Mercer County Jail – Princeton, MO

Mercer County Jail is in Mercer County, MO and is the primary jail for this area. Looking for somebody locked up in Mercer County Jail? This page will tell you about anything one might want to know about Mercer County Jail,like the following: How to do a jail inmate search. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Mercer County Jail intake procedures. Court records. And everything else.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is meant to give you advice and information you need to make the process a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any comments or tips that would help other people in the same situation would be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is in jail and need to contact them?

Do you know someone that’s been arrested and you want to find them?

To search who is in jail at Mercer County Jail you have to click on their website and do an inmate lookup.

The Mercer County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of persons currently in custody, including current status, bail amount, and times the inmate can have visitors. You can also find the same information on anyone arrested and processed or discharged in the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to locate their arrest information fast if you’ve got their full name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for could possibly be locked up at a different jail you will want to look here, too: List of all county jails in Missouri

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing photo, is the picture that the police take when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one and one profile photo. Your full name and booking number will be on the pictures, and they’re on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Mercer County Jail prisoners are online, or you can see them at the Mercer County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will need to put in the first and last name, and a booking date, if you know it.

Do you want to get your mugshot erased from the Mercer County Jail website? This is difficult, as the mugshot is a matter of public record. You need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot taken down, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Naturally, if you are in jail, your only thought is about how to get out. After booking, your bail amount is set either by bail schedule or magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released you will have to promise to go to your court date, and you will not be permitted to leave the county.

Typically, prisoners are given early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and area a good inmate while in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be given work release detail. You will have to return to jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you could be allowed to live in a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail pending trial. The amount you will have to pay depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. Someone will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total amount that was determined before you can be released. If you don’t go to your court appearance, whoever put up your bail money won’t get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail must call the Mercer County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you how much their bail is. You can also find out how much their bail is on the Mercer County Jail website.

Posting bail to get out of jail is never fun, but fortunately, it’s really easy if you have the money. First of all, you need to know if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you will not be able to use a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail won’t take a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be discharged. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you just don’t have the money, you might need to use a bail bondsman. They will generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and usually charge a minimum fee of $100. This money is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will require that they use assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To talk to a local bail bondsman click here: Find a Bail Bondsman in Mercer County

Have you ever hired a Bail Bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out for you.

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

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The intake procedure takes you through these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• Firstly, you will answer a number of questions, such as your full name, address, birth date and contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will then be allowed to use the telephone to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, they will let you wear your street clothes, otherwise you will be given a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did you have to wait? What was your treatment like? Do you have any secrets that might help other people make it through jail processing?

Click here to tell your story

When you post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. The discharge process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to all day. So, the quicker you post bail, the quicker you will be released. Also, it can depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond or if the magistrate still needs to figure out how much your bail will be. For minor offenses, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the discharge date, expect to be discharged between 9am and noon.

out against you, or if you have to start your sentence, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail, and tell the intake officer that believe that there could be a warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if so, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Make sure that you only bring required items with you, for example a driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the official sentencing order.

The inmate must provide each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will go into the visitation log for the requesting inmate. Every visitor will have to provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors arriving late or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
Jail visitation policies can change, so we suggest that you check the official jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are much more expensive than regular phone calls. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on 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 jail rules, phone calls might get cut back or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The Mercer County Jail phone number is: 660-748-3165

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other type of mail delivery. Clearly write or type the inmate’s name, inmate ID number, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send a box, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail that you send to inmates is opened and examined and read by the staff, and will get sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

Mercer County Jail
802 E. Main St.
Princeton, MO 64673

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Mercer County Jail
802 E. Main St.
Princeton, MO 64673

The inmate mail policy at Mercer County Jail is always changing, so you should review the site 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 a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to get a friend or relative to find an attorney when you talk to them. You’re probably asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and help you find your way through the court system in your county. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better.

For more information about how to find an attorney, click: How to Find an Attorney in Mercer County

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender Office has access to private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. All Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers who are admitted to the Missouri State Bar Association and are legally licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? How did they do?

All court records are public records. Court records include a file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the documents that have been filed in your case. You have the ability to access your court records via the website, or by going to the Mercer County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Mercer County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the jury’s verdict. All court records from your case are kept and available to you at Mercer County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees are the charges from your court case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The Mercer County magistrate is the type of judge who presides on your case in court. Magistrate judges do different functions, which include setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include background information and details of the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will review when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the defendant, his or her family, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Don’t forget that you should request to get your own copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, and make sure that you correct any mistakes that it contains.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get locked up immediately, or you could receive a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if some you know is in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just just go to the Mercer County jail website, and search by:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you should call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the Mercer County jail website or you can call the court directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. You should know that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Arrest records are public record and the information is freely available.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, like a court order. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders are registered and listed on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to view sex offenders on the internet, but remember that you will not find the street address, rather the neighborhood block that they live on.

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

Every state maintains records of people’s criminal background. These online databases are connected so you are able to track criminal convictions from other states. Go to county courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It helps 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 can find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

During a criminal records search, in most cases will not find if that person had:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this kind of information, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it a difficult process? Did you search online or did you make a phone call to the Mercer County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your account could help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Mercer County, the Mercer County Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in the Mercer County jail is very scary, soon you will settle into the daily routine there. You should expect an alarm to wake up at about 6am, and then roll call. You will then get breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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 money to Mercer County Jail inmates can change, so we suggest that you double check the official Mercer County Jail site when you send money to an inmate 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 Mercer County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Mercer 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 Mercer 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 about all about it


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been a prisoner in Mercer County Jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever visited an inmate at Mercer County Jail?

If you have, then you should leave a comment below about it. Write down your jail experience so that others will know what to expect.

What to include in the review:

• Conditions in Mercer County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitors
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


Click here to review Mercer County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story to tell. How’d you get locked up? How did the guards treat you? How was day to day life at Mercer County Jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you need to find out how to get in touch with an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Write your message below.

Send a message to Mercer County Jail


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