Oakland County Jail – Pontiac, MI

Oakland County Jail is in Oakland County, Michigan and is the main jail for that county. Do you know someone locked up in Oakland County Jail? This site will tell you info about everything related to Oakland County Jail,such as: Find an inmate at Oakland County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Oakland County Jail intake procedures. Court information and records. And more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary thought, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is meant to give info you need to make going to jail a lot easier. If you have questions, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and also any tips or comments that would be a benefit to other people in the same situation is welcome.

Do you have a family member or friend that is in jail and don’t know how to contact them?

Has somebody who has been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

To see who is in jail at Oakland County Jail you will have to navigate to their link and use the inmate lookup.

The Oakland County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of people who have been arrested and are in jail, including status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. Also, you can find the same information on anybody who has been arrested or released within the past 24 hours. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You can get the information fast if you have their full name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member is at another jail you should look here, too: List of all county jails in Michigan

A mugshot, also known as a jail booking photo, is a photograph that the jail takes when you get booked into jail. They will take one and a profile photo. Your name and booking number will appear on the pictures, and they’re on file at the jail.

Mugshots are online, or you can see them in person at the Oakland County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you have to enter the first and last name, and a booking date.

Are you trying to get your mugshot taken down from the Oakland County Jail website? This may not be possible, because your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. 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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Obviously, if you are in jail, your only thought is about when you 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 there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be released, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you will have to promise to be there for your court date, and in the meantime you won’t be permitted to go out of town.

Typically, prisoners will earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and area a good inmate while they’re in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be allowed to do work release. You will either have to stay the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you may have the chance to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail pending trial. Your bail amount depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. Someone you know will need to pay 10 percent of the total amount that was determined so you are able to be released from jail. If you miss court, that person will lose that bail money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

Posting bail to get out of jail is no fun, but most of the time, its easy. First, figure out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you won’t be able to use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they can’t take checks. When you’ve paid bail, the person will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you should use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and sometimes with a minimum fee of $100. This is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman may require that they use assets as collateral.

You can find a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Oakland County

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out for you.

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

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The jail intake process takes you through these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• First, will have to answer some questions, such as what your legal name is, street address, birthdate and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get released.
• You will get to use the telephone to contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, they will let you wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get processed? What was your treatment like? Do you know any tips that could help other people that get arrested make it through jail processing?

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Once bail has been posted, you will be discharged from jail. This process may take anywhere between 15 minutes to all day long. In simple terms, the faster bail is posted, the faster you can get out of jail. It also can depend on whether or not you’ve got a bond amount or if a magistrate needs to decide on your bail amount. For a minor charge, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and know the discharge date, you should expect to be discharged that morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you need to start your sentence, you should do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. For a warrant, go down to the jail intake area, and tell someone that you think they might have a warrant out for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. When reporting to serve a sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Make sure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Just bring approved items with you, like your driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, and the sentencing order.

The inmate need to provide each visitor’s name to the jail. Your visitor’s names will go into a log of approved visitors as an approved visitor. Each and every visitor will be required to provide proof of identification. Visitors that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures at Oakland County Jail are always changing, so we suggest that you double-check the jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are usually more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the jail rules, your ability to use the phone could be reduced or cut altogether.

Phone Number: (248) 858-1800

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be sent using the US Postal Service. You must not use any other form of delivery. You have to write or type the prisoner’s name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the letter. Don’t send a box, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail is opened and read by the jail officers, and will get returned if deemed inappropriate.

The mailing address for Oakland County Jail is:

Oakland County Jail
1201 North Telegraph Road
Pontiac, MI 48328

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Oakland County Jail
1201 North Telegraph Road
Pontiac, MI 48328

The Oakland County Jail inmate mail policy is always changing, so you should double check the official website before you send a letter.

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If you have been arrested, you have particular rights, one of these is that you have the right to request a lawyer. 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 an attorney when you talk to them. You might be thinking ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you understand the court system. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better.

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

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender’s Office has access to investigators, forensics experts and case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are real attorneys, members of the State Bar and are fully licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

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

Oakland County court records are a matter of public record. Court records include a case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed in the case. You, and anyone else, can access your court case records using the online service, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence related to your court case are available at Oakland County Clerk of Court office.

Court costs and court fees are the charges from your court case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you cannot afford these fees and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The Oakland County court magistrate is the type of judge who presides on your case in court. Magistrate judges do different functions, like setting bail amounts, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over first court appearances and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared with the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into account when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the person on trial, his or her family, and if necessary the victim of the crime. Bear in mind that you can request to see your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you can review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

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 either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you could get a date that you are required to go to jail to serve out your sentence.

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

This is pretty simple to do, just just visit the Oakland County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you have an outstanding warrant, you can find out by checking the court records online or call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. Keep in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the Oakland County jail, by phone, in person, or you can check online. An arrest is in the public record and this is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by contacting the Oakland County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders have to be listed and registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to see sex offenders on the website, but you should know that you won’t see the precise address, just the block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a court case file that contains a docket sheet and any documents and filings filed in your court case. You can access court records online, or at the Oakland County Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each and every state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal past. These online databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from any other state. Go to county courthouse and inquire, or check online. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal records search you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for the following crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, in most cases won’t find out if that person has had any moving violations, like:

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

To get this kind of information, you will have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback could make it easier for others.

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

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

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that getting locked up in Oakland County Jail is no fun, in time you will get used to the daily routine. Expect an alarm to wake up at about six in the morning, and then you’ll have roll call. Then you will have breakfast. Following breakfast participate in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Oakland 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 Oakland 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 might change, so you should check the official 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 Oakland County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Oakland 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 Oakland 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 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 at Oakland County Jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever been to visit someone at Oakland County Jail?

If so, then you should leave a comment below about it. Write about your jail experience because other people will know what to expect.

Things you can put in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has a story about it. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? How was day to day life at Oakland County 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

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Want to get in touch with a person you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

Send a message to Oakland County Jail


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