Hamilton County Jail – Chattanooga, TN

Hamilton County Jail is located in Hamilton County, Tennessee and is the primary jail for this county. Do you know someone in Hamilton County Jail? This guide will tell you all about everything related to Hamilton County Jail,such as: How to do a jail inmate search. How to view Hamilton County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Booking and intake procedures. Hamilton County court information. And everything else.

The chance of going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to offer information and advice that you’ll need to make getting locked up a lot easier. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any feedback or comments that might be a benefit to other people in the same situation is welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is locked up and need to locate them?

Has somebody that has been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

To search who’s in jail at Hamilton County Jail you need to navigate to their link and use the inmate search.

The Hamilton County Jail Inmate Lookup is a list of persons currently in custody, including custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and schedule for visitation. Also, you can find the same information on anyone who has been arrested or released in the past 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You can find their arrest information faster if you have their name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you are looking for could possibly be in another jail you will want to look here, too: Other Jails in Tennessee

A mugshot, also called a jail intake photo, is the photo that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. They will take one face photo and one profile photo. Your full name and booking number will be in the pictures, and they’re on file at the jail.

Mugshots can be seen on the website, or you can view them at the Hamilton County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will have to enter the person’s legal name, and a booking date, if you have one.

Trying to figure out how to get your mugshot removed from the Hamilton County Jail website? This is difficult, since the mugshot is a matter of public record. You must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the various mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Obviously, once you’re locked up, your primary thought is about how to get out. After you’ve been booked, a bail amount will be set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this might mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you are required to promise to be in court on your court date, and in the meantime you won’t be permitted to leave the area.

Typically, an inmate will earn time off in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to do work release. You will either have to return to the jail every day after work, or you might have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is money that you are required to pay to be released from jail until your trial. Your bail amount depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. You or someone you know will have to post ten percent of the total that was determined so you can bail out of jail. If you don’t go to your court date, that person will lose all of the bail money.

You will need to call the Hamilton County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. You can also check their bail amount and status online.

Posting bail to get out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, its easy if you have the money. First, you have to find out if they have a Cash Only Bond. If so, you can’t use the services of a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they will not accept a check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the inmate will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If bail is set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. They will usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and in most cases charge a minimum charge of $100. This money is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman will in these cases ask to use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

You can find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at Hamilton County Jail

Have you ever had to use a bail bondsman 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
• Get Out on Work Release
• Released For Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• Get Released on House Arrest
• Get Released on Your Own Recognizance

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The jail intake procedure includes the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you will have to answer some basic questions, like what is your full name, home address, birth date and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• They will allow you to use the phone in order to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be able to wear your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take? Were you treated fairly? Can you share any secrets that will help other people that get arrested to get through jail intake?

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When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. The discharge process takes from 30 minutes to hours or even all day long. Or, simply, the quicker bail is posted, the sooner you will get released. Also, how fast you get released can depend on whether you’ve been given a cash bond or if the judge has to figure out how much to set your bail at. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served your sentence and are given a discharge date, you should expect to be released that morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you need to begin your sentence in jail, you really should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go down to the jail, in the reception area, and tell someone that think that there is a warrant out for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if there is one, you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be very careful that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Only bring approved items with you, for example a driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a sentencing order.

To have visitors, you must list the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s names will be put in a log of approved visitors as an approved visitor. Each visitor is required to provide identification. Visitors arriving late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures can change, so double-check the official site before you try to visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are much more expensive than phone calls made at home. 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 a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s phone privileges could be reduced or forbidden.

The Hamilton County Jail phone number is: (423) 209-7154

All inmate mail must be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You shouldn’t use any other method of delivery. Clearly print the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send a box, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail sent to inmates will be opened and reviewed by staff, and the mail will get returned if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Hamilton County Jail:

Hamilton County Jail
601 Walnut Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Hamilton County Jail
601 Walnut Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402

The Hamilton County Jail inmate mail policy changes often, so we suggest that you visit the official website before you send a letter to an inmate.

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When you get arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these being that you have the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to ask a friend or family member to find an attorney for you. You’re probably asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ 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 criminal justice system in Hamilton County. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better.

For more information about how to find a lawyer, visit: How to Find an Attorney

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys, admitted to the Tennessee State Bar Association and are legally licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

All court records are public records. They are comprised of a case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the motions, documents, and evidence filed in the case. You are able to access your court records via the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records and documents from your case are kept and available to you at Hamilton County Clerk of Court office.

Court costs and court fees are the charges from your case, such as for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

A Magistrate is the judge that presides on your case. They do several different things, such as deciding a bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over initial court appearances and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared with the defendant’s background information and details of the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate will review and take into consideration when determining the sentence. Information will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Don’t forget you are able to ask to get your own copy of the report before sentencing, so you have the opportunity to review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

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, including community service and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, you will either be taken into custody, right there in court, or given a date that you must to surrender and report to jail to serve your term.

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Do you want to find out if somebody you know is currently in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do so, you will have to access the Hamilton County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you should call the jail to find out.

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you are able to check the arrest warrants on the website or you can call the jail. This requires a first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask one of the officers. Bear in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or check online. An arrest is in the public record and the information is freely available.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by contacting the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All convicted sex offenders have to be registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You are able to view this information online, but remember that you won’t find the actual address, but rather the block they live on.

Court Records are public records. These records include a case file containing a court docket and all filings and documents filed in your case. You are able to access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the county where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of a person’s criminal history. These online databases are connected and you can track criminal convictions from any other state. Go to the Hamilton County Courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a different state, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you are able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for these crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

During a criminal records search, in most cases won’t be able to see if that person has had any:

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

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

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal records, and your account might help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI keeps a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Hamilton County, the Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that getting locked up in the Hamilton County jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will get used to the daily routine there. Inmates get an alarm to wake up at about 6:00AM, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. When you finish 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 funds to Hamilton County Jail inmates is always changing, so it would be best to review the the Hamilton County Jail website before you send any funds.


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 Hamilton County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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.

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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.

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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 Hamilton County Jail? Do you know anybody that spent time there? Have you ever visited an inmate at this jail?

If so, then you should leave a comment below about it. Tell us about your jail experience so that other people can learn what to expect.

Things you could put in your comment:

• Conditions in Hamilton County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner programs and activities


Write a Review of Hamilton County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story about it. How’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What was it like in jail? What about the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Need to talk to a friend from jail? Post a message to them below.

Send a message to people incarcerated at Hamilton County Jail


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