Wells County Jail – Fessenden, ND

Wells County Jail is located in Wells County, North Dakota and is the correctional facility for this region. Do you know somebody incarcerated at Wells County Jail? This site will tell you information about anything you might need to know about Wells County Jail,like the following: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and how to get out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information and records. And more…

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family and friends. This guide is designed to offer advice and information that you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail easier. If you have a question, feel free to ask them, and any comments or feedback that could be a benefit to other people in the same situation would be welcome.

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

Has someone that has been arrested and you don’t know how to find out where they are?

To search who is in jail at Wells County Jail you need to click on their website and perform an inmate lookup.

The Wells County Jail Inmate Lookup is an online list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, including status, bail amount, and times you can visit. Also, you are able to get the same information for anyone booked or released within the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to locate the information more quickly if you have the arrestee’s first and last name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member is incarcerated at a different jail you will want to check the other North Dakota county jails in our North Dakota County Jail Guide: North Dakota County Jails Directory

A mugshot, or booking picture, is the picture that the police take when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is actually two photos one face photo and a side photo. Your full name and booking number will be on the photos, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots can be seen on the Wells County Jail website, or you can see them at the Wells County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you have to enter their full name, and the arrest date, if you have it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot taken off of the Wells County Jail website? This can be tricky, as your mugshot is a public record. You will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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Obviously, if you’re arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve been booked, a bail amount will be decided either by bail schedule or magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this may mean that you will either be released, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you are required to agree to show up for court, and until that date you won’t be allowed to leave town.

Typically, inmates at Wells County Jail are given time off for good behavior if they follow the rules and act right while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to do work release. Either you will have to return to jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you might get to live in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Your bail is money that you have to pay in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you have to pay depends on how serious your charges are. You or someone you know will have to post ten percent of the total that was set so you are able to bail out of jail. If you miss court, whoever paid your bail will lose all of the bail money.

You must call the Wells County Jail. If you have all the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, its simple to do if you have the money. First, you have to find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you won’t be able to get a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail will not take a check. Once you have paid the bond, the person will get released. 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 will need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally have a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and sometimes with a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman might ask to use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

You can find a local bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman at Wells County Jail

Have you ever had to use a Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? 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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• Get Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Released For 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 jail intake process includes each of the following steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• Firstly, you have to answer a number of questions, such as what is your full name, street address, birthdate and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• You will get to make a phone call in order to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might get to keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will be given a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, you should tell your story. How long did it take to get through intake? Were you treated fairly? Can you share any secrets that could help other people get through the process?

Click here to tell about all about it

Once you are able to post bail, you will get discharged from jail. The discharge process can take from 30 minutes to all day long. So, the faster you post bail, the faster you will be freed. Also, it might depend on whether you’ve been given a bond amount or if the magistrate needs to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For a minor charge, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, you should expect to get released in the morning.

If the police have a, or if you need to start your sentence, you really should do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail, and tell an officer that think that there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into jail custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, go to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Just bring necessary items when you turn yourself in, like a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as an official sentencing order.

To have visitors, you have to give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s names will be entered in the visitors log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each visitor has to provide a photo ID when visiting. Visitors that arrives for visitation late or that is not on the visitation list will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures can change, so check 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 . Calls made in jail are typically pricier than regular phone calls. There is no limit to 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 break the jail rules, phone calls might get cut back or cut altogether.

Phone Number: (701) 547-3211

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You must not use any other method of delivery. Clearly write the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not mail a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail will be opened and reviewed by the officers at the jail, and the mail will be returned if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Wells County Jail is:

Wells County Jail
Po Box 306
Fessenden, ND 58438

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Wells County Jail
Po Box 306
Fessenden, ND 58438

The mail policy is always changing, so check the official website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you have rights, the first of which is the right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure you ask a friend or family member to locate an attorney for you. You might be thinking ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ While you are not required to have one, an attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and show you the way through the court system in Wells County. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your situation, the better.

For more information on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, read our guide: How to Find an Attorney in Wells County

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys that are admitted to the North Dakota State Bar Association and are licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Wells County court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. Court records include a case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents and motions that have been filed in your case. You, and anyone else, can access court records with the online service, or at the Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records and documents associated with your court case are kept and available to you at Wells County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees and costs are all costs from your court case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you cannot afford these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you will not be responsible for these fees.

A Magistrate is the judge that presides over your case in court. They do different functions, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared with background information and information about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will take into account when determining a sentence. Information will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Keep in mind you are allowed to request to see a copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you can review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service to probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on how serious your crime was, you may be immediately taken into custody, or you could get a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve your term.

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Do you need to find out if a family member or friend is in jail, or has ever been in jail?

To do so, just visit the Wells County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

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

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the court records on the website or you can call the jail. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. Bear in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or look online. Arrest records are in the public record and this information is freely available.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, which can be a court order. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Wells County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You can access these offenders online, but bear in mind that you will not find the actual address, but rather the block that they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a court case file that includes a docket and all filings and documents filed in the court case. You can access your court records on their website, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains records of someone’s criminal history. These state databases are connected and you can track criminal histories from any other state. Go to the Wells County Courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if the crime was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal history search you are able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for crimes, which include:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, you won’t find if they had:

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

To find this information, you will have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you call the local courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that people look up criminal records, and your feedback might make it easier for others.

Click here to leave a comment

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Wells County, the Wells County Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in the Wells County jail is quite unpleasant, in time you will settle into the daily routine there. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up at 6:00 AM, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will have to work 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 Wells 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 Wells 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 Wells County Jail inmates changes, so we suggest that you review the the Wells County Jail website before 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 Wells County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Wells 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 Wells 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 share your story


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Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• 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 Wells County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member there? Have you ever visited an inmate there?

If your answer is yes, then please tell us about it. Write down your experience so other people will know what to expect.

Things you could put in your comment:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


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Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories about their time ‘inside’. How’d you get locked up? How did the guards treat you? How was life in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you need to send a message to a friend from jail? Post a message to them below.

Send a message to someone at Wells County Jail


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