Madison County Detention Facility
Madison County Detention Facility
You can call the 1220-bed Madison County Detention Facility 24 hours a day for inmate information at 256-519-4800.
Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.
You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.
Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Alabama State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 256-519-4800, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Madison County Detention Facility at 256-519-4800 to get it.
Inmate Services
Phone
256-519-4800Mailing address (personal mail)
Madison County Detention Facility
PO Box 2047
Huntsville, AL 35804
Mailing address (legal mail or subscriptions)
Madison County Detention Facility
PO Box 2047
Huntsville, AL 35804
Other Jails and Prisons
Need to look someone up in the Madison County Detention Facility? Search the Official Jail Inmate Roster to see their charges, bond amount, when they can have visitors, and their mugshot, or call the jail at 256-519-4800. To research a criminal case in Alabama’s courts, use the Alacourt ACCESS V2.0 Portal.
Madison County Detention Facility Inmate Search
If you’re new to searching for an inmate in the Madison County Detention Facility, start with our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. They explain how jail rosters work and what happens after an arrest and booking. For more help, call 256-519-4800.
The Madison County Detention Facility is licensed for 1220 inmates at any given time, but it is often forced to make room for many more, especially on weekends. At most city and county jails, at least 40% of inmates turn over each month, another 30% every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 8-9% remain in custody between six and twelve months. Inmates held longer than twelve months are usually facing serious charges such as rape or murder. Because those cases take longer to prepare for trial, offenders arrested in Madison County stay at the Madison County facility much longer.
Approximately 25,360 offenders are arrested and detained each year by Madison County law enforcement agencies.
The Madison County Detention Facility, widely known as the Madison County Metro Jail, is the main adult jail for Huntsville and the rest of Madison County. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office runs it at 815 Wheeler Avenue NW in Huntsville, and the booking desk answers 24 hours a day at (256) 519-4800. It is a large jail, built to hold about 1,220 people. It houses men and women arrested by the sheriff’s office and other agencies across the county. The City of Huntsville sends its arrestees here under a contract with the sheriff instead of running its own jail. Along with people awaiting trial and those serving county sentences, the jail has held close to 300 people at a time who were sentenced to state prison and are waiting for transfer to Kilby Correctional Facility. Southern Health Partners provides medical care.
To check on someone, use the sheriff’s online inmate roster at madisoncountysheriffal.org. Within 72 hours of arrest, and sooner if possible, Alabama Rule of Criminal Procedure 4.3 requires an initial appearance before a judge. Felony and misdemeanor cases here move through the courts of the 23rd Judicial Circuit. Check court dates on Alacourt (v2.alacourt.com). The sheriff keeps a most wanted list at madisoncountysheriffal.org. Anyone with an outstanding warrant should call the sheriff’s office or a lawyer before turning themselves in.
Alabama guarantees bail to most defendants. The exceptions are capital offenses with strong proof and, under Aniah’s Law (2022), murder; first-degree kidnapping, rape, sodomy, sexual torture, domestic violence, human trafficking, burglary, arson and robbery; aggravated child abuse and certain offenses against children; and terrorism. For those, a judge can deny bail after a pretrial detention hearing. Amendment 1, approved by 81.6% of voters in May 2026, added solicitation, attempt or conspiracy to commit murder and shooting into an occupied building or vehicle. The Rule 7.2 schedule guides amounts (Class A felony $10,000–$60,000; Class B $5,000–$30,000; Class A misdemeanor $300–$6,000; DUI $1,000–$7,500), though judges can go above or below it. People may be released on their own recognizance, through the county’s Pre-Trial Release Program, on an unsecured appearance bond, or on a secured bond posted in cash, with property or through a bonding company. Where you pay depends on the case. Huntsville misdemeanor bonds go through the city magistrate 24/7 at (256) 427-7817. City of Madison misdemeanors are handled weekdays 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at (256) 772-5617. County felonies and misdemeanors are handled at the courthouse, Room 200, weekdays 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. ((256) 532-3373). Cash bonds can also be paid online at alapay.com or cashbondonline.com. The sheriff’s office itself does not process property bonds.
All personal visits are remote video visits through NCIC. Create an account at ncic.com and upload a clear photo of your government-issued ID for approval. Visits cost $0.30 a minute plus tax and can be booked up to 48 hours ahead, first come, first served. A person must be in custody for 30 days before visits start, and each inmate can have up to three visits a day. Visiting blocks run Monday–Friday 8–10 a.m., noon–3:30 p.m., 5–6 p.m. and 8–10 p.m. (no evening block on Wednesdays), and weekends 9 a.m.–3 p.m. and 8–10 p.m. If you are going to the jail in person to drop off clothes or pick up property, Huntsville’s Orbit buses run from the downtown Huntsville Transit Center at 521 Pratt Ave NW. Call Orbit at (256) 427-6811 to find the route closest to Wheeler Avenue. Nearby are the Circle K at 905 Memorial Pkwy NW and the Marathon at 1800 University Dr NW for gas, and Krystal at 1024 N Memorial Pkwy or Five Guys at 1221 N Memorial Pkwy for food.
Mail goes to the person’s name and booking number, Madison County Detention Facility, P.O. Box 2047, Huntsville, AL 35804. Personal mail is scanned and delivered on the jail’s kiosks, and books and periodicals must come straight from the publisher. Money for commissary goes through Inmate Canteen, using the lobby kiosk, online at team3.inmatecanteen.com, or by phone at (706) 298-4974. The weekly commissary limit is $75. NCIC runs the phones at $0.16 a minute for domestic calls, plus secure messaging, so set up an account at account.ncic.com or (800) 943-2189. Released property can be picked up at 815 Wheeler Ave 24 hours a day with photo ID. Family may bring street clothes to the lobby for someone about to be released, and leftover funds are paid out at the Pistol Permit Office, 603 Fiber Street, weekdays 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Jail (Main): 256-519-4800
- Adult Court: 256-532-3300
- Adult Probation: 256-533-8940
- Alternative Sentencing: 256-533-8940
- Arrest Warrants - District Attorney: 256-532-3483
- Arrest Warrants - Magistrate: 256-532-3611
- Arrest Warrants - Sheriff: 256-532-3420
- Booking: 256-519-4800
- Circuit Court Clerk: 256-532-3380
- Courthouse Bond Payments - Felony or Misdemeanor: 256-532-3373
- District Attorney: 256-532-3460
- Drug Court: 256-533-8942
- Huntsville Municipal Court: 256-427-7810
- Huntsville Municipal Probation: 256-427-7814
- Jail Administration: 256-519-4839
- Juvenile: 256-532-0328
- Juvenile Court: 256-532-3300
- Juvenile Drug Court: 256-532-3709
- Juvenile Probation: 256-532-0300
- Madison County Circuit Court: 256-532-3641
- Madison County Sheriff: 256-722-7181
- Misdemeanor Bond Payments - Huntsville: 256-427-7817
- Police: 256.427.7009
- Records: 256-532-3416
- Visitation Appointments: 256-519-4864
Booking process details at Madison County Detention Facility
When someone is arrested, they are taken to Madison County Detention Facility for booking. This process involves verifying identity, assessing charges, and determining whether the person will be released on bail or detained.
It's crucial to remain silent during this process, as any statements could be used in court. Legal counsel should be consulted before making any comments about the arrest.
The booking process at Madison County Detention Facility typically involves the following steps:
- Identifying the individual.
- Taking a mugshot.
- Health assessments and questions about criminal background.
- DNA collection if applicable.
- Conducting a full-body search.
- Confiscating personal property.
- Allowing a phone call.
For details on posting bond for an arrestee, call the facility at 256-519-4800.
How to post bail for a loved one in Madison County
Once booked at Madison County Detention Facility in Huntsville, the individual has several possible outcomes:
1. Release without posting bail, with a commitment to appear in court.
2. Remaining in custody until their court date.
3. Posting bail or bond for release. For the exact amount, call 256-519-4800.
Several payment methods are available for bail.
- Cash bonds are settled in full at the jail's bonding window or the clerk of court with cash, a cashier's check or a money order, and card payments are often available at a lobby kiosk or through an online bond vendor for a fee; bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and the jail can be reached at 256-519-4800.
- Licensed bail bondsmen in Madison County can assist with the process.
- Many courts accept land or a house as bond collateral; the owner proves clear title and equity worth at least the bond amount, often double, with a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set bail approves the property.
For more details on the bail process in Madison County, Alabama, visit the Madison County Detention Facility Bail Information Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Madison County Detention Facility? What is the Schedule?
Madison County Detention Facility Inmate Video Visitation Schedule & Policies
815 Wheeler Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35801
256-519-4800
VIDEO VISITS ONLY
- First, you must register for visits with NCIC. All accounts have to be approved.
- Inmates must be incarcerated 30 days before visitation is allowed.
- You can schedule a visit up to 48 hours before the visit.
- Inmates are allowed up to three visits day. Visits are first come, first served.
- Remote visits have a fee of $0.38 per minute.
- Video visits at the jail are free.
- There are no visits between 11:00AM and 12 noon.
| INMATE HOUSING |
DAY | TIMES |
| Housing 1 Units A - E |
WED | 8:00am - 2:30pm |
| Housing 2 Units F - K |
WED | 8:00am - 2:30pm |
| Medical | WED | 8:00am - 2:30pm |
| L-Floor | MON | 8:00am - 2:30pm |
| M-Floor | TUE | 8:00am - 2:30pm |
| N-Floor | THU | 8:00am - 2:30pm |
| P-Floor | MON | 8:00am - 2:30pm |
Madison County Detention Facility uses the services of NCIC for remote video visitation.
In other words, you can visit your inmate in jail by using your home computer, as long as it is equipped with a microphone and camera that supports video.
Ask Madison County Detention Facility whether a video visit made at the jail is free.
Costs
NCIC shows the price of a video visit before you confirm it. Rates are set by the provider and can change.
Ask Madison County Detention Facility whether a video visit made at the jail is free.
How to set up your Video Visit
- Register here.
- Select Madison County Detention Facility
- Select your inmate.
- Choose your date and time.
Your inmate will be notified by the jail staff of the date and time for the visit. Be logged in and connected to NCIC before the scheduled start time.
NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – info@ncic.com
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Detention Facility’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-519-4800 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Madison County Detention Facility?
Madison County Detention Facility Inmate Video Visitation Schedule & Policies
815 Wheeler Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35801
256-519-4800
- First, you must register for visits with NCIC. All accounts have to be approved.
- Inmates must be incarcerated 30 days before visitation is allowed.
- You can schedule a visit up to 48 hours before the visit.
- Inmates are allowed up to three visits day. Visits are first come, first served.
- Remote visits have a fee of $0.38 per minute.
- Video visits at the jail are free.
- There are no visits between 11:00AM and 12 noon.
| INMATE HOUSING |
DAY | TIMES |
| Housing 1 Units A - E |
WED | 8:00am - 2:30pm |
| Housing 2 Units F - K |
WED | 8:00am - 2:30pm |
| Medical | WED | 8:00am - 2:30pm |
| L-Floor | MON | 8:00am - 2:30pm |
| M-Floor | TUE | 8:00am - 2:30pm |
| N-Floor | THU | 8:00am - 2:30pm |
| P-Floor | MON | 8:00am - 2:30pm |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Detention Facility’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-519-4800 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Madison County Detention Facility?
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
NOTE: Madison County Detention Facility may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.
1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
Inmate Canteen Customer Service can be reached at 715-690-2965, or by email at support@inmatecanteen.com.
How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Madison County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Madison County Detention Facility follow these steps:
- Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
- Select Alabama, then Madison County Detention Facility, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
- Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
- Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
- NOTE: Madison County Detention Facility may at times only allow online deposits for your inmate to purchase their own commissary locally.
For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Madison County Detention Facility, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Madison County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Detention Facility’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-519-4800 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Madison County Detention Facility?
How Does an Inmate Make Phone Calls in Madison County Detention Facility?
To receive phone calls from an inmate in Madison County follow these instructions:
Madison County Detention Facility uses the services of NCIC for inmate phone calling. It is called a ‘friends & family account”.
In order to receive phone calls from your inmate, you need to do the following:
- Register here, or by phone 800-943-2189
- Choose Alabama.
- Choose Madison County Detention Facility
- Select your Inmate.
- Enter the phone number your Inmate will be calling.
- Fund your account.
NOTE:
1. You cannot receive any calls to your phone number from your inmate until both you and your phone number are registered.
2. When you do receive a call, the number you will view on your phone from the incoming call is: 800-943-2189.
3. When allowed by Madison County Detention Facility, families can also leave secure voicemails for inmates to listen to.
Fees
- Adding funds to your account: NCIC's terms cap the fee for an automated payment (web, phone menu or kiosk) at $3.00.
- NCIC shows the current per-minute rate when you set up the account.
- NCIC's terms put the live-agent fee for a phone payment or account set-up at no more than $5.95.
NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – info@ncic.com
Full list of participating jails.
For all the information regarding phone calls with Madison County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, fees, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Detention Facility’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-519-4800 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Madison County Detention Facility, and what can I send them?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Detention Facility’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-519-4800 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Madison County Detention Facility, and what can I purchase?
Madison County Detention Facility uses the services of Inmate Canteen for Online Commissary Purchases for an Inmate.
Inmate Canteen Customer Service can be reached at 715-690-2965, or by email at support@inmatecanteen.com.
NOTE: Madison County Detention Facility may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.
For best results use google chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
- Register or Log in to your account
- Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
- Select the "Purchase Items" option
- Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Madison County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Madison County Detention Facility follow these steps:
- Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
- Select Alabama, then Madison County Detention Facility, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
- Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
- Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Madison County Detention Facility, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Madison County.
Inmate Canteen Customer Service can be reached at 715-690-2965, or by email at support@inmatecanteen.com.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Detention Facility’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-519-4800 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Madison County Detention Facility using an Online Messaging Service?
Madison County Detention Facility uses the services of NCIC for you to deposit funds into your inmate’s account so that you and they can purchase secure email messaging services from this jail’s e-messaging service.
You can deposit money three different ways:
• Deposit online at NCIC.com
• Ask Madison County Detention Facility whether it has an NCIC deposit kiosk and where it is.
• Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069 (Note: NCIC's terms put the live-agent fee for a phone payment or account set-up at no more than $5.95.)
NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – info@ncic.com
How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Madison County
To send a secure email message to an inmate in Madison County Detention Facility follow these steps:
Madison County Detention Facility uses the services of NCIC for you to deposit funds into your inmate's account so that you and they can purchase secure email messaging services from this jail’s e-messaging service.
You can deposit money three different ways:
• Deposit online at NCIC.com
• Ask Madison County Detention Facility whether it has an NCIC deposit kiosk and where it is.
• Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069 (Note: NCIC's terms put the live-agent fee for a phone payment or account set-up at no more than $5.95.)
Email – info@ncic.com
For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Madison County Detention Facility check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Madison County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Detention Facility’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-519-4800 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Madison County Detention Facility have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Ask Madison County Detention Facility whether NCIC tablets are available to inmates there.
How to Rent a Tablet for an Inmate at the Madison County Detention Facility
Ask Madison County Detention Facility whether NCIC tablets are available to inmates there.
Ask Madison County Detention Facility what the tablets can be used for and whether there is a charge.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Madison County Detention Facility’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 256-519-4800 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Madison County?
Madison County County Jails
Madison County Juvenile Facilities
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Madison County?
The Madison County Detention Facility serves the following cities and towns of Madison County: Arab, Gurley, Hazel Green, Huntsville, Madison, Meridianville, New Hope, Normal, Owens Cross Roads and Triana.