Broadwater County Detention Center – Townsend, MT

Broadwater County Detention Center is in Broadwater County, Montana and is the primary correctional facility for that county. Know somebody at Broadwater County Detention Center? This guide will tell you info about everything related to Broadwater County Detention Center: How to locate an inmate at Broadwater County Detention Center. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Broadwater County Detention Center intake procedures. Court information and records. And much more…

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The chance of going to jail is a scary and stressful situation, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s friends and family. The goal of this guide is to give information and advice you need to make helping someone get out of jail easier. If you have questions, please feel free to ask them, and any feedback or comments that might help others is welcome.

General Information

Address

Broadwater County Detention Center
519 Broadway
Townsend, MT 59644

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone Number: 406-266-3441
Fax Number:

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 don’t know how to contact them?

Do you know somebody who has been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

To see who’s in jail at Broadwater County Detention Center you need to go to their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

Inmate Lookup

The Broadwater County Detention Center Inmate List is an online list of persons who have been arrested and are in jail, which includes current status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. You can also get information on anybody processed or released in the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to get their arrest information quicker if you enter their name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you are looking for may be locked up at a different jail you will want to check the other Montana county jails in our Montana County Jail Guide: List of all county jails in Montana


Mugshots

A mugshot, also called a booking photograph, is the photo that the jail takes when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and a side picture. Your name and jail booking number will appear on the photos, and they will be on file.

View Mugshots

Mugshots can be found on the Broadwater County Detention Center website, or you can see them at the Broadwater County Detention Center. When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to input the person’s legal name, and the arrest date.

Mugshot Search

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First Name

Last Name

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Need to know how to get your mugshot taken off of the Broadwater County Detention Center site? This can be tricky, since your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that your arrest record would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Naturally, once you’re in jail, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve been booked, your bail amount is determined either by bail schedule or magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you are required to agree to show up for court, and in the meantime you won’t be permitted to leave the area.

Usually, an inmate at Broadwater County Detention Center are given time off for good behavior when they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while they’re in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. Either you will have to go back to the jail at the end of the day after work, or you might be permitted to move into a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail

Bail is money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by how serious your crime is. Someone you know will need to pay to the courts 10% of the amount that was set so you are able to be released. If you don’t show up for your court appearance, the person that bailed you out of jail will lose that money.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

You will have to call the Broadwater County Detention Center. If you’ve got the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know the bail amount. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never fun, but most of the time, it’s very simple to do. To start with, you have to find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you won’t be able to get a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they won’t take checks. Once you have paid the bond, the person will be discharged. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

Bail Bondsman

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just don’t have the money, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally have a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and in most cases have a minimum charge of $100. This is non-refundable and the bondsman only accepts cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman might require that they use your assets as collateral.

To find a bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of bail bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to post a comment

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

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


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The jail intake process is made up of these steps:

  • You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
  • Firstly, you must answer some questions, such as your full legal name, your address, birth date and a contact person.
  • They’ll also ask you about your medical and psychological history.
  • You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
  • You will get fingerprinted.
  • You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
  • All personal property will get taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
  • You will be allowed to make a phone call so you can contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
  • If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be able to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How did the guards treat you? Can you tell us tips that will help others to get through jail intake?

Click here to leave a comment

Discharge Procedures

When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged may take anywhere from 15 minutes to quite a few hours. So, the quicker you post bail, the faster you will get out of jail. It also depends on whether or not you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a judge still needs to decide on how much to set your bail at. For lesser charges, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a release date, expect to get released that morning.

How To Turn Yourself In

for your arrest, or if you need to report to start a sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the rules and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail intake center, and let them know that you think there may be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if so, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Ensure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Be sure to only bring necessary items when you turn yourself in, like your driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the copy of the sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

In order to have visitors, inmates have to list each visitor’s name to the jail. Your visitors will go into a Visiting log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each and every visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors showing up late or without a visiting order will not be able to attend visitation.
The Broadwater County Detention Center visitation procedures can change, so we suggest that you review the jail site before you visit an inmate.

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 . Calls made in jail are generally more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates must 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, your ability to use the phone could be reduced or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The Broadwater County Detention Center phone number is: 406-266-3441

Sending Mail to Inmates

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be sent via the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of mail or package delivery. You must print the name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the letter. Do not send anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail received by the jail gets opened and inspected by the jail officers, and will get sent back to the person who mailed it if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Mailing Address

The mailing address for Broadwater County Detention Center is:

Broadwater County Detention Center
519 Broadway
Townsend, MT 59644

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Broadwater County Detention Center
519 Broadway
Townsend, MT 59644


The mail policy at Broadwater County Detention Center can change, so you should review the the Broadwater County Detention Center website before you send a letter to an inmate there.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

If you have been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these being your right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to have a friend or relative find a lawyer when you call them. You’re probably asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and help you understand the legal system. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your case, the better your chances.

For more information on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, read: How to Find an Attorney in Broadwater County

Public Defender

If you can’t afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers that are members of the Montana State Bar and are completely licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Court Records

All court records are a matter of public record. Court records include a file containing a docket sheet and every documents and motions that have been filed in your case. You have the ability to access court records with the internet service, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

Clerk of Court

The Broadwater County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who manages access to court records. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the jury’s verdict. All records and documents associated with your court case are held at Broadwater County Clerk of Court office.

Fees

Court costs and court fees are the charges from your case, such as 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 may not have to pay them.

Magistrate

A Magistrate is the type of judge that presides over your case in court. They do several different things, which include deciding a bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over preliminary court appearances and detention proceedings.

Pre-Sentencing

Your pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will consider when determining the sentence. Information will be gathered from the person on trial, their family, and in some circumstances the victim. Remember that you can ask to have a copy of the pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you can correct any mistakes that it contains.

Sentencing

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you will either be taken into custody immediately, or you might be given a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Do you need to find out if a family member or friend is in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do this, you need to visit the jail’s website, and search using:

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

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

Warrant Inquiry

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants on the Broadwater County court website or call the jail. 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 if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you know the person’s first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the Broadwater County jail, by phone, in person, or check online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and the information is accessible to anyone.

Civil Inquiry

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, such as court orders. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Broadwater County Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All people registered as sex offenders are registered and listed on a sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to see these offenders on the website, but remember that you won’t see the precise address, just the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a case file containing a docket and all documents filed in your case. You are able to access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the Broadwater County Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each and every state keeps a record of someone’s criminal history. These state databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from another state. Go to county courthouse and inquire, 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 complete search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you can get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes, which can include:

  • DUI or DWI.
  • Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Rape or other sexual assault.
  • Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
  • Property crimes like theft or larceny.

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

  • Speeding or reckless driving.
  • Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
  • Been in a traffic accident.
  • Other moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To search for this information, you have to do a search for their driving record.

    Have you ever searched for criminal records? How hard was it? Did you do your search online or did you call the courthouse? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your account may help other people that are in the same situation.

    Click here to tell your story

    Most Wanted

    The FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Broadwater County,The Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

    FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    While the prospect of being incarcerated in the Broadwater County jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will settle into the daily routine. You will get an alarm to wake up each morning at six in the morning, and then roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast participate 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 Broadwater 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 Broadwater 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 process for sending funds to jail inmates is always changing, so review the site 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 Broadwater County Detention Center

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

    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.

    Speak Your Mind


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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.

    Speak Your Mind

    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 in Broadwater County Detention Center? Do you know someone that spent time there? Have you ever visited someone at Broadwater County Detention Center?

    If so, then you should leave a comment below about it. Write down your experience because others can find out what to expect.

    Things you can write in your comment:

    • Conditions at the jail.
    • Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
    • Guards and jail staff
    • Commissary and food
    • Visitation
    • The other inmates.
    • Inmate safety
    • Gang activity
    • Prisoner activities and programs


    Speak Your Mind

    Tell Your Story

    Anyone who’s been in jail has a story to tell. Why’d you get arrested? How did the guards treat you? What was your daily routine in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did it affect you to go to jail?

    Tell the World All About It

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Want to send a message to a friend from jail? Post a message to them below.

    Say Hello to someone at Broadwater County Detention Center


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