Madison County Jail

Q: Does Madison County have bail?

Does Madison County have bail? Yes, Madison County recognizes most types of bonds. Bail is a Constitutional right. This means most defendants can qualify for pre-trial release on their own recognizance, cash bail, or a surety bond.

Q: What kind of bonds are accepted in Madison County?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Madison County? Iowa recognizes most types of bonds. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest. Defendants can qualify for pre-trial release on their own recognizance, cash bail, or a surety bond.

Q: Who can set bail in Madison County?

Who can set bail in Madison County? Bail for less serious, nonviolent crimes are set according to a predetermined bail schedule and can range from $300-$25,000. For more serious & violent crimes, or when the defendant does not qualify for immediate release, bail must be set by a judge.

Q: When is bail set in Madison County Iowa?

When is bail set in Madison County Iowa? For less serious, nonviolent crimes bail is set according to a predetermined bail schedule and this information will be available during processing. For crimes requiring a judge to set bail the defendant will usually be within 24 hours of arrest.

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

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Madison County Jail? To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Madison County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 515-462-3575. 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. Madison County Jail Booking Roster

Q: What happens during booking in Madison County?

What happens during booking in Madison 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 Madison 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.

Q: What is the booking process like at the Madison County Jail?

What is the booking process like at the Madison 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 Madison County and other Iowa 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.

Q: What kind of questions are asked during booking?

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 with 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. If the offender remains in jail for any length of time, the Madison County Jail will allow a friend or family member to pick up the inmate's property if the offender gives written authorization for a named person to do so. To find out the days and times for picking up an inmate's property, and what you will need to bring to verify your identity, call the jail at 515-462-3575 during business hours.

Q: How long does the Madison County Jail booking process take?

How long does the Madison 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. What happens after an offender is booked into the Madison County Jail? 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 Madison 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.

Question 1

How Do You Find Someone in the Madison County Jail?

Answer

To search for an inmate in the Madison 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 515-462-3575 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's criminal court case and docket schedule online for Madison County and any other county in Iowa.

Madison County Jail Inmate Search

The Madison County Jail maintains an average of 18 offenders in custody on any given day. The Madison 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 Madison County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 960 offenders.

The following charts of Madison County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the Madison County Corrections Department, the state of Iowa Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Madison County.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Madison County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

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Question 2

About the Madison County Jail

Answer

The 18-bed Madison County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Madison County as they wait for their trial or as they serve their sentence, usually less than one year.

It serves many law enforcement organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, local police, Immigration, and other surrounding counties as needed.

If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 515-462-3575, and an online listing of all the detainees is published for your own investigation.

Upon intake, the booking process is completed, which includes a medical screening, fingerprinting and mugshots, DNA sample, along with an assessment to determine security needs, medical needs, mental health requirements, and housing assignment.

Staff is available to transport all inmates to court dates and any medical appointments or emergency needs, as well as inspecting all mail for contraband, receiving commissary funds and other money for inmates, maintaining the safety of the community and the security of the facility, and other tasks.

The Madison County Jail also provides several other services to inmates including basic needs in meals, laundry, and hygiene items, and programs including AA, counseling, religious programs, education, recreation, and opportunities to grow social and life skills.

Along with the efforts made by the staff, reduced recidivism is seen when inmates are able to stay in contact and supported by their family or friends who are not incarcerated so mail, phones, and visits are provided.

Visits are in person, and are via video and an account is created online to book and complete visits, allowing both visitors and inmates to schedule a visit.

Phone accounts are also registered online, and allow for inmates to make outgoing calls during the daytime and evening hours when they are not participating in a task or program.

Information for money for an inmate’s commissary can be found on our Inmate Money page.

All personal mail is sent to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Madison County Jail
PO Box 517
Winterset, IA 50273

Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.

Legal mail, money orders, books and newspaper and magazine subscriptions are mailed to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Madison County Jail
1012 N John Wayne Drive
Winterset, IA 50273

Sheriff: 515-462-3575

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Question 3

Recent Bookings & Arrests

Answer

The booking process explained for Madison County Jail

Following an arrest, individuals are processed at Madison County Jail. The booking process confirms identity, charges, and whether the individual will be released, granted bail, or held until court.

It is advisable to remain silent during booking, as anything said can be used against the individual later. Legal counsel should be consulted before any statements are made.

The booking steps at Madison County Jail include:

Identification verification.
Taking mugshots.
Answering questions about health, criminal history, and gang affiliations.
Possible DNA sample collection.
A full-body search.
Confiscating personal items for safekeeping.
Providing a phone call.

Depending on circumstances, the booking process can take one hour or up to 48 hours. To inquire about posting bond for an arrestee, contact the facility at 515-462-3575.

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Question 4

Directions / Map to the Madison County Jail

Answer

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Question 5

Inmate Bail and Bonding

Answer

What are the bail options in Madison County after an arrest?

Once arrested, an individual may be brought to Madison County Jail in Winterset for processing. The next steps vary:

1. The individual may be released without paying bail and ordered to appear on a set date.
2. The individual could be held in jail until their hearing.
3. Posting bail or bond allows them to be released. Call 515-462-3575 to confirm the bail amount.

There are several ways to pay an individual’s bail.

Cash, credit, and money orders are accepted payment methods.
Licensed bail bond agencies in Madison County can provide assistance.
County real estate may also be used as collateral for bail.

For more information about bail in Madison County, Iowa, see the Madison County Jail Bail Guide.

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Question 6

Inmate Visitation

Answer

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

Madison County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

1012 N John Wayne Drive
Winterset, IA 50273
515-462-3575

Visits are 30 minutes.
You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 515-462-3575 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 515-462-3575 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY	TIMES
SUNDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM
MONDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
TUESDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
THURSDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
FRIDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM
SATURDAY	9:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

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Question 7

Remote Video Visitation

Answer

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

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Question 8

Inmate Money Accounts

Answer

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

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Question 9

Inmate Phone Contact

Answer

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

How Do Inmates in Madison County Jail Make Phone Calls?

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

Madison County Jail uses the services of a company named Inmate Sales.
Register with them online or call them at 877-998-5678.
Agents are available M-F from 8:00 AM - 12:00 midnight EST, Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, and speak both English & Spanish.
Services for Madison County inmates and their families and friends include: Collect Calling, PIN Debit, Purchasing Calling Cards, Deposits, Messaging & Video Visitation.

iphone app
Google Play app

For all the information regarding phone calls with Madison County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, 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 Madison County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

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Question 10

Mailing an Inmate

Answer

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

Madison County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Madison 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 Madison 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 ID#
Madison County Jail
PO Box 517
Winterset, IA 50273

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Madison County Jail
1012 N John Wayne Drive
Winterset, IA 50273

Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the 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 Madison 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 noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Madison County Jail standards will be disposed of.
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 ID#
Madison County Jail
1012 N John Wayne Drive
Winterset, IA 50273

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

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Question 11

Inmate Commissary

Answer

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Madison 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 Madison County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

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Question 12

Texting and Emailing an Inmate

Answer

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

Madison County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales to allow text messaging communication between inmates and their friends and family.

Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.
This product allows inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.

Here's how it works:

First you must register, and then funds are added to the inmate's account. If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
When an inmate gets the device they may send 5 free automated messages each day for the first three days of possession of the chirping device.
These automated messages will inform the person the inmate Chirped who is sending the Chirps and the facility they are Chirping from.
It will then ask them to go to a direct link to the inmate's account on the Inmate Sales website.
The website will then instruct them to use a credit card to put money on the inmate's account.

Cost of Chirping:

Inmates will be charged a monthly service fee of $4.00. Inbound and Outbound Chirps are $0.10 each.
If an inmate has available funds on their chirping device they will be able to chirp any cell phone and that chirp will appear to be a normal text.
If you wish to stop receiving Chirps from an inmate, reply to the Chirp with STOP.

iphone app
Google Play app

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Madison County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Madison County Jail follow these steps:

Register with Inmate Sales, the company that handles inmate messaging in Madison County, by creating an account.
Select Iowa, then select Madison County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
Choose the amount of money you want to spend, and input your payment method. The funds can also be used by the inmate to send a message back to you.
If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
NOTE: All messages between you and your inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

- Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.
- This product allows Madison County inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
- Inmates will be charged a monthly service fee of $4.00.
- Inbound and Outbound Chirps are $0.10 each.

Inmate Sales Apps
iphone app
Google Play app

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Madison County Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Madison County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

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Question 13

Inmate Tablets

Answer

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 515-462-3575 for further assistance.

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Question 14

Other Jails in Madison County

Answer

What are the other City and County Jails in Madison County?

Madison County County Jails

Madison County Jail

Madison County Juvenile Facilities

Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center

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Question 15

Other Jails Nearby

Answer

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

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Madison County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Madison County

Madison County Jail Information

The booking process explained for Madison County Jail

What are the bail options in Madison County after an arrest?

Madison County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

How Do Inmates in Madison County Jail Make Phone Calls?

Madison County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Madison County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales to allow text messaging communication between inmates and their friends and family.

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Madison County

Search for an Inmate in Madison County

Madison County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Madison County

Madison County Jail Information

The booking process explained for Madison County Jail

What are the bail options in Madison County after an arrest?

Madison County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

How Do Inmates in Madison County Jail Make Phone Calls?

Madison County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Madison County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales to allow text messaging communication between inmates and their friends and family.

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Madison County

Search for an Inmate in Madison County

Inmate SearchMadison County & City of Winterset

Inmate SearchState of Iowa and Federal Lockups

Madison County JailContact Information