Lavaca County Jail – Hallettsville, TX

Lavaca County Jail is located in Lavaca County, Texas and is the correctional facility for that region. Looking for somebody incarcerated at Lavaca County Jail? This guide will tell you info about everything related to Lavaca County Jail,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Lavaca County Jail intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to give you all the information and advice that you’ll need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a lot easier. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask it, and also any comments or feedback that would be a benefit to other people in the same situation would be welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that has gone to jail and want to contact them?

Do you know someone that’s been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

To find out who’s in jail at Lavaca County Jail you should click on their website and do an inmate lookup.

The Lavaca County Jail Inmate List is a list of people who have been arrested, which includes current status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. Also, you can get info on anybody arrested and booked or discharged within the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to locate their inmate information quicker if you enter the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you are looking for is at another county jail you will want to check our Texas county jail guide: Other Jails in Texas

A mugshot, or intake photo, is a photo that the police take when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is actually one full face and a side picture. Your full name and jail ID number will appear on the photos, and they’re kept on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested are on the Lavaca County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Lavaca County Jail. When viewing online you will need to put in the legal name, and a booking date.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken down from the Lavaca County Jail website? This will be difficult, because the mugshot is a matter of public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, and will not be accessible. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

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 Get Your Mugshot Removed

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If you are arrested and put in jail, your only thought is when and how to get out. After booking, bail will be decided by the magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be released, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you will have to promise to be in court on your court date, and until then you must not leave the county.

Usually, an inmate in the Lavaca County Jail will earn time off in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and area a good inmate while incarcerated.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to do work release. You will be required to stay jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you may get to live in a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail until your court date. The amount of bail that is set all depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. You will have to pay ten percent of the total that was determined so you can be released from jail. If you don’t show up for your scheduled court date, whoever put up your bail money will lose that money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail have to call the Lavaca County Jail. If you’ve got the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can see the bail amount on the Lavaca County Jail site.

Posting bail to get out of jail is never fun, but most of the time, its very simple to do. To start with, you need to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you won’t be able to get a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they will not accept checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) 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 the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. They usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and in most cases have a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman will in these cases request to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To contact a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The intake procedure takes you through these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first step is that you must answer a number of questions, such as what your legal name is, home address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken from you and will be stored until you are released.
• You will be allowed to make a phone call so you can talk to a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be allowed to keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should tell us what happened. How long did it take to get through intake? How were you treated? Do you know any tips that will help other people get through the procedure?

Click here to tell your story

Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. The discharge process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to quite a few hours. So, the quicker you post bail, the sooner you can get released from jail. Also, how fast you get released can depend on if you’ve got a cash bond or if the magistrate needs to figure out your bail amount. For a minor charge, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a discharge date, plan to be discharged that morning.

In the event there is a, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail intake area, and tell an officer that you think there is a warrant for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Be very careful that you are not late. Only bring approved items with you, such as a driver’s license or photo ID, prescription medication, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must list information about each visitor to the jail. Your visitors will be put into the visitors log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each and every visitor has to provide a photo ID when visiting. Any visitors arriving late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so it would be wise to double-check the jail site before you try to go to visitation.

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 at home. Phone calls are restricted on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s phone privileges may be limited or forbidden.

The Lavaca County Jail phone number is: 361-798-2420

All mail must be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You must not use any other type of mail or package delivery. Clearly write or type the name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail that you send to inmates gets opened and read and inspected by the staff, and will be returned if it can’t be delivered.

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

Lavaca County Jail
38 Fm 318
Hallettsville, TX 77964

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Lavaca County Jail
38 Fm 318
Hallettsville, TX 77964

The Lavaca County Jail inmate mail policy changes, so it would be best to visit the official website when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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When you get arrested, you have rights, one of these is your right to request a lawyer. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so you would be wise to have a friend or relative find a lawyer for you. You’re probably asking yourself ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense attorney will advise you about your rights, protect your interests and show you the way through the court system. The faster you get an attorney working on your case, the better off you’ll be.

For more detailed information on this, visit: How to Find an Attorney in Lavaca County

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. The Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, experts in forensics as well as social workers. Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers, admitted to the Texas State Bar Association and are licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Lavaca County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records are comprised of a case file with a docket sheet and every documents filed in the case. You have the ability to access your court case records using the online service, or at the Lavaca County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that maintains the records. They also administer the oath during court cases, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All court records relating to your case are kept at the Lavaca County Clerk of Court.

Court fees are all costs from your court case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The magistrate acts as the judge that rules on your case. Magistrate judges do several different things, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants, and presiding over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate judge will review and take into account when deciding on the sentence. Information will be collected from the person on trial, his or her family, and in some cases the victim in the crime. Bear in mind that you should ask to get your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, and make sure that you review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, you may be taken into custody immediately, or you could be given a date that you must to surrender and report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if somebody you know is in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

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

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

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants inquiry online or call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should be clear that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or you can check online. An arrest is in the public record and these records are available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, such as a court order. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Lavaca County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

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

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. They include a case file that contains a docket and all documents filed in the court case. You can access court records on their website, or at the Lavaca County Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal background. These state databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal histories from any other state. You can go to the Lavaca County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It helps to know the county, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you are able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, usually will not find out if that person has had:

• Speeding tickets.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How hard was it? Did you search online or did you call the local courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your story may help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

The FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Lavaca County, the Lavaca County Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of spending time in Lavaca County Jail is very scary, eventually you will get accustomed to the daily routine. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up each morning at 6:00am, and then you’ll have roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. Following breakfast you will have to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Lavaca 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 Lavaca 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 people in jail can change, so double check the the Lavaca County Jail website when you send any money.


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 Lavaca County Jail

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

Requirements:

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


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Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to 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:

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• 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 Lavaca County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited someone at this jail?

If you have, then we would like you to write your review about it. Write down your experience so that others can learn what to expect.

Things you can write in your review:

• Conditions in Lavaca County Jail.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has a story to tell. Why were you locked up? Were you mistreated? What happened to you while you were locked up? What were the other inmates like? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Tell your story about when you did time at Lavaca County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Want to talk to someone you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to Lavaca County Jail


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