Luzerne County Correctional Facility – Wilkes-Barre, PA

Luzerne County Correctional Facility is located in Luzerne County and is the primary correctional facility for the county. Are you looking for someone locked up at Luzerne County Correctional Facility? This page gives you info about anything related to Luzerne County Correctional Facilitysuch as the following: Learn how to locate an inmate. How to view Luzerne County Correctional Facility mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary and stressful situation, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give you information and advice that you’ll need to make the process a lot easier. If you have a specific question, just ask them, and also any comments or feedback that would be beneficial to others will be welcome.

Do you have a family member or friend in jail and don’t know how to contact them?

Has somebody that has been arrested and you need to locate them?

In order to find out who’s in jail at Luzerne County Correctional Facility you need to visit their web site and do an inmate search.

The Luzerne County Correctional Facility Inmate Locator is an online list of persons who have been arrested, which includes custody status, how much their bail is, and visiting hours. Also, you can get info about anyone arrested and booked or released in the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can locate the information fast if you have the arrestee’s name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If your friend or family member is in a different jail you should check our Pennsylvania county jail guide: Pennsylvania County Jails Listing

A mugshot, or intake picture, is the picture taken by the police when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one and a profile picture. Your name and jail ID number will appear on the pictures, and they will be on file at the jail.

Mugshots can be found online, or you can see them at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to put in the person’s legal name, and a booking date, if you have it.

Need to know how to get your mugshot taken down from the Luzerne County Correctional Facility website? This will be difficult, as the mugshot is a public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Obviously, if you are incarcerated, your only thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail will be determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you are required to agree to go to your court date, and until that date you are not allowed to leave the county.

Usually, prisoners will earn time off for good behavior if they respect the rules and area a good inmate while they are in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will have to return to jail each day after work, or you might be permitted to move into a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay is dictated by how serious your crime is. Someone you know will need to put up 10 percent of the total amount set before you can get out of jail. If you miss your court appearance, whoever paid your bail will lose that bail money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail have to call the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. If know the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you the bail amount. You can also find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but thankfully, it’s really easy. To start with, figure out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you won’t be able to use the services of a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they won’t take a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the prisoner will be discharged. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should try a bail bondsman. They will generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and sometimes have a minimum 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 has been set really high, the bondsman will usually use your assets as collateral.

You can find a bail bondsman visit our page about: Bail bondsman

Have you ever used a Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out.

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

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The intake procedure takes you through the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first thing you will have to is you will have to answer some questions, such as your full name, home address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will then be allowed to use the telephone so you can get in touch with a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, they will let you keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jail uniform.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, you should tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How were you treated? Do you have any things that might help other people to get through jail intake?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process may take anywhere between 10 minutes to all day. So, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you will get out of jail. Also, it depends on whether or not you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if a judge has to figure out the amount of bail to be set. For minor offenses, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served your sentence and have a release date, plan to be released that morning.

If there is a, or if you have to begin your sentence in jail, you should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go down to the jail intake area, and tell someone that think that there is an outstanding warrant 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, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Just bring required items when you go, for example a driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to give each visitor’s name to the jail. This information will be entered into a log of visitors as an authorized visitor. Each visitor must provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
Jail visitation policies frequently change, so you should visit the official jail site before you try to go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are much 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 you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the jail rules, your ability to use the phone could be reduced or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

Phone Number: 570-829-7741

All inmate mail has to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You can’t use any other method of mail delivery. You have to clearly write or type the prisoner’s name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the letter. Do not mail a box or package, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail received by the jail will be opened and read and inspected by the jail staff, and will get returned if they decide it is inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Luzerne County Correctional Facility, use this address:

Luzerne County Correctional Facility
Water Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Luzerne County Correctional Facility
Water Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711

The inmate mail policy at Luzerne County Correctional Facility changes, so you should review the official Luzerne County Correctional Facility site before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure to have a friend or family member find an attorney when you talk to them. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and show you the way through the complicated court system in your county. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your case, the better your chances.

For more information on this subject, read our guide: How to Find an Attorney in Luzerne County

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers who are members of the State Bar and are legally licensed to handle your case.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Luzerne County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records have a file containing a docket and all of the documents and motions filed during your court case. You, and anyone else, can access the records and documents in your court case using the internet service, or by going to the Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your court case are held at Luzerne County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees are all costs from your case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The Luzerne County court magistrate is the judge that presides on your court case. Magistrate judges do several different things, such as setting bail amounts, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the defendant’s background and information about the arrestee’s life history, which the judge will review when decide your sentence. Information will be solicited from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember you are able to ask to have a copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, and correct any inaccurate information.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you may be taken into custody immediately, or given a date that you are required to go to jail to serve your term.

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Do you want to find out if some you know is incarcerated, or has ever been locked up?

To do so, you need to query the jail’s website, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their jail ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you should call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you can access arrest warrants inquiry on the Luzerne County court website or call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. You should know 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, and their arrest date, contact the Luzerne County jail, either by phone, in person, or you can check online. Arrest records are public record and this information is accessible by the public.

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

All people registered as sex offenders are listed and registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see sex offenders online, but bear in mind that you can’t get the precise address, but rather the block they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a court case file containing a court docket and any of the documents and filings filed in the case. You can access your court records via the internet, or at Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of a person’s criminal history. These databases are linked together and you can track criminal convictions from any other state. You can go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It helps to know the county, and if the crime was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for crimes, which include:

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

But, when you do a criminal records check, you generally won’t learn if they have had any moving violations, like:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving records, you must do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you have to call the jail? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments 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 Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Luzerne County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of getting locked up in Luzerne County Correctional Facility is no fun, you will soon get accustomed to the routine that is set for you. Prisoners get a wake-up alarm every morning at six in the morning, and then roll call. You will then get breakfast. Following breakfast participate 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 Luzerne County Correctional Facility, 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 Luzerne County Correctional Facility 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 someone in jail at Luzerne County Correctional Facility is likely to change, so be sure to review the official Luzerne County Correctional Facility site before 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 Luzerne County Correctional Facility

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, 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 Luzerne County Correctional Facility

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:

• 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 post a comment

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 an inmate at Luzerne County Correctional Facility? Do you have a family member or friend that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner there?

If yes, then you should tell us about it. Write down your jail experience so others will know what to expect.

Things you might want to write in what you write:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


Click here to review Luzerne County Correctional Facility

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has at least one story to tell about it. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What was it like in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to leave a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Want to find out how to get in touch with someone you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

Send a message to Luzerne County Correctional Facility


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