Coles County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Coles County

Coles County Jail Information

The Coles County Jail is a 154 bed jail in the city of Charleston, Coles County, Illinois.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 217-348-0584, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

Phone: 217-348-0584

Physical Address:
701 Seventh St.
Charleston, IL 61920

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's first and last name
Coles County Jail
701 Seventh St.
Charleston, IL 61920

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Coles County Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Coles County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 217-348-0584 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up the  Coles County Criminal Court or any court in Illinois, as well as criminal court case information regarding an offender.

Coles County Jail Inmate Search

The Coles County Jail maintains an average of 154 offenders in custody on any given day. The Coles County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Coles County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 3,080 offenders.

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About the Coles County Jail
The Coles County Jail in Illinois has a capacity of 154 inmates. The Coles County Jail is located at 701 7th St in Charleston, Illinois. To schedule a visit, you can call (217) 348-7332 at least 24 hours in advance. For more information about visitation guidelines or other inquiries, you can contact the jail directly at (217) 348-0584. The visitation hours at Coles County Jail in Illinois vary depending on the day. According to, visiting hours are as follows: Thursday and Friday from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Each inmate is allowed one 25-minute visit per week, according to. However, states that each inmate is allowed four visits per week, with each visit limited to 48 minutes. To schedule a visit, you can call (217) 348-7332 at least 24 hours in advance. Coles County Jail in Illinois has a 24/7 contact number for questions regarding inmate status, bond amounts, or concerns. Visitation hours, prison roster, and phone number are available on the Waukeganweb.net website. The staff provided general information about the jail such as any injuries or changes in the inmate's condition. Access to some records may require providing a valid government-issued I.D or other documents. There are 15 inmates sentenced to jail in Coles County set to be released from the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections during the first quarter of 2022. There is no information available in the provided search results that suggests what makes Coles County Jail in Illinois unique. The search results only provide general information about the jail's location, current inmates, and management by the Coles County Sheriff's Office.
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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Coles County Jail?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Coles County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 217-348-0584.

There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.

Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.

If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.

Coles County Jail Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Coles County?

After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Coles County for booking.

Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.

What is the booking process like at the Coles County Jail?

Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Coles County and other Illinois and USA jurisdictions.

If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.

It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.

What happens to an offender’s personal property during booking?

During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.

Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.

What happens after booking?

At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.

If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Coles County Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.

Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.

How long does the Coles County Jail Booking process take?

Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.

If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.

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Directions / Map to the Coles County Jail
Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Coles County Jail? What is the Schedule?

The Coles County Jail uses Homewav for all Video Visitation services.

The information below provides complete instructions regarding:

Visiting Hours and Visitation Schedule,
Visitation Rules,
Application & Registration
Inmate Video Visits, and
Jail Visitation Process for the Coles County Jail

Coles County Jail uses HomeWAV for Inmate Video Visitation. 

Off-site remote visits are simple and convenient for both inmates and you. 
Outgoing calls can be initiated from the detention facility without the need for advanced scheduling.
HomeWAV is compatible with both Apple iOS and Android.
HomeWAV is compatible with most major browsers on either PC or Mac computers, but works best with Google Chrome.

 

Following these instructions exactly will enhance your chances of having trouble-free visits.

How Much does Homewav Cost?

Coles County Jail charges $0.50 cents per minute for video visitation and $1.00 for each video message.  

There is NO minimum talk time. Each ‘call’ can be as short as one minute.

In addition, there is a $1.00 fee for any purchase. All “Talk to me Funds” can only be used between the inmate and the visitor who owns the account.

How does HomeWAV video visitation work?

1.  Sign Up Here.
2. Complete both steps of the registration process
3. Add ‘Talk to me Funds’ to your account using your credit or debit card.
4. Then you just wait for the inmate to call

How Do I add Funds to my account?

1. Once you are logged in, click “Add Talk to Me Funds
2. Type in the amount of dollars you want to add to your account.
3. Click “Update” 
4. Choose a way to pay (Credit, debit, or prepaid card.)

Can I use HomeWAV on my smartphone or tablet?

Yes, however your HomeWAV account must be first set up online from a computer. 

Once you have added funds to your account, you will need to install the Homewav app onto your phone or tablet.

To receive calls you must log in through the app and wait for the inmate to initiate the call. 

You cannot add funds or make any changes to your account information through the app. These options are only available through the website. 

The app should be solely used for video visitation.

What are the minimum PC requirements?

1. A computer with Windows Operating System. (Note: HomeWAV works best with Chrome.)
2. Speakers or Headphones
3. Camera and microphone

Can I use HomeWAV from the jail lobby if I don’t have a computer?

Yes, Coles County Jail has a HomeWAV kiosk in their lobby for you to use if you don’t have a computer or smartphone, however due to COVID issues you may be temporarily prohibited entrance into their lobby. 

How does the Inmate Know I am Logged in and Ready to Visit?

1.    Make sure there are funds in your account and that you are marked as “appear online”.
2.    The moment you log in, the HomeWAV screen at the facility will light up green and display the inmates name. This informs the inmate that they have a visitor that is now logged on. 
3.    Once the inmate sees the notification, he or she will initiate the call.
4.    When the inmate initiates the call, a ringing sound will take place and a pop-up box will appear, asking you if you want to accept the call.

Can I transfer funds from one inmate to another?

If you have multiple inmates and would like to transfer your funds to a different inmate, please call HomeWAV at 314-764-2872 or email [email protected] and include the following information:
1.    Homewav account holder’s name.
2.    The number of minutes to be transferred.
3.    Facility Name.
4.    From which inmate to who do you want to transfer funds.

How do I get a refund on leftover funds?

Email HomeWAV at [email protected] with your refund request. 
REFUNDS are subject to a $7.50 processing fee.  *Note* refund requests must be sent from the email address of the registered visitor.

How can I contact HomeWAV if I’m having any problems?

HomeWAV Visitor Support is available 7 days a week during the following hours:

Monday – Friday 
9:00AM to 6:00PM EST

Saturday – Sunday 
8:00AM to 6:00PM EST

HomeWAV Customer Service: Call 314-764-2872, or toll free 844-394-6639.

HomeWAV Video Tutorials

HomeWAV Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Coles County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-348-0584 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Coles County Jail?

The information below provides complete instructions regarding Homewav Video Visitation for Coles County Jail:

Visiting Hours and Visitation Schedule,
Visitation Rules,
Application & Registration
Inmate Video Visits, and
Jail Visitation Process for the Coles County Jail

Coles County Jail uses HomeWAV for Inmate Video Visitation. 

Off-site remote visits are simple and convenient for both inmates and you. 
Outgoing calls can be initiated from the detention facility without the need for advanced scheduling.
HomeWAV is compatible with both Apple iOS and Android.
HomeWAV is compatible with most major browsers on either PC or Mac computers, but works best with Google Chrome.

 

Following these instructions exactly will enhance your chances of having trouble-free visits.

How Much does Homewav Cost?

Coles County Jail charges $0.50 cents per minute for video visitation and $1.00 for each video message.  

There is NO minimum talk time. Each ‘call’ can be as short as one minute.

In addition, there is a $1.00 fee for any purchase. All “Talk to me Funds” can only be used between the inmate and the visitor who owns the account.

How does HomeWAV video visitation work?

1.  Sign Up Here.
2. Complete both steps of the registration process
3. Add ‘Talk to me Funds’ to your account using your credit or debit card.
4. Then you just wait for the inmate to call

How Do I add Funds to my account?

1. Once you are logged in, click “Add Talk to Me Funds
2. Type in the amount of dollars you want to add to your account.
3. Click “Update” 
4. Choose a way to pay (Credit, debit, or prepaid card.)

Can I use HomeWAV on my smartphone or tablet?

Yes, however your HomeWAV account must be first set up online from a computer. 

Once you have added funds to your account, you will need to install the Homewav app onto your phone or tablet.

To receive calls you must log in through the app and wait for the inmate to initiate the call. 

You cannot add funds or make any changes to your account information through the app. These options are only available through the website. 

The app should be solely used for video visitation.

What are the minimum PC requirements?

1. A computer with Windows Operating System. (Note: HomeWAV works best with Chrome.)
2. Speakers or Headphones
3. Camera and microphone

Can I use HomeWAV from the jail lobby if I don’t have a computer?

Yes, Coles County Jail has a HomeWAV kiosk in their lobby for you to use if you don’t have a computer or smartphone, however due to COVID issues you may be temporarily prohibited entrance into their lobby. 

How does the Inmate Know I am Logged in and Ready to Visit?

1.    Make sure there are funds in your account and that you are marked as “appear online”.
2.    The moment you log in, the HomeWAV screen at the facility will light up green and display the inmates name. This informs the inmate that they have a visitor that is now logged on. 
3.    Once the inmate sees the notification, he or she will initiate the call.
4.    When the inmate initiates the call, a ringing sound will take place and a pop-up box will appear, asking you if you want to accept the call.

Can I transfer funds from one inmate to another?

If you have multiple inmates and would like to transfer your funds to a different inmate, please call HomeWAV at 314-764-2872 or email [email protected] and include the following information:
1.    Homewav account holder’s name.
2.    The number of minutes to be transferred.
3.    Facility Name.
4.    From which inmate to who do you want to transfer funds.

How do I get a refund on leftover funds?

Email HomeWAV at [email protected] with your refund request. 
REFUNDS are subject to a $7.50 processing fee.  *Note* refund requests must be sent from the email address of the registered visitor.

How can I contact HomeWAV if I’m having any problems?

HomeWAV Visitor Support is available 7 days a week during the following hours:

Monday – Friday 
9:00AM to 6:00PM EST

Saturday – Sunday 
8:00AM to 6:00PM EST

HomeWAV Customer Service: Call 314-764-2872, or toll free 844-394-6639.

HomeWAV Video Tutorials

HomeWAV Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Coles County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-348-0584 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Coles County Jail?

There are three choices for putting money on an inmate's books:

Choice 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail

Bring money to the jail in person. 

Jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment.

Coles County Jail has a Tiger Kiosk in the Lobby that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.

If you can't get your questions answered online call the Coles County Jail at 217-348-0584.

Choice 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online

Coles County Jail and others often use a private company to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.

Go to the online site for depositing funds. You will need to register an account, which is free to do and use a debit/credit card for the deposits.

Choice 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail

Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union.

Make the Money Order out to the inmate's name and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.

Call Coles County Jail at 217-348-0584 to confirm the address to send the money order to and how they want it made out.

Failure to do this properly will delay your inmate getting his account credited and may require you to have to resubmit a second money order.

Call 217-348-0584 to ask facility personnel who to make the money order out to, and where to send it.

How to Purchase Commissary for an Inmate in Coles County Jail

To purchase commissary for an inmate in Coles County follow these instructions:

  • Go to Tiger Services Online.
  • Choose Illinois.
  • Select Coles County Jail.
  • Click on 'Order Commissary'.
  • Select your inmate.
  • Enter your billing information.
  • Follow the rest of the instructions for Coles County Jail to complete your transaction.

For more detailed information on Ordering Commissary, Depositing Money, Setting up Phone & Visitation Accounts; costs, fees, restrictions, rules and more with Tiger Commissary Services, check out our Commissary Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Coles County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-348-0584 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Coles County Jail?

How Do Inmates in Coles County Jail Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Coles County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

  • Coles County Jail uses the services of HOMEWAV.
  • Register with them online or call them at 844-394-6639
  • Agents are available from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and speak both English & Spanish.
  • Services for Coles County inmates and their families and friends include Collect Calling, PIN Debits or Purchasing Calling Cards.

For all the information regarding phone calls with Coles County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, video, messaging, time limits and more, visit our Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Coles County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-348-0584 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Coles County Jail, and what can I send them?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Coles County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-348-0584 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Coles County Jail, and what can I purchase?

The Coles County Jail contracts with Tiger Commissary. 

If you want to purchase Commissary for your inmate online click on the image below and follow the instructions.

Tiger Commissary Frequently Asked Questions.

Tiger Commissary Online Support.

How to Purchase Commissary for an Inmate in Coles County Jail

To purchase commissary for an inmate in Coles County follow these instructions:

  • Go to Tiger Services Online.
  • Choose Illinois.
  • Select Coles County Jail.
  • Click on 'Order Commissary'.
  • Select your inmate.
  • Enter your billing information.
  • Follow the rest of the instructions for Coles County Jail to complete your transaction.

For more detailed information on Ordering Commissary, Depositing Money, Setting up Phone & Visitation Accounts; costs, fees, restrictions, rules and more with Tiger Commissary Services, check out our Commissary Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Coles County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-348-0584 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Coles County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Friends and Family can leave Video Messages for Inmates using HomeWAV Video services.

The cost is $1.00 per message. In addition, there is a $1.00 fee for any purchase. 
How does HomeWAV video messaging (email) work?

1. Sign Up.
2. Complete both steps of the registration process
3. Add ‘Talk to me Funds’ to your account using your credit or debit card.
4. Send your video message.

How to Visit or Email an Inmate in Coles County Illinois or visiting an inmate at the jail

To visit or email an inmate in Coles County follow these steps:

  • In addition to visiting inmates at the jail, Coles County Jail uses a video visitation service called HomeWav.
  • Register and Sign Up Here.
  • Complete all steps of the registration process to get full access to Coles County Jail inmate communication services.
  • Add ‘Talk to me Funds’ to your account using your credit or debit card.
  • Then you just wait for your Coles County inmate to communicate.
    How do you add Funds to your account?
  • Once you are logged in, click “Add Talk to Me Funds".
  • Type in the amount of dollars you want to add to your account.
  • Click “Update”.
  • Choose a way to pay (Credit, debit, or prepaid card).

Who do you contact if you are having any problems arranging the remote video visit, phoning or emailing of an inmate in Coles County?
Call HomeWav support at 314-764-2872, or toll free 844-394-6639.
Monday – Friday 
9:00AM to 6:00PM EST
Saturday – Sunday 
8:00AM to 6:00PM EST

NOTE: All communications between you and your inmate at Coles County Jail will be recorded and stored. Do not discuss your inmate's case or other sensitive information as it can be used against them (or you) in court.

For full instructions on all the benefits of using Homewav to visit a Coles County inmate, visiting an inmate at the jail itself, email and texting an inmate, rates, policies, rules, dress codes, bringing children, attorney and clergy visits and more, go to our official Visit Inmate Page. 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Coles County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-348-0584 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Coles County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Coles County Jail now offers Homewav ComPAS™ (Portable Access System) tablets to their inmates.


 
Homewav is the same company that handles the inmate phone system, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

  • Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
  • eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
  • Video Messages and Video Calls - Send and receive video messages and have video visits and calls with inmate.
  • Job Search - Inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
  • Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources, including GED courses.
  • Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
  • Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
  • Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
  • eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
  • Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
  • Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
  • Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.

Here's how it works:

  • Register here
  • You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
  • No activation or early termination fees.
  • Your inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days after you pay.

Questions:

Coles County Jail now offers Homewav ComPAS™ (Portable Access System) tablets to their inmates.


 
Homewav is the same company that handles the inmate phone system, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for phone, visits, messages, education, self-help and entertainment.

Questions:

To learn more about Homewav tablets, the dozens of features, cost and how to get one delivered to your inmate, check out our Inmate Tablet page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Coles County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 217-348-0584 for further assistance.

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Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Coles County?

Coles Clark Cumberland Shelby Edgar Douglas Moultrie
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Search for an Inmate in Coles County

This facility, known as "Coles County Jail" is also known as Coles County Jail , Coles County Jail , Illinois, Coles.