’t mail a box, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail will be opened and read by staff, and will get sent back if they decide it is inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Elkhart County Corrections Center, use this address:

Elkhart County Corrections Center
26861 County Road 26
Elkhart, IN 46517

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Elkhart County Corrections Center
26861 County Road 26
Elkhart, IN 46517

The mail policy can change, so you should check the site before you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you have been arrested, you have rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure you get a friend or relative to locate an attorney when you talk to them. You may be thinking ‘I don’t need 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, help protect your interests and show you the way through the criminal justice system that you are now faced with. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better.

For more info on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, go to: Find a Lawyer

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender Office has access to private investigators, experts in forensics as well as social workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are actual lawyers, members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to handle your case.

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

Court records are public records. They include a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the motions, documents, and evidence filed in the case. You are able to access your court records via the Elkhart County website, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

The Elkhart County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records associated with your case are available at the Elkhart County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees associated with your 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 may not have to pay the fees.

A Magistrate is the judge that will preside on your case. Magistrates are judges that do many different things, which include setting bail amounts, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed to include background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate will take into consideration when deciding on the sentence. Information will be requested from the person on trial, his or her family, and in some cases the victim. Bear in mind that you can request to see a copy of this report before your sentencing, and review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

After 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, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you might get taken into custody immediately, or you could receive a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if somebody you know is incarcerated in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

You can just access the Elkhart County jail website, and search using:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can call the jail to find out.

If you have an outstanding warrant, you can access arrest warrants inquiry on the website or you can call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. You should know that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the Elkhart County jail, either by phone, go there in person, or check online. Records of arrests are public record and this is accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, like court orders. You can find these by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to see these offenders on the internet, but you should know that you won’t find the actual address, but only the address block they live on.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a case file containing a court docket and all of the documents filed in your court case. You are able to access court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of a person’s criminal background. These state databases are connected and you can track criminal histories from any other state. Go to courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if it was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you are able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for these crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually will not discover if that person has had any infractions like moving violations:

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

To get driving records, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How easy was it? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the Elkhart County courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your account might make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Elkhart County, the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that serving a jail sentence in Elkhart County Corrections Center is quite unpleasant, soon you will become accustomed to the daily routine. You should expect an alarm for wake-up at about 6:00 AM, and next you’ll have roll call. You will then eat breakfast. Following breakfast you will be required 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 Elkhart County Corrections Center, 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 Elkhart County Corrections Center uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

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

The process for sending funds to jail inmates is always changing, so you should double check the official Elkhart County Corrections Center site when you send any money.


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 Elkhart County Corrections Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Elkhart County Corrections Center, 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 Elkhart County Corrections Center

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 comment


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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 have a family member or friend there? Have you ever been to visit someone at Elkhart County Corrections Center?

If so, then you should leave a comment below about it. Write down your jail experience so others can find out what to expect.

Things you can write in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


Write a Review of Elkhart County Corrections Center

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why were you locked up? How did the guards treat you? What was your daily routine in jail? What were the other inmates like? How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you need to reconnect with a person you met in jail? Write your message below.

Send a message to Elkhart County Corrections Center

Links and Resources

Main Elkhart County Corrections Center Link
Elkhart County Corrections Center Inmate Search Link
Elkhart County Corrections Center Mugshots
Elkhart County Corrections Center Bail Amount Link

Elkhart County Corrections Center Visitation Policy Link
Elkhart County Corrections Center Jail Mail Link
Elkhart County Corrections Center Inmate Search
Elkhart County Warrant Lookup
Elkhart County Corrections Center Arrests
Elkhart County Corrections Center Send Money Procedure
Jobs at Elkhart County Corrections Center


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