Minnehaha County Jail – Sioux Falls, SD

Minnehaha County Jail is in Minnehaha County and is the primary jail for the area. Looking for somebody in Minnehaha County Jail? This site gives you information about anything you might need to know about Minnehaha County Jail,like: Find out who’s in jail at Minnehaha County Jail? Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Court records. And much more…

The chance of going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to give you all the information you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a lot easier. If you have questions, just ask them, and any comments or feedback that would be beneficial to others will be welcome.

Do you have a friend or family member that is in jail and need to contact them?

Do you know a family member or friend who has been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to see who is in jail at Minnehaha County Jail you have to go to their link and do an inmate lookup.

The Minnehaha County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of persons who have been arrested and are in jail, which includes current status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting schedule. You can also find information on anyone processed or released within the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to get the information more quickly if you have their name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member may be at a different jail you can check our guide to other South Dakota jails: Other County Jails in South Dakota

A mugshot, also called a booking photo, is the photograph that the police take during jail intake processing. A mugshot is make of one and a side photo. Your full name and booking number will be in the mugshot, and they are stored.

Mugshots of Minnehaha County Jail prisoners can be found on the Minnehaha County Jail website, or you can go in person to the Minnehaha County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you have to enter the prisoner’s legal name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Are you trying to get your mugshot removed from the Minnehaha County Jail site? This can be tricky, since the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that the record of your arrest would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the various websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

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Naturally, once you are locked up, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve been booked, bail 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 be in court on your court date, and until then you won’t be permitted to go out of town.

Usually, inmates at Minnehaha County Jail are given an early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while they’re in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be given work release detail. Either you will have to stay the jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you may have the chance to move into a halfway house when you are not working.

Your bail is money that you are required to pay in order to be released from jail until your trial. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by how serious your crime is. You will have to pay to the courts 10% of the amount that was determined in order to be released from jail. If you fail to show up for court, whoever posted your bail will lose that bail money.

You will need to call the Minnehaha County Jail. If you have all the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you the bail amount. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Having to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but most of the time, it is really easy. To start with, find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you can’t use the services of a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail won’t take checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will get released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, of if you can’t pay it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and in most cases have a minimum charge of $100. This money will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman might require that they use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To contact a local bail bondsman click here: Bail bondsman

Have you ever used a bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to leave a comment

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

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The jail intake process includes each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. When the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you have to answer some simple questions, like your full name, your address, date of birth and contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• They will allow you to use the telephone so you can contact a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might get to keep wearing street 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 so, please tell us what happened. How long did it take to get through intake? Were you treated fairly? Do you know any things that will help other people that get arrested to get through the procedure?

Click here to share your story

Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. The discharge process will take from 10 minutes to all day long. In simple terms, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you can get released from jail. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether you’ve got a cash bond or if a magistrate still needs to determine your bail amount. For a minor offense, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a discharge date, expect to get released in the morning.

If the police have a, or if you have to begin your sentence in jail, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail intake center, and let them know that you think they might have a warrant out for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if they find one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report on the date and time that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Make sure that you only bring necessary items when you go, such as a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a sentencing order.

Inmates have to give information about each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s names will be entered into a log of approved visitors for the requesting inmate. Each and every visitor must provide identification. Visitors that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will not be able to attend visitation.
The Minnehaha County Jail visitation procedures are always changing, so it would be wise to visit the official site before you go.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . These phone calls are generally more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about 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 are disciplined for an infraction, phone calls might get cut back or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: (605) 367-4321

All mall sent to inmates must be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You must not use any other method of mail or package delivery. You should print the prisoner’s name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not mail a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail is opened and read and examined by staff, and the mail will get returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Minnehaha County Jail, use this address:

Minnehaha County Jail
500 N. Minnesota Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Minnehaha County Jail
500 N. Minnesota Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104

The Minnehaha County Jail mail policy is always changing, so it would be best to review the official Minnehaha County Jail site before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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When you’ve been arrested, you still have certain rights, and an important one is your right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is important to have a friend or relative find a lawyer when you talk to them. You might be asking yourself ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a lawyer can advise you of your rights, look after your best interests and help you find your way through the legal system. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your situation, the better your chances.

For more info on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, go to: How to Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers, members of the State Bar and are legally licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender? 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 include a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all documents and motions filed in the case. You have the ability to access your court case records via the Minnehaha County website, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

The Minnehaha County Clerk of Court is a member of the court that maintains court records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records related to your court case are kept and available to you at the Minnehaha County Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges and fees from your case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

The Minnehaha County magistrate is the judge that presides on your case in court. Magistrate judges do different tasks, which include setting bail amounts, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed with information about the defendant’s background and information about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate judge will consider when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family, and if necessary the victim. Remember you are able to request to see a copy of this report before sentencing, so you have the opportunity to review it and correct any mistakes.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, including community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you will either be immediately taken into custody, or given a date that you must report to jail to serve your term.

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Want to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been in jail?

This is pretty simple to do, just just visit the Minnehaha County jail website, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you should call the jail to find out.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants on the website or call the jail. 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. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

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

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, which can be warrants. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You are able to view these offenders on the internet, but remember that you will not find the precise address, just the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a court case file that contains a docket and any documents filed in the case. You can access court records on the website, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the county where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of someone’s criminal past. These state databases are linked together and you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. You can go to county courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you can get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for the following crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, usually won’t be able to see if someone has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving histories, you must do a driving records search.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments might make it easier for others.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI maintains a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Minnehaha County, the Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

Minnehaha County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that serving a jail sentence in the Minnehaha County jail is no fun, you will soon settle into the daily routine there. Expect a wake-up alarm every morning at six in the morning, and then roll call. You will then have breakfast. When you finish eating 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 Minnehaha 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 Minnehaha 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 rules for sending money to someone in jail at Minnehaha County Jail might change, so be sure to review the official Minnehaha County Jail site when you send money to an inmate.


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 Minnehaha County Jail

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

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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.

Speak Your Mind

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 spent any time at this jail? Do you know someone there? Have you ever visited a prisoner in this jail?

If you have, then we would like you to write your review about it. Write down your experience so other people can find out what to expect.

Things you could put in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate activities and programs


Click here to review Minnehaha County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has at least one story to tell about it. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? What was it like in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did getting locked up affect your life?

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

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Need to say wassup to a person you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

Send a message to someone incarcerated at Minnehaha County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Minnehaha County Jail Website
Minnehaha County Jail Inmate Search
View Minnehaha County Jail Mugshots
Minnehaha County Jail Bail Link

Minnehaha County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Minnehaha County Jail Jail Mail Link
Find an inmate at Minnehaha County Jail
Minnehaha County Jail Warrant Inquiry Link
Minnehaha County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Funds to an Inmate at Minnehaha County Jail
Minnehaha County Jail Employment


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