Marathon County Jail
Marathon County Jail
To find out if someone is being held at the 279-bed Marathon County Jail, call 715-261-1700 at any hour or search the roster with the inmate search tool.
The facility receives everyone arrested in the county on misdemeanor and felony charges for booking and processing. Inmates may then be bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or held until the disposition of their trial.
Those sentenced to less than one year serve their sentence at this jail. Those sentenced to longer terms are transferred to the Wisconsin State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Read on for the visitation schedule, inmate account funding, mail guidelines, inmate phone service, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary ordering.
We recommend saving the inmate’s jail ID or booking number, which is needed for mail and other contact. If it isn’t listed online, call Marathon County Jail at 715-261-1700.
Inmate Services
Phone
715-261-1700Mailing address (personal mail)
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Mailing address (legal mail or subscriptions)
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Marathon 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 715-261-1700 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up the Criminal Court case of an offender in this county, online.
Marathon County Jail Inmate Search
The Marathon County Jail maintains an average of 279 offenders in custody on any given day. The Marathon 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 Marathon County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 5,980 offenders.
The following charts of Marathon County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.
The information is compiled from the Marathon County Corrections Department, the state of Wisconsin Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Marathon County.
For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Marathon County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.
We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessThe Marathon County Jail, along with the courthouse, was first built in 1955 for $2 million. At the time it was built they has 129 beds. In 1999 the jail expanded again, adding 45,000 square feet with 150 more beds bringing the total rated capacity to 279 beds. In addition to the extra inmate beds, the expansion added 10 more holding cells, 2 medical isolation cells, and a holding bullpen.
In 2019, they realized there was a serious problem with the construction and they had to empty the jail and send inmates to neighboring county jails, as a potentional collapse was imminent.
According to Lance Leonhard, Marathon County Deputy Administrator / Interim Administrator of the Facilities & Capital Management division of the county, this is what the problem was:
- The connection points between the structural columns and the concrete floors were inadequate. With enough additional stress, this can lead to what is known as “punching shear,” where a column simply punches through the slab and the slab collapses.
- Second, the concrete slabs, which serve as both the floors and ceilings of the various levels of the jail, were deflecting and the weight load was not properly being transferred to the floors below. In other words: The floors were sagging more than anticipated. That meant that the interior walls, which were not designed to carry the weight of the floor above, were under pressure and the weight load wasn’t being properly distributed to the floors below.
It took six months to do the work, but the jail was saved.
The Marathon County Jail is located at 500 Forest Street in Wausau, WI 54403. It's prominently situated at the corner of Forest Street and N. 6th Street.
You can call the jail for information about inmates and inmate services during business hours at 715-261-1700. You can also use their online Inmate Jail Roster to look up inmates in custody. The app gives you the inmate's mugshot, criminal charges, bond, docket numbers and personal information on the inmate.
The Marathon County Jail, like all jails in Wisconsin, is having problems staying staffed. At times they are short almost 25% of correctional officers, forcing them to transfer inmates to other jails.
Mail can be received every day and is processed and passed to the inmates quickly. Friends and family of inmates in the Marathon County Jail can arrange to visit inmates by video, both at the jail and remotely from home. Friends and family can also communicate using an online text/email system, send them money and buy them commissary online, and set up a phone account that allows the inmates to call them during the day and evening seven days a week.
All the information on these inmate services can be found in the sections below. If you still have questions, you can phone the jail by calling 715-261-1700.
- Jail (Main): 715-261-1700
- Adult Probation: 715-261-1600
- Court: 715-261-1000
- District Attorney: 715-261-1111
- Public Defender: 715-842-1603
- Sheriff: 715-261-1200
- Wausau Police: 715-261-7800
Steps involved in booking at Marathon County Jail
After an arrest, the individual is brought to Marathon County Jail for the booking process. This procedure involves identifying the person, determining charges, and deciding whether they’ll be released on their own recognizance, posted for bail, or held until court.
Remaining silent is highly recommended, as anything said can later be used in court. Wait for legal advice before responding to questions.
The booking process typically involves the following steps at Marathon County Jail:
- Identification confirmation.
- Photographs (mugshots).
- Answering questions regarding health and criminal background.
- Potential DNA collection.
- Conducting a physical search.
- Seizing personal property.
- Providing a free phone call.
For details on an offender’s bail or bond, call Marathon County Jail at 715-261-1700.
How to pay bail in Marathon County for an arrestee
Once an individual is booked at Marathon County Jail in Wausau, options for their release include:
1. Release without paying bail, with a commitment to appear in court.
2. Continued detention until their court date.
3. Release upon paying a bail or bond. Call 715-261-1700 for the bail amount.
Bail can be paid through various methods.
- Bring the full cash bond to the jail's bonding window or the clerk of court and pay by cash, cashier's check or money order; many jails also take debit or credit cards for a fee through a lobby kiosk or an online bond vendor, and staff will need the inmate's full name and booking number (jail: 715-261-1700).
- A licensed bail bondsman in Marathon County can assist with the process.
- An owner can often pledge land or a home as bond collateral by proving clear title and equity worth at least the bond, frequently double the bond, with a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value; the court that set bail must approve the property before release.
For more details on the bail process in Marathon County, Wisconsin, visit the Marathon County Jail Bail Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Marathon County Jail? What is the Schedule?
Marathon County Jail Inmate Video Visitation Schedule
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1700
- First, you must register, puchase data, and then schedule with CIDNET.
- Visits are 20 minutes.
- The more data you purchase, the less expensive each MB of data is.
ON SITE VIDEO VISITATION
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| MONDAY | 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
Professional Visitation
- Attorney and Community Corrections: visits are accommodated on a first-come, first-serve basis during non-lockdown times, Monday-Friday: 8AM-10:50AM, 1:00PM-4:30PM and 7:00PM-9:00PM.
- Clergy Visitation Schedule: Wednesdays and Fridays: 10:00AM-11:00AM & Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8:00PM-9:00PM
- All visitors must be pre-approved and have a professional visitor card on file with Jail Administration. Visitors must present a valid ID. All visitation days and times are subject to cancellation without notice.
Marathon County Jail uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Marathon County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 715-261-1700 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Marathon County Jail?
Marathon County Jail Inmate Video Visitation Schedule
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1700
- First, you must register, puchase data, and then schedule with CIDNET.
- Visits are 20 minutes.
- The more data you purchase, the less expensive each MB of data is.
ON SITE VIDEO VISITATION
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| MONDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| FRIDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
| SATURDAY | 1:00PM - 4:00PM 6:30PM - 9:00PM |
REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| MONDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| FRIDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
| SATURDAY | 9:00AM - 10:45AM 11:45AM - 4:45PM 6:30PM - 9:30PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Marathon County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 715-261-1700 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Marathon County Jail?
There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:
Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail
Bring money to the jail in person.
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use a Jail ATM self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.
Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Marathon County Jail uses Jail ATM to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.
Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union. Call the Marathon County Jail first as they may want you to do this online or at the jail kiosk instead.
Make the Money Order out to the payee the jail names (check with the jail first) and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order. Never mail cash or a personal check.
Marathon County Jail
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit with Jail ATM over the Phone by calling 877-810-0914
To do this you will need the inmate's offender # (inmate ID #) and full legal name.
How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in Marathon County
To deposit money online for an inmate in Marathon County Jail follow these steps:
- Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, the deposit service used for inmates at Marathon County.
- After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
- Choose Wisconsin, then choose Marathon County Jail
- Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
- Select your inmate.
- Input an amount to deposit to your inmate in Marathon County Jail, and then input your payment method.
- NOTE: JailATM's support page lists a deposit limit of $300 a week per inmate and says the limit can be different at each facility.
- If you need to phone JailATM customer support, call 877-810-0914.
For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Marathon County Jail, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Marathon County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Marathon County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 715-261-1700 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Marathon County Jail?
How to Make and Receive Phone Calls and Video Phone Calls from an Inmate in Marathon County
To register and sign up for a phone account with CIDNET Inmate Phone Service, follow the instructions below:
- Register and create an account with CIDNET.
- Type in your Email, Time Zone and First & Last Name of your Marathon County Jail inmate.
1. Click the Create Account button.
2. Read the Terms of Use, then click Agree.
3. Login to your email and open the CIDNET email.
4. In the email, click the Complete Your Verification link.
5. Choose a Security PIN and a Password.
6. Click the Sign In button. - After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Wisconsin, then the Marathon County Jail, then your inmate's name.
- Once you have completed this, the Marathon County Jail will have to give final approval for you to set up a phone account with your inmate.
For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues regarding making phone calls with an inmate in Marathon County, visit our full page guide.
NOTE: All phone conversations are recorded. Whatever you talk about, can and will be used against your inmate in court. Never discuss their pending criminal case!
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Marathon County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 715-261-1700 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Marathon County Jail, and what can I send them?
Marathon County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Ask the Marathon County Jail whether it accepts postcards, and what size and type, before mailing one. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Marathon 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:
Marathon County Jail
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Marathon County Jail
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
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
Ask the Marathon County Jail whether books can be mailed in, and whether they must come straight from a publisher or retailer such as Amazon, Barnes & 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 Marathon County Jail standards will be disposed of.
Ask the Marathon County Jail whether hardcover books are accepted.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Marathon County Jail
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Marathon County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?
For inmates receiving mail in the Marathon 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 Marathon County Jail:
Marathon County Jail
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
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 Marathon County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 715-261-1700 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Marathon County Jail, and what can I purchase?
JailATM – Send Money or Send Commissary Gift Packs to Marathon County Jail
Search for JailATM services for Marathon County Jail.
Make an inmate deposit with JailATM for Marathon County Jail.
Note: While JailATM offers the following inmate services, Marathon County Jail may not allow all of them. Check on the JailATM website to confirm. Services available through JailATM are subject to change with no notice.
Send Gift Packs
Marathon County Jail has an agreement with JailATM, which ships predetermined Gift Packs of candy, snacks and hygiene products to the inmate. Check the JailATM website to see if they allow Gift Packs.
These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the inmate.
How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Marathon County
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Marathon County Jail follow these steps:
- Go to JailATM, choose Wisconsin, then choose Marathon County Jail
- Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
- Select your inmate, and then you will be prompted to Register with them to open an account.
- Select the products you want shipped to them at Marathon County Jail, and then input your payment method.
- NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Marathon County at any one time.
- If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914
For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages or sending money to an inmate in Marathon County Jail check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Marathon County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Marathon County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 715-261-1700 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Marathon County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Marathon County Jail uses CIDNET for Digital Mail Messaging between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.
Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903
How to send a text or email to an inmate in Marathon County
To send and receive secure texts or emails from an inmate housed in Marathon County follow these instructions:
- Register and create an account with CIDNET.
- Choose a Security PIN and Password.
- After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Wisconsin, then the Marathon County Jail, then your inmate's name.
- Once you have completed this, the Marathon County Jail will have to give final approval for you to communicate by email with your chosen inmate.
For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues with Texting and Emailing an inmate in Marathon County, visit our full page guide.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Marathon County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 715-261-1700 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Marathon County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Marathon County Jail may now offer CIDNET Tablet Rentals to their inmates.
CIDNET is the same company that handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.
The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:
- Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
- eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
- Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
- Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
- Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
- Law Library - Legal research with up-to-date case information.
- eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
- Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
- Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
- Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.
Here's how it works:
- Register here.
- Pay for the subscription.
- You get charged the 1st of each month.
- You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
- No activation or early termination fees.
- Your inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Marathon County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 715-261-1700 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Marathon County?
Marathon County County Jails
Marathon County Juvenile Facilities
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Marathon County?
The Marathon County Jail serves the following cities and towns of Marathon County: Athens, Brokaw, Edgar, Hatley, Marathon City, Mosinee, Norrie, Rothschild, Schofield, Spencer, Stratford, Wausau and Weston.