Hillsdale County Jail – Hillsdale, MI

Hillsdale County Jail is located in Hillsdale County, MI and is the jail for that county. Do you know somebody incarcerated at Hillsdale County Jail? This site gives you all about everything a person needs to know about Hillsdale County Jailsuch as the following: Learn how to locate an inmate. How to view Hillsdale County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures. Hillsdale County court information. And more…

The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also that person’s family and friends. The goal of this guide is to offer advice and information that you’ll need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a question, feel free to ask it, and any tips or comments that could help other people in the same situation will be much appreciated.

Do you know someone that is in jail and need to contact them?

Has someone who has been arrested and you need to find them?

To look up who is in jail at Hillsdale County Jail you will have to click on their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Hillsdale County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes current status, bail amount, and visiting hours. You can get the same information for anyone processed or released within the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can get the information quicker if you have the arrestee’s name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the inmate you are looking for could possibly be locked up at a different jail you should look here, too: Other County Jails in Michigan

A mugshot, or booking photograph, is a photo that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one face photo and a profile photo. Your name and intake number will be on the photos, and they will be kept on file.

Mugshots can be searched online, or you can see them in person at the Hillsdale County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will have to enter the inmate’s name, and the arrest date.

Need to know how to get your mugshot taken off of the Hillsdale County Jail website? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and will not be accessible. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Of course, if you are incarcerated, your main thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, bail is determined using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If you don’t get a bail set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you are required to promise to be there for your court date, and in the meantime you must not go out of town.

Typically, a prisoner will be given time off for good behavior if they follow the rules and conduct themselves properly while 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 jail at the end of the day after work, or you might be permitted to move into a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is money that you are required to pay in order to be released from jail until your court date. Your bail amount all depends on the seriousness of your crime. You will need to pay to the courts 10% of the amount that was determined so you can be released. If you fail to show up for your court date, the person that paid your bail will not get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Hillsdale County Jail website.

Bailing out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, it’s easy. To start with, you need to know if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you can’t use a Bail Bondsman. Cash only – the jail won’t accept checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the person will get released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

If their bail has been set too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. They usually charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and usually have a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman may use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To talk to a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Hillsdale County Jail

Have you ever had to find a bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If so, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out for you.

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

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The jail intake process takes you through each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• You will answer some simple questions, such as what your legal name is, home address, birth date and contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• You will be allowed to make a phone call to call a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you think you will get released quickly, they will let you wear your street clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please tell us what happened. How long did it take to get through intake? What was your treatment like? Do you have any things that could help other people to get through jail intake?

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Once bail has been posted, you will get discharged from jail. This process can take anywhere between 15 minutes to quite a few hours. In simple terms, the faster bail is posted, the quicker you will get discharged from jail. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether you have a cash bond or if a magistrate has to figure out the amount of bail to be set. For minor offenses, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and have a release date, you should plan to be discharged between 9am and noon.

If the police have a, or if you must begin your jail sentence, you really should follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. If you have a warrant, go to the jail reception area, and tell an officer that you think there may be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they verify that you have 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 requires you to. Be very careful that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Only bring things that are allowed when you go to jail, for example a driver’s license or even photo ID, prescription medication, as well as an official sentencing order.

The inmate must provide each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will go in a log of visitors as an authorized visitor. All visitors will be required to provide proof of identification. Visitors arriving late or that is not an approved visitor will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures can change, so we suggest that you visit the official jail 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 . These phone calls are generally more expensive than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the jail rules, phone privileges could be reduced or eliminated completely.

The Hillsdale County Jail phone number is: 517-437-7317

All mail is required to be sent via the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of delivery. You have to clearly write the name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send a box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail received by the jail gets opened and inspected and read by the jail administration, and the mail will be returned if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

Hillsdale County Jail
165 W Fayette St
Hillsdale, MI 49242

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Hillsdale County Jail
165 W Fayette St
Hillsdale, MI 49242

The Hillsdale County Jail mail policy changes, so you should review the official website when you send a letter.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you have rights, and an important one is the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure you get a friend or relative to locate an attorney when you call them. 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, look after your best interests and help you navigate the complicated legal system in Hillsdale County. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better.

For more detailed information on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, visit: How to Find a Lawyer in Hillsdale County

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are actual attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Hillsdale County court records are public records. Court records are comprised of a file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all motions, documents, and evidence in the case. You have the ability to access your court case records using the Hillsdale County website, or at the Hillsdale County Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages access to court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records from your case are kept at the Hillsdale County Clerk of Court.

Court fees are all costs from your court case, 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 not have to pay them.

The Hillsdale County court magistrate is the person that presides on your court case. Magistrates are judges that do a number of different things, which include setting bail amounts, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court appearances and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together with background information and details of the arrestee’s life history, which the judge will review and take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the person on trial, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember you are allowed to request to get your own copy of the pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, so you get the chance to correct any inaccurate information.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you might get taken into custody, right there in court, or you might be given a date that you are required to report to jail to serve your sentence.

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

To do so, you will have to go to the jail’s website, and do a search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Approximate booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you should call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants online or you can call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should be clear that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or look online. Records of arrests are in the public record and the information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, which can be warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders have to be registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You can access these listings on the website, but bear in mind that you will not be able to find the actual address, but rather the block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. These records include a court case file containing a court docket and all of the documents filed in your case. You are able to access your court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of a person’s criminal history. These databases are all linked so you can track criminal histories from another state. You can go to the Hillsdale County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that the crime was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you can get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for the following crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

If you do a criminal records check, in most cases won’t find out if that person has had any infractions like moving violations:

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

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

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? How easy was it? Was your search online or did you call the Hillsdale County courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your story could make it easier for others.

Click here to tell your story

Most Wanted

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

FBI Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in the Hillsdale County jail is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will get used to the daily routine there. You should expect a wake-up alarm each morning at 6:00AM, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then get breakfast. When you finish eating 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 Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale 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 jail inmates might change, so you should check the the Hillsdale County Jail website when 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 Hillsdale County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale 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 leave a comment


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

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

The definition of victim includes:

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

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

Victim Notification

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

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

Click here to 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 incarcerated in this jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate in this jail?

If yes, then please write a review about it. Write down what you experienced so that others will know what to expect.

What to put in your review:

• Conditions in Hillsdale County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Write a Review of Hillsdale County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has a story to tell. Why’d you get arrested? Were you fairly treated? What was it like in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Trying to talk to somebody you met when you were locked up? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to Hillsdale County Jail


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