Covington County Jail – Andalusia, AL

Covington County Jail is in Covington County, AL and is the jail for the region. Are you looking for somebody locked up in Covington County Jail? This page gives you info about everything you might need to know about Covington County Jail: Find an inmate at Covington County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information and records. And everything else.

The prospect of going to jail is a daunting and scary idea, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is designed to offer information and tips you need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have questions, just ask it, and also any comments or feedback that could be a benefit to others is welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is locked up and don’t know how to find them?

Do you know someone that has been arrested and you don’t know how to find out what jail they’re in?

To search who’s in jail at Covington County Jail you will need to visit their website and perform an inmate search.

The Covington County Jail Inmate Lookup is a list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes status, how much their bail is, and visiting schedule. Also, you can find the same information on anyone arrested and booked or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You can locate their inmate information quicker if you have the arrestee’s full name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for may be at another county jail you should look here: Alabama County Jails Directory

A mugshot, or intake photo, is a picture taken by the police during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually two photos one full face and a profile photo. Your name and jail ID number will appear on the mugshot, and they will be stored at the jail.

Mugshots of Covington County Jail inmates can be found on the website, or you can view them at the Covington County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to enter their legal name, and a booking date, if you have it.

Want to have your mugshot removed from the Covington County Jail site? This is difficult, since your mugshot is a public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the various websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Obviously, once you’re arrested and put in jail, your main thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, your bail amount will be decided by the magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you are required to agree to be in court on your court date, and in the meantime you are not permitted to leave the area.

In most cases, inmates in the Covington County Jail are given time off for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will either have to go back to jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you could be permitted to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you have to pay depends on how serious your crime is. You will have to put up 10 percent of the total amount that was determined in order to bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for court, whoever paid your bail won’t get the bail money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you must call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they will tell you the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is online.

Bailing out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but most of the time, its really easy if you have the money. To start with, figure out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you won’t be able to get a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they can’t accept checks. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be discharged. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you will get this money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally have a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and usually with a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will usually request to use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To find a local bail bondsman go to: Find a Bail Bondsman in Covington County

Have you ever used a bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

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In Alabama your bail is already set by the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure – Bail Schedule, but the judge or magistrate has the last word on how much your bail will be. The bail schedule includes all of the crimes included in Alabama and the exact bail amount for each of the crimes.

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

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The intake process is made up of each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• You will have to answer some questions, such as your full name, home address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will allow you to make a telephone call to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, they will let you keep wearing street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please share your experience. How long did you have to wait? How were you treated? Can you share any tips that will help other people get through the procedure?

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Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged takes anywhere between 15 minutes to all day. In simple terms, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you can get out of jail. How quickly you get discharged depends on whether or not you have a cash bond or if the judge must figure out the amount of bail to be set. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and know the date of your release, expect to get released between 9am and noon.

for your arrest, or if you have to start a jail sentence, you should do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail processing area, and tell them that you think there may be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Make sure that you only bring allowed items with you, such as your driver’s license or even your ID, prescription medication, as well as a sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to list information about each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will go in the visitation log for the inmate. Each and every visitor is required to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone that gets to visitation or without a visiting order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Covington County Jail change often, so make sure that you review the jail site before you visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Calls made in jail are typically more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There is no limit to when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get cut back or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The Covington County Jail phone number is: 334-428-2640

All mail must be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other form of delivery. You have to clearly print the prisoner’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the letter. Don’t send a box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail will be opened and read by the jail officers, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Covington County Jail is:

Covington County Jail
290 Hillcrest Drive
Andalusia, AL 36420

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Covington County Jail
290 Hillcrest Drive
Andalusia, AL 36420

The inmate mail policy at Covington County Jail changes often, so we suggest that you check the official website when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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If you have been arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these is your right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to get a friend or family member to find an attorney when you call. You may be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and help you find your way through the criminal justice system that you are now faced with. The quicker you get an attorney working on your criminal case, the better your chances.

To read more about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, click: How to Find an Attorney in Covington County

If you cannot afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender Office is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are licensed lawyers who are members of the Alabama State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Covington County court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. Court records include a court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all documents filed during your court case. You are able to access your court records with the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the jury’s verdict. All records and documents associated with your case are kept and available to you at Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the costs from your court case, such as for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The Covington County magistrate is the judge that presides on your case. Magistrates are judges that do different functions, such as setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over first court appearances and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about the defendant’s background and details of the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into account when deciding on the sentence. Information will be solicited from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim. Keep in mind you are allowed to ask to have a copy of the report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to 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, ranging from community service to probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you will either be locked up immediately, or you might be given a date that you must to surrender and report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if someone is incarcerated, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty easy to do, simply just query the Covington County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail to find out.

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the Covington County court website or call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. Keep in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s 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 a matter of public record and this information is freely available.

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

All convicted sex offenders are registered and listed 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 offense. You can access these offenders online, but bear in mind that you won’t find the street address, rather the block they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. They include a court case file that includes a court docket and all filings and documents filed in your case. You can access your court records on the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal history. These online databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You can go to the Covington County Courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that the crime was in a completely different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you are able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for crimes, which include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually won’t discover if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving records, you must do a driving records search.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you call the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal records, and your feedback might help other people.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI keeps a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Covington County, the Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Covington County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in the Covington County jail is no fun, soon you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. Prisoners get an alarm for wake-up at six in the morning, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. When you finish eating 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 Covington 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 Covington County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The process for sending money to Covington County Jail inmates might change, so be sure to 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 Covington County Jail

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

Requirements:

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


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Family Resources

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

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

Click here to post a comment


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

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

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been locked up at this jail? Do you know someone that spent time there? Have you ever visited someone in this jail?

If you have, then you should write your review about it. Tell us about your experience because other people can find out what to expect.

Things you can put in the review:

• Conditions in Covington County Jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• Other Inmates.
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Write a Review of Covington County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories about their time ‘inside’. How’d you get locked up? Were you mistreated? How was day to day life at Covington County Jail? Tell us about the other inmates. Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Are you trying to find someone you met in jail? Write your message below.

Say Hello to someone at Covington County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Covington County Jail Website
Covington County Jail Inmate Search
View Covington County Jail Mugshots
Covington County Jail Bail Amount Link

AL Bail Schedule

Covington County Jail Visitation Procedures
Covington County Jail Mail Policy
Locate an inmate at Covington County Jail
Covington County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Covington County Jail Arrest Lookup
Covington County Jail Send Money Procedure
Covington County Jail Employment


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