Sanilac County Jail – Sandusky, MI

Sanilac County Jail is located in Sanilac County, Michigan and is the correctional facility for this region. Are you looking for somebody incarcerated at Sanilac County Jail? This page gives you about everything you might want to know about Sanilac County Jail,like the following: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Sanilac County Jail intake procedures. Court records. And everything else.

The chance of going to jail is a scary idea, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is designed to give you all the information and advice that you need to make getting locked up a lot easier. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask them, and any comments or feedback that could be beneficial to other people in the same situation is welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend in jail and don’t know how to find out where they are?

Do you know a friend or family member that has been arrested and you need to find them?

In order to see who is in jail at Sanilac County Jail you will have to go to their website and perform an inmate lookup.

The Sanilac County Jail Inmate Locator is an online list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, including status, how much their bail is, and visiting schedule. You can also get info on anybody arrested and booked or released within the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by their last name. You’ll be able to get their arrest information quicker if you’ve got their full name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for might be in a different jail you can check the other Michigan county jails in our Michigan County Jail Guide: List of all county jails in Michigan

A mugshot, also called a intake picture, is a photo that the police take when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one face photo and a profile photo. Your full name and jail ID number will be in the photos, and they are stored at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be searched online, or you can see them at the Sanilac County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you need to input the prisoner’s first and last name, and an arrest date, if you have it.

Do you want to get your mugshot removed from the Sanilac County Jail site? This is difficult, because the mugshot is a public record. You need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot taken down, the different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Once you are locked up, your only thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail amount will be determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If there is no bail set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out you are required to promise to be in court on your court date, and until that date you are not permitted to travel out of the county.

Typically, prisoners at Sanilac County Jail can earn time off for good behavior when they follow the rules and area a good inmate while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to do work release. Either you will have to return to jail each day when you’re finished with work, or you could get to move into a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay depends on how serious your charges are. You or someone you know will have to pay ten percent of the total set so you can get out of jail. If you fail to show up for court, whoever paid your bail will lose that money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know how much their bail is. You can also see the bail amount on the Sanilac County Jail site.

Having to get someone out of jail is no fun, but most of the time, its really easy if you have the money. First, find out if it is a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you will not be able to get a Bail Bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they can’t accept a personal check. When you’ve paid bail, the person will be released into your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should hire a bail bondsman. They will usually charge you a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and usually have a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and the bondsman only accepts cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will usually require that they use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

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

Have you ever hired a Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to post a comment

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

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The jail intake process is made up of each of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• Firstly, you will have to answer some questions, like your full name, home address, birth date and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will allow you to use the telephone in order to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be allowed to wear your own clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, please tell us how it happened. How long did it take to get through intake? How were you treated? Can you tell us tips that might help other people that get arrested to get through jail processing?

Click here to tell your story

When you post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. The discharge process can take between 15 minutes to all day. In simple terms, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you can get out of jail. Also, how fast you get released will depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if a judge still needs to figure out how much your bail will be. For minor offenses, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and have a release date, expect to get discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

If the police have a, or if you need to start a jail sentence, you should follow the rules and turn yourself in willingly. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail reception area, and tell the intake officer that believe that there could be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they verify that you have one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be sure that you are not late. Be sure to only bring things that are allowed when you go to jail, such as a driver’s license or state issued ID, prescription medication, and a sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to give each visitor’s full name to the jail. This information will be put into a log of approved visitors as an approved visitor. Each and every visitor has to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone arriving late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Jail visitation policies change often, so it would be wise to review the jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Jail phone calls are usually more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you are disciplined for an infraction, phone privileges may be limited or eliminated completely.

The Sanilac County Jail phone number is: 810-648-2000

All mail is required to be sent using the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other form of mail or package delivery. You have to clearly write or type the inmate’s name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the envelope. Don’t mail a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail received by the jail will be opened and inspected by the staff, and will get sent back if deemed inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Sanilac County Jail:

Sanilac County Jail
65 North Elk Street
Sandusky, MI 48471

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Sanilac County Jail
65 North Elk Street
Sandusky, MI 48471

The Sanilac County Jail inmate mail policy can change, so it would be best to visit the the Sanilac County Jail website when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you have particular rights, one of these is your right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to have a friend or relative find an attorney for you. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate through the complicated legal system in your county. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more detailed information on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, read our guide: Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as private investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are licensed lawyers who are members of the State Bar and are legally licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? What was your experience?

All court records are a matter of public record. Court records have a case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the motions, documents, and evidence in your case. You can access your court case records using the Sanilac County website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court who manages access to court records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records associated with your court case are maintained at Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges associated with your court case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have a court appointed attorney, you can get a waiver for these fees.

A Magistrate acts as the judge who presides over your court case. They do a number of different things, such as setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed to include your background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when determining the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim. Keep in mind that you can ask to have a copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you can review it and correct any mistakes.

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

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Do you want to find out if some you know is locked up, or has ever been in jail?

This is pretty simple to do, just you should visit the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can also call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the Sanilac County court website or call the court directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should know 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 first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, in person, or find out online. An arrest is in the public record and the information is accessible to anyone.

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

All registered sex offenders have to be listed and registered on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view sex offenders on the internet, but remember that you will not get the actual address, but rather the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. These records include a case file that contains a docket and all of the documents filed in the court case. You are able to access court records on the website, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the county where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of someone’s criminal history. These online databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from other states. You are able to go to the Sanilac County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a different state, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, in most cases will not find out if someone has had any moving violations, like:

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

To search for driving records, you will have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the Sanilac County courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that people look up criminal records, and your comments might help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI keeps a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Sanilac County, the Sanilac County 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 spending time in Sanilac County Jail is very scary, in time you will settle into the daily routine there. All inmates get an alarm to wake up each morning at 6:00AM, and then roll call. You will then eat 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 Sanilac 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 Sanilac 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 funds to Sanilac County Jail inmates can change, so be sure to visit the official website before you send funds 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 Sanilac County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Sanilac 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 Sanilac 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 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:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You have 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 incarcerated at this jail? Do you know anybody that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at Sanilac County Jail?

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

Things you could include in your review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner programs and activities


Click here to review Sanilac County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has a story to tell. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What was it like in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did getting locked up affect your life?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you need to find out how to get in touch with an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Say Hello to someone at Sanilac County Jail


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