Rensselaer County Jail – Troy, NY

Rensselaer County Jail is in Rensselaer County, NY and is the correctional facility for the region. Know somebody in jail at Rensselaer County Jail? This page gives you about everything you might want to know about Rensselaer County Jail,like the following: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And much, much more.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting situation, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family and friends. This guide is meant to offer information and tips that you’ll need to make getting locked up a lot easier. If you have questions, just ask them, and any tips or comments that might be a benefit to others will be appreciated.

Do you know someone that is in jail and don’t know how to find them?

Do you know somebody who’s been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

In order to search who is in jail at Rensselaer County Jail you will need to go to their link and use the inmate lookup.

The Rensselaer County Jail Inmate Search is a list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes current status, bail amount, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can get information about anybody booked or discharged in the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You can locate their arrest information more quickly if you have your friend or family member’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you are looking for may be at another county jail you can check our guide to other New York jails: Other County Jails in New York

A mugshot, or jail intake picture, is a photograph that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and a side picture. Your name and jail booking number will be on the photos, and they will be on file.

Mugshots can be found on the website, or you can view them at the Rensselaer County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to input the name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot taken off of the Rensselaer County Jail site? This may not be possible, because the mugshot is a matter of public record. You need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

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

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Naturally, once you are in jail, your main thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, your bail is decided either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this may mean that you will either be released, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you will have to promise to show up for court, and you will not be permitted to go out of town.

In most cases, inmates at Rensselaer County Jail can earn time off in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and area a good inmate while they are in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will either have to stay jail each day after work, or you could be permitted to live in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail pending trial. Your bail amount is dictated by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You or someone you know will have to post 10 percent of the total amount set so you are able to be released from jail. If you don’t go to court, that person will not get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the Rensselaer County Jail. If you’ve got the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know how much their bail is. You can also check their bail amount and status on the Rensselaer County Jail website.

Bailing out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, its very simple to do. To start with, you need to find out if they have a Cash Only Bond. If so, you can’t use a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail will not take a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the prisoner will be discharged. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually charge a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If bail is very large, the bondsman will in most cases request to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

You can find a local bail bondsman go to: How to find a bail bondsman

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

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• Early Release For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Get Out on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• Released On House Arrest
• Be 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. When the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• You will answer a bunch of questions, such as your legal name, home address, birthdate and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and stored until you are released.
• They will allow you to make a phone call so you can get in touch with a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be allowed to wear your street clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, please tell us how it happened. How long did you have to wait? How were you treated? Can you tell us things that will help other people that get arrested get through the procedure?

Click here to post a comment

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. The discharge process can take anywhere between 30 minutes to hours or even all day long. So, the quicker you post bail, the faster you will get out of jail. How quickly you get discharged might depend on if you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a judge needs to figure out your bail amount. For a minor charge, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served your sentence and are given a release date, expect to be discharged that morning.

If the police have a, or if you must start a jail sentence, you really should follow the rules and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail reception area, and tell someone that you think there may be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if you do, you will be taken into jail custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Only bring required items with you, for example a driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s names will go into a Visiting log as an authorized visitor. Each visitor must provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone that gets to visitation or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies frequently change, so make sure that you visit the official jail site before you go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . These phone calls are a lot more expensive than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s ability to use the phone could be reduced or cut altogether.

The Rensselaer County Jail phone number is: (518) 270-5448

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other form of mail delivery. You have to write or type the inmate’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t send a package or box, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates gets opened and examined by the officers at the jail, and will be returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Rensselaer County Jail:

Rensselaer County Jail
4000 Main Street
Troy, NY 12180

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Rensselaer County Jail
4000 Main Street
Troy, NY 12180

The Rensselaer County Jail mail policy changes, so we suggest that you check the the Rensselaer County Jail website before you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you have been arrested, you have rights, the most important of which is your right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is important to have a friend or relative locate a lawyer when you call them. You may be asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and guide you through the complicated legal system that you are now faced with. The sooner you get a lawyer involved with your case, the better.

For more detailed information on how to find a lawyer, visit: How to Find an Attorney

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. Public Defenders are licensed lawyers that are members of the New York State Bar and are licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Rensselaer County court records are public records. Court records include a case file containing a docket and all documents that have been filed in your case. You are able to access your court case records using the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that maintains the records. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence related to your court case are available at Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges from your case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees 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.

A Magistrate acts as the judge that will preside over your case in court. Magistrate judges do a number of things, such as setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and overseeing first court appearances and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include your background information and details of the defendant’s life and history, which the judge will review when deciding on the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be requested from the defendant, his or her family members, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Remember that you should request to see your own copy of the report before your sentencing, and correct any inaccurate information.

After being convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you might get immediately taken into custody, or you could be given a date that you are supposed to surrender and report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Want to find out if some you know is incarcerated, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do this, just query the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their inmate ID.

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

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you are able to check the arrest warrants online or you can call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the Rensselaer County jail, either by phone, go there in person, or check online. An arrest is in the public record and this is freely available.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, like a court order. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be listed and registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to view sex offenders on the website, but you should know that you will not see the exact address, rather the address block they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a case file that includes a court docket and any of the documents and filings filed in your case. You can access the court records on their website, or at the Rensselaer County Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of a person’s criminal history. These online databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You are able to go to the Rensselaer County Courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will be able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DUI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, in most cases will not be able to see if they has had:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Traffic accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Was it correct? There are plenty of reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your story might make it easier for others.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Rensselaer County,The Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in Rensselaer County Jail is very scary, you will soon become accustomed to the daily routine. Expect a wake-up alarm at about 6am, and then roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. Following 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 Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

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

The procedure to send funds to people in jail changes, so we suggest that you check the official 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 Rensselaer County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer 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 incarcerated at this jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at this jail?

If you have, then you should write your review about it. Write about what you experienced so that other people will know what to expect.

Things you might want to include in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate programs and activities


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you get locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? Were the other inmates cool? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Click here to share your story about when you did time in Rensselaer County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Want to send a message to somebody you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Post a message to someone at Rensselaer County Jail


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