Sanders County Jail – Thompson Falls, MT

Sanders County Jail is in Sanders County, MT and is the correctional facility for this area. Know someone in Sanders County Jail? This site gives you about everything one might want to know about Sanders County Jail,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. How to view Sanders County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Booking and intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

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The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary prospect, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s friends and family. The goal of this guide is to give you information and tips that you’ll need to make going to jail a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask them, and any comments or feedback that could be beneficial to other people in the same situation would be appreciated.

General Information

Address

Sanders County Jail
1115 Main Street
Thompson Falls, MT 59873

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone: 406-827-3584
Fax:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you have a family member or friend that is incarcerated and don’t know how to contact them?

Has somebody that’s been arrested and you want to find them?

To search who’s in jail at Sanders County Jail you have to click on their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

Inmate Search

The Sanders County Jail Inmate Roster is a list of people who have been arrested, including current status, how much their bail is, and times you can visit. Also, you can get info on anyone arrested and processed or discharged in the last 24 hours. Inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You’ll be able to locate the information faster if you’ve got your friend or family member’s name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If your friend or family member may be at another county jail you should look here, too: Montana County Jails


Mugshots

A mugshot, also known as a intake photograph, is a photograph that the police take when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one and a side photo. Your full name and intake number will be on the mugshot, and they are kept on file at the jail.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of Sanders County Jail prisoners are on the website, or you can view them at the Sanders County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to enter the person’s full name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Mugshot Search

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Last Name

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot taken down from the Sanders County Jail website? This can be tricky, since the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that the record of your arrest would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the various mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Naturally, if you’re in jail, your main thought is about when you get out. After booking, a bail amount is decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either be released, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you will have to promise to show up for court, and until then you are not allowed to leave town.

Typically, a prisoner are given early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while they’re in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. You will have to go back to the jail at the end of the day after work, or you could have the chance to sleep in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail

Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by the crime you are charged with. You will have to pay 10% of the amount set in order to bail out of jail. If you miss your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail will lose all of the bail money.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

You have to call the Sanders County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you’ve got the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Sanders County Jail website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, it’s simple to do if you have the money. First of all, you need to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you will not be able to use a bondsman. Cash only – the jail will not take a check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the person will get released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

Bail Bondsman

If the bail amount is too high, or you just don’t have the money, you should hire a bail bondsman. They will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually with a minimum fee of $100. This money is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman might ask to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

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

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

Tell Your Story

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

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


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The jail intake process takes you through each of the following steps:

  • They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
  • Firstly, you will have to answer some questions, like what is your full name, address, birthdate and an emergency contact person.
  • They’ll also ask you about your psychological 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.
  • Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
  • They will allow you to use the telephone to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
  • If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will be issued a jail uniform.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? Were you treated fairly? Do you know any tips that will help other people that get arrested get through the procedure?

Click here to tell your story

Discharge Procedures

Once bail has been posted, you will get released from jail. The discharge process can take from 30 minutes to all day long. Or, simply, the faster bail is posted, the quicker you will get discharged. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a magistrate has to determine how much your bail will be. For a minor charge, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, you should plan to be released between 9am and noon.

How To Turn Yourself In

In the event there is a, or if you must report to start a sentence, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail intake area, and tell them that you think there is a warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they verify that you have one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go down to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Be sure to only bring necessary items with you, for example your driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the copy of the sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

The inmate have to provide each visitor’s name to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will go into a Visiting log as an authorized visitor. All visitors have to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Sanders County Jail visitation procedures are always changing, so check the official jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Jail phone calls are typically more expensive than regular phone calls. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but you should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, phone calls could be reduced or eliminated completely.

The Sanders County Jail phone number is: 406-827-3584

Sending Mail to Inmates

All mail must be sent using US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of mail or package delivery. You should write the prisoner’s name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not mail anything in a box or package, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail that you send to inmates gets opened and read and inspected by the jail administration, and the mail will be returned if deemed inappropriate.

Mailing Address

The mailing address for Sanders County Jail is:

Sanders County Jail
1115 Main Street
Thompson Falls, MT 59873

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Sanders County Jail
1115 Main Street
Thompson Falls, MT 59873


The mail policy can change, so you should double check the site when you send a letter to an inmate there.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

Even if you’ve been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these is the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to have a friend or family member find a lawyer when you call. You might be thinking ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, look after your best interests and help you find your way through the legal system in your county. The sooner you get a lawyer involved with your charges, the better.

For more information on how to find a lawyer, click here: How to Find a Lawyer in Sanders County

Public Defender

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has access to investigators, experts in forensics and social workers. Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney? How did they do?

Court Records

Court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records contain a court case file with a docket sheet and each of the documents and motions in your case. You, and anyone else, can access your court records with the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

Clerk of Court

The Sanders County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages court records. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All court records from your court case are maintained at the Sanders County Clerk of Court.

Fees

Court fees and costs are the fees and charges associated with your case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may not have to pay the fees.

Magistrate

The magistrate is the type of judge that presides on your court case. Magistrate judges do different tasks, which include deciding a bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

Pre-Sentencing

A pre-sentencing report is put together with your background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life and public history, which the magistrate will review and take into account when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Keep in mind that you can request to get a copy of the pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, so you can correct the mistakes.

Sentencing

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could get a date to surrender and report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

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

This is pretty easy to do, simply you will have to query the Sanders County jail website, and search by:

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

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

Warrant Inquiry

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants on the Sanders County court website or call the jail. This requires a first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask the officer in charge. Keep in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you know the person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or check online. An arrest is a matter of public record and this information is accessible to anyone.

Civil Inquiry

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, like a court order. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All people registered as sex offenders must be registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to view sex offenders on the website, but you should know that you won’t find the precise address, but only the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records

Court Records are public records. These records include a court case file that contains a court docket and any documents filed in your case. You are able to access the court records on their website, or at the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each state maintains records of people’s criminal background. These state databases are linked together so you can track criminal convictions from any other state. You can go to county courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you are able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any of the following crimes:

  • DUI.
  • Drug offenses.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Rape or other sexual assault.
  • Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
  • Theft.

During a criminal records search, usually won’t find if someone has had:

  • Speeding.
  • Drivers license suspended or revoked.
  • Accidents.
  • Other moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To search for driving records, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

    Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your story could help other people.

    Click here to comment

    Most Wanted

    On a Federal level, the FBI maintains a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Sanders County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

    FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    While the prospect of getting locked up in Sanders County Jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. All inmates get an alarm to wake up at 6:00am, and then roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. Following 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 Sanders 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 Sanders 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 Sanders County Jail inmates might change, so you should visit the site when you send funds to an inmate there.

    Commissary

    The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

    Inmate Medications

    If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

    Meals

    You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

    Pods / The Yard

    The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

    Gangs

    As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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    News and Media

    News

    Photos / Pictures

    Videos


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    Jobs

    Types of Jobs at Sanders County Jail

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Sanders 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 Sanders 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 comment


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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.

    Tell Your Story

    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 know someone that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at this jail?

    If so, then you should write your review about it. Write down your experience because other people can learn what to expect.

    Things you might want to include in the review:

    • Conditions in Sanders County Jail.
    • Jail and pod layout and facility
    • Guards and jail staff
    • Food and commissary
    • Visitation Days
    • The other inmates – what are they like?
    • Inmate safety
    • Gang activity
    • Prisoner activities and programs


    Write a Review

    Tell Your Story

    Everyone’s who has been put in jail has a story to tell. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? How was life in jail? Were the other inmates cool? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

    Speak Your Mind

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Make some good friends in jail? Trying to find out how to get in touch with somebody you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

    Send a message to people incarcerated at Sanders County Jail


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