Meigs County Jail – Decatur, TN

Meigs County Jail is located in Meigs County, TN and is the correctional facility for the area. Looking for someone in jail at Meigs County Jail? This guide tells you info about everything a person needs to know about Meigs County Jailsuch as the following: Find out who’s in jail at Meigs County Jail? Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information and records. And much more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to give you all the information and tips that you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail easier. If you have questions, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any feedback or comments that would help others would be appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is incarcerated and need to find out where they are?

Has somebody who’s been arrested and you want to find them?

In order to look up who’s in jail at Meigs County Jail you will need to click on their link and use the inmate search.

The Meigs County Jail Inmate Roster is a list of persons who have been arrested and are in jail, which includes current status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. You can get the same information for anybody arrested and booked or released within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to locate their arrest information faster if you have the arrestee’s name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for might be locked up at a different jail you can check our guide to other Tennessee jails: List of all jails in Tennessee

A mugshot, also called a jail processing picture, is a picture that the police take when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one frontal photo and a profile picture. Your full name and jail ID number will be in the photos, and they’re stored.

Mugshots of inmates are on the Meigs County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Meigs County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will have to input their first and last name, and the booking date, if you have one.

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot removed from the Meigs County Jail site? This can be tricky, as your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Once you are in jail, your primary thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, your bail is determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If no bail is set this may 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 must agree to be in court on your court date, and until then you are not allowed to leave the county.

Typically, a prisoner in the Meigs County Jail can earn an early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and area a good inmate while incarcerated.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be granted work release. You will have to go back to the jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you could be allowed to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Your bail is money that you are required to pay in order to be released from jail until your trial. Your bail amount is determined by how serious your crime is. You will need to put up 10 percent of the total that was set so you are able to get out of jail. If you don’t show up for your court appearance, that person will not get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the Meigs County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Meigs County Jail site.

Having to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but in some cases, it’s very simple to do. To start with, you need to know if it is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you can’t get a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they won’t take a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will be released to your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If bail is set too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should hire a bail bondsman. They usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases with a minimum fee of $100. This will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will usually use your assets as collateral for the bond.

To find a bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Meigs County Jail

Have you ever used the services of Bail Bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out.

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• Get Time Off For Good Behavior
• Get Out on Work Release
• Get Out For 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 includes each of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first step is that you will have to answer some simple questions, like your legal name, home address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and mental history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will be allowed to make a telephone call so you can get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you will be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, you should tell us how it happened. How long did it take to get through intake? How did the guards treat you? Can you share any things that will help other people that get arrested get through the process?

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When you pay your bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged can take between 15 minutes to many hours. So, the quicker you post bail, the faster you will get let go. It also can depend on if you’ve got a cash bond or if a magistrate still needs to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For minor charges, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the discharge date, plan to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

If there is a, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, it is recommended that you follow the rules and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, report to the jail reception area, and tell someone that you think there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a record check, and if there is one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Be sure to only bring allowed items when you go to jail, like your driver’s license or state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the sentencing order from court.

Inmates have to give each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s names will be put in the log for the inmate. Each and every visitor has to provide proof of identification. Anyone showing up late or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Jail visitation policies are always changing, so make sure that you double-check the official jail site before you go.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are generally pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. There is no limit to 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 a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules, phone privileges may be limited or forbidden completely.

Phone Number: (423) 334-3163

All mall sent to inmates has to be sent via the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of delivery. You should print the inmate’s name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not mail a package, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail sent to inmates is opened and examined by the jail staff, and will be returned if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Meigs County Jail is:

Meigs County Jail
410 River Road
Decatur, TN 37322

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Meigs County Jail
410 River Road
Decatur, TN 37322

The mail policy at Meigs County Jail changes, so it would be best to double check the official Meigs County Jail site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, the first of which is that you have the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to ask a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you call 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 can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and show you the way through the legal system in Meigs County. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better.

For more info on how to find an attorney, click here: Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. The Public Defender is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. All Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers, admitted to the Tennessee State Bar Association and are fully licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

Meigs County court records are public records and are available upon request. They have a file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and every motions, documents, and evidence in the case. You, and anyone else, can access court records using the online service, or at the Meigs County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court who manages court records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records from your case are held at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the costs associated with your court case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The magistrate is the judge that presides on your case in court. Magistrate judges do a number of different things, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over initial court appearances and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared to include background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Keep in mind you can ask to receive a copy of your pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you get the chance to correct any mistakes that it contains.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you might get locked up immediately, or you could receive a date that you must report to jail to serve your term.

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Want to find out if someone is currently in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you should query the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their approximate booking date.
• or 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 have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Meigs County jail website or you can call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. You should be clear that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the Meigs County jail, by phone, in person, or you can check online. Arrest records are in the public record and this information is freely available.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, such as warrants. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All convicted sex offenders must be registered and listed on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view this information on the website, but bear in mind that you can’t get the actual address, rather the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. These records include a case file that includes a docket and any of the filings and documents filed in your court case. You are able to access the court records online, or at Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

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

A criminal records search you will be able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

During a criminal records search, in most cases will not find out if that person has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you call the Meigs County courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback 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 Meigs County, the Meigs County Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in the Meigs County jail is no fun, eventually you will get accustomed to the routine that is set for you. You will get a wake-up alarm at 6:00am, and next you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will have 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 Meigs 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 Meigs County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

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

The procedure to send funds to Meigs County Jail inmates is likely to change, so it would be best to visit the site before you send funds 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 Meigs County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Meigs 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 Meigs County Jail

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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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 tell about all about it

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 this jail? Do you know someone that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at Meigs County Jail?

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

Things you could put in what you write:

• Conditions in Meigs County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• The other inmates.
• Safety
• Gangs
• Inmate programs and activities


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Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has a story about it. How’d you get locked up? Did you get fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? Tell us about the other inmates. How did it affect you to go to jail?

Click here to tell your story about Meigs County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Want to find somebody you met in jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Send a message to people incarcerated at Meigs County Jail


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