Yellowstone County Detention Facility – Billings, MT

Yellowstone County Detention Facility is in Yellowstone County, MT and is the primary jail for the area. Do you know somebody incarcerated at Yellowstone County Detention Facility? This site will tell you information about anything related to Yellowstone County Detention Facility,like the following: How to locate an inmate at Yellowstone County Detention Facility. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures. Court records. And more…

The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary thought, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is meant to give info you need to make helping someone get out of jail easier. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask them, and please leave any feedback or comments that might help others would be welcome.

Do you have a friend or family member that is incarcerated and want to contact them?

Do you know a family member or friend that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

To see who is in jail at Yellowstone County Detention Facility you need to navigate to their website and do an inmate lookup.

The Yellowstone County Detention Facility Inmate List has information on people who have been arrested and are in jail, which includes current status, how much their bail is, and visiting hours. Also, you can find info on anyone booked or released within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You will be able to get the information fast if you enter their first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be at another county jail you can check our Montana county jail guide: Montana County Jails

A mugshot, also known as a jail booking photo, is a picture taken by the police when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one face photo and one profile photo. Your name and intake number will be in the photos, and they’re kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Yellowstone County Detention Facility prisoners can be found on the website, or you can see them at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility. When viewing mugshots online you will need to enter the legal name, and the booking date, if you have it.

Want to have your mugshot taken off of the Yellowstone County Detention Facility website? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is public record. You must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records will 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.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the many different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

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Of course, if you are incarcerated, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail amount is determined by the magistrate. If there is no bail set this can mean that you will either be released, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out of jail you are required to promise to be in court on your court date, and until that day you must not go out of town.

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

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. Either you will have to stay the jail each day after work, or you might be permitted to sleep in a halfway house when you are not working.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail until your court date. Your bail amount is determined by how serious your charges are. You will need to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total that was set so you can bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for your court date, whoever paid your bail will lose all of the bail money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will have to call the Yellowstone County Detention Facility. If know the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will tell you the bail amount. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but fortunately, its really easy if you have the money. First, you need to know if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you can’t use a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail can’t take a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the person will be released to your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just don’t have the money, you should try a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and usually charge a minimum charge of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman will in these cases ask to use your assets as collateral.

If you need a local bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to share your story

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

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The intake procedure includes each of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, it will take a while to get processed.
• First, will answer a bunch of questions, such as what your legal name is, address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and mental history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will get taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• They will let you use the phone to talk to family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be issued a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should tell your story. How long did it take to get through intake? Were you treated fairly? Do you have any secrets that could help others to get through jail processing?

Click here to tell your story

Once you are able to post bail, you will be discharged from jail. The discharge process may take anywhere from 30 minutes to quite a few hours. So, the quicker you post bail, the quicker you will be freed. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether or not you’ve got a bond amount or if a magistrate still needs to decide on how much to set your bail at. For a minor charge, you will get booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and have a discharge date, you should expect to be released between 9am and noon.

If you have a, or if you must begin your jail sentence, it is recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, go to the jail reception area, and tell an officer that you think there may be a warrant for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if they find one, you will be taken into jail custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Ensure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Make sure that you only bring things that are allowed with you, such as a driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a sentencing order.

The inmate need to list information about each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s names will go in a Visiting log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each and every visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors that arrives for visitation late or that is not on the visitation list will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures at Yellowstone County Detention Facility can change, so it would be wise to visit the jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Jail phone calls are a lot more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when and 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 break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s phone privileges could be reduced or eliminated altogether.

The Yellowstone County Detention Facility phone number is: 406-256-6945

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You can’t use any other type of mail or package delivery. You have to clearly print the prisoner’s name, prisoner number, and jail address on the letter. Don’t send a package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and inspected and read by the jail administration, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Yellowstone County Detention Facility:

Yellowstone County Detention Facility
3165 King Ave. East
Billings, MT 59101

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Yellowstone County Detention Facility
3165 King Ave. East
Billings, MT 59101

The mail policy at Yellowstone County Detention Facility changes, so we suggest that you double check the the Yellowstone County Detention Facility website when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you have been arrested, you have rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to have a friend or relative locate an attorney when you call. You might be asking yourself ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you understand the complicated court system. The faster you get an attorney working on your case, the better off you’ll be.

To read more about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, click here: Find an Attorney

If you can’t afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender Office has access to independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys that are members of the Montana State Bar and are completely licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

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

Court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They are comprised of a file with a docket and every motions, documents, and evidence in the case. You have the ability to access court records using the Yellowstone County website, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who manages access to court records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records related to your case are available at Yellowstone County Clerk of Court office.

Court costs and court fees are all costs associated with your case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The magistrate is the type of judge who presides on your case. Magistrate judges do a number of things, such as setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together with your background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate will review and take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the person on trial, their family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Don’t forget you are able to ask to receive your own copy of the report before sentencing, and 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, ranging from community service to probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you may be taken into custody, right there in court, or given a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve your term.

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Want to find out if a family member or friend is in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

You can just access the Yellowstone County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• or jail ID.

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

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants online or you can call the court directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. You should know that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Yellowstone County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or you can check online. An arrest is public record and this information is accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by getting in touch with the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view these listings online, but keep in mind that you will not be able to get the actual address, but only the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. They include a case file that includes a docket and any filings and documents filed in your case. You are able to access your court records online, or at the Yellowstone County Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal past. These databases are all linked so you can track criminal histories from another state. You are able to go to the Yellowstone County Courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and if it was in a completely different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal records search you will find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any crimes, which can include:

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

But, when you do a criminal records check, you generally won’t be able to find out if someone has had any moving violations, like:

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

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the jail? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback could help other people.

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Yellowstone 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 being incarcerated in Yellowstone County Detention Facility is very scary, in time you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. You will get an alarm to wake up at six in the morning, and then you’ll have roll call. You will then have breakfast. After breakfast, you will 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 Yellowstone County Detention Facility, 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 Yellowstone County Detention Facility 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 Yellowstone County Detention Facility inmates is always changing, so you should double check the the Yellowstone County Detention Facility website before 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 Yellowstone County Detention Facility

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, 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 Yellowstone County Detention Facility

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.

Click here to post a 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:

• 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.

Click here to leave a comment

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 this jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit someone at this jail?

If your answer is yes, then please write a review about it. Write about your experience so that other people will know what to expect.

Things you could write in your comment:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Speak Your Mind

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you get locked up? Did you get fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? What were the other inmates like? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Click here to share your story about when you did time in Yellowstone County Detention Facility

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you want to say wassup to somebody you met in jail? Write your message below.

Send a message to people still locked up at Yellowstone County Detention Facility


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