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Lake County IL Jail - Robert Babcox Justice Center

County Jail

Last Updated: February 16, 2025
Address
20 S County St, Waukegan, IL 60079
Beds
608
County
Lake
Phone
847-377-4200
Fax
847-360-5763
Email
sheriff@lakecountyil.gov
View Official Website

Lake County Jail is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is AccessCorrections There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Looking for an inmate at this facility? Visitation Information, Times and Rules
Satellite View of Lake County IL Jail - Robert Babcox Justice Center

You can support your loved ones at Lake County Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 847-377-4200.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Lake County Jail is a detention center located at 20 S County St Waukegan, IL which is operated locally by the Lake County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Lake County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Waukegan Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Illinois here.

This County Jail is a ten-story structure within the Robert Babcox Justice Center just two blocks from Lake Michigan and is a medium-security facility designed to accommodate both male and female inmates. With a capacity of 608 beds, the jail provides a secure environment that ensures the safety of both the inmates and the surrounding community.

Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours are required to appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted either in person or via telephone, the judge informs the arrested person of the charges against them and sets the bond amount.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

Table of Contents for Lake County Jail

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in Illinois. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Lake County IL Jail - Robert Babcox Justice Center.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

Video terminals are available at the Lake County Community-Based Correctional Center. You may choose to visit with an inmate from the comfort of your home from your computer or any electronic device with internet access. Please take note of some specific conditions before scheduling a visit via the web or video visitation terminal.

If you choose to use the Community Based Correctional Center terminals, the address is 15 S Martin Luther King Jr Avenue in Waukegan.

Video Visitation Hours
Sunday through Saturday:

  • 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
  • 11:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Visitation Rules

The following provides information to assist you in scheduling non-contact visitation with inmates at the Lake County Adult Correctional Facility. Our goal is to provide family and friends the opportunity to schedule visitation at a time that is convenient to your schedule, your family, and your lifestyle. All non-contact visits with inmates will be conducted over a video visitation system. Friends and family may come directly to the visitation center or opt to schedule a remote visit from home on a personal computer or other electronic device. All visits are monitored and recorded.

Terms & Conditions

  • Each inmate can receive 1 non-contact, on-site, 30-minute visit per week free of charge. This visit can occur after the inmate has been classified.
  • You may visit the same inmate only once per day.
  • The inmate must have the visitor on their approved visitor's list to visit. Additions to the visitor list must be completed before scheduling the visit.
  • All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Walk-in visits will not be authorized.
  • Visits may be canceled in the event of a facility emergency.
  • All visitors entering the visitation area are subject to search and may be checked for active warrants.
  • Visitors are required to show proof of identification using at least 1 of the following:
    • State driver’s license or identification card.
    • Valid military I.D.
    • Student I.D.
    • Mexican Matricula card
    • Passport with attached photo
    • Government I.D. card
    • Illinois Bar Association card or Court Services Identification.
  • Persons under 18 are not allowed to visit unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Proof of guardianship, birth certificates, or marriage licenses may be required.
  • All visits are monitored and recorded.
  • Visits may be canceled at any time for legal proceedings or because of inmate or visitor misconduct or violation of visitation rules.
  • There are no refunds for remote visits that are missed or canceled because of inmate or visitor misconduct.
  • All remote visits are subject to charges set by SecurusTech. Charges may fluctuate.

Rules

  • No smoking, drinking or eating are allowed in the visitation center.
  • Two adults and one child or one adult and two children are allowed to visit at one time. Children must be under close adult supervision.
  • Visitors must arrive at the visitation center 15 minutes before the visit. Visitors arriving late may only receive the balance of their scheduled visit time. There will be no refunds or credits for late or missed visits.
  • No nudity, provocative clothing, tight-fitting clothing, or sleepwear will be allowed during the visit.
  • Visitors or inmates exposing sexual organs will have their visits terminated and their visitation privileges permanently barred.
  • The visitor must remain at the visitation booth. If the visitor leaves the booth, the visit will be terminated.
  • Visitors appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, loud or disorderly in the visitation center or disrespectful to staff will be removed from the center and visitation privileges suspended and may be subject to criminal charges.
  • No cell phones or other electronic devices are allowed in the visitation center. All personal property must be secured in the lockers provided in the main lobby.
  • Damaging or defacing the equipment or any area of the visitation center will lead to a termination of the visit, permanent suspension of visitation privileges, and criminal charges.
  • Visitors may not record visitation sessions for any reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lake County IL Jail - Robert Babcox Justice Center - 25 FAQs

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at Lake County IL Jail - Robert Babcox Justice Center?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at Lake County IL Jail - Robert Babcox Justice Center, start by checking the facility’s online inmate search database, which is typically updated with recent booking information. If your search does not yield results, try using VINELink, a nationwide inmate locator that provides custody status for individuals in participating correctional facilities. If online searches are unsuccessful, calling Lake County IL Jail - Robert Babcox Justice Center directly and providing the individual’s full name and date of birth is another reliable way to confirm their custody status. If all else fails, you can use the Arrest Record Finder for a small fee, which can provide broader search results across multiple jurisdictions. 

  2. What are the visitation hours at Lake County IL Jail - Robert Babcox Justice Center?
    Visitation schedules vary by facility and housing unit. Some jails offer in-person visits on specific days, while others have transitioned to video visitation. Always check with the jail in advance, as visits may require scheduling and approval.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate at Lake County IL Jail - Robert Babcox Justice Center?
    Inmates can receive funds through various methods, including online deposits via jail-approved services, kiosks at the facility, or by mailing a money order. Some jails require funds to be added by specific family members or approved contacts.

  4. Can I call an inmate at Lake County Jail?
    Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, but they may initiate collect calls or use a prepaid account provided by the jail’s phone service provider. Calls are generally recorded and monitored, and inmates must adhere to time limits. Communication gets costly, you might qualify for discounts on inmate calls if your inmate is calling you a lot.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at Lake County Jail?
    Approved items typically include letters, legal documents, and photographs. Some jails also permit care packages from authorized third-party vendors. Items such as greeting cards with glitter, stickers, or Polaroid photos may be prohibited.

  6. Are books and magazines allowed at Lake County Jail?
    Yes, inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved vendors such as Amazon or InmateAid. Hardcover books and explicit content are typically prohibited to maintain facility security. Some jails also have restrictions on the number of reading materials an inmate can possess at one time.

  7. What is the mailing address for inmates here?
    Each facility has a designated mailing address for inmate correspondence. It is important to include the inmate's full name, booking number (if applicable), and facility-approved format to ensure proper delivery. Mail containing contraband, including staples or stickers, may be rejected.

  8. What is the process for bonding someone out of Lake County IL Jail - Robert Babcox Justice Center?
    Bail or bond amounts can be paid at the facility’s designated payment location, online, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Some jails accept cash, cashier’s checks, or credit card payments, while others require payments to be made at a county clerk’s office.

  9. How do I deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account at Lake County Jail?
    Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase personal hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items. Deposits can be made online, at facility kiosks, or through phone services. Some facilities limit the amount that can be added per week.

  10. What clothing and personal items can an inmate have at Lake County Jail?
    Inmates are generally issued standard jail clothing. Personal items are often restricted, and necessary hygiene products must be purchased through commissary unless the inmate is deemed indigent. Some jails allow inmates to have religious items, such as prayer beads or a Bible.

  11. How long do inmates stay at Lake County IL Jail - Robert Babcox Justice Center before being transferred?
    The length of stay varies based on the nature of their charges, sentencing, and case status. Some inmates serve their full sentences in county jail, while others may be transferred to a state or federal facility after sentencing.

  12. Can an inmate at Lake County Jail receive visits from children?
    Most jails allow minors to visit inmates but require them to be accompanied by a legal guardian. Some facilities impose restrictions based on the nature of the inmate's charges or have specific visitation hours for families with children.

  13. How can I schedule a visit with an inmate at Lake County Jail?
    Many jails require visitation to be scheduled in advance through an online portal or by phone. Some facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others enforce strict scheduling rules and background checks for visitors.

  14. What happens if an inmate gets sick or needs medical care at Lake County Jail?
    Jails provide basic medical care, and inmates can request medical attention as needed. Emergency cases are treated immediately, while routine care is provided through medical staff. Some jails charge small medical co-pays deducted from an inmate’s commissary funds.

  15. Can inmates work while incarcerated here?
    Some inmates qualify for work programs within the facility, such as kitchen duty, janitorial work, or laundry services. In some counties, low-risk inmates may participate in work-release programs that allow them to work in the community and return to jail afterward.

  16. How can I find court dates and case information for an inmate at Lake County Jail?
    Court dates and case details can usually be found through the county court website, public records, or by contacting the court clerk. Inmates are typically transported to court on scheduled hearing dates.

  17. What are the rules for inmate phone calls at Lake County Jail?
    Inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Calls must be made through facility-approved phone services, and any attempt to arrange three-way calls or circumvent restrictions may result in loss of phone privileges.

  18. Can an inmate be released early from Lake County Jail?
    Early release may be granted through good behavior, completion of rehabilitative programs, or at the discretion of the court. In some cases, inmates may qualify for electronic monitoring or house arrest programs.

  19. What types of rehabilitation programs are available at here?
    Many county jails offer educational programs, GED classes, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.

  20. What are the consequences of bringing contraband into the jail?
    Introducing contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or cell phones, is a criminal offense and can lead to legal charges, visitation bans, or enhanced security measures within the jail.

  21. Are there special accommodations for disabled inmates at Lake County IL Jail - Robert Babcox Justice Center?
    Yes, jails are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and medical care.

  22. How do I report an issue or concern about an inmate at Lake County IL Jail - Robert Babcox Justice Center?
    Family members and advocates can report concerns to jail administration, a prisoner rights organization, or a legal representative. Some jails have grievance procedures inmates can follow if they experience mistreatment.

  23. Can an inmate at Lake County Jail receive religious services or counseling?
    Yes, most jails provide chaplain services, religious counseling, and access to faith-based programs. Some facilities have multi-denominational services or allow clergy members to visit inmates upon request.

  24. What are the disciplinary procedures at Lake County Jail?
    Inmates who violate jail rules may face disciplinary actions such as loss of privileges, placement in solitary confinement, or additional charges. Disciplinary hearings are typically conducted before penalties are imposed.

  25. How do I obtain an inmate’s release records from Lake County IL Jail - Robert Babcox Justice Center?
    Release records may be available through the facility’s records department, the sheriff’s office, or the county clerk. Requests may require an application and a processing fee.

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