Search Lincoln County, WI Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Lincoln County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Lincoln County, WI
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Lincoln County
- Visitation Rules at Lincoln County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Lincoln County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Lincoln County
- Lincoln Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Lincoln County?
- Lincoln County Facility Directory
- Lincoln Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Lincoln County, Wisconsin, you have several options. For online searches, visit the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office website, which provides information about the county jail and may list current inmates or offer a search tool for public records. You can also use the Wisconsin Department of Corrections’ Offender Locator tool for statewide inmate information. For more detailed or specific records, such as booking dates or visitation schedules, contact the Lincoln County Jail directly at their facility, located at 1104 E First Street, Merrill, WI 54452, or call their administrative office. In-person requests for inmate records can be made at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at the same address during normal business hours. Additionally, the Clerk of Courts at the Lincoln County Courthouse can assist with court-related records tied to inmates, including case lookups and copies of court documents. Always have the inmate’s full name and birth date handy to facilitate the search process.
How to Find an Inmate in Lincoln County, WI
Inmate records for Lincoln County, WI, are accessible online, but the right search tool depends on whether the person is in a local jail, a state prison, or federal custody. Use the table below to find the appropriate resource based on where the individual may be held.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln County Jail / Sheriff’s Office | Local (county jail) inmates | Visit Lincoln County Sheriff's Inmate Roster or call (715) 536-6275 | Jail located at 1104 E 1st St, Merrill, WI 54452. Jail roster may be limited; call for detailed info. |
| Wisconsin DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | Use the WI DOC Inmate Locator | Includes all individuals in Wisconsin Department of Corrections facilities; searchable by name or DOC number. |
| VINE Inmate Search | County and state custody inmates | Visit VINE Wisconsin | Register for notifications on custody status or location changes; requires name or offender ID. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal prison inmates | Visit BOP Inmate Locator | No federal prison in Wisconsin; WI federal offenders typically held at FCI Oxford (Oxford, WI) or out of state. |
| In-Person Records Request | Local jail records | Request at Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, 1104 E 1st St, Merrill, WI 54452 | Bring valid ID; office phone: (715) 536-6275; best for recent arrests or when online info is insufficient. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Lincoln County
After an arrest in Lincoln County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, medically screened, and assigned housing. The booking process usually takes between 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | OWI, driving on revoked license | Most Common | 12–48 hours or until bond is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of methamphetamine, marijuana | Common | 1–3 days or until bond is posted |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Domestic battery, disorderly conduct | Common | 1–7 days or until bail/arraignment |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, criminal damage | Occasional | 1–7 days or until bail/arraignment |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates | Common | Until hearing or bond is posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Bench warrants, probation violations | Common | Until cleared with court or transfer |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, felony drug charge | Occasional | Until bail/arraignment; sentenced offenders transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Lincoln County Jail
Before planning your visit, please verify the most current rules with Lincoln County Jail and confirm you are listed on the inmate's approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | No visitation | N/A | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 9:00 am – 11:00 am | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 9:00 am – 11:00 am | In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire; no revealing or provocative clothing allowed. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, cameras, bags, weapons, or food allowed in visitation. |
| Visitor Approval Process | All visitors must be pre-approved and listed on the inmate’s visitation list. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Permitted outside normal visitation; contact facility for arrangements. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Lincoln County Jail
Inmates at Lincoln County Jail can be contacted through phone calls, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all forms of communication subject to monitoring and recording by jail staff.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
[Lincoln County Jail]
1104 E 1st St, Merrill, WI 54452
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing calls using jail phones via [Provider]. | Create and fund an account with [Provider]. | Calls may be monitored; no incoming calls allowed. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters via USPS to the jail's mailing address. | Address mail with inmate info as above. | No contraband; adhere to mail content policies. |
| Digital Messaging | Send/receive messages via [Provider]'s online messaging system. | Register and add funds on [Provider] website. | Messages are screened; word limits may apply. |
| Video Calls | Schedule video visits online through [Provider]. | Set up an account and schedule sessions. | Sessions monitored; must follow dress/conduct rules. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Lincoln County
The Wisconsin Parole Commission oversees parole decisions for eligible state-sentenced offenders, supporting their transition back into society. Local reentry support is available in Lincoln County through state and community-based programs.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Parole Commission | Reviews parole eligibility and makes release decisions for state-sentenced inmates. | State-sentenced offenders | Parole Commission (608) 240-7280 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Allows certain inmates to reduce their sentences through good behavior and program participation. | Qualified inmates in Wisconsin Department of Corrections facilities | WI DOC Sentence Calculation |
| Parole Supervision | Provides supervision and support for parolees in Lincoln County; local office handles case management and compliance. | Parolees residing in Lincoln County | WI DOC Division of Community Corrections 607 N. Sales St., Merrill, WI 54452 (715) 536-0346 |
| Reentry Housing | Assists released individuals in finding transitional housing; referrals available through Community Corrections. | Recently released individuals | WI DOC Reentry Unit (608) 240-5065 |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness training, placement, and referrals for formerly incarcerated individuals reentering the workforce. | Formerly incarcerated individuals | Workforce Resource, Inc. ncwwdb.org (715) 536-3451 |
| Benefits Restoration | Help with reinstating Medicaid/BadgerCare, food assistance, and other public benefits post-release. | Individuals reentering the community | Lincoln County Department of Social Services (715) 536-6200 ACCESS Wisconsin |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated system for victims to receive notifications about inmate release, transfer, or parole status changes. | Crime victims and concerned parties | WI VINE (888) 944-8463 |
Lincoln Incarceration Statistics
Lincoln County has lower overall crime and incarceration rates compared to urban Wisconsin areas, with property crime consistently outpacing violent crime. The county does not operate its own jail; inmates are typically held at the Lincoln County holding facility or neighboring regional jails.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 42 (statewide) | 321 (statewide) | 9% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Assault | 31 (statewide) | 237 (statewide) | 6% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 6 (statewide) | 46 (statewide) | 1% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 1 (statewide) | 7 (statewide) | <1% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 414 (statewide) | 1,781 (statewide) | 88% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 298 (statewide) | 1,282 (statewide) | 63% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 76 (statewide) | 348 (statewide) | 16% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 40 (statewide) | 151 (statewide) | 9% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Drug Offenses | 22 (statewide) | 174 (statewide) | 5% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 35 (statewide) | 263 (statewide) | 7% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 18 (statewide) | 115 (statewide) | 4% (statewide) | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 78% Male, 22% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 17%; 25-34: 32%; 35-44: 28%; 45+: 23% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 62%; Black: 21%; Hispanic: 10%; Native American: 5%; Other: 2% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Property, Violent | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 2.9 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 37% (3-year) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Lincoln County?
As of the latest estimates, Lincoln County holds approximately 140 inmates in local custody. Offenders with longer sentences may be transferred to a state facility for continued incarceration.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 80 | 57% | $68 | 92% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 30 | 21% | $65 | 80% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 18 | 13% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 5 | 4% | $74 | 65% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 7 | 5% | $210 | 55% |
| Total | 140 | 100% | N/A | N/A |
Lincoln County Facility Directory
Lincoln County operates two correctional facilities: a county jail and a youth facility. The following directory provides essential details for each location.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln County Jail | County Jail | 700 John Howell Dr, Lincolnton, NC | 160 | 135 | Medium |
| Lincoln County Youth Detention Center | Youth Facility | 555 Lincoln Ave, Lincolnton, NC | 24 | 18 | Secure Juvenile |
Lincoln County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Legal Rights & Legal Aid
- Re-entry Programs
- Family & Community Support