Allegan County Jail – Allegan, MI

Allegan County Jail is located in Allegan County and is the main jail for the region. Do you know somebody locked up at Allegan County Jail? This site gives you all about everything you might need to know about Allegan County Jail: Find an inmate at Allegan County Jail. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Allegan County court information. And everything else.

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is meant to offer info that you need to make going to jail a lot easier. If you have questions, just ask them, and also any comments or tips that could help others will be appreciated.

Do you know someone that is locked up and don’t know how to contact them?

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

In order to search who is in jail at Allegan County Jail you need to click on their website and use the inmate search.

The Allegan County Jail Inmate Roster is a list of persons who are in jail, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. Also, you are able to get the same information about anyone processed or released in the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can locate their arrest information more quickly if you’ve got their full name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be at a different jail you should check the other Michigan county jails in our Michigan County Jail Guide: Other Jails in Michigan

A mugshot, also known as a intake picture, is a photograph taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. They will take one and a profile picture. Your full name and booking number will appear on the mugshot, and they are on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested are on the Allegan County Jail website, or you can see them at the Allegan County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you have to enter the inmate’s legal name, and an arrest date, if you know it.

Do you want to get your mugshot erased from the Allegan County Jail website? This will be difficult, as the mugshot is a public record. You must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Of course, once you’re in jail, your main thought is when and how to get out. After booking, bail is set either by bail schedule or 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 do bail out of jail you are required to promise to be there for your court date, and in the meantime you are not allowed to travel out of the county.

In most cases, inmates in the Allegan County Jail will earn early release in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while they are in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to do work release. You will either have to return to the jail each day after work, or you may get to sleep in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you will be required to pay to get out of jail pending trial. The amount you will be required to pay depends on how serious your charges are. You will need to put up ten percent of the total that was determined so you can get out of jail. If you don’t go to your court appearance, whoever put up your bail money will lose that money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the jail. If you have all the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they will let you know the bail amount. Also, you can see the bail amount on the Allegan County Jail site.

Bailing out of jail is no fun, but in some cases, it’s easy if you have the money. To start with, you need to know if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If this is the case, you will not be able to get a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail will not take a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the person will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you will get this money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should hire a bail bondsman. They generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and in most cases have a minimum of $100. This money will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If bail is very large, the bondsman will use your personal assets as collateral.

You can find a bail bondsman go to: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a Bail Bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If so, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to share your story

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

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The jail intake process is made up of these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you must answer a bunch of questions, such as what is your full name, street address, birthdate and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will be allowed to use the telephone so you can contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you will be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take to get through intake? What was your treatment like? Can you tell us things that might help other people to get through the procedure?

Click here to tell about all about it

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged will take from 10 minutes to hours or even all day long. In other words the faster you can post bail, the quicker you will get let go. It also can depend on whether or not you’ve been given a bond amount or if the judge must figure out the amount of bail to be set. For lesser charges, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served your sentence and are given a discharge date, expect to get released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

In the event there is a, or if you have to report to start a sentence, you really should follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. If you have a warrant, report to the jail processing area, and tell an officer that you think there is a warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they verify that you have one, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If it is for a jail sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Make sure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Be sure to only bring approved items when you go to jail, for example your driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as an official sentencing order.

Inmates need to list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail before anyone can visit them. This information will go into the visitation log as an authorized visitor. Each and every visitor has to provide acceptable photo identification. Any visitors showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures change often, so we suggest that you check the official site before you go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are usually more expensive than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but you should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you are disciplined for an infraction, phone calls could be reduced or forbidden completely.

Phone Number: 269-673-0500

All inmate mail has to be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You must not use any other type of mail delivery. You have to clearly print the person’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the letter. Do not mail anything in a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail that you send to inmates is opened and examined by the staff, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Allegan County Jail:

Allegan County Jail
112 N Walnut St
Allegan, MI 49010

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Allegan County Jail
112 N Walnut St
Allegan, MI 49010

The inmate mail policy at Allegan County Jail changes frequently, so you should visit the official Allegan County Jail site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you get arrested, you have particular rights, and an important one is your right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to have a friend or relative locate an attorney when you talk to them. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, an attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate through the criminal justice system. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better.

For more information on this subject, read: How to Find an Attorney

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. Also, the Public Defender is staffed by investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social workers. All Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys who are members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to handle your case.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

All 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 with a docket sheet and every documents and motions that have been filed in the case. You can access your court records with the internet service, or at the Allegan County Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that 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 jury’s verdict. All records, documents, and evidence relating to your case are maintained at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the fees and charges associated with your court case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

A Magistrate is the type of judge that presides over your court case. Magistrates are judges that do different functions, which include setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and overseeing preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed with information about the defendant’s background and details of the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the defendant, their family, and in some circumstances the victim. Remember you are able to request to receive a copy of your pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you can correct any inaccurate information.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service to probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be locked up immediately, or you might be given a date that you are supposed to surrender and report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Want to find out if someone is locked up, or has been an inmate in the past?

To find this out you need to query the jail’s website, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry online or you are able to call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask them. You should be clear that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are in the public record and the information is freely available.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, like a court order. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You are able to view these listings on the internet, but remember that you won’t get the exact address, just the block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. These records include a case file that includes a docket sheet and all of the filings and documents filed in the court case. You are able to access your court records online, or at Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of someone’s criminal past. These online databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from another state. You are able to go to courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you can find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for these crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

When you do a criminal history search, you won’t learn if someone has had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for this information, you have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it an easy process? Did you do your search online or did you make a phone call to the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your story may make it easier for others.

Click here to leave a comment

Most Wanted

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

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in Allegan County Jail is no fun, in time you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. Prisoners get a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00am, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then get breakfast. After breakfast, you will have to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 Allegan 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 Allegan 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 procedure to send money to people in jail is likely to change, so be sure to double check the official website before you send money to an inmate 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 Allegan County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Allegan 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 Allegan 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 share your story


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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 leave 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 locked up in Allegan County Jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit someone in this jail?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Tell us about what you experienced so that others can learn what to expect.

What to put in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate activities and programs


Click here to write your review of Allegan County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you get locked up? How did the guards treat you? What was it like in jail? What were the other inmates like? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell your story about when you did time at Allegan County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Trying to reconnect with someone you met in jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Send a message to Allegan County Jail


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