Jo Daviess County Jail – Galena, IL

Jo Daviess County Jail is in Jo Daviess County, IL and is the correctional facility for the county. Know someone incarcerated at Jo Daviess County Jail? This site will tell you information about everything you might want to know about Jo Daviess County Jail,such as: Find out who’s in jail at Jo Daviess County Jail? How to view Jo Daviess County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And much more…

The chance of going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family and friends. This guide is meant to give you advice and information that you’ll need to make getting locked up a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, just ask it, and also any comments or tips that could be beneficial to others is welcome.

Do you have a friend or family member that is locked up and want to contact them?

Has somebody who’s been arrested and you need to locate them?

To look up who is in jail at Jo Daviess County Jail you need to go to their link and perform an inmate lookup.

The Jo Daviess County Jail Inmate Roster is a list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, including status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. You can also find info on anybody arrested and booked or released in the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can locate their arrest information quicker if you’ve got the arrestee’s full name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for might be in another county jail you should look here, too: Illinois Jails

A mugshot, also called a jail intake photo, is a photo that the jail takes when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is actually one frontal photo and one profile photo. Your name and jail booking number will be in the pictures, and they’re on file at the jail.

Mugshots can be found online, or you can go in person to the Jo Daviess County Jail. When viewing online you need to enter the inmate’s first and last name, and the booking date.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken off of the Jo Daviess County Jail site? This may not be possible, as your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot removed, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Naturally, if you are incarcerated, your main thought is about how to get out. After booking, your bail will be decided either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If no bail is set this can mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you will have to promise to be there for your court date, and until that date you are not permitted to travel out of the county.

Usually, inmates at Jo Daviess County Jail will earn time off for good behavior if they follow the rules and area a good inmate while they are in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be given work release detail. You will either have to go back to jail every day after work, or you could have the chance to move into a halfway house instead of the 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 trial. The amount of bail that is set is dictated by the crime you are charged with. Someone will have to pay 10 percent of the total amount set in order to be released. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, whoever posted your bail will lose all of the bail money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail have to call the jail. If know the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you the bail amount. Also, you can see the bail amount online.

Having to get someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but in some cases, it’s easy if you have the money. First of all, find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If so, you won’t be able to use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Cash only – they will not take checks. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the inmate will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and sometimes charge a minimum charge of $100. This will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will in most cases ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

You can find a bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The jail intake process takes you through the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• Firstly, you will have to answer a number of questions, like what is your full name, home address, birthdate and a contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will let you use the telephone to contact family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell our readers about your experience. How long did you have to wait? Were you treated fairly? Can you share any secrets that might help other people to get through jail intake?

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Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. The discharge process will take anywhere between 10 minutes to all day long. So, the faster bail is posted, the sooner you will be released. Also, it might depend on if you have a cash bond or if a magistrate still needs to figure out how much your bail will be. For minor charges, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and have a discharge date, you should plan to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

If you have a, or if you have to begin your sentence in jail, you really should follow the rules and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, go down to the jail intake center, and tell an officer that you think they might have an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if you do, you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Be very careful that you aren’t late. Just bring allowed items when you go, such as a driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to give each visitor’s name to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will be entered in a log of approved visitors for the inmate. Each and every visitor must provide proof of identification. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be able to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies can change, so you should review the official site before you visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are generally more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you are disciplined for an infraction, phone calls might get cut back or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The Jo Daviess County Jail phone number is: 815-777-2141

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of mail delivery. You have to print the name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send a package or box, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail sent to inmates will be opened and reviewed by the jail officers, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

The mailing address for Jo Daviess County Jail is:

Jo Daviess County Jail
330 North Bench Street
Galena, IL 61036

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Jo Daviess County Jail
330 North Bench Street
Galena, IL 61036

The mail policy at Jo Daviess County Jail changes frequently, so you should double check the site before you send a letter.

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When you get arrested, you still have rights, the first of which is your right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so you would be wise to ask a friend or family member to find an attorney when you call them. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you understand the criminal justice system in Jo Daviess County. The sooner you get an attorney working on your situation, the better your chances.

For more information about the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, read our guide: How to Find an Attorney in Jo Daviess County

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender is staffed by investigators, forensics experts and case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys who are admitted to the Illinois State Bar Association and are legally licensed to handle your case.

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

All court records are a matter of public record. Court records have a case file containing a docket and all documents and motions filed in the case. You have the ability to access court records using the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Jo Daviess County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that maintains court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records and documents associated with your case are available at Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the charges and fees from your case, such as for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may not have to pay them.

The magistrate is the judge that rules over your case. Magistrate judges do many different things, such as deciding a bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include background information and details of the arrestee’s life and history, which the judge will consider when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the defendant, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Bear in mind that you can request to get your own copy of this report before you are sentenced, so you can correct the mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, which include community service to probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you may be locked up immediately, or you could get a date to report to jail to do your time.

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Want to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been locked up?

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

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

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

If you have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Jo Daviess County court website or you are able to call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should know that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the Jo Daviess County jail, on the phone, in person, or look online. An arrest is a matter of public record and these records are freely available.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All registered sex offenders must be registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You are able to view these listings on the website, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, but only the address block of the address that they registered.

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

Every state keeps a record of a person’s criminal history. These databases are connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from another state. You can go to courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal history search you can get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any of the following crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you generally will not discover if that person has had any:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Traffic accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your feedback may help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

The FBI keeps a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Jo Daviess County, the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Jo Daviess County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in Jo Daviess County Jail is very scary, you will soon get used to the routine that is set for you. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up at about 6am, and next you’ll have roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. After breakfast, you will be required 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 Jo Daviess 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 Jo Daviess 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 jail inmates is likely to change, so double check the site when you send money to an inmate.


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 Jo Daviess County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Jo Daviess 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 Jo Daviess 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 leave 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.

Click here to leave 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.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been an inmate in Jo Daviess County Jail? Do you know someone there? Have you ever been to visit someone there?

If yes, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Write about what you experienced so that other people can learn what to expect.

Things you can write in what you write:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Programs and activities


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? Were the other inmates cool? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to tell your story about Jo Daviess County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you need to reconnect with someone you met in jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Say Hello to people still locked up at Jo Daviess County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Jo Daviess County Jail Website
Jo Daviess County Jail Inmate Search
View Jo Daviess County Jail Mugshots
Jo Daviess County Jail Bail Link

Jo Daviess County Jail Visitation Procedures
Jo Daviess County Jail Jail Mail Link
Locate an inmate at Jo Daviess County Jail
Jo Daviess County Warrants
Jo Daviess County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Funds to an Inmate at Jo Daviess County Jail
Jobs at Jo Daviess County Jail


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