Madison County Jail – Virginia City, MT

Madison County Jail is located in Madison County, Montana and is the main correctional facility for the area. Looking for someone at Madison County Jail? This site will tell you about anything you might need to know about Madison County Jail: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Madison County Jail intake procedures. Court information and records. And lots more.

The thought of going to jail is a scary situation, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also their friends and family. The goal of this guide is to offer information you need to make the process less stressful. If you have a question, just ask it in the comment section below, and any tips or comments that would help other people in the same situation is welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is locked up and want to find them?

Do you know someone that has been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

In order to search who’s in jail at Madison County Jail you need to go to their web site and use the inmate lookup.

The Madison County Jail Inmate Lookup is an online list of people who have been arrested and are in jail, including current status, how much their bail is, and visiting schedule. Also, you can get info about anyone booked or discharged in the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to get the information faster if you enter the arrestee’s name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or family member might be in another jail you can look here: Montana Jails

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing photograph, is the picture that the police take when you are booked into jail. They will take one frontal photo and one profile photo. Your name and intake number will be on the pictures, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots of Madison County Jail prisoners can be searched on the Madison County Jail website, or you can go in person to the Madison County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you have to enter the person’s name, and the arrest date.

Are you trying to get your mugshot removed from the Madison County Jail website? This will be difficult, since your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest would 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 mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Once you’re incarcerated, your main thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve been booked, your bail will be set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you must promise to be there for your court date, and in the meantime you must not leave the county.

Typically, inmates at Madison County Jail are given time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to do work release. You will be required to go back to jail at the end of the day when you’re finished with work, or you may be permitted to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Your bail is the amount of money that you are required to pay in order to be released from jail pending trial. Your bail amount is dictated by how serious your charges are. Someone you know will need to post ten percent of the total set so you can get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, that person will lose that money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will need to call the jail. If know the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the Madison County Jail site.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never fun, but in some cases, its really easy if you have the money. First, you need to find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you won’t be able to use a Bail Bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail can’t accept a check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the inmate will be released to your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and sometimes charge a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will usually ask to use assets as collateral.

You can find a bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Madison County Jail

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

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

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The intake procedure includes the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. When the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you have to answer a number of questions, such as your legal name, street address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate ID.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you are discharged.
• They will let you use the phone in order to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be allowed to wear your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should tell your story. How long did you have to wait? Were you treated fairly? Do you have any things that could help other people that get arrested to get through the procedure?

Click here to share your story

When you post bail, you will get discharged from jail. This process will take anywhere between 15 minutes to many hours. So, the faster you post bail, the quicker you will get discharged. Also, how fast you get released will depend on whether you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a judge still needs to determine the amount of bail to be set. For a minor charge, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, you should expect to be released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you need to begin your jail sentence, you should follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, report to the jail intake center, and tell them that you think they might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if so, you will be taken into jail custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Be sure that you don’t show up late. Just bring things that are allowed when you go to jail, like a driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, and the sentencing order from court.

Inmates must list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will be put in the log as an approved visitor. Each visitor is required to provide identification. Visitors showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures at Madison County Jail frequently change, so make sure that you visit the official site before you go.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are much pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, phone calls could be reduced or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: (406)843.5301

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be sent via the US Postal Service. You must not use any other form of mail delivery. You have to write the prisoner’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the letter. Don’t mail anything in a package or box, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail sent to inmates is opened and read and examined by the jail administration, and will be returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Madison County Jail, use this address:

Madison County Jail
Po Box 276
Virginia City, MT 59755

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Madison County Jail
Po Box 276
Virginia City, MT 59755

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

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these being the right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure you get a friend or relative to find an attorney when you call them. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, look after your best interests and help you understand the complicated legal system in your county. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better.

For more detailed information on this, read our guide: How to Find an Attorney in Madison County

If you can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has access to private investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. All Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers who are members of the Montana State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Madison County court records are public records and are available upon request. They are comprised of a file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents and motions filed in the case. You have the ability to access court records using the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records and documents from your court case are held at Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the fees and charges associated with your court case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you cannot afford these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you will not be responsible for these fees.

A Magistrate is the person that will preside over your case. Magistrates are judges that do a number of different things, such as setting your bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared with the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate judge will consider when deciding on the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family members, and, if applicable, the victim. Keep in mind that you can ask to see a copy of the report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, including community service to probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you may be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could receive a date that you are required to report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been in jail?

To find this out just access the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

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

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Madison County court website or call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. You should know that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

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

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, which can be a court order. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders must be registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You are able to view sex offenders on the internet, but remember that you will not be able to find the actual address, but only the block that they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a court case file that includes a docket sheet and any filings and documents filed in the case. You can access court records via the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of a person’s criminal background. These online databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal convictions from other states. You can go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if the crime was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal history search you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for crimes, which include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

If you do a criminal records check, you generally will not be able to find out if they have had any:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving records, you will have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it easy? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the Madison County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments could make it easier for others.

Click here to comment

Most Wanted

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

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Madison County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in the Madison County jail is no fun, you will soon settle into the routine that is set for you. Inmates get a wake-up alarm at 6:00am, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will be required to work in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 Madison 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 Madison County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The procedure to send funds to jail inmates can change, so we suggest that you double check the official Madison County Jail site when you send any funds.


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 Madison County Jail

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

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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 tell about all about it

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 that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited a prisoner there?

If so, then we would like you to write a review about it. Tell us about your jail experience so others will know what to expect.

Things you could write in the review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has a story about it. Why were you locked up? Did you get fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? What were the other inmates like? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell Your Story About Madison County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Are you trying to find out how to get in touch with somebody you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to Madison County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Madison County Jail Link
Madison County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Madison County Jail Mugshots
Madison County Jail Bail Amount Link

Madison County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Madison County Jail Jail Mail Link
Madison County Jail Inmate Search
Madison County Warrants
Madison County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Money to an Inmate at Madison County Jail
Jobs at Madison County Jail


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