Petroleum County Jail – Winnett, MT

Petroleum County Jail is in Petroleum County and is the correctional facility for the area. Know somebody at Petroleum County Jail? This site will tell you all about everything related to Petroleum County Jail,like the following: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And much, much more.

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and stressful situation, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is designed to give info you need to make going to jail a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and also any comments or tips that would be a benefit to other people in the same situation is appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is in jail and want to locate them?

Has a family member or friend who has been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to search who’s in jail at Petroleum County Jail you have to go to their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Petroleum County Jail Inmate Lookup is a list of people currently in custody, including custody status, how much their bail is, and times you can visit. You can also get info on anyone who has been arrested or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You can find their inmate information faster if you enter your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

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

A mugshot, or jail intake picture, is a photograph that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one full face and a profile photo. Your full name and booking number will appear on the pictures, and they are on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Petroleum County Jail inmates can be seen on the Petroleum County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Petroleum County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to put in the prisoner’s full name, and an arrest date.

Want to have your mugshot erased from the Petroleum County Jail website? This is difficult, since the mugshot is a public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be accessible. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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If you’re locked up, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount will be determined using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you must agree to be in court on your court date, and until that day you won’t be allowed to travel out of the county.

Typically, inmates are given time off for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and conduct themselves properly while incarcerated.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be granted work release. You will either have to return to jail each day after work, or you might get to move into a halfway house instead of jail.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the courts to be released from jail until your trial. Your bail amount all depends on how serious your crime is. You will need to put up 10 percent of the total amount that was set so you can bail out of jail. If you don’t go to court, that person will lose all of the bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you must call the Petroleum County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they will tell you what their bail is set at. Also, you can see the bail amount on the jail website.

Bailing out of jail is no fun, but fortunately, it is easy. First of all, you need to know if it is a Cash Only Bond. If so, you will not be able to use the services of a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail won’t accept a check. When you’ve paid bail, the person will get released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get the bail money back.

If bail is set too high, or you can’t afford it, you should use a bail bondsman. They will generally charge a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and sometimes charge a minimum charge of $100. This money will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman might ask to use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to share your story

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

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The jail intake process is made up of each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• You will answer some questions, such as what your legal name is, street address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and will be stored until you are released.
• They will allow you to use the phone to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, they will let you keep wearing street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take? Were you treated fairly? Do you know any secrets that could help other people to get through jail processing?

Click here to leave a comment

When you post bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process may take anywhere between 10 minutes to all day. So, the quicker you post bail, the faster you will get let go. Also, it can depend on whether you have a cash bond amount or if the magistrate has to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served your sentence and have a discharge date, you should expect to get discharged in the morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you need to begin your jail sentence, it is recommended that you follow the rules and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail intake center, and tell the intake officer that think that there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a record check, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Ensure that you are not late to report. Just bring things that are allowed when you go, like your driver’s license or even ID, prescription medication, and a official sentencing order.

To have visitors, you must provide each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will be entered in a log of visitors as an approved visitor. Each visitor will have to provide identification. Anyone showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies change often, so you should visit the official jail site before you try to go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . These phone calls are generally 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 there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, your ability to use the phone might get reduced or forbidden completely.

The Petroleum County Jail phone number is: (406)429-6551

All mail is required to be sent via US Postal Service. You must not use any other method of delivery. You have to clearly write the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a package or box, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and inspected by the officers at the jail, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

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

Petroleum County Jail
302 East Main Post Office Box 226
Winnett, MT 59087-0226

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Petroleum County Jail
302 East Main Post Office Box 226
Winnett, MT 59087-0226

The mail policy changes frequently, so visit the official website before you send a letter.

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When you’ve been arrested, you have rights, one of these being your right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to have a friend or relative locate a lawyer when you talk to them. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘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, look after your best interests and help you navigate through the complicated legal system in your county. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your case, the better off you’ll be.

For more detailed information on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, read our guide: Find an Attorney

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. The Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers that are admitted to the Montana State Bar Association and are legally licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

Petroleum County court records are public records. They contain a case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the documents and motions in the case. You, and anyone else, can access your court case records via the website, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records and documents associated with your court case are held at Petroleum County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees and costs are the fees and charges from your case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The magistrate acts as the judge that presides over your court case. Magistrate judges do many different things, which include setting bail, issuing warrants, and overseeing first court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the defendant’s background and details of the arrestee’s life, which the judge will review and take into account when determining the sentence. Information will be collected from the person on trial, his or her family members, and, if applicable, the victim. Be sure to remember that you can ask to receive your own copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct any inaccurate information.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be locked up immediately, or you could receive a date that you must to surrender and report to jail to do your time.

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Do you want to find out if someone is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do this, you will have to go to the Petroleum County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• or inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can also call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you can check arrest warrants online or you are able to call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail 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 have a first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the Petroleum County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and this information is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, like court orders. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Petroleum County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders have to be registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view these listings online, but bear in mind that you will not be able to find the exact address, but rather the address block that they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a court case file that includes a docket and all documents and filings filed in the court case. You are able to access the court records via the internet, or at Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of people’s criminal background. These state databases are all connected and you can track criminal histories from other states. You can go to the Petroleum County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will be able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for crimes, which include:

• DUI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you won’t be able to see if that person has had any:

• Speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it an easy process? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records, and your story might help other people.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

The FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Petroleum County, the Petroleum County Sheriff’s Department 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 spending time in Petroleum County Jail is no fun, soon you will get used to the daily routine there. You will get an alarm for wake-up at 6:00AM, and then roll call. You will then get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will have 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 Petroleum 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 Petroleum 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 money to inmates can change, so it would be best to visit the the Petroleum County Jail website before send money 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 Petroleum County Jail

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

Tell Your Story


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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:

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

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 locked up in Petroleum County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited a prisoner there?

If your answer is yes, then please write a review about it. Write down your jail experience because others can learn what to expect.

Things you could write in what you write:

• Conditions in Petroleum County Jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Programs and activities


Click here to write a review

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has a story about it. How’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What happened to you while you were locked up? What about the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Need to say wassup to someone from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to someone at Petroleum County Jail


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