Grant County Jail – Ephrata, WA

Grant County Jail is located in Grant County, WA and is the main jail for the region. Know someone locked up in Grant County Jail? This guide tells you info about anything one might want to know about Grant County Jail: Find out who’s in jail at Grant County Jail? Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures. Grant County court information. And much, much more.

The thought of going to jail is a scary prospect, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to give information that you need to make going to jail a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask it, and also any feedback or comments that might help other people in the same situation would be welcome.

Do you know someone that is locked up and don’t know how to find out where they are?

Do you know a family member or friend who’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

In order to search who’s in jail at Grant County Jail you have to click on their web site and do an inmate search.

The Grant County Jail Inmate Locator has information on people who have been arrested and are in custody, including status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. You can also get information for anybody arrested and processed or discharged in the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You can find their arrest information quicker if you enter their name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or family member might be in a different jail you should check our guide to other Washington jails: Other County Jails in Washington

A mugshot, also known as a intake picture, is the picture that the jail takes during jail intake processing. They take one frontal photo and a side picture. Your name and jail booking number will be on the mugshot, and they are stored.

Mugshots of inmates can be viewed on the Grant County Jail website, or you can see them at the Grant County Jail. When viewing online you will have to enter the prisoner’s first and last name, and an arrest date, if you have one.

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot taken down from the Grant County Jail website? This will be difficult, because the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

Return To Main Menu

Of course, once you’re incarcerated, your main thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail is determined using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you must agree to be there for your court date, and in the meantime you can’t leave town.

Usually, an inmate in the Grant County Jail are given early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while they’re in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be granted work release. Either you will have to go back to the jail each day when you’re finished working, or you might get to move into a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is the amount of money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay all depends on how serious your charges are. Someone you know will need to post ten percent of the total that was set so you are able to get discharged from jail. If you don’t go to your court date, whoever posted your bail will lose that money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the Grant County Jail. If you have all the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know the bail amount. You can also check their bail amount and status on the Grant County Jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but fortunately, it is easy. First, figure out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you will not be able to use the services of a bondsman. Cash only – the jail will not accept a personal check. When you’ve paid bail, the inmate will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

If bail is set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should hire a bail bondsman. They generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and usually with a minimum charge of $100. This money is non-refundable and the bondsman only accepts cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will in most cases ask to use assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

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

Have you ever used a Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out.

Tell Your Story

• Time Off For Good Behavior
• Get Out on Work Release
• Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• Get Out on House Arrest
• Own Recognizance

Return To Main Menu

The jail intake process includes each of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• First, will answer some simple questions, such as what is your full name, home address, birthdate and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• You will be allowed to use the phone in order to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell us what happened. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How did the guards treat you? Do you have any tips that might help others make it through jail processing?

Tell Your Story

When you pay your bail, you will get released from jail. This process will take from 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. In simple terms, the faster bail is posted, the sooner you can get released from jail. 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 get released without having to post bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and know the date of your release, expect to be released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

out against you, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, you really should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail intake area, and tell them that think that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they find one, you will be taken into jail custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be very careful that you aren’t late. Make sure that you only bring things that are allowed when you go to jail, such as your driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

Inmates have to give information about each visitor to the jail. Your visitor’s information will be put into a Visiting log as an authorized visitor. All visitors have to provide proof of identification. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so check the jail site before you go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are generally more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s phone privileges may be limited or forbidden completely.

The Grant County Jail phone number is: (509) 754-2011

All mall sent to inmates is required to be sent via the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of mail delivery. You should print the prisoner’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the letter. Do not mail anything in a package, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail sent to inmates is opened and reviewed by the staff, and the mail will get sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

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

Grant County Jail
P. O. Box 37. 35 C St. Nw.
Ephrata, WA 98823

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Grant County Jail
P. O. Box 37. 35 C St. Nw.
Ephrata, WA 98823

The Grant County Jail mail policy is always changing, so it would be best to check the the Grant County Jail website when you send a letter.

Return To Main Menu

When you’ve been arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these being that you have the right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to ask a friend or family member to locate an attorney when you call. You might be 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 make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and guide you through the criminal justice system in your county. The faster you get an attorney working on your criminal case, the better off you’ll be.

For more info on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, visit: How to Find an Attorney in Grant County

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social case workers. Public Defenders are licensed lawyers, members of the Washington State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

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

Court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They contain a case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all motions, documents, and evidence filed in the case. You are able to access the records and documents in your court case via the internet service, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who manages access to court records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the jury’s verdict. All records from your case are kept at Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the charges and fees associated with your court case, which include filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The Grant County magistrate is the judge that will preside over your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do a number of things, such as deciding a bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared with the defendant’s background information and information about the arrestee’s life history, which the judge will review and take into consideration when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the defendant, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim of the crime. Bear in mind you can request to see a copy of the pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct any inaccurate information.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service to probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get locked up immediately, or you could get a date to surrender and report to jail to serve out your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Do you need to find out if somebody you know is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been in jail?

To find this out you should visit the Grant County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you should call the jail get confirmation.

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check court records on the website or you are able to call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and inquire at the information desk. Bear in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the Grant County jail, by phone, go there in person, or look online. An arrest is a matter of public record and these records are accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, like court orders. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Grant County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to see sex offenders on the website, but keep in mind that you will not find the actual address, but only the block of the address that they registered.

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

Each and every state keeps a record of a person’s criminal background. These databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal histories from any other state. You can go to county courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

A criminal records search you will be able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any of the following crimes:

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

When you do a criminal history search, you generally won’t learn if that person has had any infractions like moving violations:

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

To get driving histories, you have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you make a phone call to the jail? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments may make it easier for others.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Grant County, the Grant County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in the Grant County jail is quite unpleasant, soon you will get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. You will get a wake-up alarm every morning at 6am, and then roll call. You will then eat breakfast. After breakfast, you will 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 Grant 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 Grant 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 funds to people in jail is always changing, so double check the the Grant 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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Grant County Jail

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


Return To Main Menu

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.

Speak Your Mind


Return To Main Menu

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.

Click here to post a comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

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


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

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

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to tell us about it. Tell us about your experience because others can learn what to expect.

Things you can write in your comment:

• Conditions in Grant County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


Click here to write your review of Grant County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you get arrested? Were you mistreated? How was life in jail? What about the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Trying to say wassup to somebody you met when you were locked up? Send a message to them here.

Send a message to Grant County Jail


Return To Main Menu
3088