Matagorda County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Matagorda County

Matagorda County Jail Information

The Matagorda County Jail is a 192 bed jail in the city of Bay City, Matagorda County, Texas. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 979-245-5526.

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 Texas 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 979-245-5526, 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 Matagorda County Jail at 979-245-5526 to get it.

Phone: 979-245-5526

Physical Address:
2323 Avenue E
Bay City, TX 77414

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Matagorda County Jail
2323 Avenue E
Bay City, TX 77414

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Matagorda County Jail
2323 Avenue E
Bay City, TX 77414

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Matagorda County Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Matagorda County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 979-245-5526 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Criminal Court Cases in Matagorda County and anywhere in Texas.

Matagorda County Jail Inmate Search

The Matagorda County Jail maintains an average of 192 offenders in custody on any given day. The Matagorda County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Matagorda County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 3,840 offenders.

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About the Matagorda County Jail

The Matagorda County Jail, constructed in 1983, serves as the home to the sheriff's offices and modern detention facilities. This updated facility replaced the old jail, which was in use from 1931 to 1983.

The tan brick, single story jail is actually behind the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Center on Avenue F.; on Avenue E between 4th and 5th Streets in Bay City, TX, even though the official address for the Sheriff's office says it's on Avenue F.

Visits are Saturdays and Sundays only.

For making calls to an inmate or depositing money for calls, you can utilize the services outlined on our Inmate Phone page. Additionally, if you wish to deposit money into an inmate's commissary account, you can deposit it online, or make use of the kiosk available in the lobby of the Matagorda County Jail. It is necessary to have the inmate's name, SO number, and date of birth for this process.

If you are interested in accessing current jail records, you can find them online, or you can call 979-245-5526.

Regarding inmate rehabilitation and education, the facility has a comprehensive written plan that has been approved by the Commission. This plan prioritizes the maximum utilization of available community resources. It includes various programs that inmates can voluntarily participate in, such as testing and counseling for alcohol or drug abuse problems, vocational rehabilitation, assessment of academic and vocational aptitudes and goals, job placement assistance, addressing family issues, as well as support for personal psychological or psychiatric problems. Furthermore, feasible academic, reading, and training programs are made available to inmates with the support of community resources.

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

What is the booking process for the Matagorda County Jail?

After being arrested, the offender is brought to the Matagorda County Jail for booking, which is the detailed process of identifying, classifying, deciding on charges, and whether the person will either be released on their own recognizance, allowed to be released on bail, or moved into the jail until their court date.

The first thing every newly arrested person must do is close their mouth. Everything an offender says may be used against them, so the best thing to do is remain silent when questioned about the arrest and what led to it.

These are the steps of booking someone into the Matagorda County Jail:

  • Personal identification.
  • Mugshot(s).
  • Questions about medical history, mental health, drug and alcohol use, and gang affiliations.
  • Possible DNA.
  • Full body search.
  • Property forfeiture.
  • Free phone call.

Booking can take as little as an hour, or up to 48 hours on a busy weekend or holiday evening, or if the offender is violent, wasted or generally uncooperative. If you have any questions about when you can pay an offender's bond and what the cost will be, call the facility at 979-245-5526.

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Directions / Map to the Matagorda County Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

How do you pay bail for someone who has been arrested in [county_extended}?

When an offender is arrested and brought to the Matagorda County Jail in Bay City for booking, there are several outcomes after being processed.

1. The offender will be released with no bail, promising to return on a specific date to appear before a judge in either Municipal or Matagorda County Court.
2. The offender is ordered to remain in jail until their court date.
3. The offender is allowed to be released after paying a specified bond or bail.  Call 979-245-5526 to get the exact amount.

The payment of an offender's bail or bond can take many shapes.

  • If can be paid by cash, money order or credit card.
  • It can be paid using a bail company, licensed to do business in Matagorda County.
  • It can be paid by using a residential property in the county as collateral. 

For detailed Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about the entire bail process in Matagorda County Texas, check out the Matagorda County Jail Bail Page.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Matagorda County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Matagorda County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
2323 Avenue E
Bay City, TX 77414
979-245-5526

  • Schedule subject to change.
  • Call 979-245-5526 to confirm visitation time prior to making arrangements. Arrive 30 minutes before visit to register.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per visit. A 3rd guest is allowed if it is a child and no more than 6 years old.
  • All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
DAY TIME
SUNDAY
Males
1:00PM - 4:00PM
SUNDAY
Females
9:00AM - 11:00AM
SATURDAY
Males
1:00PM - 4:00PM
SATURDAY
Females
9:00AM - 11:00AM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Matagorda County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 979-245-5526 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Matagorda County Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Matagorda County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 979-245-5526 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Matagorda County Jail?

There are multiple ways to add money to an inmate's account at Matagorda County Jail, using Access Corrections Secure Deposits

1. Online - Making a deposit using a verified Visa or Mastercard online, or using their Apple or Android App.
2. By phone - Dial 866.345.1884 to reach their 24/7 Access Corrections domestic call centers.
3. Jail Lobby Kiosk - Kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
4. Mail-in Lockbox - Friends or Family who do not have a credit or debit card can mail money orders to their secure lockbox to make deposits to an inmate’s account. Depositors use a customized form that captures all needed information. Upon receipt, they process and post the deposits to the inmate's trust fund in approximately 48 hours.

Money orders may be mailed to inmates at:
Access Corrections
P.O. Box 12486
St. Louis, MO 63132

Money orders must be made out to "Access Secure Deposits".
Include the state, city, inmate name and ID number on all money orders.

5. Walk-in Cash Deposits - Go to any Cash Pay Today location to deposit cash to your inmate's account.

Secure Deposits - Frequently Asked Questions
Secure Deposits - Video Tutorial on How it Works
Secure Deposits - Help Pages

Customer Service Contacts:
Phone: 866-345-1884
Emailcustomerservice@accesscorrections.com
Online Chat - Look for 'bubble' on bottom right of the page linked here.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Matagorda County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Matagorda County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select Texas, then select Matagorda County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Matagorda County Jail.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Matagorda County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 979-245-5526 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Matagorda County Jail?

How Does an Inmate Make Phone Calls in Matagorda County Jail?

To receive phone calls from an inmate in Matagorda County follow these instructions:

Matagorda County Jail 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 Texas.
  • Choose Matagorda County Jail
  • Select your Inmate.
  • Enter the phone number your Inmate will be calling.
  • Fund your Account. ($10-$100 at a time)

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 Matagorda County Jail, families can also leave secure voicemails for inmates to listen to.

Fees

  • Adding funds to your account - $3.00 
  • Cost of phone call of a Prepaid Collect Account - $0.21 per minute
  • Cost of an interstate (ex. Texas to a different state) phone call NOT Prepaid - $0.25 per minute
  • Cost of an intrastate (ex. Texas to Texas) phone call NOT Prepaid - $0.25 per minute
  • Cost if you set up your account (or fund it) by phone using a live agent, you will be charged a one-time fee of $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 Matagorda 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 Matagorda County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 979-245-5526 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Matagorda County Jail, and what can I send them?

Matagorda County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Matagorda County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Matagorda County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Matagorda County Jail
2323 Avenue E
Bay City, TX 77414



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Matagorda County Jail
2323 Avenue E
Bay City, TX 77414



Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Matagorda County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Matagorda County Jail standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Matagorda County Jail
2323 Avenue E
Bay City, TX 77414

Matagorda County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Matagorda County Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.

All mail is to be shipped to the Matagorda County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Matagorda County Jail
2323 Avenue E
Bay City, TX 77414


For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Matagorda County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 979-245-5526 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Matagorda County Jail, and what can I purchase?

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Matagorda County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Matagorda County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select Texas, then select Matagorda County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Matagorda County Jail.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Matagorda County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 979-245-5526 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Matagorda County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Matagorda County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 979-245-5526 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Matagorda County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Matagorda County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 979-245-5526 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Matagorda County Jail? What does it look like?
Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Matagorda County?

Matagorda Calhoun Jackson Wharton Brazoria
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Search for an Inmate in Matagorda County

This facility, known as "Matagorda County Jail" is also known as Matagorda County Jail & Sheriff, Matagorda County Jail Sheriff .