Charlevoix County Jail – Charlevoix, MI

Charlevoix County Jail is located in Charlevoix County and is the main jail for the area. Do you know someone in Charlevoix County Jail? This page gives you information about anything you might want to know about Charlevoix County Jail,such as: Find an inmate at Charlevoix County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information. And everything else.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their friends and family. This guide is meant to give advice and information you need to make going to jail easier. If you have questions, please feel free to ask them, and any tips or comments that would help other people in the same situation is welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is incarcerated and want to locate them?

Has someone that has been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

In order to see who is in jail at Charlevoix County Jail you need to visit their website and do an inmate search.

The Charlevoix County Jail Inmate Locator has information on persons who have been arrested, which includes custody status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. You can also find the same information about anyone arrested and booked or released within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You can locate their inmate information faster if you have their first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member might be at a different jail you will want to check our guide to other Michigan jails: List of all county jails in Michigan

A mugshot, also known as a jail intake picture, is the photo taken by the police when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one and a side photo. Your full name and intake number will be in the mugshot, and they are stored.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched on the Charlevoix County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Charlevoix County Jail. When viewing online you have to enter their first and last name, and the booking date, if you have it.

Are you trying to have your mugshot removed from the Charlevoix County Jail site? This will be difficult, because your mugshot is a public record. You need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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If you are incarcerated, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount is set either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either be released, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and until that day you won’t be allowed to travel out of the county.

Typically, an inmate are given an early release in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and conduct themselves properly while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. Either you will have to stay jail every day after work, or you could be permitted to sleep in a halfway house when you are not working.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will be required to pay is dictated by how serious your charges are. Someone will have to put up 10 percent of the total amount set before you can be released. If you don’t show up for court, the person that bailed you out of jail won’t get the bail money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you need to call the Charlevoix County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know what their bail is set at. You can also see the bail amount on the Charlevoix County Jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but in some cases, it is really easy if you have the money. First of all, you need to find out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you can’t use a bail bondsman. Cash only – the jail can’t accept checks. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will be released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and usually with a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will in most cases request to use your personal assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To talk to a bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a Bail Bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to share your story

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

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The intake process includes the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• You must answer some basic questions, such as what is your full name, street address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate 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 are discharged.
• They will let you use the telephone so you can call family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be able to wear your own clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? How did the guards treat you? Can you tell us tips that could help other people that get arrested make it through the process?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you post bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged takes from 30 minutes to hours or even all day long. So, the faster you post bail, the sooner you will get let go. Also, it depends on whether or not you’ve been given a cash bond or if a judge needs to figure out how much to set your bail at. For lesser charges, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a release date, you should expect to be discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

for your arrest, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, you really should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail, in the reception area, and tell them that think that there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if you do, they will take you into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Make sure that you only bring required items with you, like your driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the official sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to give each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s information will be entered into a log of approved visitors for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each visitor has to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone that gets to visitation or that is not an approved visitor will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Charlevoix County Jail change often, so it would be wise to review the official jail site before you visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are a lot more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on how often you can use the phone, but inmates should 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 eliminated completely.

The Charlevoix County Jail phone number is: (231) 547-4461

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other method of mail delivery. Clearly write or type the prisoner’s name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the letter. Don’t mail a package, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates will be opened and read by the jail administration, and will get sent back if they decide it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Charlevoix County Jail is:

Charlevoix County Jail
1000 Grant St.
Charlevoix, MI 49720-1674

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Charlevoix County Jail
1000 Grant St.
Charlevoix, MI 49720-1674

The mail policy can change, so it would be best to double check the the Charlevoix County Jail website before you send a letter to an inmate.

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When you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, and an important one is 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 get a friend or family member to locate a lawyer for you. You might be asking yourself ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal lawyer will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and help you find your way through the legal system in your county. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

For more information about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, click: How to Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender has access to independent investigators, experts in forensics and social workers. Public Defenders are licensed lawyers, members of the State Bar and are licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know used the services of a Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

All court records are a matter of public record. They include a file containing a docket and all documents that have been filed in the case. You, and anyone else, can access court records with the Charlevoix County website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your court case are maintained at the Charlevoix County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the costs associated with your case, which include filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Charlevoix County magistrate is the person that presides over your case in court. They do different tasks, such as setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing initial court appearances and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include your background information and details of the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when decide your sentence. Information will be solicited from the defendant, his or her family members, and in some cases the victim. Keep in mind you are able to request to get a copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, and make sure that you review it and correct any mistakes.

After being convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, which include community service and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you might get locked up immediately, or you could receive a date that you are supposed to surrender and report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if someone is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

To find this out you will have to query the jail website and do an inmate search, and search by:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• or jail ID.

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

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants on the Charlevoix County jail website or call the jail. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, either by phone, in person, or find out online. Arrest records are in the public record and the information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, like a court order. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders have to be listed and registered on a 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 sex offenders online, but remember that you can’t get the exact address, but rather the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a case file that includes a docket and any of the documents and filings filed in the court case. You can access the court records via the internet, or at the Charlevoix County Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of a person’s criminal past. These databases are linked together so you can track criminal backgrounds from another state. Go to the Charlevoix County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you can get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

If you do a criminal records check, you will not discover if they have had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving histories, you have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How easy was it? Was your search online or did you have to call the jail? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your story may make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Charlevoix County, the Charlevoix County Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in the Charlevoix County jail is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. All inmates get an alarm for wake-up each morning at 6:00am, and then you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will 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 Charlevoix 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 Charlevoix 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 inmates at Charlevoix County Jail can change, so we suggest that you double check the the Charlevoix County Jail 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 Charlevoix County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Charlevoix 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 Charlevoix 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 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.

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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 a prisoner in Charlevoix County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate there?

If you have, then we would like you to write a review about it. Tell us about what you experienced so other people can learn what to expect.

Things you can write in your review:

• Conditions in Charlevoix County Jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why were you locked up? Were you fairly treated? What was it like in jail? What were the other inmates like? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Click here to tell your story about Charlevoix County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Need to find out how to get in touch with a friend from jail? Post a message to them below.

Post a message to people incarcerated at Charlevoix County Jail


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