Steele County Detention Center – Owatonna, MN

Steele County Detention Center is located in Steele County and is the correctional facility for this county. Are you looking for somebody locked up at Steele County Detention Center? This guide gives you all about anything you might want to know about Steele County Detention Centersuch as the following: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Booking and intake procedures. Steele County court information. And much more…

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The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary idea, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to offer information that you need to make getting locked up easier. If you have questions, feel free to ask it, and please leave any comments or feedback that would be a benefit to other people in the same situation would be appreciated.

General Information

Address

Steele County Detention Center
2500 Alexander Street
Owatonna, MN 55060

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone Number: 507-446-7000
Fax:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

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

Do you know a family member or friend who has been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

To find out who’s in jail at Steele County Detention Center you need to go to their web site and use the inmate search.

Inmate Lookup

The Steele County Detention Center Inmate List is an online list of persons who have been arrested and are in jail, including current status, bail amount, and schedule for visitation. You can find information for anyone arrested and processed or discharged within the last 24 hours. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You can get their arrest information faster if you enter the arrestee’s name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you are looking for may be at another jail you should look here: Other Jails in Minnesota


Mugshots

A mugshot, or intake photo, is a photo taken by the police 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 be in the pictures, and they will be kept on file.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of Steele County Detention Center inmates are on the website, or you can go in person to the Steele County Detention Center. When viewing mugshots online you will need to put in the person’s first and last name, and the booking date.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot taken off of the Steele County Detention Center website? This is difficult, as the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, and will not be accessible. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot taken down, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Obviously, once you are incarcerated, your primary thought is about how to get out. After booking, your bail amount will be decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out you will have to promise to show up for court, and until then you won’t be allowed to leave the county.

In most cases, an inmate will be given time off in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and act right while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will either have to return to the jail at the end of the day after work, or you might have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail pending trial. Your bail amount is determined by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You will have to put up 10 percent of the total set in order for you to bail out of jail. If you miss your court appearance, the person that bailed you out of jail won’t get the bail money back.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the Steele County Detention Center or the County Courthouse. If you have all the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you what their bail is set at. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Steele County Detention Center website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Having to get someone out of jail is no fun, but most of the time, its easy. First of all, find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you will not be able to use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Cash only – they won’t accept a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the prisoner will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

Bail Bondsman

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should hire a bail bondsman. They usually have a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and usually with a minimum charge of $100. This money will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will usually require that they use your personal assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

You can find a bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman at Steele County Detention Center

Have you ever used the services of bail bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience, and let us know how things turned out.

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Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

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


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The intake process takes you through the following steps:

  • You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
  • The first thing you will have to is you must answer a number of questions, like what is your full name, home address, date of birth and a contact person.
  • Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
  • You will be given an inmate number.
  • You will get fingerprinted.
  • You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
  • Any property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
  • You will then be allowed to use the telephone in order to call family, friends, or bail bondsman.
  • If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be allowed to wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any secrets that could help other people that get arrested get through the process?

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Discharge Procedures

Once bail has been posted, you will get released from jail. The discharge process may take between 15 minutes to all day. So, the faster you can pay your bail, the faster you will get out of jail. It also can depend on whether you have a cash bond or if the magistrate must figure out the bail amount. For minor charges, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a discharge date, plan to get discharged between 9am and noon.

How To Turn Yourself In

If the sheriff has a, or if you must report to start a sentence, it is recommended that you follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. If you have a warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell an officer that think that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if there is 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 lists. Be sure that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring allowed items when you turn yourself in, like a driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

To have visitors, you need to provide the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail. Your visitor’s names will go in a log of approved visitors for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each and every visitor will be required to provide identification. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Steele County Detention Center visitation procedures frequently change, so make sure that you double-check the jail site before you try to go to visitation.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . These phone calls are generally more expensive than regular phone calls. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and 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 rules, an inmate’s phone privileges could be reduced or totally denied.

Phone Number: 507-446-7000

Sending Mail to Inmates

All inmate mail must be mailed using US Postal Service. You cannot use any other form of delivery. You should write or type the name, inmate ID, and jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t mail a package or box, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail received by the jail is opened and read and inspected by the staff, and will get sent back if it can’t be delivered.

Mailing Address

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Steele County Detention Center is:

Steele County Detention Center
2500 Alexander Street
Owatonna, MN 55060

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Steele County Detention Center
2500 Alexander Street
Owatonna, MN 55060


The Steele County Detention Center mail policy changes, so be sure to check the official website when you send a letter to an inmate.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

If you get arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these being the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to get a friend or relative to find a lawyer for you. You might be thinking ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and guide you through the complicated legal system in your county. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your case, the better.

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

Public Defender

If you can’t afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. Also, the Public Defender Office has access to private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys that are members of the Minnesota State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law.

Have you ever 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

Steele County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They include a case file containing a docket and all of the documents filed in the course of your case. You, and anyone else, can access court records with the Steele County website, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office.

Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and read the jury’s verdict. All records and documents relating to your case are available at Steele County Clerk of Court office.

Fees

Court costs and court fees are the fees and charges from your court case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

Magistrate

The magistrate is the judge that will preside on your case in court. Magistrates do a number of things, which include setting your bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over first court appearances and detention hearings.

Pre-Sentencing

A pre-sentencing report is completed to include your background information and details of the defendant’s life and history, which the judge will consider when determining the sentence. Information will be requested from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Keep in mind that you can ask to see your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, and make sure that you correct any mistakes that it contains.

Sentencing

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, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you may be locked up immediately, or you might be given a date that you are supposed to turn yourself into jail to serve your term.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Are you trying to find out if somebody you know is currently in jail, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you should go to the jail’s website, and search using:

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

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can also call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

Warrant Inquiry

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you can check the court records on the website or call the court. This requires a first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask one of the officers. You should know that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you know the person’s first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or look online. Arrest records are public record and these records are accessible to anyone.

Civil Inquiry

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by getting in touch with the Steele County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All convicted sex offenders have to be registered on a sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see these listings on the website, but keep in mind that you won’t see the exact address, but rather the block that they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. These records include a court case file that includes a docket sheet and any documents filed in the case. You can access your court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal past. These databases are connected so you can track criminal convictions from another state. You can go to the Steele County Courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for the following crimes:

  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
  • Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
  • Violent crimes.
  • Theft, breaking and entering.

When you do a criminal history search, you generally won’t be able to see if that person has had any:

  • Speeding or reckless driving.
  • Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
  • Any accidents.
  • Moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To get this kind of information, you have to do a search for their driving history.

    Have you ever searched for criminal records? How easy was it? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the jail? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that people look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your story might make it easier for others.

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    Most Wanted

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

    FBI Ten Most Wanted List


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    While the prospect of being incarcerated in Steele County Detention Center is something you wish you could avoid, you will soon settle into the routine that is set for you. You will get an alarm for wake-up every morning at six in the morning, and then roll call. Then you will have breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 Steele County Detention Center, 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 Steele County Detention Center 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 might change, so we suggest that you check the the Steele County Detention Center 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 Steele County Detention Center

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Steele County Detention Center, 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 Steele County Detention Center

    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 tell about all about it


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    Victim Resources

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

    Victim’s Rights

    The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

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

    The definition of victim includes:

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

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

    Victim Notification

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

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

    Click here to leave a comment

    Sex Offender Information and Search

    All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

    Domestic Violence

    If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

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


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    Reviews

    Reviews of this Jail

    Have you ever spent any time at this jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever visited an inmate at this jail?

    If you have, then you should leave a comment below about it. Tell us about your experience because others will know what to expect.

    Things you might want to put in your comment:

    • Conditions in Steele County Detention Center.
    • Jail and pod facility and layout
    • Jail staff and Guards
    • Food and commissary
    • Visitors
    • Inmates.
    • Inmate safety
    • Jail gangs
    • Prisoner programs and activities


    Write a review about Steele County Detention Center

    Tell Your Story

    Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story about it. How’d you get locked up? Were you mistreated? How was life in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did getting locked up affect your life?

    Click here to leave a comment

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Did you make friends in jail? Do you want to reconnect with a person you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

    Say Hello to people still locked up at Steele County Detention Center


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