Hanson County Jail – Alexandria, SD

Hanson County Jail is in Hanson County and is the jail for the region. Looking for somebody locked up at Hanson County Jail? This page gives you about everything one might want to know about Hanson County Jail,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. How to view Hanson County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Hanson County Jail intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary situation, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to offer advice and information you need to make going to jail a lot easier. If you have questions, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any tips or comments that could be a benefit to others is much appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that has gone to jail and need to contact them?

Do you know a friend or family member who has been arrested and you don’t know how to find out what jail they’re in?

To search who’s in jail at Hanson County Jail you need to click on their website and use the inmate search.

The Hanson County Jail Inmate Lookup has information on persons who are in jail, including status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. Also, you can find the same information about anybody arrested and booked or discharged in the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to locate their inmate information more quickly if you have your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or loved one might be at another county jail you will want to look here, too: South Dakota Jails

A mugshot, also called a jail processing photograph, is the photo that the police take during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually one frontal photo and a profile picture. Your name and booking number will be in the pictures, and they’re on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be found online, or you can see them at the Hanson County Jail. When viewing online you need to put in their name, and an arrest date, if you have it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot erased from the Hanson County Jail website? This may not be possible, because the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that all of your arrest records will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Once you’re in jail, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, bail will be set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and until that date you are not allowed to go out of town.

Usually, a prisoner are given time off in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and conduct themselves properly while in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be given work release detail. You will be required to stay the jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you may be permitted to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay in order to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will be required to pay all depends on how serious your charges are. Someone will have to post 10% of the amount that was determined so you can get out of jail. If you don’t show up for your court date, the person that paid your bail will lose that bail money.

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

Having to get someone out of jail is no fun, but most of the time, it is easy if you have the money. First of all, figure out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you will not be able to use a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail can’t accept a check. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be released to your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get the bail money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally have a fee of 10 to 15 percent 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 must be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman will in these cases request to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond.

To talk to a bail bondsman visit our page about: Bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If so, 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
• Get Out For Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• Get Out on House Arrest
• Be Released on Your Own Recognizance

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The jail intake procedure takes you through these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you must answer a number of questions, such as what is your full legal name, address, birthdate and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and mental history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you are released.
• They will let you use the phone so you can call a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you will be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take to get processed? How were you treated? Can you tell us things that will help others get through jail processing?

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When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. This process can take anywhere between 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. Or, simply, the faster bail is posted, the faster you can get released from jail. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether you’ve got a bond amount or if the magistrate needs to figure out how much to set your bail at. For a minor charge, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, you should plan to get discharged that morning.

In the event there is a, or if you have to report to start a sentence, you really should do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail intake center, and tell them that believe that there could be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if there is one, you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you aren’t late. Only bring things that are allowed when you turn yourself in, for example your driver’s license or state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the copy of the sentencing order.

The inmate must give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance. This information will be put into a log of approved visitors as an Authorized visit. Each visitor has to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone showing up late or that is not on the visitation list will not be able to attend visitation.
The Hanson County Jail visitation procedures change often, so double-check the official Hanson County Jail jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Jail phone calls are generally more expensive than regular phone calls. Phone calls are restricted on how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone privileges might get cut back or cut altogether.

The Hanson County Jail phone number is: 605-239-4409

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be sent via the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of delivery. You must write or type the inmate’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the letter. Do not send a box or package, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and reviewed by the staff, and the mail will get returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Hanson County Jail is:

Hanson County Jail
720 5Th Street
Alexandria, SD 57311

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Hanson County Jail
720 5Th Street
Alexandria, SD 57311

The inmate mail policy at Hanson County Jail changes often, so double check the official Hanson County Jail site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you have been arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these is the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so you would be wise to get a friend or relative to find an attorney when you talk to them. You may be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, an attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and help you understand the legal system that you are now faced with. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your charges, the better off you’ll be.

For more info on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, go to: How to Find a Lawyer

If you cannot afford an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. In addition, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as independent investigators, forensics experts as well as case workers. Public Defenders are actual lawyers, admitted to the South Dakota State Bar Association and are fully licensed to handle your case.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? How did they do?

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 containing a docket and each of the documents in your case. You can access the records and documents in your court case via the internet service, or by going to the Hanson County Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court who maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records relating to your case are available at Hanson County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees are the charges associated with your case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The magistrate acts as the judge that rules on your court case. Magistrates do different functions, such as setting bail amounts, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about your background and details of the defendant’s life, which the magistrate judge will consider when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the defendant, his or her family members, and in some cases the victim in the crime. Keep in mind you can request to see your own copy of your pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you get the chance to correct any mistakes that it contains.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you will either be taken into custody, right there in court, or given a date to turn yourself into jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if someone is locked up, or has been an inmate in the past?

To find this out you need to access the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their 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, you can check the arrest warrants inquiry on the website or call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. Bear in mind 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 Hanson County jail, by phone, go there in person, or check online. An arrest is in the public record and the information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, which can be warrants. You can find these by getting in touch with the Hanson County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders have to be listed and registered on a sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You can access this information on the internet, but you should know that you can’t get the exact address, but only the address block they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. They include a case file that contains a docket sheet and any of the documents filed in the case. You can access the court records on the internet, or at Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal past. These state databases are all connected so you can track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You can go to the Hanson County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if it was in a completely different state, you might have to pay for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you are able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for these crimes:

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

When you do a criminal history search, you won’t find if that person has had:

• Speeding tickets.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you call the jail? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments could make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Hanson County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in the Hanson County jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will settle into the daily routine there. Expect a wake-up alarm at about six in the morning, and then roll call. You will then 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 Hanson 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 Hanson 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 process for sending funds to Hanson County Jail inmates can change, so it would be best to check the official Hanson County Jail site when send money 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 Hanson County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Hanson 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 Hanson 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.

Click here to leave 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:

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• The right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Click here to tell about all about it

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been a prisoner at Hanson County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit someone at Hanson County Jail?

If so, then we would like you to tell us about it. Write down your experience because others will know what to expect.

What to include in your comment:

• Conditions in Hanson County Jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has a story about it. How’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? What were the other inmates like? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you want to send a message to somebody you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

Send a message to someone at Hanson County Jail


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