Located in Waukegan, Lake County, Illinois, the Lake County Jail is a 740-bed facility. You can call them anytime for inmate information at 847-377-4150.
This facility handles offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies, who are brought here for booking and processing. Depending on their charges, inmates may remain in custody until they are either bonded out, released on recognizance, or held until their trial is completed.
The inmate search tool can be used to view the jail's roster and find out who is in custody.
Offenders sentenced to less than one year will serve their time at this jail, while those with longer sentences will be transferred to either the Illinois State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on a range of inmate services, including the visitation schedule, inmate account funding, sending mail, phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.
It’s a good idea to keep the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for future communication needs. If it’s not available online, call Lake County Jail at 847-377-4150 for further assistance.
Phone: 847-377-4150
Physical Address:
29 S Martin Luther King Jr Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate "L" Number
(Example: Tom Smith L14318)
P.O. Box 38
Waukegan, IL 60079-0038
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate "L" Number
(Example: Tom Smith L14318)
P.O. Box 38
Waukegan, IL 60079-0038
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Lake 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 847-377-4150 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up the Lake County Criminal Court or any court in Illinois, as well as criminal court case information regarding an offender.
Lake County Jail Inmate Search
The Lake County Jail maintains an average of 740 offenders in custody on any given day. The Lake 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 Lake County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 16,000 offenders.
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Completed in 1989, the Lake County Jail replaced a building that was 20 years older, and has been updated as needed to meet the most recent security and safety requirements. It houses all of the arrested offenders from Lake County who are waiting for bail, for trial, or for their sentence to be completed.
Those who are seeking to locate an inmate may call the facility at 847-377-4150 to determine if they are at the location, but information shared will be limited. Lake County Jail provides classification that allows those with similar criminal histories and need to be housed together as a way to improve safety for all inmates.
It uses direct supervision, with officers having a station within each of the housing units that will provide clear views, fast response times, relationship building between inmates and the staff, and has been shown to create and maintain a safer environment than other supervision methods.
There is a Correctional Healthcare service that meets all medical and mental health needs of each inmate, as assessed upon their intake and on an ongoing basis.
Food services are provided with food being cooked onsite and three meals delivered each day, with all of them designed to create a balanced diet and accommodations for medical or religious reasons.
A library, educational services, reentry program, and even a worker program that allows inmates to work during their incarceration are present and active to keep inmates engaged, active, and working towards their goals for after they are finished their sentence.
All inmates are permitted to both send and receive mail through the postal service, and incoming mail must have a return address, be free of money, cheques, or other contraband, and be addressed to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate "L" Number
(Example: Tom Smith L14318)
P.O. Box 38
Waukegan, IL 60079-0038
They are also provided access to phones in the common areas and can use a phone account to call their family or friends during the recreational hours, as well as having access to tablets which offer electronic messaging, photographs, books and media, and can accommodate video visitation. The Visitation Page sets out guidelines for visits and allows for scheduling or access video visits, with inmates being able to begin their own visits on their schedule via tablet, or visitors can access video visits in the lobby for $0.25/minute on weekends 9am-10:30am, 11:45am-2:30pm, or 5:30pm-9:30pm.
When someone is arrested, they are taken to Lake County Jail for booking. This process includes identifying them, deciding on charges, and determining if they will be eligible for bail or held until court.
It's important to stay silent during this process, as any statements made may be used in court. Legal advice should be sought before speaking about the case.
The following steps make up the booking process at Lake County Jail:
The duration of booking can vary, taking between one and 48 hours. For more information on paying an arrestee’s bond, contact Lake County Jail at 847-377-4150.
After being arrested and booked into Lake County Jail in Waukegan, the arrestee's situation will proceed in one of three ways:
1. They may be released without bail and required to attend a court hearing.
2. They may be held in custody until their court date.
3. Bail can be posted for their release; call 847-377-4150 for the exact bail amount.
There are multiple ways to pay bail.
To get more information on the bail process in Lake County, Illinois, visit the Lake County Jail Bail FAQ.
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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Lake County Jail? What is the Schedule?
Schedule Video Visits online with gettingout
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00AM - 10:30AM 11:45AM - 2:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00AM - 10:30AM 11:45AM - 2:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00AM - 10:30AM 11:45AM - 2:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00AM - 10:30AM 11:45AM - 2:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00AM - 10:30AM 11:45AM - 2:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00AM - 10:30AM 11:45AM - 2:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00AM - 10:30AM 11:45AM - 2:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM |
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
How it Works with GettingOut
1. Register an account.
2. Select Lake County Jail
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.
4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number .
5. Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.
GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.
Customer Service for GettingOut
If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
GettingOut online contact form
Frequently Asked Questions
The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.
To visit an inmate in Lake County, whether by video or in person 'at the jail', follow these steps:
Other than 'at the jail' visits between you and your inmate, which is explained and outlined in detail on our Visit Inmate Page, Lake County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of GettingOut.
There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in Lake County Jail:
1. Using the GettingOut Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut apps.
To remotely visit an inmate in Lake County follow these steps:
1. Start by confirming that Lake County Jail's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Lake County here.
2. The next step is to create an account here for GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select Lake County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.
Other Lake County Services provided by GettingOut:
- Phone Calls & Voicemail
- Email, Photo & Video Sharing
- Inmate Tablet Rental
- Deposits
Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Lake County Jail Visitation Services you can call them at 866-516-0115.
Frequently Asked Questions
* All the information you need to have complete knowledge about inmate visitation; policies, rules, fees, schedules, tips, dress codes, and children, lawyers and clergy visitation in Lake County, can be found on our Visit Inmate Page.
Lake County Jail Phone: 847-377-4150
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 847-377-4150 for further assistance.
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Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Lake County Jail?
Schedule Video Visits online with gettingout
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00AM - 10:30AM 11:45AM - 2:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00AM - 10:30AM 11:45AM - 2:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00AM - 10:30AM 11:45AM - 2:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00AM - 10:30AM 11:45AM - 2:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00AM - 10:30AM 11:45AM - 2:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00AM - 10:30AM 11:45AM - 2:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00AM - 10:30AM 11:45AM - 2:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM |
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00 AM - 9:30PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 847-377-4150 for further assistance.
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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Lake County Jail?
1. Commissary money in the form of a money order may be mailed to:
AdvancePay Service Department
P.O. Box 911722
Denver, CO 80291-1722
2. You may use cash or credit/debit cards at any time by using the kiosk located in the front lobby. The fee for the use of the ATM is generally $1.50 per transaction for cash and 10% fee for credit/debit cards.
3. Commissary money can also be added to an inmates account at any time using any of these methods online.
4. Cash deposits to ConnectNetwork are now available at 26,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, Kroger, and more. You’ll start the payment process online in your ConnectNetwork account, then complete your transaction with cash at a participating local retail store. Plus, many of these stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Find a retail store near you.
5. You can call customer service 24/7 at 877-650-4249 and get instructions for depositing money over the phone using a debit or credit card.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 847-377-4150 for further assistance.
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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Lake County Jail?
Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)
For full instructions on the Lake County Jail Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 847-377-4150 for further assistance.
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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Lake County Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Lake County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Lake County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.
Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate "L" Number
(Example: Tom Smith L14318)
P.O. Box 38
Waukegan, IL 60079-0038
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate "L" Number
(Example: Tom Smith L14318)
P.O. Box 38
Waukegan, IL 60079-0038
Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
The Lake County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Lake County Jail standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate "L" Number
(Example: Tom Smith L14318)
P.O. Box 38
Waukegan, IL 60079-0038
Postcards
The Lake County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature.
Envelopes
The Lake County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate "L" Number
(Example: Tom Smith L14318)
P.O. Box 38
Waukegan, IL 60079-0038
Legal Mail
Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate "L" Number
(Example: Tom Smith L14318)
P.O. Box 38
Waukegan, IL 60079-0038
Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
The Lake County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Lake County Jail standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate "L" Number
(Example: Tom Smith L14318)
P.O. Box 38
Waukegan, IL 60079-0038
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 847-377-4150 for further assistance.
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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Lake County Jail, and what can I purchase?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 847-377-4150 for further assistance.
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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Lake County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Lake County Jail contracts with GTL GettingOut, the same service that handles Inmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.
Then use the Facility Finder to:
1. Select Lake County Jail,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.
How Messaging Works
Watch this video on how to send a message.
1. Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.
2. After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message. Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.
How Uploading Photos Works
Watch this video on how to upload a photo.
1. Select the Photos Tab.
2. Select “Take New Photo” or “Upload New Photo”.
3. Take a new photo with your webcam, or select "Choose File" to upload a photo from your computer.
4. Give your photo a Title or add it to the "Gallery" of your choice.
5. Select the "Share" button.
6. Select your inmate(s) and then select "Share".
7. Once the photo is approved, it will be shared with your inmate(s).
Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call 866-516-0115
To mail or email an inmate in Lake County follow these steps:
When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please follow these instructions:
Emailing Messages & Photos
Facility_name_1} contracts with GTL GettingOut, the same service that handles iInmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.
Then use the Facility Finder to:
1. Select Lake County Jail,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.
Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call 866-516-0115
Go here to this FAQ to get answers to how the transition to ViaPath from GTL and gettingout will affect your account.
All the information you need to understand mail and email policies for Lake County can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 847-377-4150 for further assistance.
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Do Inmates in the Lake County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GettingOut, a GTL / Viapath company.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at Lake County Jail, such as:
- Free services are already available for use on the device at Lake County Jail.
- Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
- Lake County Jail Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.
What Does a Tablet Cost?
To estimate costs for tablets and other services such as phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page), but the following gives you a general idea.
Game Center:
30-Day Subscription: $4.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($5.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($3.74)
Seven-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($2.49)
Unlimited eBooks:
Thirty-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($2.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($1.74)
Seven-Day Subscription: $0.49, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)
Streaming Music:
Thirty-Day Subscription: $8.99, with an additional $16.00 service infrastructure charge ($24.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $5.99, with an additional $9.00 service infrastructure charge ($14.99)
Seven-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($7.99)
Newsfeed
Thirty-Day Subscription: $3.99, with an additional $6.00 service infrastructure charge ($9.99)
Fourteen-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($6.99)
Seven-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $3.00 service infrastructure charge ($3.99)
Same Day Subscription Services
Game Center: $0.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($1.49)
Unlimited eBooks: $0.25, (Total = 0.25)
Newsfeed: $0.24, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)
FM Radio: $0.24, with an additional $0.25 service infrastructure charge ($0.49)
All Subscription and message credit pricing is subject to state and local taxes.
Replacement Components - should your inmate break it...
Tablet: $249.99 per each
Charger: $8.99 per each
Earbuds: $2.99 per each
To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:
1. First, Register or Sign In to GettingOut/GTL
2. Purchase the services you want for your Lake County Jail inmate.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.
To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our Tablet Rental Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 847-377-4150 for further assistance.
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What are the other City and County Jails in Lake County?
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Lake County?
This facility, known as "Lake County Jail" is also known as Lake County Sheriff, Lake County Criminal Court, Lake County Jail , Lake County Jail , Illinois, Lake.
