What Happens to an Inmate's Money at Booking, During Stay, and When They're Released
Once someone is booked into jail, their money can feel like it's disappeared into a black box. Here's how Dubuque County Jail handles cash at booking, what happens to it during the stay, and how any remaining balance gets returned at release.
When someone is booked at Dubuque County Jail, any cash on them gets placed into an inmate trust fund under their name. No one keeps cash on their person while incarcerated - the trust account is where their funds live until release.
Mailing money: Cash, checks, or money orders sent through the mail won’t be placed on an inmate’s account unless jail administration approves it ahead of time.
Commissary purchases come directly out of the inmate trust account. When your loved one buys snacks, hygiene items, or other commissary goods, the cost is deducted from their balance.
Jail-related costs can also chip away at the balance. For scheduled jail time, the charge is $50 per day up to a $2,000 total. The jail advises people to come with the money they owe - otherwise, they'll be billed for their stay.
At release, whatever money remains in the trust account comes back on a debit card. If the person owes money to the jail, that amount is deducted first before the remaining funds are issued.
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- ✓ Lobby kiosk (cash or credit card) - You can deposit money at the jail lobby kiosk.
- ✓ Internet (Access Corrections website) - Online deposits can be made through Access Corrections.
- ✓ Phone - Deposits can be made by calling 866-345-1884.
Don’t mail cash: Cash, checks, or money orders sent by mail won’t be added to an inmate’s account unless jail administration approves it in advance.
Inmates aren't allowed to have cash on them at any time. The jail also won't transfer money or property between inmates - funds stay tied to each individual's trust account.
Dubuque County Jail only releases money from an inmate's account for specific purposes: attorney fees, paying the inmate's own fines, or posting the inmate's own bond. Anything outside those reasons requires approval from jail administration.
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