Benton County Jail – Foley, MN

Benton County Jail is in Benton County, MN and is the main jail for the region. Are you looking for someone locked up in Benton County Jail? This page tells you info about everything one might want to know about Benton County Jail: Find out who’s in jail at Benton County Jail? How to view Benton County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Benton County Jail intake procedures. Court information. And more…

The chance of going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also that person’s family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to give you advice and information you need to make going to jail a lot easier. If you have a specific question, just ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or feedback that might be beneficial to others would be appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that has gone to jail and need to locate them?

Has somebody that has been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to look up who’s in jail at Benton County Jail you need to go to their web site and perform an inmate search.

The Benton County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of persons who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes current status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. You can also get info about anybody processed or discharged in the last 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to find their inmate information fast if you enter your friend or family member’s name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or loved one might be in another jail you will want to check our guide to other Minnesota jails: Minnesota Jails

A mugshot, also called a intake picture, is the photograph that the jail takes when you are processed at the jail intake. They take one full face and a side-view photo. Your full name and jail ID number will appear on the pictures, and they will be kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Benton County Jail inmates are online, or you can go in person to the Benton County Jail. When viewing online you will have to put in the first and last name, and a booking date, if you know it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot removed from the Benton County Jail website? This can be tricky, as the mugshot is public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Naturally, once you are incarcerated, your primary thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through booking, bail will be set by the magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released from jail you will have to promise to go to your court date, and until then you can’t leave the county.

Usually, an inmate are given time off in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and area a good inmate while in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to do work release. Either you will have to return to the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you may be allowed to sleep in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system to get out of jail until your court date. The amount you have to pay depends on what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. Someone will have to pay 10% of the amount that was set so you are able to bail out of jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail won’t get the bail money back.

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

Posting bail to get out of jail is never a fun thing, but thankfully, it’s easy if you have the money. To start with, you need to find out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you won’t be able to use the services of a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail won’t accept a check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the person will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and in most cases charge a minimum charge of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman might ask to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

You can find a local bail bondsman go to: Find a Bail Bondsman in Benton County

Have you ever had to use a Bail Bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to tell about all about it

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

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

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first step is that you must answer a bunch of questions, such as what is your full legal name, street address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• You will then be allowed to use the telephone so you can call a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, they will let you keep wearing street clothes, if not you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, please tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get processed? Were you treated fairly? Can you tell us secrets that could help other people that get arrested make it through the process?

Click here to tell about all about it

Once you are able to post bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail takes anywhere from 15 minutes to all day long. Or, simply, the quicker you post bail, the sooner you will be released. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether you’ve got a bond amount or if a magistrate still needs to figure out how much to set your bail at. For minor offenses, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and know the discharge date, plan to get discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you have to begin your sentence in jail, you should follow the rules and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. For a warrant, report to the jail, and let them know that you think there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if you do, they will take you into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Be sure that you don’t show up late. Be sure to only bring approved items when you turn yourself in, for example your driver’s license or your ID, prescription medication, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

The inmate have to give each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s names will be put into the visitation log as an authorized visitor. Every visitor is required to provide proof of identification. Anyone that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will not be able to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies are always changing, so it would be wise to double-check the official site before you try to go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Jail phone calls 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 you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the rules, phone calls might get reduced or forbidden.

The Benton County Jail phone number is: 320-968-8180

All inmate mail is required to be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You must not use any other method of mail delivery. You have to print the prisoner’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t send a box or package, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates gets opened and read by the jail administration, and will get returned to the sender if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

Benton County Jail
581 Minnesota 23
Foley, MN 56329

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Benton County Jail
581 Minnesota 23
Foley, MN 56329

The mail policy changes often, so double check the site before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you have been arrested, you should know you still have rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure you ask a friend or family member to find a lawyer for you. You may be asking yourself ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense lawyer will make sure you know your rights, look after your best interests and help you find your way through the court system that you are now faced with. The sooner you get an attorney working on your situation, the better off you’ll be.

To read more about how to find an attorney, go to: How to Find an Attorney in Benton County

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. Also, the Public Defender is staffed by independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. All Public Defenders are licensed attorneys that are admitted to the State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law in Minnesota.

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

Court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records are comprised of a court case file with a docket and all documents and motions in the case. You are able to access your court records using the internet service, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court that maintains court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records, documents, and evidence related to your court case are maintained at Benton County Clerk of Court office.

Court costs and court fees are the charges and fees from your case, such as filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may not have to pay the fees.

The Benton County court magistrate is the type of judge that presides on your case in court. Magistrate judges do a number of different things, such as setting your bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and overseeing preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together with information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the magistrate judge will consider when decide your sentence. Information will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Bear in mind you are able to request to receive a copy of the pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you can correct any inaccurate information.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, including community service to probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get locked up immediately, or you could get 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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Do you need to find out if somebody you know is in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do this, you will have to go to the Benton County jail website, and search using:

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

If you think this person is in jail, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry online or call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the Benton County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are public record and this is freely available.

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

All people registered as sex offenders have to be listed and registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You can access this information on the internet, but keep in mind that you will not be able to get the actual address, but rather the block they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. They include a case file containing a court docket and any documents and filings filed in the case. You can access your court records on the website, or at Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of people’s criminal background. These state databases are all linked and you can track criminal histories from another state. You can go to the courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that it was in a completely different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for crimes, which include:

• DUI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, you won’t discover if they have had any:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Traffic accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this information, you must do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How hard was it? Did you search online or did you call the jail? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your story might help other people.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Benton County, the Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of spending time in Benton County Jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will get used to the daily routine there. All inmates get a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00am, and next you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. When you finish 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 Benton 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 Benton 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 rules for sending funds to people in jail can change, so it would be best to review the the Benton County Jail website before you send money to an inmate there.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Benton County Jail

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

• 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 locked up in this jail? Do you know someone that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited an inmate there?

If yes, then you should write your review about it. Write about your experience so that other people will know what to expect.

What to write in your comment:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you get arrested? How did the guards treat you? How was day to day life at Benton County Jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How has this experience impacted your life?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Are you trying to reconnect with someone from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to people incarcerated at Benton County Jail


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