Carter County Jail – Ekalaka, MT

Carter County Jail is in Carter County and is the jail for this county. Are you looking for somebody incarcerated at Carter County Jail? This site tells you information about anything a person needs to know about Carter County Jail: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures. Court information. And much more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary idea, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give you all the information and tips that you’ll need to make the process a lot easier. If you have a question, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or feedback that would be beneficial to others will be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend in jail and need to find out where they are?

Has somebody that has been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

In order to find out who’s in jail at Carter County Jail you need to go to their website and do an inmate lookup.

The Carter County Jail Inmate Locator is an online list of people currently in custody, including current status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. Also, you can find info about anyone arrested and booked or discharged in the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to locate their inmate information fast if you have their first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member may be in another county jail you should check our Montana county jail guide: Montana County Jails

A mugshot, or jail intake photograph, is a photograph taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is make of one and a profile picture. Your name and booking number will be in the photos, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots are online, or you can see them at the Carter County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will have to input their full name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken off of the Carter County Jail website? This is difficult, because the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot removed, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Naturally, once you’re locked up, your primary thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through booking, bail will be decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out of jail you must agree to show up for court, and you can’t go out of town.

Usually, an inmate in the Carter County Jail will be given an early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while they are in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be granted work release. Either you will have to return to the jail at the end of the day after work, or you could be permitted to move into a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will be required to pay all depends on the seriousness of your charges. You or someone you know will have to pay ten percent of the total that was set so you are able to be released. If you don’t show up for your court appearance, the person that paid your bail will lose that money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will need to call the Carter County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you’ve got the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they will let you know what their bail is set at. You can also check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to get someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, it is easy. To start with, you need to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you can’t get a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they can’t take checks. Once the cash bond has been paid, the prisoner will be released to your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases charge a minimum charge of $100. This money will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will usually use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To talk to a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Carter County

Have you ever used a bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to tell about all about it

• Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release Programs
• Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• House Arrest
• Own Recognizance

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The intake procedure is made up of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• Firstly, you have to answer some simple questions, such as what is your full legal name, your address, date of birth and contact person.
• You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will get to make a telephone call in order to talk to a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell your story. How long did it take? Were you treated fairly? Do you know any secrets that could help others to get through the process?

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Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged from jail will take between 10 minutes to all day long. Or, simply, the faster bail is posted, the faster you can get released from jail. It also depends on whether or not you have a cash bond amount or if a magistrate needs to determine the amount of bail to be set. For a minor offense, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you get to the end of your sentence and are given a discharge date, you should plan to get discharged in the morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. If you have a warrant, report to the jail processing area, and tell someone that think that there is a warrant for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if so, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Ensure that you aren’t late. Just bring things that are allowed when you turn yourself in, such as your driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as an official sentencing order.

The inmate need to provide information about each visitor to the jail. Your visitors will be put into a log of visitors for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each and every visitor will have to provide proof of identification. Visitors that arrives for visitation late or that is not an approved visitor will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Carter County Jail frequently change, so it would be wise to review the jail site before you visit an inmate.

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 typically more expensive than regular phone calls. Phone calls are restricted on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but bear in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, phone privileges could be reduced or cut altogether.

Phone Number: 406-775-8743

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be sent via the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of mail or package delivery. You should write the person’s name, prisoner number, and jail address on the letter that you send. Do not send a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail is opened and inspected by the jail staff, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

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

Carter County Jail
214 Park Street
Ekalaka, MT 59324

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Carter County Jail
214 Park Street
Ekalaka, MT 59324

The mail policy is always changing, so check the site before you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you get arrested, you have rights, the first of which is your right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so you would be wise to have a friend or family member locate an attorney for you. You’re probably asking yourself ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate through the complicated legal system that you are now faced with. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better.

For more information about the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, click here: How to Find a Lawyer in Carter County

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. The Public Defender is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers, admitted to the Montana State Bar Association and are fully licensed to practice law in Montana.

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

Carter County court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They have a court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and every documents and motions filed during your court case. You are able to access the records and documents in your court case with the internet service, or at the Clerk of Court.

The Carter County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages court records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All court records associated with your case are available at Carter County Clerk of Court office.

Court costs and court fees are the fees and charges from your case, which include filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

The Carter County magistrate acts as the judge that rules on your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do different functions, which include deciding a bail amount, issuing warrants, and overseeing preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed to include your background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will take into account when determining your sentence. Information will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Don’t forget you are able to ask to see a copy of this report prior to sentencing, so you get the chance to correct any inaccurate information.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you will either be taken into custody immediately, or you could be given a date to report to jail to serve your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has been an inmate in the past?

You can just visit the jail’s website, and search by:

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

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can call the jail to find out.

If you have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Carter County jail website or you are able to call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. Keep in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Arrest records are public record and the information is freely available.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, like court orders. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on a sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to see these offenders online, but keep in mind that you will not see the exact address, rather the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

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

Each and every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal background. These databases are connected so you are able to track criminal histories from other states. You are able to go to the Carter County Courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if it was in a completely different state, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any crimes, which can include:

• DUI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, in most cases will not be able to find out if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? How easy was it? Was your search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your story might make it easier for others.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a listing of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Carter County, the Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that spending time in the Carter County jail is something you wish you could avoid, in time you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. You should expect a wake-up alarm each morning at six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. Following breakfast you will be required to 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 Carter 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 Carter 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 jail inmates can change, so you should check the the Carter County Jail website when send funds to someone in jail 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 Carter County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Carter 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 Carter County Jail

Requirements:

• You must be over the age of 21.
• You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You must be a US Citizen.
• You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You must pass a drug test.
• You must have a good level of fitness.
• You must be in good health.
• You must have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to 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:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims 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.

Click here to post 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 been locked up in this jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate in this jail?

If yes, then we would like you to write a review about it. Write down what you experienced so that other people can learn what to expect.

Things you can put in your review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Programs and activities


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has a story about it. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What was it like in jail? What about the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Click here to leave a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to find out how to get in touch with a friend from jail? Send a message to them here.

Say Hello to people incarcerated at Carter County Jail


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