Phillips County Jail – Malta, MT

Phillips County Jail is in Phillips County, Montana and is the main jail for this area. Do you know somebody in Phillips County Jail? This site will tell you all about anything you might need to know about Phillips County Jailsuch as the following: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And much more…

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The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also that person’s friends and family. The goal of this guide is to give you advice and information that you’ll need to make the process less stressful. If you have questions, please feel free to ask them, and also any comments or feedback that might be beneficial to others would be much appreciated.

General Information

Address

Phillips County Jail
314 South 2 Ave West
Malta, MT 59538

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone Number: (406) 654-2350
Fax:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you have a friend or family member in jail and don’t know how to find them?

Has somebody that has been arrested and you want to find them?

In order to search who’s in jail at Phillips County Jail you have to click on their link and use the inmate search.

Inmate Locator

The Phillips County Jail Inmate Roster has information on people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting schedule. Also, you can get the same information on anyone processed or discharged in the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to find the information quicker if you enter the arrestee’s name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for is at another jail you will want to check our Montana county jail guide: Montana County Jails


Mugshots

A mugshot, also called a booking photo, is a photo that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually one and a profile picture. Your name and booking number will appear on the photos, and they are stored at the jail.

View Mugshots

Mugshots are online, or you can see them at the Phillips County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you need to enter the prisoner’s legal name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Mugshot Search

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Last Name

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot removed from the Phillips County Jail website? This will be difficult, because the mugshot is a public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that the record of your arrest will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the many different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

If you are incarcerated, your primary thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through booking, a bail amount is decided by the magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you must promise to go to your court date, and you won’t be permitted to go out of town.

In most cases, a prisoner can earn time off for good behavior when they follow the rules and act right while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be granted work release. You will either have to stay the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you may get to sleep in a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail

Bail is how much money that you are required to pay in order to be released from jail until your trial. The amount you will be required to pay is dictated by the seriousness of your crime. Someone will have to pay ten percent of the total that was set in order to be released from jail. If you don’t go to your court appearance, whoever posted your bail will lose that bail money.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

You will need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they will let you know how much their bail is. You can also check their bail amount and status on the Phillips County Jail site.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Bailing out of jail is never fun, but most of the time, it is really easy. To start with, find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you will not be able to use the services of a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they won’t accept a check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the person will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

Bail Bondsman

If bail is set too high, or you just don’t have the money, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and sometimes charge a minimum of $100. This is non-refundable and the bondsman only accepts cash. If bail is very large, the bondsman will in most cases request to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral.

To talk to a local bail bondsman go to: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to tell about all about it

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

  • Get Time Off For Good Behavior
  • Work Release Programs
  • Released For Time Served
  • Get Out on a Pre-Trial Release Program
  • House Arrest
  • Own Recognizance


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The intake process is made up of the following steps:

  • You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
  • The first step is that you have to answer some simple questions, like what is your full name, street address, birthdate and contact person.
  • Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
  • You will be given an inmate number.
  • You will be fingerprinted.
  • You will have your mugshot taken.
  • All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released.
  • You will be allowed to use the phone in order to call a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
  • If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? What was your treatment like? Can you share any secrets that will help others get through the process?

Click here to tell about all about it

Discharge Procedures

When you post bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged takes anywhere between 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. Or, simply, the faster you can post bail, the quicker you will get released. Also, how fast you get released can depend on whether or not you’ve got a cash bond or if the judge needs to figure out the bail amount. For minor charges, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served your sentence and are given a discharge date, you should plan to be released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

How To Turn Yourself In

If the sheriff has a, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, you should do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. For a warrant, go down to the jail, and let them know that believe that there could be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a record check, and if there is one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Make sure that you are not late to report. Just bring allowed items when you go, for example a driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a sentencing order from court.

Visitation Procedures

To have visitors, you must list information about each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s information will be entered in a log of approved visitors as an authorized visitor. Each and every visitor will have to provide identification. Visitors that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies are always changing, so it would be wise to review the official jail site before you visit an inmate.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are generally more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s phone privileges could be reduced or forbidden completely.

The Phillips County Jail phone number is: (406) 654-2350

Sending Mail to Inmates

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other type of mail or package delivery. You should write the inmate’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t mail a package, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail will be opened and read and inspected by staff, and will be returned to the sender if deemed inappropriate.

Mailing Address

The mailing address for Phillips County Jail is:

Phillips County Jail
314 South 2 Ave West
Malta, MT 59538

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Phillips County Jail
314 South 2 Ave West
Malta, MT 59538


The Phillips County Jail inmate mail policy changes frequently, so you should check the site when you send a letter to an inmate there.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

If you have been arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these being your right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure to get a friend or family member to find a lawyer for you. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘why do I need an attorney?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you find your way through the complicated court system that you are now faced with. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your situation, the better off you’ll be.

For more information on how to find an attorney, read: Find an Attorney

Public Defender

If you can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. All Public Defenders are actual lawyers, members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court Records

Phillips County court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They contain a file containing a docket and every documents and motions filed in the case. You are able to access court records via the Phillips County website, or at the Phillips County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records and documents associated with your court case are kept and available to you at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Fees

Court fees are all costs from your case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

Magistrate

The Phillips County magistrate is the judge that will preside over your case in court. Magistrate judges do a number of things, like determining how much your bail will be, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

Pre-Sentencing

A pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the judge will take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Keep in mind that you can ask to receive a copy of this report before sentencing, and correct the mistakes.

Sentencing

When you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, including community service to probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you might get immediately taken into custody, or you could get a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Do you want to find out if somebody you know is incarcerated, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you need to query the jail’s website, and do a search using:

  • Name.
  • Birthdate.
  • Approximate booking date.
  • and their jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you should call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

Warrant Inquiry

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants online or you are able to call the court directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should know that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or find out online. An arrest is public record and this information is freely available.

Civil Inquiry

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, which can be a court order. You can find these by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All people registered as sex offenders must be registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to see these listings on the internet, but keep in mind that you can’t see the precise address, just the block of the address that they registered.

Court Records

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a court case file that contains a court docket and all documents and filings filed in your case. You are able to access the court records via the internet, or at Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal background. These online databases are linked together and you can track criminal backgrounds from another state. Go to county courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you are able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for crimes, which include:

  • DWI or DUI.
  • Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
  • Violent crimes like assault or murder.
  • Theft.

If you do a criminal records check, you won’t discover if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

  • Speeding or reckless driving.
  • Drivers license revoked or suspended.
  • Any accidents.
  • Moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To get driving records, you have to do a driving records search.

    Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the jail? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that people look up criminal records, and your story could help other people.

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    Most Wanted

    The FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Phillips County, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

    FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    Just the thought of being incarcerated in Phillips County Jail is very scary, soon you will settle into the routine that is set for you in jail. You will get an alarm for wake-up every morning at 6:00am, and next you’ll have roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. Following breakfast you will be required to work in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

    Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Phillips County Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

    Dress Code

    When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Phillips County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

    How To Send Money to an Inmate

    You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

    The process for sending funds to someone in jail might change, so it would be best to check the official website before you send funds to an inmate.

    Commissary

    The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

    Inmate Medications

    If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

    Meals

    You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

    Pods / The Yard

    The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

    Gangs

    As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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    News and Media

    News

    Photos / Pictures

    Videos


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    Jobs

    Types of Jobs at Phillips County Jail

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Phillips County Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

    Apply for a Job at Phillips County Jail

    Requirements:

    • You must be over the age of 21.
    • You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
    • You must be a US Citizen.
    • You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
    • You must pass a drug test.
    • You must have a good level of fitness.
    • You must be in good health.
    • You must have a valid Driver’s License
    • An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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    Family Resources

    There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

    If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

    Click here to post a comment


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    Victim Resources

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

    Victim’s Rights

    The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

    • The right to protection from the accused.
    • The right to notification.
    • The right to attend proceedings.
    • The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
    • The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
    • The right to restitution.
    • The right to a speedy trial.
    • The right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

    The definition of victim includes:

    • Spouses and children of all victims.
    • Parents and guardians of minor victims.
    • Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
    • Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

    There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

    Victim Notification

    The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

    Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

    Click here to comment

    Sex Offender Information and Search

    All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

    Domestic Violence

    If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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    Reviews

    Reviews of this Jail

    Have you ever been locked up in Phillips County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member that spent time there? Have you ever visited an inmate there?

    If yes, then we would like you to write a review about it. Write about your jail experience so others can learn what to expect.

    Things you might want to write in your comment:

    • Conditions in Phillips County Jail.
    • Jail facility and layout
    • Jail staff and Guards
    • Food and commissary
    • Having Visitors
    • Other Inmates.
    • Inmate safety
    • Gang activity
    • Activities and programs


    Speak Your Mind

    Tell Your Story

    Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you get arrested? How did the guards treat you? What happened to you while you were locked up? What were the other inmates like? How did going to jail affect your life?

    Tell Your Story About Phillips County Jail

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Are you trying to get in touch with somebody you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

    Say Hello to people still locked up at Phillips County Jail


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