Stillwater County Jail – Columbus, MT

Stillwater County Jail is located in Stillwater County, MT and is the main correctional facility for this area. Do you know someone in jail at Stillwater County Jail? This guide gives you information about anything related to Stillwater County Jail,like the following: How to do a jail inmate search. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Stillwater County Jail intake procedures. Court information and records. And more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary idea, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to offer advice and information that you’ll need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail easier. If you have a question, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and also any feedback or comments that might be a benefit to others would be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is in jail and don’t know how to contact them?

Do you know someone that’s been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

To see who is in jail at Stillwater County Jail you should navigate to their web site and perform an inmate search.

The Stillwater County Jail Inmate Search has information on persons who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes custody status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. You can get information for anybody arrested and processed or discharged in the last 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to get the information faster if you enter the arrestee’s name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for is in another county jail you should check our Montana county jail guide: List of all county jails in Montana

A mugshot, or booking photograph, is the photograph taken by the police during jail intake processing. They will take one and a side photo. Your full name and jail booking number will be on the mugshot, and they are on file at the jail.

Mugshots of inmates can be viewed on the Stillwater County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Stillwater County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will have to input the inmate’s full name, and the arrest date, if you have it.

Are you trying to have your mugshot removed from the Stillwater County Jail website? This is difficult, because the mugshot is a matter of public record. You will need to file a Petition to Expunge in 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.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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If you’re in jail, your only thought is about getting out. After you’ve been booked, your bail amount is determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If there is no bail set this can mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you will have to agree to show up for court, and until then you are not permitted to leave town.

Typically, an inmate can earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and act right while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be granted work release. You will be required to return to jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you could have the chance to move to a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system to get out of jail until you go to court. Your bail amount depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. Someone you know will need to put up 10 percent of the total amount that was determined so you are able to be released. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, whoever paid your bail will not get their money back.

You have to call the Stillwater County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know the bail amount. You can also find out how much their bail is on the Stillwater County Jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never fun, but fortunately, its really easy if you have the money. First of all, you have to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you won’t be able to get a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they can’t take a check. When you’ve paid bail, the person will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and in most cases charge a minimum fee of $100. This money is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman might require that they use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To contact a bail bondsman go to: Find a Bail Bondsman in Stillwater County

Have you ever used the services of Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out.

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

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The jail intake process takes you through these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you will answer some basic questions, like your full name, street address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will get to use the phone so you can contact a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be allowed to wear your street clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, please share your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? Were you treated fairly? Can you share any secrets that might help others to get through jail intake?

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When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. This process will take anywhere between 30 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the faster bail is posted, the faster you will be freed. It also can depend on whether or not you have a bond amount or if a judge must determine how much to set your bail at. For lesser charges, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, expect to be discharged between 9am and noon.

issued for your arrest, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, you should follow the law and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, report to the jail, and tell an officer that you think there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if so, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring approved items when you go to jail, for example a driver’s license or even photo ID, prescription medication, and a sentencing order.

Inmates must list the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will be put into a log of visitors as an authorized visitor. Each visitor will have to provide proof of identification. Visitors that gets to visitation or that is not on the visitation list will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Stillwater County Jail are always changing, so it would be wise to review the official jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Phone calls made in jail are a lot more expensive than phone calls made at home. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, 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 disciplined for an infraction, an inmate’s ability to use the phone may be limited or cut altogether.

The Stillwater County Jail phone number is: 406-322-5326

All inmate mail has to be mailed using US Postal Service. You must not use any other method of delivery. Clearly write the person’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t mail a box, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail gets opened and read and inspected by the officers at the jail, and will get sent back if deemed inappropriate.

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

Stillwater County Jail
400 East 3Rd Avenue North
Columbus, MT 59019

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Stillwater County Jail
400 East 3Rd Avenue North
Columbus, MT 59019

The mail policy at Stillwater County Jail is always changing, so be sure to double check the the Stillwater County Jail website when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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When 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 are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure you have a friend or relative find an attorney when you call. You may be asking yourself ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, an attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and show you the way through the complicated court system. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your situation, the better.

For more information about this, click here: Find an Attorney

If you cannot afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender Office is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are real attorneys that are members of the Montana State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

Court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They contain a case file containing a docket sheet and every documents filed in the course of your case. You are able to access your court case records with the website, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath in a court case, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence related to your court case are maintained at the Stillwater County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees from your case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The Stillwater County court magistrate is the type of judge that rules on your court case. Magistrate judges do a number of different things, such as setting bail, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over first court appearances and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about the arrestee’s background and information about the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when deciding on the sentence. Information will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Don’t forget that you can request to receive a copy of the pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you can go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, including community service and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you will either be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could be given a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if some you know is locked up, or has ever been in jail?

To find this out you will have to go to the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you should call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the website or you are able to call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. You should know that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or find out online. An arrest is in the public record and this information is accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, which can be warrants. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Stillwater County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All registered sex offenders must be registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but keep in mind that you can’t get the actual address, just the block they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a court case file containing a docket sheet and any filings and documents filed in the court case. You are able to access court records on the internet, or at Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Each state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal past. These databases are linked together and you can track criminal histories from any other state. You are able to go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you will get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes, which can include:

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

But, when you do a criminal records check, you won’t be able to find out if they have had any:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this information, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it an easy process? Did you do your search online or did you call the Stillwater County courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your account may make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Stillwater County, the Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in Stillwater County Jail is no fun, soon you will get used to the daily routine there. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up at six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. Following breakfast participate 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 Stillwater 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 Stillwater 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 money to someone in jail at Stillwater County Jail could change, so we suggest that you review the the Stillwater County Jail website when send funds to someone in jail there.


Commissary

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

Inmate Medications

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

Meals

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

Pods / The Yard

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

Gangs

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


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Stillwater County Jail

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

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to 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.

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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 in Stillwater County Jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate there?

If you have, then you should tell us about it. Tell us about what you experienced so other people can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to put in the review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Programs and activities


Click here to review Stillwater County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you get arrested? Did you experience fair treatment? How was life in jail? What were the other inmates like? How did going to jail affect your life?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you need to get in touch with someone from jail? Write your message below.

Say Hello to people incarcerated at Stillwater County Jail


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