In our previous article, 5 Ways to Support A Loved One Who Is Going to Jail, we covered ways you can help a family member or friend who’s in Shelby County Jail in Memphis, TN.

However, we understand that you may still have questions. For this reason, we’re using this post to answer 10 FAQs related to the subject. For some of these answers, we’ve linked to in-depth resources for further reading.

Let’s take a look.

1. What is the bail process, and how can I help my loved one post bail?

In Tennessee, the bail process is straightforward. Once someone has been arrested, they have two options: (1) They can pay the full bail amount with cash or (2) get a bond through a bail bondsman.

Cash vs. Working with a Bail Bondsman

Paying cash is usually less desirable due to the high upfront cost. There is also the risk of losing money if the defendant fails to meet the conditions of their release.

In most cases, the preferred choice is securing a bond through a bail bondsman, as it requires the defendant to pay only a percentage of the total bail amount (10% in Tennessee).

You can help your loved one post bail by:

  • Contacting a reputable bail bondsman in your area.
  • Providing information about the defendant (full name, booking number, jail location).
  • Signing the bail bond contract as a cosigner (if needed).
  • Paying the required bail bond fee (10% of the total bail amount).
  • Ensuring the defendant complies with the conditions of release.

» MORE: Read more about How Bail Works.

2. What are the visitation policies and procedures at Memphis Jail?

See our article Memphis Jails: Processing Times and Other Information for a comprehensive overview of the jail system in Memphis, TN, with a focus on Shelby County Jail.

The article covers the following:

  • The difference between the Main Jail and Jail East in Shelby County, TN.
  • Shelby County Jail’s hours of operation.
  • How long it takes to be processed and released from jail in Memphis, TN.
  • The number of inmates booked at Shelby County Jail every hour.
  • Processing times for inmates during weekends and holidays.
  • Inmate processing steps, from fingerprinting to the interview for pretrial release.
  • Memphis jail arraignment and bail review hearing wait times.
  • The length of time you can be held in jail without being charged in Memphis, Tennessee.
  • The average length of stay at Memphis Jail/Shelby County Jail.
  • The maximum amount of time an inmate can stay in a Memphis jail.
  • Much more…

3. Can I call my loved one in jail in Memphis, TN?

No, not at the jails our clients are typically held in.

At Shelby County Jail specifically, inmates cannot receive incoming calls and can only make outbound calls to people who are set up to receive collect calls with Global Tel Link.

If you wish to communicate with your loved one in Shelby County Jail, you can send letters or schedule a video visit.

4. What should I consider when sending letters or care packages to my loved one in Shelby County Jail in Memphis, TN?

You can learn more about this on Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Inmates FAQ page. They provide instructions for how to send letters to inmates.

Regarding commissary services, see Jail Exchange’s Shelby County Main Jail INMATE COMMISSARY page. The page provides information about the commissary services at Shelby County Main Jail in Memphis, TN. It outlines the methods for depositing funds, the types of items that can be purchased, and much more.

5. How can I add money to my loved one’s commissary account in Shelby County Jail?

You can make a deposit in the following ways:

– Go to the visitation lobby and use the lobby deposit kiosk. It takes Cash, Debit Cards, and Credit Cards. You can deposit money in person seven days a week, between 8 am and 7 pm. The visitation lobby address for male inmates is 201 Poplar. For female inmates, it’s 6201 Haley Rd.

– Call 1-855-VendEng (836-3364) to pay by phone.

– You can pay online at CorrectPay.com or through the CorrectPay App, which is available for Android and iOS.

Source and to learn more: Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Deposit page.

6. Can you get bailed out of Shelby County Jail on a Sunday?

Yes, the good news is that, in most cases, you can.

Key points to remember:

  • Judges are usually only available on weekdays to set bail amounts for individual cases. However, for common misdemeanors, there are predetermined bail amounts that can be used on weekends. This allows individuals arrested for minor offenses to post bail and be released even on Sundays.
  • All-n-One Bail Bonds is available to assist with the bail process on weekends.

So, if you or someone you know is arrested on a Sunday in Memphis, don’t panic. Contact us to discuss your options and get the assistance you need.

Read more on this subject here: Can You Get Bailed Out Of Jail On A Sunday

7. What should I do if I believe my loved one is being mistreated in Shelby County Jail?

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Jail & Inmate Information page states the following:

“If your family member is an inmate in this facility and feels that he/she has been a victim of sexual misconduct, harassment, or assault, it must be reported to a staff member immediately. This can be done by the inmate or family member in several methods.”

For more details, contact information, and resources, see the link to the Jail & Inmate Information page above.

For cases involving potential civil rights violations, we recommend speaking with an attorney as soon as possible.

8. Can I attend my loved one’s court hearings, and how do I find out when they are scheduled?

Yes, you can attend your loved one’s court hearings in Memphis, TN.

To find out when the court hearings in the General Sessions Criminal Court are scheduled, do the following:

  • Contact the clerk’s office if needed. The clerk can provide you with the date and time of the hearing.

To find the case search for criminal court hearings in Shelby County, do the following:

  • On the website, look for an icon titled “CASE INFORMATION”. Here is the link to the Case Information portal on the Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk’s Office website.
  • You will be taken to the Shelby County Criminal Justice System Portal. According to the portal, you must create an account to access case histories and hearing schedules.
  • After registering, use the provided search tools to look up specific cases by entering case numbers or other relevant information.

9. How can I help my loved one access substance abuse treatment while in Shelby County Jail?

We suggest reaching out to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office to inquire about available substance abuse treatment programs for inmates.

The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for managing the jails in Shelby County and can provide information on how to enroll an inmate in treatment programs.

10. How can I stay informed about changes to jail policies or procedures that may affect my loved one?

Contact All-n-One Bail Bonds if you need help. We stay up-to-date through word-of-mouth on what’s happening in Shelby County Jail.

You can also check the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office website for updates on jail policies, procedures, and other relevant information. The site often contains detailed information about jail operations and any new changes or updates.

 

Disclaimer: Tennessee may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in this post. Please refer to official sources. The information in this post is not a substitute for professional legal advice.