Lewis County Jail – Chehalis, WA

Lewis County Jail is in Lewis County, Washington and is the main jail for the region. Looking for someone at Lewis County Jail? This site gives you about everything you might want to know about Lewis County Jail: How to do a jail inmate search. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information and records. And much, much more.

The chance of going to jail is a scary situation, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family and friends. The goal of this guide is to offer info you need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask them, and please leave any comments or tips that might be a benefit to others would be appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is in jail and don’t know how to find them?

Has a family member or friend who has been arrested and you want to locate them?

In order to look up who’s in jail at Lewis County Jail you will need to go to their website and do an inmate lookup.

The Lewis County Jail Inmate Roster is an online list of people currently in custody, including status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can find information for anybody who has been arrested or released within the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can find the information quicker if you enter your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for might be in another jail you should check the other Washington county jails in our Washington County Jail Guide: Washington County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also called a jail booking photograph, is a picture that the jail takes during jail intake processing. A mugshot is make of one and one profile photo. Your full name and intake number will be in the mugshot, and they are kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots are on the website, or you can go in person to the Lewis County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will need to enter their first and last name, and the booking date.

Do you want to have your mugshot taken down from the Lewis County Jail website? This can be tricky, as your mugshot is a matter of public record. You need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, and will not be accessible. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

Return To Main Menu

Of course, if you are arrested and put in jail, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount is set by the magistrate. If there is no bail set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you will have to agree to show up for court, and in the meantime you are not allowed to leave the county.

Typically, prisoners are given early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and act right while they’re in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be granted work release. Either you will have to return to the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you may be allowed to move into a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail until your court date. The amount of bail that is set all depends on the crime you are charged with. Someone you know will need to put up 10 percent of the total set in order for you to bail out of jail. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, whoever put up your bail money won’t get the bail money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you must call the jail. If you have all the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they will let you know the bail amount. You can also see the bail amount online.

Bailing out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but most of the time, its really easy if you have the money. First, you need to know if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you can’t use a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail will not accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the prisoner will get released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get the bail money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen usually charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually charge a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman will in most cases require that they use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

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

Have you ever had to find a bondsman to bail someone out of jail? 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
• Work Release Programs
• Released For Time Served
• Be Released on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• Get Released on House Arrest
• Own Recognizance

Return To Main Menu

The intake process takes you through the following steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• You will answer a bunch of questions, like your full name, address, date of birth and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• They will allow you to use the telephone so you can call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, please tell us how it happened. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How did the guards treat you? Can you share any secrets that could help other people get through jail intake?

Speak Your Mind

Once bail has been posted, you will get released from jail. The discharge process may take anywhere between 10 minutes to many hours. In simple terms, the faster bail is posted, the quicker you will be freed. It also can depend on whether you’ve got a bond amount or if a judge needs to determine how much your bail will be. For lesser charges, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, expect to get released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

If you have a, or if you must begin your jail sentence, you should follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. For a warrant, go down to the jail processing area, and tell the intake officer that believe that there could be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a record check, and if you do, they will take you into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Ensure that you are not late. Make sure that you only bring allowed items with you, like a driver’s license or photo ID, prescription medication, and a official sentencing order.

The inmate need to list each visitor’s name to the jail. Your visitors will be put into a log of approved visitors as an Authorized visit. Each and every visitor will be required to provide proof of identification. Anyone showing up late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Lewis County Jail visitation procedures can change, so it would be wise to double-check the official site before you try to visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . These phone calls are generally more expensive than phone calls made at home. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s ability to use the phone may be limited or cut altogether.

Phone Number: (360) 740-1344

All mall sent to inmates must be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of mail delivery. Clearly print the person’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the letter that you send. Do not send a package or box, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail sent to inmates gets opened and reviewed by staff, and the mail will be returned if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

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

Lewis County Jail
28 Sw Chehalis Ave
Chehalis, WA 98532

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Lewis County Jail
28 Sw Chehalis Ave
Chehalis, WA 98532

The Lewis County Jail mail policy can change, so you should check the site when you send a letter.

Return To Main Menu

When you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, one of these is the right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure to have a friend or family member locate a lawyer for you. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate through the criminal justice system. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better off you’ll be.

For more detailed information on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, go to: How to Find an Attorney

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys that are admitted to the Washington State Bar Association and are fully licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Lewis County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They contain a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the motions, documents, and evidence in the case. You can access your court case records via the website, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who manages court records. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records relating to your case are available at Lewis County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees are the fees and charges associated with your case, which include filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

The Lewis County magistrate is the person that presides over your court 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 proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared with information about your background and details of the defendant’s life history, which the judge will consider when determining a sentence. Information will be collected from the defendant, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim. Bear in mind you are allowed to request to see a copy of the report before sentencing, and review it and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you may be locked up immediately, or given a date that you are supposed to turn yourself into jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Do you need to find out if someone is currently in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

To find this out you should access the Lewis County jail website, and search using:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants inquiry on the Lewis County jail website or call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. You should be clear that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are public record and this is freely available.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, which can be warrants. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders are listed and registered on a sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view this information on the website, but remember that you can’t find the street address, but rather the address block that they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a court case file that contains a docket sheet and any of the documents filed in your case. You are able to access the court records online, or at Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal history. These databases are all connected and you can track criminal convictions from any other state. You can go to county courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if the crime was in a completely different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive 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:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

But, when you do a criminal records check, in most cases won’t learn if they have had any moving violations, like:

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

To find driving records, you must do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you call the Lewis County courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that people look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your story may help other people.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Lewis County,The Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of spending time in Lewis County Jail is quite unpleasant, in time you will settle into the daily routine. Inmates get an alarm to wake up at about 6:00AM, and next you’ll have roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. Following breakfast participate 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 Lewis 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 Lewis 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 someone in jail could change, so you should check the the Lewis County Jail website when send money to someone in jail 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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Lewis County Jail

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


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.

Click here to leave a comment


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:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims 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 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 an inmate at Lewis County Jail? Do you know someone that spent time there? Have you ever visited someone there?

If so, then you should write a review about it. Write down what you experienced so that other people will know what to expect.

Things you might want to write in what you write:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


Click here to write a review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story about it. How’d you get locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? Were the other inmates cool? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Need to find an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Send a message to Lewis County Jail


Return To Main Menu
3096