Jefferson County Jail – Birmingham, AL

Jefferson County Jail is located in Jefferson County, Alabama and is the correctional facility for that region. Do you know someone incarcerated at Jefferson County Jail? This site tells you all about anything one might want to know about Jefferson County Jailsuch as the following: Find an inmate at Jefferson County Jail. How to view Jefferson County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information and records. And much more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful idea, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is designed to give information that you’ll need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a question, feel free to ask it, and also any comments or tips that might be a benefit to other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

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

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

In order to search who’s in jail at Jefferson County Jail you should visit their link and do an inmate search.

The Jefferson County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including custody status, bail amount, and schedule for visitation. You can also find info on anyone arrested and processed or discharged in the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You’ll be able to locate the information fast if you have their first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or family member might be in another county jail you can look here: Alabama Jails

A mugshot, or intake photo, is the photograph that the jail takes during jail intake processing. They take one face photo and a profile picture. Your full name and jail booking number will be in the mugshot, and they will be on file at the jail.

Mugshots can be viewed on the Jefferson County Jail website, or you can view them at the Jefferson County Jail. When viewing online you have to input the inmate’s first and last name, and an arrest date.

Want to get your mugshot removed from the Jefferson County Jail site? This can be tricky, as your mugshot is a matter of public record. You must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that your arrest record would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

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Naturally, if you’re arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through booking, a bail amount will be set using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out of jail you are required to promise to be in court on your court date, and you won’t be allowed to leave town.

Typically, inmates in the Jefferson County Jail will be given time off for good behavior when they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while they are in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will have to stay the jail each day when you’re finished working, or you might have the chance to move to a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will have to pay depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. Someone you know will need to pay 10% of the amount set in order to get discharged from jail. If you don’t go to your court appearance, that person will lose that 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 information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know the bail amount. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but usually, it is simple to do if you have the money. First, figure out if they have a Cash Only Bond. If so, you will not be able to use the services of a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they can’t take a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the person will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and usually have a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman might use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond.

If you need a local bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman at Jefferson County Jail

Have you ever used a Bail Bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to share your story

In Alabama bail amounts are already set by the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure – Bail Schedule, but keep in mind that the judge or magistrate has the final word on how high your bail is set. The bail schedule includes all crimes included in state law and the specific amount of bail for each of the crimes.

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

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The jail intake process includes the following steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you have to answer a bunch of questions, such as your full legal name, street address, birthdate and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• They will let you use the phone so you can contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will be issued a jail uniform.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, you should tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? How were you treated? Do you have any secrets that will help other people to get through the process?

Click here to tell your story

When you pay your bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. The discharge process will take anywhere between 10 minutes to all day. Or, simply, the quicker you post bail, the faster you will be freed. How quickly you get discharged can depend on whether or not you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if a magistrate needs to determine the bail amount. For minor charges, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the release date, plan to be released that morning.

If the police have a, or if you have to begin your sentence in jail, you really should follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, go to the jail intake area, and tell an officer that you think there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if so, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Be sure that you aren’t late. Make sure that you only bring approved items with you, for example a driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, and the sentencing order from court.

The inmate have to provide each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail. Your visitor’s information will be put into the visitors log as an Authorized visit. Every visitor will be required to provide proof of identification. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Jefferson County Jail frequently change, so it would be wise to review the official site before you go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are usually more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s ability to use the phone may be limited or forbidden.

The Jefferson County Jail phone number is: 205-325-5409

All mall sent to inmates must be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You must not use any other method of delivery. You have to clearly print the person’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the envelope. Do not send anything in a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail will be opened and inspected and read by the jail administration, and the mail will be sent back if it can’t be delivered.

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

Jefferson County Jail
2200 8Th Ave North
Birmingham, AL 35203

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Jefferson County Jail
2200 8Th Ave North
Birmingham, AL 35203

The mail policy at Jefferson County Jail is always changing, so double check the the Jefferson County Jail website when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you get arrested, you have rights, the most important of which is the right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea to have a friend or relative locate an attorney for you. You may be asking yourself ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate the court system in your county. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

To read more about how to find an attorney, click: How to Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, you will get a public defender. Also, the Public Defender has access to investigators, forensics experts and social case workers. All Public Defenders are real attorneys who are admitted to the Alabama State Bar Association and are completely licensed to practice law.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court records are public records and are available upon request. They are comprised of a file with a docket sheet and each of the documents that have been filed in the case. You have the ability to access your court records via the Jefferson County website, or by going to the Clerk of Court.

The Jefferson County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that manages court records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All court records associated with your case are maintained at Jefferson County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees and costs are all costs associated with your court case, such as 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.

The Jefferson County court magistrate is the judge that presides on your case. They do different functions, such as setting bail amounts, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together to include background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the judge will review when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the defendant, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Keep in mind that you can ask to get a copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, and review it and correct any mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, which include community service and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, you may be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could get a date that you are supposed to go to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Want to find out if somebody you know is currently in jail, or has ever been in jail?

To find this out just query the Jefferson County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants on the Jefferson County jail website or call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. 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, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are in the public record and the information is freely available.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, which can be warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders must be registered and listed on either a national or state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view these listings on the internet, but remember that you will not be able to find the street address, rather the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. These records include a court case file that contains a docket and any of the documents and filings filed in your court case. You are able to access court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the Jefferson County Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of people’s criminal past. These databases are all linked so you can track criminal histories from other states. You can go to the courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and if it was in a totally 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 any crimes, which can include:

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

When you do a criminal history search, you generally won’t discover if someone has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this kind of information, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you have to call the Jefferson County courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments may make it easier for others.

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Jefferson County, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in Jefferson County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, in time you will get accustomed to the daily routine. Inmates get a wake-up alarm each morning at 6:00AM, and then roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. Following breakfast you will work 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 people in jail might change, so review the official Jefferson County Jail site before you send funds to an inmate 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Jefferson County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 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:

• 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.

Speak Your Mind

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 at this jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever visited an inmate in this jail?

If yes, then please leave a comment below about it. Write down your experience so other people can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to put in the review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has a story about it. Why’d you get arrested? Did you get fair treatment? What was it like in jail? What were the other inmates like? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Trying to send a message to somebody you met when you were locked up? Write your message below.

Say Hello to someone at Jefferson County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Jefferson County Jail Link
Jefferson County Jail Inmate Search
View Jefferson County Jail Mugshots
Jefferson County Jail Bail Amount Link

AL Bail Schedule

Jefferson County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Jefferson County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Jefferson County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Jefferson County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Jefferson County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Money to an Inmate at Jefferson County Jail
Jobs at Jefferson County Jail


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