Dorchester County Detention Center – Cambridge, MD

Dorchester County Detention Center is located in Dorchester County and is the primary correctional facility for that region. Looking for someone at Dorchester County Detention Center? This guide tells you all about everything one might want to know about Dorchester County Detention Center,like the following: How to do a jail inmate search. How to view Dorchester County Detention Center mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And much more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary situation, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s friends and family. The goal of this guide is to give you all the information and tips that you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have questions, please feel free to ask it, and any comments or tips that might be a benefit to others will be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is locked up and need to find out where they are?

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

To see who is in jail at Dorchester County Detention Center you will need to navigate to their web site and perform an inmate search.

The Dorchester County Detention Center Inmate Locator is an online list of people who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes status, how much their bail is, and times you can visit. You can find info for anyone processed or discharged within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to get their arrest information quicker if you have your friend or family member’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or family member may be locked up at a different jail you will want to look here, too: Maryland Jails

A mugshot, also known as a booking picture, is a picture that the police take when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one face photo and a profile photo. Your full name and intake number will be in the mugshot, and they are on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be viewed on the Dorchester County Detention Center website, or you can go in person to the Dorchester County Detention Center. When you search for mugshots online you have to enter the inmate’s legal name, and a booking date, if you have one.

Are you trying to get your mugshot erased from the Dorchester County Detention Center website? This can be tricky, because the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that your arrest record would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the different websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

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Obviously, if you are arrested and put in jail, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount will be set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this might mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released you must agree to be in court on your court date, and until that date you will not be permitted to leave town.

In most cases, a prisoner in the Dorchester County Detention Center will be given time off for good behavior if they respect the rules and area a good inmate while they’re in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to do work release. You will either have to stay the jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you may be permitted to live in a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay depends on how serious your crime is. Someone will have to put up 10% of the amount set so you can get discharged from jail. If you miss your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail will not get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you must call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they will let you know what their bail is set at. You can also check their bail amount and status on the Dorchester County Detention Center site.

Bailing out of jail is never fun, but in some cases, it’s really easy. First of all, figure out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If this is the case, you can’t get a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they will not take a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will be released to your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and sometimes with a minimum fee of $100. This will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman may require that they use your assets as collateral.

If you need a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a bail bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to share your story

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

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The jail intake process includes each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you will have to answer some questions, such as what is your full legal name, your address, date of birth and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and mental history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• They will let you use the phone so you can talk to a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might get to wear your street clothes, if not you will be given a jail uniform.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? What was your treatment like? Do you have any tips that could help others make it through the process?

Click here to share your story

When you pay your bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged will take anywhere between 30 minutes to quite a few hours. In simple terms, the quicker bail is posted, the quicker you will be freed. Also, it will depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond or if the magistrate must figure out the amount of bail to be set. For a minor charge, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a release date, you should plan to get released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you have to start a jail sentence, you should follow the law and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail reception area, and let them know that you think there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if they find one, you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order states. Ensure that you don’t show up late. Just bring necessary items when you go, such as your driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to provide information about each visitor to the jail. Your visitor’s information will be entered into the visitation log as an Authorized visit. Each visitor is required to provide proof of identification. Any visitors that gets to visitation or that is not an approved visitor will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Dorchester County Detention Center change often, so it would be wise to double-check the jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Jail phone calls are much pricier than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone calls might get cut back or forbidden.

The Dorchester County Detention Center phone number is: (410) 228-8101

All mail is required to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other type of mail delivery. You have to print the inmate’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the envelope. Don’t mail a package or box, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail received by the jail gets opened and read and examined by the staff, and the mail will be sent back if deemed inappropriate.

The mailing address for Dorchester County Detention Center is:

Dorchester County Detention Center
829 Fieldcrest Rd
Cambridge, MD 21613

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Dorchester County Detention Center
829 Fieldcrest Rd
Cambridge, MD 21613

The Dorchester County Detention Center inmate mail policy changes, so be sure to review the official Dorchester County Detention Center site before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you have been 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 make sure to ask a friend or family member to locate an attorney when you call. You may be asking yourself ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and help you through the complicated court system. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your case, the better your chances.

For more information about this subject, read our guide: How to Find a Lawyer

If you cannot afford a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. In addition, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as investigators, forensics experts and case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are real attorneys who are admitted to the Maryland State Bar Association and are legally 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 satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

All court records are public records. Court records have a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the motions, documents, and evidence in the case. You can access your court case records via the website, or at the Dorchester County Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records from your court case are held at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the fees and charges from your court case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The Dorchester County court magistrate is the judge that rules on your court case. Magistrate judges do different functions, such as setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together to include background information and details of the defendant’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into account when decide your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be requested from the person on trial, their family, and in some circumstances the victim. Don’t forget you can ask to have a copy of the pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, and make sure that you review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you may be immediately taken into custody, or you could get a date that you are required to go to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if somebody you know is locked up, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you should access the Dorchester County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Their approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you should call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants on the website or you are able to call the court directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. You should know that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the Dorchester County jail, either by phone, in person, or look online. Arrest records are public record and this is accessible to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders must be registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to view these offenders on the internet, but bear in mind that you will not find the street address, but only the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. They include a case file that contains a court docket and any of the documents filed in the case. You can access court records on the website, or at Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of people’s criminal past. These state databases are all connected and you can track criminal convictions from another state. Go to the Dorchester County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for crimes, which include:

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

If you do a criminal records check, usually will not find out if someone has had any:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this information, you have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you call the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback could help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to tell your story

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Dorchester County, the Dorchester County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that spending time in Dorchester County Detention Center is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. You should expect an alarm to wake up at about 6:00 AM, and next they’ll do roll call. Then you will get breakfast. After breakfast, you will have to work in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 Dorchester County Detention Center, 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 Dorchester County Detention Center 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 rules for sending money to inmates at Dorchester County Detention Center is likely to change, so it would be best to double check the the Dorchester County Detention Center website before you send any funds.


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 Dorchester County Detention Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Dorchester County Detention Center, 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 Dorchester County Detention Center

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 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 post a 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 an inmate in Dorchester County Detention Center? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at this jail?

If so, then please write a review about it. Write down your jail experience so other people can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to include in what you write:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Programs and activities


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you get locked up? Were you fairly treated? How was life in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did getting locked up affect your life?

Tell your story about when you did time at Dorchester County Detention Center

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Need to talk to somebody you met in jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Send a message to someone at Dorchester County Detention Center


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