Aroostook County Jail – Houlton, ME

Aroostook County Jail is in Aroostook County, ME and is the main jail for that area. Are you looking for someone locked up in Aroostook County Jail? This site will tell you about anything one might want to know about Aroostook County Jailsuch as the following: How to locate an inmate at Aroostook County Jail. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Booking and intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

The chance of going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is designed to give you all the information that you need to make going to jail easier. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any feedback or comments that could be a benefit to others will be appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is incarcerated and want to contact them?

Do you know a family member or friend that has been arrested and you need to locate them?

To find out who’s in jail at Aroostook County Jail you will need to visit their web site and use the inmate lookup.

The Aroostook County Jail Inmate List is an online list of persons who have been arrested and are in jail, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and times you can visit. Also, you can find the same information on anybody arrested and booked or discharged in the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You will be able to locate their inmate information quicker if you have your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be at a different jail you should check our guide to other Maine jails: List of all jails in Maine

A mugshot, or jail booking photograph, is a photograph that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and a side picture. Your full name and jail ID number will be on the pictures, and they will be on file.

Mugshots of Aroostook County Jail prisoners can be seen on the Aroostook County Jail website, or you can see them at the Aroostook County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you have to input the person’s name, and the arrest date, if you have it.

Do you want to get your mugshot erased from the Aroostook County Jail website? This may not be possible, since the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is 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.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot taken down, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: Mugshot Removal

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Obviously, once you are locked up, your primary thought is about getting out. After booking, your bail will be determined using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either be released, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you are required to promise to be in court on your court date, and until that date you must not leave the area.

Typically, prisoners will earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and act right while they’re in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will either have to return to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished with work, or you might get to move to a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is money that you are required to pay to get out of jail until your court date. Your bail amount is determined by the seriousness of your crime. You will have to pay to the courts 10% of the amount that was determined in order to bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for your court appearance, the person that paid your bail won’t get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you will have to call the Aroostook County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you’ve got the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will let you know the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but in some cases, it is very simple to do. First of all, figure out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you can’t get a Bail Bondsman. Cash only – they can’t take checks. Once you have paid the bond, the prisoner will be released to your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally have a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and sometimes charge a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will in most cases use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Aroostook County

Have you ever used the services of bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to share your story

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

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The jail intake procedure includes these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you will answer a bunch of questions, such as what is your full name, address, date of birth and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will then be allowed to use the telephone so you can call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you will be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should tell your story. How long did it take to get through intake? How did the guards treat you? Can you share any tips that could help other people make it through jail processing?

Click here to post a comment

When you post bail, you will get released from jail. This process may take between 30 minutes to hours or even all day long. In simple terms, the quicker you post bail, the sooner you will get released. Also, how fast you get released can depend on if you have a cash bond amount or if the magistrate has to decide on how much to set your bail at. For minor charges, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and know the date of your release, you should expect to be discharged that morning.

If you have a, or if you must start a jail sentence, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail, and tell an officer that you think there is a warrant for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into jail custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report on the date and time that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Ensure that you aren’t late. Be sure to only bring allowed items with you, like your driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to give information about each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s information will be entered into the visitors log for the requesting inmate. Each and every visitor has to provide identification. Visitors showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Aroostook County Jail visitation procedures frequently change, so visit the official jail 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 . These phone calls are much more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, 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 under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s phone privileges may be limited or cut altogether.

The Aroostook County Jail phone number is: (207) 532-7317

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be sent using US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of mail delivery. You must write the person’s name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the envelope. Don’t mail anything in a package or box, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail that you send to inmates is opened and read by staff, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

The mailing address for Aroostook County Jail is:

Aroostook County Jail
25 School Street Suite 216
Houlton, ME 4730

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Aroostook County Jail
25 School Street Suite 216
Houlton, ME 4730

The Aroostook County Jail mail policy changes, so double check the the Aroostook County Jail website when you send a letter.

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If you get arrested, you have certain rights, one of these is the right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure you get a friend or family member to find an attorney when you call them. You might be thinking ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate through the court system that you are now faced with. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your case, the better off you’ll be.

For more information about how to find an attorney, go to: How to Find a Lawyer in Aroostook County

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’s Office has access to investigators, experts in forensics and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are actual lawyers, admitted to the Maine State Bar Association and are legally licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

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

Court records are public records. Court records have a court case file containing a docket sheet and all motions, documents, and evidence filed in the course of your case. You are able to access your court case records using the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Aroostook County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages court records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and read the jury’s verdict. All court records relating to your case are available at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court costs and court fees are the charges and fees from your court case, such as filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The Aroostook County court magistrate is the person that will preside over your court case. They do several different things, which include setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about the arrestee’s background and information about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate will take into account when determining a sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the defendant, their family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Keep in mind that you can request to have a copy of your pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, and go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

When you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you will either be taken into custody immediately, or you could receive a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve out your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you should visit the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

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

If you know the person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, in person, or check online. An arrest is a matter of public record and this information is accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, like warrants. You can find these by getting in touch with the Aroostook County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on a sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view this information on the website, but keep in mind that you won’t see the street address, just the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a case file that contains a docket sheet and any of the documents filed in the case. You are able to access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each state maintains records of people’s criminal background. These state databases are connected so you can track criminal convictions from any other state. Go to 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 different state entirely, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal history search you will find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, you generally will not see if someone had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for this information, you will have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it a difficult process? Did you search online or did you call the Aroostook County courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal records, and your account might help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Aroostook County, the Aroostook County Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in Aroostook County Jail is no fun, in time you will settle into the daily routine there. All inmates get a wake-up alarm each morning at 6:00 AM, and then you’ll have roll call. Then you will have breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will be required to work in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 Aroostook 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 Aroostook 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 people in jail might change, so you should check the official Aroostook County Jail site before you send any money.


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 Aroostook County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Aroostook 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 Aroostook 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 tell your story


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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:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims 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 been incarcerated at Aroostook County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited someone at this jail?

If you have, then you should write a review about it. Write down your experience so that others can learn what to expect.

Things you can write in the review:

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


Write a Review of Aroostook County Jail

Tell Your Story

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

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

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you want to send a message to a friend from jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Send a message to someone incarcerated at Aroostook County Jail


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