St Joseph County Jail – South Bend, IN

St Joseph County Jail is located in St Joseph County, Indiana and is the correctional facility for this county. Do you know somebody incarcerated at St Joseph County Jail? This guide will tell you all about everything related to St Joseph County Jail: Find an inmate at St Joseph County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful situation, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to give you information and advice you need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have questions, feel free to ask them, and please leave any feedback or comments that would help others will be appreciated.

Do you know someone that is incarcerated and need to find them?

Has a friend or family member that has been arrested and you don’t know how to find out where they are?

In order to see who’s in jail at St Joseph County Jail you will need to visit their web site and use the inmate lookup.

The St Joseph County Jail Inmate Locator is an online list of persons who have been arrested, including status, bail amount, and schedule for visitation. You can find info on anybody arrested and booked or discharged within the last 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to get the information quicker if you have your friend or family member’s name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you are looking for could possibly be at a different jail you should look here, too: Indiana Jails

A mugshot, also called a jail intake picture, is a photograph that the police take when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one and one profile photo. Your full name and jail ID number will be in the mugshot, and they are on file at the jail.

Mugshots of inmates are on the St Joseph County Jail website, or you can view them at the St Joseph County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to put in the person’s legal name, and the booking date, if you have it.

Do you want to have your mugshot removed from the St Joseph County Jail site? This is difficult, as your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the various mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Of course, once you are incarcerated, your only thought is about when you get out. After booking, bail is decided by the magistrate. If no bail is set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released from jail you will have to promise to go to your court date, and in the meantime you are required not to go out of town.

Typically, an inmate will be given time off in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and act right while they are in jail.

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 each day when you’re finished at your job, or you might be permitted to sleep in a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is money that you are required to pay to get out of jail until your court date. The amount you have to pay depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. You will have to pay to the courts ten percent of the total that was determined so you can be released from jail. If you don’t show up for court, whoever paid your bail will lose that money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you what their bail is set at. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the St Joseph County Jail site.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but thankfully, its easy. To start with, you need to find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If this is the case, you won’t be able to get a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail will not accept a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the prisoner will be released to your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you will get this money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, of if you can’t pay it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and usually with a minimum of $100. This money will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman might require that they use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

If you need a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at St Joseph County Jail

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

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

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The intake process is made up of these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you will answer some simple questions, such as what is your full name, street address, birth date and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and mental history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• You will get to make a telephone call in order to call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail uniform.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take? What was your treatment like? Can you share any secrets that might help other people that get arrested to get through jail processing?

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When you post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged from jail can take from 30 minutes to all day. So, the faster you post bail, the faster you will get released. How quickly you get discharged might depend on whether you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if a judge has to decide on your bail amount. For a minor offense, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and know the discharge date, plan to get released in the morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must start a jail sentence, you should follow the rules and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go down to the jail, in the reception area, and let them know that believe that there could be a warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Make sure that you are not late. Just bring required items when you go, for example your driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a sentencing order from court.

To have visitors, you need to provide each visitor’s name to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s information will be put into the visitors log for the inmate. Each and every visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Visitors arriving late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures at St Joseph County Jail change often, so review the official St Joseph County Jail jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are generally pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, phone calls may be limited or eliminated completely.

The St Joseph County Jail phone number is: 574-245-6501

All inmate mail must be sent via US Postal Service. You can’t use any other method of delivery. You must write the name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a box, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail gets opened and reviewed by the jail staff, and the mail will get returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at St Joseph County Jail, use this address:

St Joseph County Jail
401 W Sample St
South Bend, IN 46601

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
St Joseph County Jail
401 W Sample St
South Bend, IN 46601

The St Joseph County Jail mail policy can change, so be sure to review the official website when you send a letter.

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When you get arrested, you have particular rights, one of these is that you have the right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so you would be wise to have a friend or family member find a lawyer when you call. You might be asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and help you find your way through the criminal justice system that you are now faced with. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your charges, the better off you’ll be.

For more information on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, click: Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. The Public Defender is staffed by independent investigators, forensics experts as well as social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

St Joseph County court records are public records. Court records have a court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents in your case. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case using the internet service, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

The St Joseph County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that manages access to court records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records related to your court case are maintained at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are all costs from your court case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The St Joseph County magistrate is the judge that rules over your court case. Magistrates do many different things, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over initial court appearances and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed to include the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life and history, which the judge will review when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and if necessary the victim. Don’t forget that you should request to have a copy of your pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you get the chance to review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get immediately taken into custody, or you could be given a date to turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if a family member or friend is currently in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do so, you should access the jail’s website, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you should call the jail get confirmation.

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants on the St Joseph County court website or call the jail. This requires a first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and inquire at the information desk. Keep in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, in person, or look online. An arrest is public record and this is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the St Joseph County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders must be listed and registered on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access these offenders on the website, but keep in mind that you will not be able to get the actual address, but rather the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. They include a case file containing a docket sheet and any of the filings and documents filed in the case. You can access the court records online, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of a person’s criminal history. These databases are all linked and you can track criminal histories from another state. Go to courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county, and if the crime was in a completely different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for the following crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, in most cases won’t discover if they has had:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving records, you have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback may make it easier for others.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

The FBI maintains a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In St Joseph County, the St Joseph County Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

St Joseph County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in St Joseph County Jail is no fun, in time you will settle into the routine that is set for you. Inmates get an alarm for wake-up at about six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. Following breakfast participate 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 St Joseph 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 St Joseph 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 money to someone in jail at St Joseph County Jail can change, so double check the site when send money to someone in jail there.


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 St Joseph County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the St Joseph 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 St Joseph County Jail

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to 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 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 share your story

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 spent any time at St Joseph County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit someone at St Joseph County Jail?

If yes, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Write about what you experienced so that others will know what to expect.

Things you might want to include in what you write:

• Conditions in St Joseph County Jail.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate programs and activities


Click here to write your review of St Joseph County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you get locked up? Did you get fair treatment? What was it like in jail? What about the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Are you trying to get in touch with somebody you met when you were locked up? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to people incarcerated at St Joseph County Jail

Links and Resources

Main St Joseph County Jail Website
St Joseph County Jail Inmate Search
View St Joseph County Jail Mugshots
St Joseph County Jail Bail Amount Link

St Joseph County Jail Visitation
St Joseph County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Find an inmate at St Joseph County Jail
St Joseph County Warrants
St Joseph County Jail Arrests
Send Funds to an Inmate at St Joseph County Jail
St Joseph County Jail Employment


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