madison-county-metro-jail-huntsville-al holds people who are waiting for court or serving short sentences. This building sits at 815 Wheeler Avenue in the city of Huntsville. It stays open 24 hours every day. Police from the city and deputies from the county bring people here after an arrest. Staff at this place work to keep everyone safe. They handle booking, meals, and medical care for those staying inside. The jail has different sections for men and women. Security guards watch these areas all the time. People can look for inmates online using the official sheriff website. This helps families know if a loved one is in custody. The facility follows state laws to run the building fairly. Each person gets a bed, clothing, and food while they stay there.
madison-county-metro-jail-huntsville-al recorded the intake of Lester Gordon Hampton on December 7, 2023 at 4:54 p.m. The 59‑year‑old was booked under Alabama Code §13A‑11‑10 for liquor‑public intoxication after an arrest by Huntsville Police Department officers. The case was sent to Municipal Court, listed with a disposition of ACT and an HPD bond of $0.00. Booking reference 00JI00167 shows an intake time of 4:52 p.m. at the Madison County Detention Facility. The roster entry includes his birthdate of June 5 1964 and the charge description.
Search the Inmate Roster
The Madison County Sheriff Office keeps a list of every person in the jail. This list changes every hour. You can see names, ages, and why someone was arrested. To see the list, go to the sheriff website. You only need a last name to start. Type the name into the search box. The system shows names that match. Click on a name to see more details. You will see the booking photo. You will see the date they came to jail. It also shows the bond amount. Some people have no bond. This happens for very serious crimes. If you do not see a name, they might have moved. They could be at a state prison. Sometimes the jail lets people go before the website updates. Check back later if the name is missing.
Lester Gordon Hampton is one example of a name on the list. He was entered on December 7, 2023. His records show a charge for public intoxication. The arrest came from the Huntsville Police. His court is the Municipal Court. The roster lists his booking as number 00JI00167. Looking at these details helps people track court dates. It shows if a lawyer is needed. The website is free for everyone to use. It works on phones and computers. This makes it easy for families to get news quickly.
https://www.madisoncountysheriffal.org/roster.php
The Booking Process
Booking starts when a police car arrives at the jail. The officer brings the person inside. Staff take away personal items like keys and wallets. They put these items in a safe bag. The person gets a receipt for their things. Next, staff take fingerprints. They use a machine to scan fingers. This goes into a big computer system. They also take a picture of the face. This is called a mugshot. Guards ask questions about health. They need to know if someone takes medicine. They ask about mental health too. This keeps the inmate and the guards safe.
After questions, the person changes clothes. They wear a jail uniform. This is usually a bright color like orange or grey. They get a set of sheets and a towel. A guard leads them to a cell. Some people stay in a big room with others. This is a holding cell. It has benches and a toilet. People stay there until they see a judge or pay money to leave. The booking time for Lester Gordon Hampton was 4:52 p.m. This shows how fast the intake works. The whole thing can take a few hours. It depends on how busy the jail is that day.
How to Pay Bond
Bond is money paid to let someone out of jail. It is a promise to come back for court. The Madison County Detention Facility uses three ways to pay. The first way is through the City of Huntsville. This is for small crimes called misdemeanors. You go to the magistrate office. This office stays open all day and all night. You can call them at 256-427-7817. You pay with cash or a special check. Electronic transfers also work here. Once you pay, the jail starts the release steps.
The second way uses a bail agent. These are private companies. You pay them a small part of the total bond. They pay the rest to the jail. They must have a valid certificate to do this. You can find a list of these agents on the sheriff website. The third way is a property bond. This is for people who own land or a house. The county clerk must look at the property value first. They decide if it is enough to cover the bond. This takes more time than cash. After the jail checks the payment, the inmate gets out. They get a receipt for their records.
http://www.madisoncountysheriffal.org/page.php?id=10
Video Visitation Rules
You cannot visit inmates in person at this jail. All visits happen through a video screen. This is like a video call on a computer. You must schedule this call before you show up. To set a time, call 256-519-4864. Call between 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. or between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. You must call during the week. Schedule your visit at least one week ahead. The jail gives slots to the people who call first.
Each inmate can have three visitors on their visit day. Each call lasts exactly 15 minutes. You must show a real ID from the government. This can be a driver license. The jail records every call. Guards watch to make sure people follow rules. Do not use bad language during the call. Wear modest clothes for the video. If you break rules, the jail stops your visit. You might lose the right to visit again. The video system helps keep the jail secure. It stops drugs or weapons from coming inside.
Sending Mail to Inmates
Writing letters is a good way to stay in touch. Inmates like getting mail. Address your letter to 815 Wheeler Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801. Put the inmate name and their booking number on the front. You can find the booking number on the roster. Do not send cash in a letter. Do not send stamps or paper. The jail does not allow these things. Use plain white paper and a blue or black pen. Do not use glitter or stickers.
Staff open every letter to check for bad items. They read the letters for safety. If a letter has something wrong, they throw it away. You can send photos if they are not too big. Do not send photos that show illegal acts. Do not send photos of other inmates. Books must come from a store like Amazon. The store must mail the book directly to the jail. It must be a softcover book. Hardcover books are not allowed. This is because they can be used as weapons.
https://alabamajailroster.com/county-jail/madison-county/
Money for Commissary
Inmates can buy extra things at the jail store. This is called the commissary. They buy snacks, soap, and socks. They need money in a special account to do this. You can add money to this account. Use the kiosk in the jail lobby. It takes cash or cards. You can also use a website to send money. You need the inmate full name. The money shows up in their account quickly.
Inmates use this money for phone calls too. Calls from jail cost money. They can call people who are on their list. The person who gets the call must pay for it sometimes. This is a collect call. You can set up a prepaid account for these calls. This stops your phone bill from getting too high. The commissary helps inmates feel better. Having a snack or their own soap makes jail life easier. It also rewards good behavior.
Medical and Mental Health Care
The jail must provide healthcare to every inmate. Nurses and doctors work at the facility. When someone arrives, they get a health check. Staff ask about heart problems or diabetes. If someone needs medicine, the jail gives it to them. Inmates cannot keep their own pills. The nurse brings the pills at set times. This keeps the medicine safe.
Mental health is just as important. Some people feel very sad or scared in jail. There are counselors to talk to. If someone wants to hurt themselves, they go to a special cell. Guards watch them every minute. The jail works with local hospitals for big emergencies. If an inmate gets very sick, an ambulance takes them to a hospital. A guard stays with them the whole time. The goal is to keep everyone alive and well until they go home.
Food and Daily Life
Life in jail follows a strict plan. Every day looks the same. Inmates wake up early. They eat breakfast in their pods. The food meets basic health rules. It might not taste great, but it has vitamins. Lunch comes in the middle of the day. Dinner is in the evening. After eating, inmates clean their areas. They must keep their beds made.
There is time for exercise. The jail has a small yard. Inmates can walk or do pushups. They can watch television in the common room. They can read books or write letters. Sometimes there are classes. Inmates can learn about religion or how to stop using drugs. These classes help them prepare for life outside. Following the rules is the best way to spend time. If an inmate fights or breaks things, they lose their screen time. They might have to stay in their cell alone.
Legal Help and Court Dates
Everyone in jail has the right to a lawyer. If someone has no money, the court gives them a lawyer. This is a public defender. Lawyers can visit the jail to talk to their clients. These visits are private. Guards do not listen to these talks. This allows the inmate to tell the truth. The lawyer helps them get ready for court.
Court dates happen at the Madison County Courthouse or Municipal Court. Some hearings happen over video. The inmate stays at the jail and talks to the judge through a screen. This is for quick meetings. For a trial, the inmate goes to the courthouse. They wear their jail clothes or sometimes plain clothes. The judge decides if they stay in jail or go home. You can check the sheriff website to see when the next court date is set. This helps families know when to show up.
https://www.inmateaid.com/prisons/madison-county-al-main-detention-facility
Madison County Arrest Trends
Many people enter the jail every day. Most arrests happen for things like drugs or theft. Recently, several people were booked. Timothy Parker was arrested on December 8 at 4:38 p.m. Joseph Sparks came in at 4:27 p.m. the same day. Other names include Cristall Hereford and Mikeyous Cawthorn. These records are public. Anyone can see them.
The jail gets busier on weekends. Alcohol often leads to arrests. Public intoxication is a common reason for booking. This is what happened with Lester Gordon Hampton. Police arrest people to keep the streets safe. When the jail gets full, some people might go to nearby jails. The staff works hard to manage the high number of people. They use computers to track where everyone sleeps. This prevents overcrowding.
How to Get Mugshots
A mugshot is the photo taken during booking. These photos are public records. You can see them on the inmate roster. If you need a copy for news or legal reasons, you must ask the jail. Write a letter to the Media Relations office at 815 Wheeler Avenue. You can also call 256-519-4800. You need the full name of the inmate.
The jail usually gives the photo within 24 hours. Some websites collect these photos and put them online. Be careful with these sites. They might charge money to take a photo down. The official sheriff site is the best place for true news. It does not cost money to look at the photos there. Mugshots help the public know who is in custody. It also helps police identify people for other crimes.
https://madisoncountyjail.org/
Property Bonds in Detail
Using land to get someone out of jail is a big step. This is a property bond. You must prove you own the land. You need a deed from the courthouse. The land must be in Alabama. Most of the time, it must be in Madison County. The value of the land must be higher than the bond amount. If the bond is $5,000, the land must be worth much more.
The county clerk looks at tax records. They check for other loans on the property. If the property has too many debts, the jail will say no. If they say yes, you sign a paper. This paper says the county can take your land if the inmate skips court. This is very serious. Only do this for someone you trust. Once the paperwork is done, the inmate leaves. The jail keeps the deed until the case is over.
https://alabama.arrests.org/index.php?county=121
The Role of the Sheriff
The Madison County Sheriff runs the jail. The sheriff is an elected leader. This means the people of the county vote for them. The sheriff hires the guards and the jail staff. They make the rules for how the jail operates. They must follow the laws of Alabama and the United States. The sheriff ensures the jail is clean and safe.
The sheriff also talks to the public. If something big happens at the jail, the sheriff gives a report. They work with the county leaders to get money for the jail. This money pays for food, power, and repairs. The sheriff office also has deputies who patrol the roads. They work with the jail staff to move inmates to court. It is a big job that requires many people working together.
Release Procedures
Leaving jail takes time. Even after someone pays bond, they do not walk out the door right away. Staff must check for other warrants. A warrant is an order for arrest from another place. If another county wants the person, they stay in jail. If there are no warrants, the release begins. Staff give back the person personal items. They return their clothes and wallet.
The person signs papers. These papers list their court date. It is very important to keep these papers. If you miss court, the police will arrest you again. You might have to stay in jail until your trial. The jail staff walks the person to the exit. Most people leave through the front lobby. Families can wait in the parking lot. The process can take two to six hours. It is slower at night when there are fewer staff.
Location and Contact Details
The Madison County Metro Jail is in the middle of Huntsville. It is near the downtown area. The address is easy to find on a map. There is a parking lot for visitors across the street. The lobby is the place to ask questions. There is a phone for the public to use.
Address: 815 Wheeler Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-519-4800
Visitation Hotline: 256-519-4864
Magistrate Office: 256-427-7817
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Frequently Asked Questions
People often have questions about how the jail works. These questions cover everything from phone calls to food. Knowing the rules helps families support their loved ones. It also makes the process less confusing. The jail staff tries to provide clear answers to common problems. Here are some of the most frequent questions people ask about the facility in Huntsville.
How do I find out if someone is in the Madison County Metro Jail?
To find an inmate, use the online jail roster. This tool is on the Madison County Sheriff Office website. You need the person last name. The roster shows everyone currently in the building. It gives the booking date and the charges. If you cannot use a computer, you can call the jail at 256-519-4800. The staff can tell you if someone is there. They can also tell you the bond amount. The roster is the fastest way to get this news. It is updated many times each day. If someone was just arrested, wait an hour and check again. It takes time for the name to appear in the system after the police bring them in.
Can I bring medicine to an inmate in the jail?
You cannot bring medicine from home to give to an inmate directly. The jail has its own medical team. When a person is booked, they tell the staff about their health needs. The jail doctor must approve any medicine. The jail will provide the medicine from their own supply. This is to make sure the pills are safe and real. If an inmate has a very rare medicine, the jail might ask for the name of their pharmacy. They will talk to the doctor who gave the prescription. Do not try to mail pills or bring them to the lobby. The staff will not take them. If an inmate has a health crisis, the jail will send them to a local hospital.
How do I add money to an inmate’s account?
There are two main ways to put money on an inmate account. You can visit the jail lobby at 815 Wheeler Avenue. There is a machine called a kiosk. It looks like an ATM. You can put cash or a debit card into the machine. You need to know the inmate name or booking number. The second way is online. There is a link on the sheriff website for inmate deposits. You create an account and pay with a card. This money allows the inmate to buy snacks and toiletries. It also pays for their phone calls. The jail does not accept cash through the mail. Never send money in a letter. It will be taken away and the inmate might get in trouble.
What are the rules for sending books to an inmate?
Inmates can have books, but there are strict rules. You cannot mail a book yourself. The book must come directly from a store or the publisher. Most people use Amazon or Barnes & Noble. The book must be a paperback. Hardcover books are banned because they are too strong. They could be used to hide things or hurt people. You can also send magazines this way. Do not send more than three books at a time. If an inmate has too many things in their cell, the guards will take them. The books must not have pictures that show illegal things. They cannot teach people how to make weapons or drugs. If the book breaks a rule, the jail will return it or throw it away.
What should I do if I miss a scheduled video visit?
If you miss your visit, you usually have to wait until the next week to try again. The jail is very busy and cannot move times around easily. The visiting system is based on a schedule. Each 15-minute block is saved for a specific person. If you are late, your time starts anyway. If you are 10 minutes late, you only get 5 minutes to talk. To get a new time, you must call the visitation hotline at 256-519-4864. Remember to call during the specific hours on weekdays. It is best to log in to the video system early to make sure your camera works. This prevents technical problems from wasting your visit time. Consistent missed visits might lead to a temporary ban from the system.
How long does it take to get released after paying bond?
Release is not instant. It often takes between two and six hours. Once the bond is paid, the paperwork goes to the jail office. Staff must verify the money is real. Then, they check the inmate for any other legal issues. They look at state and national databases. If everything is clear, they tell the jail pods to move the inmate. The inmate must pack their few things and change into their own clothes. They must sign out and get their personal property back. This takes time if the jail is busy with new arrests. Weekend releases often take longer because more people are moving through the building. Be patient and wait in the lobby or your car until the inmate walks out the front doors.
Are phone calls from the jail free?
No, phone calls from the jail are not free. The inmate or the person they call must pay. Inmates can make collect calls. This means the charge shows up on your phone bill. Many phone companies do not allow collect calls anymore. A better way is to set up a prepaid account through the jail’s phone service. You put money on the account, and the inmate uses it to call you. These calls are recorded. Do not talk about your legal case or anything private. The police can listen to these recordings. If you do not have money in the account, the call will disconnect. The jail limits how long each call can last. This ensures every inmate gets a chance to use the phones in their pod area.