Chouteau County Detention Center – Fort Benton, MT

Chouteau County Detention Center is in Chouteau County and is the main correctional facility for the region. Do you know somebody in jail at Chouteau County Detention Center? This page tells you all about everything you might need to know about Chouteau County Detention Center: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Chouteau County Detention Center intake procedures. Chouteau County court information. And much, much more.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to give you all the information and advice that you’ll need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a lot easier. If you have a question, feel free to ask them, and also any comments or feedback that might help other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that has gone to jail and want to locate them?

Has somebody who has been arrested and you want to find them?

In order to search who is in jail at Chouteau County Detention Center you should click on their website and use the inmate lookup.

The Chouteau County Detention Center Inmate Lookup has information on persons who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes status, bail amount, and schedule for visitation. You can also get info for anybody arrested and processed or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to get their arrest information quicker if you have their full name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the inmate you are looking for could possibly be at another county jail you will want to check our Montana county jail guide: Montana County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also known as a booking photograph, is a photo that the jail takes when you are processed at the jail intake. They will take one frontal photo and a profile picture. Your name and booking number will be on the mugshot, and they are kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of inmates can be seen on the Chouteau County Detention Center website, or you can see them in person at the Chouteau County Detention Center. When viewing online you will need to enter the prisoner’s full name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to have your mugshot removed from the Chouteau County Detention Center website? This may not be possible, as your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you must file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that the record of your arrest will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Naturally, if you’re incarcerated, your main thought is about getting out. After you’ve been booked, your bail amount will be decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you must promise to show up for court, and you won’t be permitted to travel out of the county.

Typically, inmates will be given early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while in jail.

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

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay is determined by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. Someone you know will need to pay to the courts 10% of the amount that was set before you can be released from jail. If you don’t go to your scheduled court date, that person will lose that money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will have to call the Chouteau County Detention Center. If you have all the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you the bail amount. You can also see the bail amount on the Chouteau County Detention Center website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never a fun thing, but most of the time, it’s easy if you have the money. To start with, figure out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you will not be able to use the services of a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they can’t accept checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the inmate will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just don’t have the money, you should try a bail bondsman. Bondsmen usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases have a minimum fee of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will in most cases use your assets as collateral for the bond.

To talk to a local bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The intake process includes the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first step is that you will have to answer some questions, like what is your full name, home address, date of birth and contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and mental history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released.
• You will be allowed to make a telephone call to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will be given a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should share your experience. How long did it take? How did the guards treat you? Do you have any secrets that will help other people get through jail processing?

Click here to post a comment

When you pay your bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged from jail can take anywhere between 10 minutes to many hours. In simple terms, the faster you can post bail, the quicker you will get let go. Also, how fast you get released depends on whether or not you’ve been given a bond amount or if a judge must decide on the bail amount. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served your sentence and know the discharge date, you should expect to get released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

out against you, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, you should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail processing area, and tell the intake officer that believe that there could be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they find one, you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Be sure to only bring necessary items when you go to jail, such as a driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, and the sentencing order.

The inmate must give each visitor’s name to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitors will be entered into a log of visitors as an authorized visitor. All visitors is required to provide acceptable photo identification. Anyone showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures at Chouteau County Detention Center can change, so we suggest that you double-check the official jail site before you visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . These phone calls are usually pricier than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the jail rules, phone calls might get cut back or totally denied.

The Chouteau County Detention Center phone number is: 406-622-5451

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of delivery. Clearly print the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Do not mail anything in a package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail received by the jail gets opened and inspected by the staff, and will be returned to the sender if they decide it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Chouteau County Detention Center:

Chouteau County Detention Center
1215 Washington Ave.
Fort Benton, MT 59442

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Chouteau County Detention Center
1215 Washington Ave.
Fort Benton, MT 59442

The Chouteau County Detention Center mail policy can change, so we suggest that you visit the the Chouteau County Detention Center website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, the first of which is that you have the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to get a friend or relative to find a lawyer for you. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, an attorney can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and show you the way through the complicated court system that you are now faced with. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your charges, the better.

For more information on this subject, read: Find a Lawyer

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender has access to independent investigators, experts in forensics as well as social workers. Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers, members of the Montana State Bar and are fully licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? What was your experience?

Court records are a matter of public record. Court records include a case file containing a docket sheet and each of the motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed in the case. You, and anyone else, can access the records and documents in your court case with the website, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

The Chouteau County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your case are held at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the fees and charges from your court case, such as filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The magistrate acts as the judge that rules on your court case. Magistrates do different tasks, which include setting bail, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed with background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and history, which the judge will review when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the defendant, their family, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Keep in mind you are able to ask to get your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, and make sure that you review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you may be taken into custody, right there in court, or given a date that you are required to go to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if some you know is currently in jail, or has ever been in jail?

To do this, you will have to query the jail’s website, and search using:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

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

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can access court records online or call the court directly. This requires a first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and inquire at the information desk. You should be clear that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are in the public record and this information is accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, such as a court order. You can find these by going to the Chouteau County Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be registered and listed on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You can access this information on the website, but bear in mind that you will not see the street address, but rather the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a case file containing a docket sheet and all filings and documents filed in your court case. You are able to access the court records via the internet, or at the Chouteau County Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each and every state keeps a record of people’s criminal past. These state databases are connected so you can track criminal convictions from another state. You are able to go to courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It helps to know the county, and if the crime was in a completely different state, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal history search you can find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses.
• 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, you generally won’t find if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this kind of information, you have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How easy was it? Did you do your search online or did you call the Chouteau County courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal records, and your account might make it easier for others.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

The FBI keeps a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Chouteau County, the Chouteau County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in the Chouteau County jail is quite unpleasant, soon you will settle into the daily routine there. Expect an alarm for wake-up at 6:00AM, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. After 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 Chouteau 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 Chouteau 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 money to inmates at Chouteau County Detention Center could change, so visit the site 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 Chouteau County Detention Center

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

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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 a prisoner at this jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited an inmate there?

If you have, then please write your review about it. Tell us about what you experienced so others will know what to expect.

Things you might want to include in your comment:

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


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has at least one story to tell about it. Why’d you get arrested? Did you get fair treatment? How was day to day life at Chouteau County Detention Center? What about the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell your story about when you did time at Chouteau County Detention Center

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you want to find a friend from jail? Write your message below.

Send a message to Chouteau County Detention Center


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