Hamilton County Jail

The capacity of the Hamilton County Jail in Illinois ranges from around 113 to 151 inmates, depending on the source. The Hamilton County Jail in Illinois is located at 100 South Jackson Street, McLeansboro, Illinois, 62859. The phone number for the jail is 618-643-2511. According to, inmates at the Hamilton County Jail in Illinois are allowed two 45-minute onsite video visits each week. These visits must be scheduled in advance, anytime between 8:15am to 4pm Tuesday through Sunday. It is important to note that these visits might get confined if either the prisoner/guest disregards rules. The Hamilton County Jail in Illinois houses inmates with mental health issues, those awaiting trial, and those serving a sentence. In August 2022, two inmates sentenced to jail in Hamilton County were set to be released. Visitation hours, prison roster, and phone number for the jail can be found online. A blue ribbon committee convened by Chief Judge Tim Evans found that conditions at the jail were "isolating and deprivational". The County Jail Act requires that jails be kept in good and sufficient condition and repair. It is unclear what makes Hamilton County Jail in Illinois unique as the provided search results only provide information on how to search for inmates and visitation rules. There is no information on any unique features or programs offered by the jail.

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

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Hamilton County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 618-643-2511.

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.

Hamilton County Jail Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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.