Memphis Jail Inmate Processing Times

Memphis Jails Processing Times and Other Information

Looking for information on jails in Memphis, Tennessee? This post contains information on inmate processing times and how long you can expect to be held when being booked in Memphis Jail, also known as Shelby County Jail. This post also sheds light on the stages of inmate processing (from intake to potential release or transfer) and other topics.

What is the main jail in Memphis, TN?

Shelby County Jail: The Main Jail is at 201 Poplar Avenue, which is where men are housed. Women, meanwhile, are housed at Jail East at 6201 Haley Road, and juveniles are housed at 616 Adams in downtown Memphis.

Shelby County Jail and Court Facilities Hours of Operation

• Shelby County Jail — Open 24/7
• Shelby County Jail East Women’s Facility — Open 24/7
• Shelby County Juvenile Detention Center — Open 24/7

General Session and Criminal Court Hours

Monday – Friday

8 am to 4:30 pm

Inmate Processing Times: How long does it take to be processed and released from jail in Memphis, TN?

Answer: When a defendant posts bond, the average release time is 6 to 8 hours, regardless of the offense. However, certain offenses have a mandatory holding period before a bond can be set.

These offenses include:

• Domestic Abuse (D.A.) or Bodily Harm (B.H.)
• Harassment
• DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
• Felony drug offenses
• Vandalism

For these specific offenses, the defendant will not receive a bond until they have been held for a minimum of 12-16 hours. This “cool down” period helps keep the victim safe.

Once the bond is set and paid, the defendant will be released within 6-8 hours.

Also, bonds can be posted at the jail seven days a week, 24 hours a day, including holidays, except during the shift changes from 7 am-8:15 am, 3 pm-4:15 pm, and 11 pm-12:15 am.

Bonds can be posted either through a bondsman or with cash.

How many inmates are booked every hour at Memphis Jail/Shelby County Jail?

The yearly booking at Shelby County Jail is about 56,000. Since there are 8,760 hours in a year, this means 6.4 inmates are booked every hour.

What are the processing times for inmates during weekends and holidays in Memphis, TN?

Holiday processing times in Memphis jails (Jail 201) are hard to predict.

As you would expect, though, the processing times for inmates during weekends and holidays in Memphis, TN can be longer than on regular business days.

This is due to several factors, including reduced staff levels and the non-operation of courts on weekends and most federal holidays. These factors delay arraignments and other judicial processes that require court action.

How do processing times in Memphis jails compare with national averages?

The 6 to 8-hour window in Memphis’s Shelby County Jail falls on the faster end of the spectrum for processing misdemeanor arrests, compared to the national average.

Note: Pinning down exact national processing times for misdemeanor and felony charges is quite difficult, as they vary per county, date, and the specifics of each case. National processing times can range anywhere from a few hours to over 24 hours. In some cases, especially in jurisdictions with high arrest volumes or limited resources, processing times can extend beyond 24 hours.

Inmate Processing Steps: What happens after you are taken to jail in Memphis, TN, and how long does each step take?

In Memphis, once a defendant has been arrested and brought in, he or she will get:

Fingerprinted – These are used to check the defendant’s criminal history and potential warrants in other jurisdictions, as well as possibly link them to unsolved crimes. Fingerprinting also helps to uphold the defendant’s right to be accurately identified, preventing cases of mistaken identity. The fingerprinting process takes anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the backlog of inmates being processed.

Dressed out – Dressing out usually follows fingerprinting and identity verification. It means providing the defendant with jail attire and replacing their personal clothing. This step minimizes security risks associated with personal belongings and maintains hygiene within the facility. This process can take 15 minutes or substantially longer and is influenced by factors such as the availability of jail uniforms and the need for a health screening before clothes are issued.

Moved – This is done to ensure defendants are placed in locations that match their security, health, and behavioral needs. For instance, aggressive or unruly defendants may be handcuffed to a chair.

Interviewed by pretrial release – In this step, information about the defendant’s background, community ties, and the nature of their current charges are reviewed to assess eligibility for pretrial release. While the interview itself may take 30 minutes to an hour, the wait for the interview varies.

Note: Sometimes, depending on whether cells are available, the defendant will sit in a waiting area until they are fully processed in. Once the defendant is processed, they are usually moved into a different area of the jail called a pod.

Memphis Jail Arraignment and Bail Review Hearing Wait Times

Average time between arrest and arraignment in Memphis, TN:

Arraignment should occur reasonably quickly after an arrest, within 48 to 72 hours for a felony charge, in accordance with the right to a speedy trial and due process.

The timeline can vary depending on the case’s complexity, the court’s schedule, weekends, holidays, and the overall efficiency of the jail and court systems.

Bail Review Hearing:

In Memphis, the law requires defendants to have a bail review hearing, which usually occurs 48 to 72 hours after the arraignment. During the bail hearing, defendants sometimes get ROR’d (released on their own recognizance) or get their bond amount reduced.

IMPORTANT: However, it’s crucial to understand that there is NO guarantee that your bond will be lowered or that you will be ROR’d, even if you wait in jail for the bail review hearing. Sitting in jail and waiting for the hearing does not ensure a favorable outcome.

Moreover, waiting for the bail review hearing before receiving a bail bond can be problematic. You can end up getting stuck in jail for several days, as it’s very possible for your bail hearing to get pushed off. This means you’ll be spending more time behind bars without any assurance of a better outcome!

Getting You Home Quickly:

If you’re unwilling to gamble with multiple days of your life, call us, and we can get you back to your life and your job quickly, usually within 6 to 8 hours. Don’t risk unnecessary jail time waiting for a hearing that may not work in your favor. Take control of your situation and secure a bail bond to regain your freedom as soon as possible.

What is the timeline for appealing a bail decision in Memphis, Tennessee?

The answer is a “reasonable time,” according to TN Code § 40-11-143 (2021).

Please note that, from our observation, appealing bond amounts is quite rare, and we haven’t heard of it happening with the cases we’ve seen. With that said, the process for appealing a bail decision generally involves filing a motion or petition for bail review or reconsideration with the court. This must be done promptly to ensure the defendant’s rights are maintained. The court then schedules a hearing to review the bail decision, where the defense can present arguments for reducing or altering the bail conditions.

How long can you be held in jail without being charged in Memphis Tennessee?

No one can be held in prison unlawfully, according to the US Constitution. For this reason, after 72 hours, if you still haven’t been charged, your lawyer can request that you get released.

Keep in mind that it is standard process for the probable cause of arrest to be reviewed by a judge within 48 hours, after which a determination is made on whether a criminal charge will be filed. After this 48-hour period, the prosecuting attorney’s office only has 24 hours to file the charge. This is known as the 72-hour rule, but it doesn’t include weekends and holidays.

Once booked, what is the average length of stay at Memphis Jail/Shelby County Jail?

The average length of stay varies per location.

According to The Daily News, male inmates in Memphis jail for more than 72 hours stayed an average of 51 days. For women, the average was 24 days. Less than half of both male and female inmates spent longer than 72 hours behind bars. This is from an old report back in 2016.

At Jail East, the average length of stay is currently about 7 days, according to The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office website, with no information presented about the average length of stays for the Main Jail or the juvenile center.

Transfer time to general population in Memphis jails

After being booked and processed, getting moved to general population takes about 6 to 8 hours for regular charges. On charges such as DUI, domestic assault, harassment, stalking, vandalism, etc., it takes 12 to 16 hours due to the hold period.

The exact time isn’t set in stone. It all depends on the circumstance and the defendant’s risk level and housing needs. The defendant will need to be placed in an appropriate jail section that matches their security and health requirements.

What is the maximum amount of time an inmate could stay in Memphis Jail?

In Tennessee, the maximum sentence that can be served in a county jail, such as Shelby County Jail, is generally one year.

This is because county jails are intended for short-term incarceration, including pre-trial detainees and those convicted of misdemeanors, which are crimes punishable by up to one year of incarceration.

Individuals convicted of felonies, which carry sentences of more than one year, are usually sent to state prisons after their sentencing. However, specific circumstances, such as overcrowding in state facilities or specific arrangements within the state’s correctional system, may sometimes lead to individuals serving longer sentences in county facilities.

How long does transferring an inmate from Memphis Jail to a state prison in Tennessee typically take?

There is no single timeframe, as factors that influence the decision include sentencing completion, space availability in the state prison system, and administrative or logistical considerations.

Navigating Timeframes of Key Aspects of Inmate Life and Administration in Memphis Jail

Navigating the administrative and procedural aspects of Memphis’s jail system can be complex and time-consuming, especially for those unfamiliar with its inner workings.

The following information is meant to help you understand the typical timeframes for various inmate-related processes and services.

How Long Does It Take for Letters to Reach Inmates in Memphis Jail?

Times vary, although a general estimate would be anywhere from three to seven days from the moment a letter is mailed.

This timeframe can be longer during peak periods, such as holidays, or if there are delays in the postal service or increased security measures at the jail.

Two Key Factors

The duration it takes for letters to reach inmates in Memphis Jail largely depends on two key factors: the efficiency of the postal system and the jail’s internal mail processing protocols.

Upon arrival at Memphis Jail, all mail is subject to a screening process before being distributed to inmates. The screening involves a thorough check of the contents, which can include reading the letters to ensure they comply with jail regulations.

How Long Does It Take To Add Money to Inmate Accounts in Memphis Jail?

Deposits made into an inmate’s account are usually available in 24 hours, though this can vary depending on operational factors within the jail.

Naturally, it’ll take longer to send funds in person since you first have to drive to the jail and deposit funds in one of the lobby’s kiosks, either at 201 or Jail East.

Electronic submissions can be made once you’ve created an Offender Connect account, which is faster.

How Long Does It Take for Commissary Orders to Be Fulfilled in Memphis Jail?

To learn more about order times, call the jail for information.

Keep in mind that fulfillment of commissary orders in Memphis Jail generally follows a systematic timeline.

Certain factors can influence the exact time it takes for a commissary order to be fulfilled, including:

• Inventory Levels: The availability of requested items in stock can affect how quickly an order can be assembled.
• Order Volume: High volumes of orders may extend processing times, especially following lockdowns or during holiday seasons when ordering spikes.

What Time Can You Bring Clothes To An Inmate at Memphis Jail?

We’ve never heard of a policy that allows bringing clothes to inmates at Memphis Jail (201 Poplar) or Jail East.

However, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office website, under the section “How Do I Provide Clothes For An Inmate To Wear To Court?“ they state that they accept clothes for inmates 24/7. The jail advises bringing conservative clothing and avoiding shorts and tennis shoes.

It’s important to note that while this information is provided on the official website, it may not be widely known or communicated, which could lead to confusion or conflicting information.

If you plan to bring clothes for an inmate, it’s always best to contact the jail directly to confirm their current policies and procedures.

Waiting Period for Visitation Approval in Memphis Jail

IMPORTANT: We recommend calling the jail for the most up-to-date information. The following visitation information has been taken from official sources but is subject to change.

Visit Length at Memphis Jail in TN

10 Minute Internet Visit

25-30 Minute Internet Visit

Visiting hours at Memphis Jail 201 Poplar are:

8 pm to 12 pm

3 pm to 7 pm

Visiting hours at Jail East are:

7 am to 11:30 am

3 pm to 7:30 pm

Visitors must sign in 30 minutes before the visiting hours at 201 Poplar and Jail East.

All visits must be scheduled in advance.

Virtual visits must be scheduled at least 3 days ahead of time, but you can’t schedule virtual visits more than 7 days in advance.

You can cancel a virtual visit up to 1 day in advance. If you attend, though, you’ll want to be in front of your device 15 minutes before the visit begins.

Waiting Times for Legal Aid and Public Defender Appointments in Memphis Jail

In the United States, the right to an attorney for those who cannot afford one is guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment. This right is typically invoked at a person’s first court appearance, which should occur within 48 to 72 hours of the arrest if the individual is held in custody.

In Memphis, TN, the timeline for obtaining an attorney after arrest varies and is influenced by the initial legal proceedings, including the arrest, bail/bond hearing, preliminary hearing, and arraignment. The specific moment an attorney is appointed or hired depends on the procedural steps and the individual circumstances of the case.

What Is Memphis Jail/Shelby County Jail Medical Staff Schedule?

The jail has a Contract Medical provider available around the clock. A 24/7 policy is maintained because emergencies can happen at any time.

How Long Do Inmate Rehabilitation Programs in Memphis Jail Take?

The duration of rehabilitation programs varies depending on the program.

Substance Abuse Programs: A key program is the Alcohol & Drugs program, an eight-week course rooted in the twelve steps, as well as spiritual principles. This program is designed to confront and address the challenges of addiction head-on.

Educational Programs: Memphis Jail provides various educational opportunities, from GED preparation to life skills. The Life Skills program is a twelve-week program, while the Domestic Violence Awareness program is a six-week initiative. The Final Escape program, meanwhile, is an eight-week program that helps ex-offenders stay out of prison.

Rehabilitation Programs: The Thinking For A Change program is eight to twelve weeks long.

How much time for recreation and exercise do inmates have at Memphis Jail?

The specific amount of time allocated for exercise for inmates at Memphis Jail (Shelby County Jail) varies based on several factors, including the facility’s current policies, the security level of the inmate, operational considerations like staffing, and the inmate population at a given time.

Typically, jails aim to provide inmates with at least 1 hour of recreational time per day, which may be used for exercise or outdoor activities, in accordance with standards set by the American Correctional Association and other regulatory bodies.

However, the actual time may differ, and it’s best to contact Memphis Jail directly or visit their official website for the most current information regarding their exercise policies and schedules for inmates. Facilities often adjust their programs based on capacity, security concerns, and health guidelines, among other factors.