Union County Jail – Elk Point, SD

Union County Jail is in Union County and is the correctional facility for this area. Looking for someone in jail at Union County Jail? This page will tell you about everything a person needs to know about Union County Jail,such as: How to locate an inmate at Union County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures. Union County court information. And more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary thought, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to offer information that you need to make the process less stressful. If you have questions, just ask it, and please leave any comments or feedback that might be beneficial to other people in the same situation would be appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that is incarcerated and want to find out where they are?

Has somebody who’s been arrested and you want to find them?

In order to find out who is in jail at Union County Jail you will need to click on their website and use the inmate lookup.

The Union County Jail Inmate Roster has information on persons who have been arrested and are in custody, including status, how much their bail is, and visiting hours. Also, you can find info about anybody arrested and processed or released within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You can find their inmate information fast if you’ve got your friend or family member’s full name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member could possibly be locked up at a different jail you will want to check our South Dakota county jail guide: Other County Jails in South Dakota

A mugshot, or jail processing photo, is a picture taken by the police when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one face photo and a profile picture. Your name and booking number will be in the pictures, and they are on file.

Mugshots can be viewed on the website, or you can see them in person at the Union County Jail. When viewing online you need to enter the inmate’s first and last name, and the arrest date, if you have it.

Do you want to have your mugshot removed from the Union County Jail website? This is difficult, because the mugshot is a public record. You will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

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

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Once you’re in jail, your only thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail amount will be set by a special judge called a magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released you are required to promise to be in court on your court date, and you can’t leave the county.

Typically, inmates in the Union County Jail can earn an early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. You will be required to stay jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you may be permitted to sleep in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is money that you are required to pay to get out of jail pending trial. The amount of bail that is set is dictated by the crime you’ve been charged with. You will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total set so you are able to be released. If you miss your scheduled court date, whoever put up your bail money won’t get the bail money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will need to call the Union County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know how much their bail is. You can also see the bail amount online.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but usually, its easy. First, find out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you can’t get a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they won’t accept checks. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be released to your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should try a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and sometimes with a minimum fee of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman might require that they use assets as collateral.

If you need a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Union County

Have you ever used a bail bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out for you.

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• Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release Programs
• Released For 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 intake procedure includes each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• First, will answer some basic questions, like what is your full legal name, address, birthdate and a contact person.
• You will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• They will let you use the telephone in order to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to 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 jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should tell your story. How long did it take to get processed? What was your treatment like? Can you share any secrets that will help others to get through jail processing?

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Once bail has been posted, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail may take from 15 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the quicker bail is posted, the faster you can get released from jail. Also, it might depend on if you have a cash bond amount or if a magistrate must decide on how much your bail will be. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, expect to be released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

out against you, or if you have to start your sentence, you really should do the right thing and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go down to the jail processing area, and let them know that you think they might have a warrant out for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if there is one, they will take you into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Ensure that you don’t show up late. Just bring necessary items when you turn yourself in, such as your driver’s license or state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you have to provide the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s names will go in a log of visitors as an authorized visitor. Every visitor must provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors that gets to visitation or any visitors that are not approved to visit will be turned away.
Jail visitation policies change often, so make sure that you review the official site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Jail phone calls are typically more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and how often you can use the phone, 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, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get cut back or forbidden completely.

The Union County Jail phone number is: 605-356-2679

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of mail delivery. You must write or type the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and jail address on the envelope. Don’t send a package or box, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail sent to inmates is opened and examined and read by the jail staff, and the mail will be returned if it can’t be delivered.

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

Union County Jail
209 E. Main St. Ste.#250
Elk Point, SD 57025

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Union County Jail
209 E. Main St. Ste.#250
Elk Point, SD 57025

The Union County Jail mail policy can change, so we suggest that you check the the Union County Jail 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 your right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure you get a friend or relative to locate an attorney when you call. You might be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, an attorney can advise you of your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate the criminal justice system that you are now faced with. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

For more information on how to find a lawyer, read our guide: Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender has access to independent investigators, experts in forensics and social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys who are members of the South Dakota State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

Court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They contain a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all documents and motions that have been filed. You have the ability to access your court records via the website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records associated with your court case are held at the Union County Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the fees and charges associated with your court case, such as for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you cannot afford these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

A Magistrate is the judge that will preside over your case. Magistrates are judges that do different functions, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants, and presiding over first court appearances and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared to include your background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate judge will review and take into consideration when determining the sentence. Information will be gathered from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Don’t forget you are able to ask to receive your own copy of the report before your sentencing, and make sure that you correct any inaccurate information.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you will either be taken into custody immediately, or you could be given a date to surrender and report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if a family member or friend is currently in jail, or has ever been locked up?

To do this, you will have to visit the Union County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• Their name.
• Birth date.
• Approximate booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you should call the jail to find out.

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants on the Union County court website or you can call the jail. This requires a first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask them. Keep in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or find out online. An arrest is in the public record and this is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, which can be a court order. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Union County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders have to be registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to view these offenders on the internet, but remember that you can’t find the street address, but rather the address block that they live on.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a court case file containing a docket and any of the documents and filings filed in your case. You can access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the Union County Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of their state citizen’s criminal history. These state databases are all connected so you can track criminal histories from other states. Go to the Union County Courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and if it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

A criminal records search you are able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for the following crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, in most cases won’t learn if that person has had:

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

To search for driving records, you must do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal records, and your feedback might help other people.

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

The FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Union County, the Union County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that getting locked up in Union County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. Inmates get a wake-up alarm at about 6:00AM, and then roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will have to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 Union 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 Union 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 funds to Union County Jail inmates is likely to change, so review the site before 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 Union County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Union 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 Union 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 post a comment


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

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

The definition of victim includes:

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

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

Victim Notification

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

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

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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 spent any time at Union County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend that spent time there? Have you ever visited someone there?

If so, then you should write your review about it. Write about your jail experience because other people can find out what to expect.

Things you can write in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

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

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you want to get in touch with an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Post a message to them below.

Send a message to Union County Jail


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