Benzie County Jail – Beulah, MI

Benzie County Jail is located in Benzie County, MI and is the main correctional facility for this county. Are you looking for someone locked up in Benzie County Jail? This site gives you information about everything one might want to know about Benzie County Jail,like: How to do a jail inmate search. How to view Benzie County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. Court records. And much, much more.

The thought of going to jail is a scary idea, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give information and advice that you need to make helping someone get out of jail a lot easier. If you have a question, please feel free to ask it, and any comments or tips that might be a benefit to others would be much appreciated.

Do you know someone that is incarcerated and want to find them?

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

In order to see who’s in jail at Benzie County Jail you need to visit their link and perform an inmate lookup.

The Benzie County Jail Inmate Search is an online list of people currently in custody, including status, bail amount, and visiting hours. Also, you are able to find information on anybody who has been arrested or released within the past 24-hour period. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to find their arrest information more quickly if you have their full name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or loved one might be locked up at a different jail you can check our Michigan county jail guide: Michigan Jails

A mugshot, or jail booking picture, is the photograph that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one frontal photo and a profile photo. Your full name and jail booking number will appear on the photos, and they will be on file.

Mugshots of Benzie County Jail prisoners can be found on the website, or you can see them in person at the Benzie County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you have to put in the inmate’s legal name, and the booking date.

Are you trying to have your mugshot removed from the Benzie County Jail website? This is difficult, because the mugshot is a public record. You must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means 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 getting your mugshot removed, the different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Obviously, once you’re in jail, your only thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail will be decided by a special judge called a magistrate. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you are required to promise to be in court on your court date, and until then you will not be permitted to leave the county.

Typically, an inmate can earn an early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you may be granted work release. Either you will have to return to the jail every day after work, or you might be allowed to sleep in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail until your court date. The amount of bail that is set is determined by the crime you are charged with. You or someone you know will have to pay 10 percent of the total that was determined in order for you to be released. If you don’t go to your court appearance, the person that bailed you out of jail won’t get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know what their bail is set at. You can also see the bail amount on the Benzie County Jail site.

Bailing out of jail is no fun, but most of the time, it is really easy if you have the money. First of all, find out if it is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you won’t be able to get a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail will not take a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the inmate will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just don’t have the money, you should try a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and in most cases have a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman will usually use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

If you need a local bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The jail intake procedure includes the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you will have to answer a number of questions, such as your full legal name, home address, birthdate and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will then be allowed to make a telephone call to talk to family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, they will let you keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a 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? How did the guards treat you? Can you share any secrets that might help other people that get arrested make it through jail processing?

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When you pay your bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. This process takes from 10 minutes to all day. In other words the quicker you post bail, the sooner you will get discharged from jail. It also will depend on whether or not you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if a magistrate has to figure out the amount of bail to be set. For a minor offense, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and are given a date of your release, you should plan to be discharged that morning.

for your arrest, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, you really should do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. If you have a warrant, report to the jail intake center, and tell someone that you think there may be a warrant out for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if they find one, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be sure that you are not late to report. Make sure that you only bring allowed items with you, for example a driver’s license or even photo ID, prescription medication, as well as the sentencing order from court.

Inmates need to provide information about each visitor to the jail. Your visitor’s information will be put into a Visiting log as an approved visitor. Each and every visitor will be required to provide acceptable photo identification. Visitors showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Benzie County Jail visitation procedures frequently change, so it would be wise to review the official site before you go to the jail to visit.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Calls made in jail are a lot pricier than regular phone calls. Phone calls are restricted on when and how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules and are disciplined, your ability to use the phone might get reduced or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: 231-882-4484

All mail has to be sent using the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of delivery. You have to clearly print the inmate’s name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the envelope. Do not mail a box, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail received by the jail will be opened and inspected and read by staff, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

Benzie County Jail
505 Michigan Ave.
Beulah, MI 49617

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Benzie County Jail
505 Michigan Ave.
Beulah, MI 49617

The inmate mail policy at Benzie County Jail is always changing, so you should check the the Benzie County Jail website when you send a letter.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have certain rights, and an important one is the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is important to get a friend or relative to locate a lawyer when you talk to them. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and show you the way through the legal system. The sooner you get an attorney working on your situation, the better your chances.

For more information about the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, click here: Find a Lawyer

If you need an attorney, but can’t 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 and social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are real lawyers, admitted to the Michigan State Bar Association and are completely 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. Court records have a file containing a docket sheet and each of the documents in your case. You have the ability to access your court records using the website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court that manages court records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All court records associated with your court case are maintained at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees are all costs associated with your court case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The magistrate acts as the judge that rules on your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do many different things, like determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include background information and details of the defendant’s life history, which the magistrate will review and take into account when determining your sentence. Information will be solicited from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Bear in mind you are able to ask to get a copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you get the chance to review it and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get locked up immediately, or given a date that you must turn yourself into 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 gone to jail in the past?

You can you need to query the Benzie County jail website, and search by:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants on the Benzie County jail website or you are able to call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should be clear that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the Benzie County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or look online. Records of arrests are public record and these records are accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, such as warrants. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be listed and registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see these listings on the internet, but bear in mind that you will not see the exact address, rather the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. These records include a court case file that contains a docket and any documents and filings filed in your case. You are able to access court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the Benzie County Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal past. These online databases are all connected so you can track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You can go to the courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that the crime was in a completely different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes, which can include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, you generally will not find out if someone has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving histories, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How easy was it? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the Benzie County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records, and your account may help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Benzie County, the Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that serving a jail sentence in Benzie County Jail is very scary, in time you will settle into the daily routine there. Inmates get an alarm for wake-up each morning at 6:00AM, and next you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. When you finish eating 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 Benzie 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 Benzie 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 jail inmates changes, so be sure to review the the Benzie 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 Benzie County Jail

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

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

Things you can put in the review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What was it like in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Want to find someone you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

Send a message to someone at Benzie County Jail


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