The Decatur County Jail is part of the Decatur County justice system, responsible for holding people awaiting trial or serving sentences.
This page contains information about inmate visitation, how to send money or mail, bonding procedures, and how to find information online.
Please note that jail policies and procedures can change, so always confirm the latest information with the Decatur County Jail directly.
Inmate Visitation
If you’re planning to visit someone at the Decatur County Jail, here’s what you should know.
Visitation Rules and Procedures
There are rules to keep everyone safe and maintain order. You’ll need to follow the general visitation guidelines, which include limits on what you can bring with you. Recording audio or video of your visit is prohibited. Be sure to bring proper photo identification.
Visitation Schedules
Visitation times vary depending on the inmate’s classification:
- General Population: Wednesday-Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Protective Custody: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Children: Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Special considerations
If you live more than 75 miles away, you’ll be given a one-hour visitation window. Visitors must be over 14 years old in most cases.
Inmate Funds and Communication
If you need to manage an inmate’s account or communicate with them, here’s what you need to know about the Decatur County Jail’s policies:
Managing Inmate Accounts
You can add money to an inmate’s account through a kiosk at the jail, online, or by mailing a money order in the format required by the jail. To order commissary, the inmate must have funds in their account by 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
When an inmate is released, they’ll receive a Prestige Money Card containing the balance of their funds.
Inmate Communication
Inmates can purchase telephone time online or by phone.
All inmate mail is subject to certain regulations. Mail containing contraband or other prohibited content will be rejected. All mail must include the sender’s full name and return address, as well as the inmate’s full name and booking number.
Emailing inmates is allowed, but there is a fee for this service.
Inmate Bonding Procedures
If you’re trying to help someone get out of jail, it’s important to understand the bonding process. Here’s a breakdown of how it works in Decatur County:
Types of Bonds
- Cash bonds: A cash bond means you have to pay the full bond amount in cash to the jail. Once the inmate attends all required court appearances, the money is returned to whoever posted it (minus any court fees).
- Surety bonds: A surety bond involves using a professional bondsman. You’ll pay the bondsman a percentage of the total bond amount (usually around 10-15%), and they guarantee the full amount to the court. This fee is non-refundable.
- Property bonds: You can use real property you own as collateral for a bond. This requires providing documentation proving ownership and getting approval from the Sheriff’s Department. It’s a more complex process, and the property must be worth significantly more than the bond amount.
Bonding Fees and Considerations
The Decatur County Jail charges a $20.00 fee for each bond processed. If you use a debit or credit card, there’s also a 3.5% convenience fee. Keep in mind that fees paid to a bondsman are non-refundable, regardless of the case outcome.
Understanding the Process
Posting a bond can be confusing, so it’s important to understand all the procedures and fees involved. Make sure you ask questions and get clarification on anything you’re unsure about before proceeding.
Website security verification
When you visit the Decatur County Jail website, you may be asked to verify that you are a real person and not a bot.
This is a simple security measure that protects the site and its users. Just follow the on-screen instructions to complete the verification process. It only takes a moment.
Wrapping Up
So, we’ve covered the main points about Decatur County Jail: how to visit inmates, how to send them money or mail, how bonding works, and some security considerations about the jail’s website.
Following the rules and procedures outlined here is super important to keep things running smoothly and fairly for everyone involved.
Just remember, this information is based on what’s publicly available right now, and things can always change. Always double-check with the jail directly for the latest updates.