Douglas County Jail – Alexandria, MN

Douglas County Jail is located in Douglas County, Minnesota and is the main correctional facility for the region. Are you looking for somebody locked up at Douglas County Jail? This page tells you all about everything one might want to know about Douglas County Jail,like the following: Find an inmate at Douglas County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures. Douglas County court information. And lots more.

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The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary thought, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family and friends. This guide is meant to give you all the information you need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a question, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any comments or tips that could be a benefit to others will be appreciated.

General Information

Address

Douglas County Jail
509 3Rd Avenue West
Alexandria, MN 56308

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone Number: 320-762-2139
Fax:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you have a family member or friend that is locked up and need to find them?

Has somebody that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out where they are?

To see who’s in jail at Douglas County Jail you need to visit their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

Inmate Locator

The Douglas County Jail Inmate Roster is an online list of people who are in jail, which includes status, bail amount, and visiting hours. Also, you are able to get the same information on anyone who has been arrested or released in the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to find their inmate information fast if you’ve got their full name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If the inmate you are looking for could possibly be in a different jail you should check our guide to other Minnesota jails: Other Jails in Minnesota


Mugshots

A mugshot, or jail processing photo, is the picture that the jail takes when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and a side picture. Your full name and intake number will be on the pictures, and they will be kept on file.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of Douglas County Jail prisoners can be searched online, or you can see them in person at the Douglas County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you have to put in the first and last name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Are you trying to have your mugshot removed from the Douglas County Jail site? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is a matter of public record. You must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the many different websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Obviously, if you are in jail, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount will be decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be released, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released you are required to promise to go to your court date, and in the meantime you are not allowed to travel out of the county.

In most cases, prisoners in the Douglas County Jail can earn time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be given work release detail. You will be required to return to the jail each day when you’re finished working, or you could get to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail

Your bail is the amount of money that you will be required to pay to get out of jail until your trial. The amount you have to pay depends on the crime you are charged with. Someone you know will need to pay ten percent of the total that was set in order to get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your court date, whoever put up your bail money will not get their money back.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the Douglas County Jail. If you have all the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know how much their bail is. You can also see the bail amount on the jail website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Posting bail to get out of jail is no fun, but usually, it is really easy if you have the money. First of all, figure out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you will not be able to use the services of a bondsman. Cash only – the jail will not take a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the person will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

Bail Bondsman

If the bail amount is too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and in most cases with a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman may require that they use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To find a local bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

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

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Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

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


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The intake process includes each of the following steps:

  • They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
  • The first step is that you have to answer some basic questions, like your full legal name, home address, date of birth and contact person.
  • They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
  • You will be given an inmate ID.
  • Your fingerprints will be taken.
  • You will get your mugshot taken.
  • Any property you have will get taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
  • You will then be allowed to use the telephone in order to call a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
  • If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might get to keep wearing street clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? How were you treated? Can you tell us tips that might help other people make it through the process?

Tell Your Story

Discharge Procedures

Once you are able to post bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged takes from 10 minutes to many hours. In other words the quicker you post bail, the quicker you will get out of jail. Also, how fast you get released will depend on if you’ve got a bond amount or if a judge must determine the amount of bail to be set. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served your sentence and are given a release date, plan to get discharged that morning.

How To Turn Yourself In

for your arrest, or if you have to start a jail sentence, you should follow the law and turn yourself in. For a warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell someone that you think there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if there is one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be sure that you are not late. Just bring allowed items with you, for example a driver’s license or photo ID, prescription medication, as well as the official sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

In order to have visitors, inmates must give each visitor’s name to the jail. Your visitor’s information will be entered in the log as an authorized visitor. Each and every visitor has to provide identification. Any visitors showing up late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Douglas County Jail visitation procedures change often, so we suggest that you check the official site before you try to go to visitation.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are usually more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get reduced or cut altogether.

Phone Number: 320-762-2139

Sending Mail to Inmates

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of delivery. You should print the name, inmate number, and the jail address on the letter that you send. Do not send a box or package, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail received by the jail is opened and inspected and read by the officers at the jail, and will get returned if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Mailing Address

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

Douglas County Jail
509 3Rd Avenue West
Alexandria, MN 56308

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Douglas County Jail
509 3Rd Avenue West
Alexandria, MN 56308


The mail policy at Douglas County Jail changes frequently, so you should review the site when you send a letter to an inmate.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

When you get arrested, you have rights, the most important of which 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 it is important to get a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you call. You might be thinking ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, an attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate through the complicated court system that you are now faced with. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more info on this subject, click: How to Find a Lawyer in Douglas County

Public Defender

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. The Public Defender’s Office is staffed by investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. Public Defenders are actual attorneys that are members of the Minnesota State Bar and are legally 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?

Court Records

All court records are public records and are available upon request. They contain a file with a docket sheet and every documents and motions in your case. You, and anyone else, can access your court case records via the internet service, or at the Douglas County Clerk of Court.

Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court that maintains the records. They also administer the oath during court cases and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All court records from your case are kept and available to you at Clerk of Court’s office.

Fees

Court costs and court fees are the fees and charges from your case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have a court appointed attorney, you may not have to pay them.

Magistrate

The Douglas County magistrate is the person that will preside on your case. They do several different things, which include deciding a bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing initial court appearances and detention proceedings.

Pre-Sentencing

A pre-sentencing report is completed with the defendant’s background information and details of the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be solicited from the defendant, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Don’t forget you are allowed to ask to get a copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, so you get the chance to review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

Sentencing

After you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, which include community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you could get a date that you are required to turn yourself into jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Do you want to find out if someone is incarcerated in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

You can you will have to query the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

  • Name.
  • Date of birth.
  • Their booking date.
  • and their jail ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you should call the jail get confirmation.

Warrant Inquiry

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants on the website or call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you have a first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Douglas County jail, on the phone, in person, or check online. Records of arrests are public record and this is freely available.

Civil Inquiry

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Douglas County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All registered sex offenders are registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view sex offenders online, but bear in mind that you can’t see the precise address, rather the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are public records. These records include a court case file that includes a docket and all of the documents and filings filed in the court case. You can access court records on the website, or at Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each and every state keeps a record of people’s criminal background. These online databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from other states. You are able to go to the Douglas County Courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It helps to know the county, and if it was in a different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal records search you will find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for these crimes:

  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
  • Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
  • Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
  • Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, in most cases will not find out if someone has had any infractions like moving violations:

  • Speeding or reckless driving.
  • Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
  • Traffic accidents.
  • Other moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To find driving records, you will have to do a driving records search.

    Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records, and your comments could make it easier for others.

    Speak Your Mind

    Most Wanted

    Everyone knows that the FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Douglas County, the Douglas County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

    FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    Just the thought of being incarcerated in the Douglas County jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. All inmates get an alarm for wake-up every morning at 6:00am, and next they’ll do roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. Following 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 Douglas 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 Douglas 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 someone in jail can change, so it would be best to double check the site when you send any money.

    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 Douglas County Jail

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

    Post A Comment


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    Victim Resources

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

    Victim’s Rights

    The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

    • 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 an inmate at Douglas County Jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at Douglas County Jail?

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

    Things you can include in your comment:

    • Jail conditions.
    • Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
    • Guards and jail staff
    • Jail food and commissary
    • Visitors
    • Other Inmates.
    • Inmate safety
    • Gang activity
    • Inmate programs and activities


    Click here to write a review

    Tell Your Story

    Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? What happened to you while you were locked up? Tell us about the other inmates. How has this experience impacted your life?

    Post A Comment

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Are you trying to get in touch with a friend from jail? Post a message to them below.

    Send a message to Douglas County Jail


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