Buffalo County Jail – Alma, WI

Buffalo County Jail is in Buffalo County and is the main correctional facility for the area. Know somebody in Buffalo County Jail? This guide will tell you about everything one might want to know about Buffalo County Jailsuch as the following: Find out who’s in jail at Buffalo County Jail? Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And much more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary prospect, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to offer advice and information you need to make going to jail less stressful. If you have questions, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and also any feedback or comments that would be a benefit to others would be appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is incarcerated and need to contact them?

Do you know a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

In order to search who is in jail at Buffalo County Jail you need to visit their website and use the inmate lookup.

The Buffalo County Jail Inmate List has information on people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. Also, you are able to get info about anybody processed or discharged within the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You can get their arrest information faster if you’ve got your friend or family member’s name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one may be locked up at a different jail you should look here, too: Wisconsin County Jails

A mugshot, also known as a jail intake photograph, is a photo that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. They will take one face photo and a side-view photo. Your full name and intake number will appear on the pictures, and they will be kept on file.

Mugshots of Buffalo County Jail inmates can be viewed on the website, or you can see them in person at the Buffalo County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to enter the prisoner’s full name, and the booking date, if you have one.

Are you trying to get your mugshot taken down from the Buffalo County Jail website? This will be difficult, since your mugshot is a matter of public record. You will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records would 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 many different mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

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Obviously, if you’re in jail, your primary thought is about when you get out. After booking, bail is determined either by bail schedule or 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 must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you are required to promise to show up for court, and until then you won’t be allowed to leave town.

In most cases, a prisoner in the Buffalo County Jail can earn time off in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while they’re in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be granted work release. You will be required to stay jail every day when you’re finished working, or you could have the chance to sleep in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is how much money that you are required to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you will have to pay is dictated by the crime you’ve been charged with. You will have to post ten percent of the total that was determined so you are able to get discharged from jail. If you don’t show up for your court date, the person that bailed you out of jail will lose that money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail must call the Buffalo County Jail. If you’ve got the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Buffalo County Jail site.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never a fun thing, but usually, it’s easy if you have the money. First, you have to find out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you won’t be able to use the services of a bondsman. Cash only – they can’t accept a check. When you’ve paid bail, the prisoner will be released to your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should hire a bail bondsman. They usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and usually charge a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will require that they use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To contact a bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Buffalo County Jail

Have you ever used a bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how things turned out.

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• Get Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release Programs
• 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 takes you through 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.
• Firstly, you must answer a number of questions, like what is your full name, address, birth date and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• You will be allowed to use the telephone so you can talk to a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, they will let you keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell us how it happened. How long did you have to wait? What was your treatment like? Do you know any tips that could help others make it through the process?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged from jail will take between 30 minutes to many hours. In simple terms, the quicker you post bail, the faster you will get out of jail. Also, how fast you get released might depend on whether you have a cash bond or if a judge still needs to figure out how much to set your bail at. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. If you have served a sentence in jail and have a discharge date, expect to get discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

In the event there is a, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, you really should follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go to the jail, in the reception area, and let them know that you think there may be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they find one, you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go down to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Just bring approved items when you go to jail, for example your driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the official sentencing order.

To have visitors, you need to list each visitor’s full name to the jail. Your visitors will be entered into a log of visitors as an authorized visitor. Each visitor is required to provide proof of identification. Anyone arriving late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so visit the jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are usually pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates must 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 reduced or cut altogether.

The Buffalo County Jail phone number is: (608) 685-4433

All mail is required to be sent using US Postal Service. You must not use any other type of mail delivery. You have to clearly print the person’s name, inmate ID number, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t mail a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail sent to inmates will be opened and inspected and read by staff, and will be sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Buffalo County Jail:

Buffalo County Jail
407 South Second Street Po Box 396
Alma, WI 54610-0396

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Buffalo County Jail
407 South Second Street Po Box 396
Alma, WI 54610-0396

The inmate mail policy at Buffalo County Jail changes, so we suggest that you check the official Buffalo County Jail site before you send a letter to an inmate there.

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When you’ve been arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these being the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to get a friend or family member to find an attorney when you talk to them. You may be thinking ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you understand the complicated court system that you are now faced with. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your case, the better.

For more detailed information on how to find a lawyer, click: How to Find an Attorney in Buffalo County

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has access to investigators, forensics experts as well as case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys, members of the State Bar and are legally licensed to handle your case.

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

All court records are public records. They contain a file containing a docket and all of the documents and motions filed in the case. You can access your court records via the website, or at the Buffalo County Clerk of Court.

The Buffalo County Clerk of Court is a member of the court that maintains the records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence from your case are kept at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court costs and court fees are the costs associated with your case, such as for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have been assigned a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The Buffalo County court magistrate acts as the judge that will preside on your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do a number of different things, such as determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared to include background information and information about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate judge will take into account when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim. Be sure to remember you are allowed to ask to have a copy of this report prior to sentencing, and correct any mistakes that it contains.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service to probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on how serious your crime was, you could be immediately taken into custody, or you could be given a date that you must go to jail to serve your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if somebody you know is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

You can just query the jail’s website, and search using:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can call the jail to find out.

If you have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Buffalo County court website or you can call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. Bear in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the Buffalo County jail, by phone, go there in person, or check online. An arrest is a matter of public record and the information is freely available.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All registered sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on either a national or state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to see this information online, but bear in mind that you will not be able to get the actual address, but only the block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a court case file containing a court docket and any of the filings and documents filed in the case. You can access your court records on their website, or at the Buffalo County Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of people’s criminal history. These state databases are all connected and you can track criminal convictions from any other state. You can go to courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you are able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

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

But, when you do a criminal records check, you won’t be able to see if that person has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this information, you must do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the Buffalo County courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your account might help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Buffalo County,The Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in the Buffalo County jail is something you wish you could avoid, soon you will get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. Inmates get an alarm for wake-up at about 6:00AM, and then roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. Following breakfast you will 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 jail inmates is always changing, so you should check the site 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 Buffalo County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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:

• 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.

Click here to comment

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 in this jail? Do you know anybody that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited a prisoner there?

If you have, then please write your review about it. Write down your experience so others will know what to expect.

What to include in what you write:

• Conditions in Buffalo County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner activities and programs


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has a story about it. Why were you locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? How was day to day life at Buffalo County Jail? Were the other inmates cool? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Tell your story about when you did time at Buffalo County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Want to find out how to get in touch with somebody you met when you were locked up? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Post a message to someone at Buffalo County Jail


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