Unicoi County Jail – Erwin, TN

Unicoi County Jail is located in Unicoi County and is the primary jail for the region. Are you looking for someone locked up in Unicoi County Jail? This guide gives you about everything you might need to know about Unicoi County Jail,like: Find out who’s in jail at Unicoi County Jail? Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And everything else.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful situation, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to give you information and advice you need to make helping someone get out of jail less stressful. If you have specific questions, just ask them, and also 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 don’t know how to find them?

Has somebody who has been arrested and you don’t know how to locate them?

In order to find out who is in jail at Unicoi County Jail you should navigate to their website and perform an inmate lookup.

The Unicoi County Jail Inmate Locator has information on people who are in jail, which includes current status, bail amount, and visiting hours. Also, you can find info for anybody booked or released within the last 24 hours. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to get their inmate information more quickly if you’ve got the arrestee’s name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for may be in another county jail you will want to look here: Tennessee Jails

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing photograph, is a photograph taken by the police during jail intake processing. They take one frontal photo and a side-view photo. Your name and booking number will be in the photos, and they will be stored.

Mugshots of inmates can be seen on the Unicoi County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Unicoi County Jail. When viewing online you have to put in the legal name, and the booking date.

Trying to figure out how to get your mugshot taken off of the Unicoi County Jail website? This is difficult, as your mugshot is public record. You need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Obviously, once you’re incarcerated, your only thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount will be determined by a special judge called a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released you must promise to show up for court, and until that date you are required not to leave the area.

Typically, prisoners are given time off in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and act right while in jail.

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 stay jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you might have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay in order to be released from jail until your court date. Your bail amount all depends on what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You will need to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total that was determined so you can be released from jail. If you miss your scheduled court date, whoever posted your bail will lose that bail money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can find out how much their bail is online.

Bailing out of jail is never fun, but fortunately, it is very simple to do. First of all, you need to find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you will not be able to get a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they can’t take a check. Once you have paid the bond, the prisoner will be released into your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will generally have a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and in most cases have a minimum fee of $100. This money is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will usually use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To talk to a bail bondsman go to: Find a Bail Bondsman in Unicoi County

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to tell your story

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

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The jail intake procedure takes you through each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you will have to answer a bunch of questions, such as your legal name, address, birth date and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will be allowed to make a phone call to talk to a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take to get processed? How were you treated? Can you tell us tips that will help other people that get arrested get through jail processing?

Click here to tell your story

When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged from jail will take anywhere from 10 minutes to quite a few hours. Or, simply, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you can get out of jail. Also, it depends on if you’ve got a cash bond amount or if the judge must determine the bail amount. For minor charges, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served your sentence and know the discharge date, plan to get released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you have to report to start a sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail intake center, and let them know that you think there may be a warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if so, they will take you into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Ensure that you are not late to report. Only bring required items when you go, such as your driver’s license or photo ID, prescription medication, and a official sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must list the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s information will go into the visitation log for the inmate. Each visitor has to provide identification. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or that is not on the visitation list will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Unicoi County Jail change often, so you should check the jail site before you visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . These phone calls are much more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but inmates 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 calls may be limited or cut altogether.

The Unicoi County Jail phone number is: (423) 743-1858

All mail must be mailed using US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of mail or package delivery. You have to clearly write or type the person’s name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the envelope. Do not send a package, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail is opened and inspected by the staff, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

The mailing address for Unicoi County Jail is:

Unicoi County Jail
102 North Main Avenue
Erwin, TN 37650

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Unicoi County Jail
102 North Main Avenue
Erwin, TN 37650

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

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When you’ve been arrested, you should know 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 it is important to have a friend or relative find a lawyer for you. You may be asking yourself ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, protect your interests and guide you through the court system in Unicoi County. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better.

For more information about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, read: How to Find an Attorney in Unicoi County

If you can’t afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. The Public Defender has a number of staff such as private investigators, forensics experts as well as social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers that are members of the Tennessee State Bar and are completely licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

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

Unicoi County court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. Court records have a case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all documents and motions filed in the case. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case with the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court who manages the records. They also administer the oath during court cases, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All court records related to your case are maintained at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees are the costs associated with your court case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have been assigned a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The Unicoi County court magistrate is the person who presides on your case. Magistrate judges do several different things, like setting bail, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together to include background information and details of the defendant’s life, which the magistrate will take into consideration when determining a sentence. Information will be solicited from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim. Be sure to remember you are allowed to request to get a copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, and make sure that you correct the mistakes.

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 and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you might be given a date to go to jail to serve your term.

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Are you trying to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you will have to query the Unicoi County jail website, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry online or you are able to call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. Bear in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or find out online. Arrest records are a matter of public record and this is freely available.

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by going to the Unicoi County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are required to be registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view this information on the internet, but remember that you can’t see the exact address, but rather the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public records. These records include a court case file that contains a docket and any of the filings and documents filed in the court case. You are able to access the court records via the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each and every state keeps a record of a person’s criminal history. These databases are connected so you can track criminal backgrounds from another state. You are able to go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if it was in a different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will 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:

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

But, when you do a criminal records check, in most cases will not find if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

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

To search for driving records, you will have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the Unicoi County courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal records, and your story could make it easier for others.

Click here to tell your story

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Unicoi County,The Sheriff’s Department 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 serving a jail sentence in Unicoi County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. You will get an alarm for wake-up at about six in the morning, and then you’ll have roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will be required to work in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 Unicoi 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 Unicoi 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 process for sending money to inmates changes, so we suggest that you check the official Unicoi County Jail site when 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 Unicoi County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Unicoi 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 Unicoi 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 post a comment


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• 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 an inmate in this jail? Do you have a family member or friend that spent time there? Have you ever visited someone at this jail?

If your answer is yes, then you should leave a comment below about it. Write down what you experienced so that others can find out what to expect.

Things you can include in your review:

• Conditions in Unicoi County Jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates.
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Programs and activities


Click here to review Unicoi County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you get locked up? How did the guards treat you? How was life in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you need to talk to somebody you met in jail? Post a message to them below.

Say Hello to people incarcerated at Unicoi County Jail


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