Mecosta County Jail – Big Rapids, MI

Mecosta County Jail is in Mecosta County, Michigan and is the main correctional facility for that region. Do you know someone locked up in Mecosta County Jail? This site will tell you all about everything one might want to know about Mecosta County Jail: Find an inmate at Mecosta County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures. Mecosta County court information. And more…

The thought of getting arrested and 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 goal of this guide is to offer info 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 also any comments or tips that could be beneficial to other people in the same situation is welcome.

Do you know someone in jail and need to find out where they are?

Do you know someone that has been arrested and you don’t know how to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to search who is in jail at Mecosta County Jail you have to click on their link and perform an inmate lookup.

The Mecosta County Jail Inmate Roster is an online list of persons who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and times you can visit. Also, you are able to get info about anybody booked or discharged in the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to get the information quicker if you enter your friend or family member’s full name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be in another county jail you can check the other Michigan county jails in our Michigan County Jail Guide: Other County Jails in Michigan

A mugshot, or jail intake photo, is a photograph taken by the police during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually one and a side-view photo. Your full name and jail ID number will be in the photos, and they are on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be seen on the Mecosta County Jail website, or you can see them at the Mecosta County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will have to input the inmate’s name, and a booking date.

Are you trying to have your mugshot removed from the Mecosta County Jail website? This can be tricky, because the mugshot is public record. You must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Obviously, once you are locked up, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, 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 free to go until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you will have to agree to go to your court date, and until that date you are not permitted to leave the area.

In most cases, inmates are given early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while 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 have to return to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished with work, or you could be permitted to move into a halfway house instead of jail.

Your bail is how much money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail until your court date. Your bail amount is dictated by the seriousness of your charges. You will have to post 10 percent of the total that was set in order for you to get discharged from jail. If you miss your court date, the person that paid your bail won’t get their money back.

You will have to call the jail. If know the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know what their bail is set at. You can also find out how much their bail is on the Mecosta County Jail website.

Bailing out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but thankfully, it’s really easy. First of all, you have to find out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you can’t get a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail will not accept a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will get released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it yourself, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They will usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and in most cases with a minimum fee of $100. This is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman might use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To talk to a local bail bondsman click here: Find a Bail Bondsman in Mecosta County

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out.

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

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The intake procedure includes each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first step is that you will answer some basic questions, such as what is your full legal name, home address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and mental history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will then be allowed to make a phone call so you can call family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might get to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please share your experience. How long did it take? How did the guards treat you? Can you tell us things that will help others make it through the procedure?

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When you finally post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged can take anywhere from 10 minutes to many hours. In other words the faster bail is posted, the faster you will be released. Also, how fast you get released will depend on whether you have a bond amount or if a magistrate needs to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For a minor charge, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a discharge date, plan to get discharged in the morning.

If there is a, or if you need to start your sentence, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail reception area, and let them know that think that there is a warrant for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, 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. Ensure that you aren’t late. Make sure that you only bring necessary items when you go to jail, for example your driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list each visitor’s name to the jail. Your visitor’s information will be entered into the visitors log as an approved visitor. Each visitor will be required to provide acceptable photo identification. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or that is not on the visitation list will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Jail visitation policies change often, so we suggest that you review the official Mecosta County Jail jail site before you try to go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Jail phone calls are typically more expensive than regular phone calls. Phone calls are restricted on how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, your ability to use the phone could be reduced or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: (231) 592-0156

All mall sent to inmates must be sent via the US Postal Service. You must not use any other type of mail delivery. You must write or type the name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the envelope. Do not send anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and reviewed by the jail staff, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Mecosta County Jail:

Mecosta County Jail
225 South Stewart Avenue
Big Rapids, MI 49307

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Mecosta County Jail
225 South Stewart Avenue
Big Rapids, MI 49307

The mail policy at Mecosta County Jail is always changing, so double check the the Mecosta County Jail website before you send a letter.

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When you get arrested, you have rights, the first of which is the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to have a friend or family member find a lawyer when you call them. You might be thinking ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you understand the legal system. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better your chances.

For more information on how to find a lawyer, go to: How to Find an Attorney in Mecosta County

If you can’t afford an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. In addition, the Public Defender has access to independent investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are real lawyers, admitted to the Michigan State Bar Association and are fully licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

All court records are public records. Court records are comprised of a file with a docket sheet and every documents filed in the course of your case. You can access your court records via the Mecosta County website, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records related to your case are held at Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the fees and charges associated with your court case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The Mecosta County court magistrate is the judge that will preside over your court case. Magistrate judges do a number of things, which include setting bail, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over first court appearances and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate will consider when decide your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the defendant, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Don’t forget you are able to ask to get a copy of this report before your sentencing, and review it and correct any mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on how serious your crime was, you may be locked up immediately, or you could be given a date that you are supposed to turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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Want to find out if some you know is currently in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you will have to access the Mecosta County jail website, and search using:

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

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you should call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you are able to check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Mecosta County court website or you are able to call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. Keep in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the Mecosta County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or look online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and this information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, which can be court orders. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders must be listed and registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to see these listings on the website, but you should know that you won’t see the actual 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 case file containing a docket and all of the documents and filings filed in your court case. You are able to access the court records on the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of a person’s criminal background. These state databases are connected so you can track criminal histories from other states. Go to courthouse and inquire, 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 a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you can find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for crimes, which include:

• DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually won’t find if that person has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are lots of reasons that people look up criminal records, and your feedback may help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Mecosta County, the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that spending time in the Mecosta County jail is quite unpleasant, in time you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you. Prisoners get an alarm for wake-up every morning at six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. After 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 Mecosta 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 Mecosta 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 inmates at Mecosta County Jail can change, so check the 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 Mecosta County Jail

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

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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.

Speak Your Mind

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been locked up at Mecosta County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited someone at Mecosta County Jail?

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

Things you could include in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Programs and activities


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why were you locked up? Were you fairly treated? What was your daily routine in jail? What were the other inmates like? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you need to reconnect with somebody you met when you were locked up? Leave a message for them here.

Say Wassup


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