St Joseph County Jail – Centreville, MI

St Joseph County Jail is in St Joseph County, Michigan and is the primary correctional facility for the county. Looking for somebody in jail at St Joseph County Jail? This page tells you about anything a person needs to know about St Joseph County Jail,such as: Find an inmate at St Joseph County Jail. How to view St Joseph County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court records. And lots more.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary thought, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is meant to give you information you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a lot easier. If you have questions, feel free to ask it, and any feedback or comments that might help other people in the same situation would be appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is in jail and need to find them?

Do you know a friend or family member who’s been arrested and you don’t know how to locate them?

To see who’s in jail at St Joseph County Jail you will have to visit their website and do an inmate search.

The St Joseph County Jail Inmate Lookup is an online list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, including current status, bail amount, and times you can visit. Also, you are able to find information about anybody arrested and booked or released in the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can locate their inmate information faster if you have the arrestee’s name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or loved one may be in another county jail you should check our Michigan county jail guide: Michigan County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing photo, is the picture taken by the police when you are processed at the jail intake. They will take one frontal photo and a profile photo. Your full name and jail ID number will appear on the pictures, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested are online, or you can go in person to the St Joseph County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will need to put in the prisoner’s full name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Want to get your mugshot taken down from the St Joseph County Jail website? This will be difficult, since the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you will 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. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: Mugshot Removal

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Of course, if you’re arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail will be determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released from jail you must agree to be there for your court date, and you will not be permitted to leave the county.

Usually, prisoners will earn time off for good behavior when they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will have to go back to the jail each day after work, or you might be permitted to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. Your bail amount all depends on the crime you are charged with. You or someone you know will have to post 10 percent of the total set in order to bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for your court appearance, that person will not get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail need to call the St Joseph County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. You can also check their bail amount and status on the St Joseph County Jail website.

Bailing out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, its really easy if you have the money. First, you need to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you can’t use the services of a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they won’t take a personal check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford it, you should use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and in most cases with a minimum of $100. This money is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

If you need a bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

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

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

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The jail intake procedure is made up of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• You will answer some questions, like your full name, address, birthdate and a contact person.
• You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken from you and will be stored until you are released.
• You will get to use the telephone so you can get in touch with family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might get to wear your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, please share your experience. How long did you have to wait? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any secrets that could help other people make it through jail processing?

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When you finally post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail can take from 10 minutes to quite a few hours. So, the faster you can pay your bail, the faster you will get out of jail. Also, how fast you get released depends on if you’ve got a cash bond amount or if the magistrate still needs to determine your bail amount. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served your sentence and are given a date of your release, expect to be released between 9am and noon.

issued for your arrest, or if you have to report to start a sentence, you should do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail intake center, and tell the intake officer that you think there may be 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 the sheriff’s custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. Be sure that you don’t show up late. Be sure to only bring things that are allowed when you go to jail, like a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to provide each visitor’s name to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will be entered into the visitation log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each visitor will be required to provide a photo ID when visiting. Visitors that gets to visitation or without a visiting order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at St Joseph County Jail are always changing, so it would be wise to check the official St Joseph County Jail jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are much more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but inmates must 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 could be reduced or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The St Joseph County Jail phone number is: (269) 467-5606

All mail must be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other type of delivery. You should write the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and jail address on the letter. Do not send anything in a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail received by the jail will be opened and examined by the jail staff, and the mail will get returned to the sender if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

St Joseph County Jail
125 West Main Street,
Centreville, MI 49032

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
St Joseph County Jail
125 West Main Street,
Centreville, MI 49032

The inmate mail policy at St Joseph County Jail changes often, so double check the official website when you send a letter.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these being that you have the right to request a lawyer. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure to have a friend or family member find a lawyer for you. You might be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ 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 criminal justice system. The faster you get an attorney working on your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more info on this subject, read: How to Find a Lawyer

If you can’t afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are real lawyers who are members of the State Bar and are licensed to practice law.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender? How did they do?

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 court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents filed in the course of your case. You have the ability to access court records via the St Joseph County website, or at the St Joseph County Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All court records associated with your case are kept at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the costs from your case, such as filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The St Joseph County court magistrate is the type of judge that will preside on your case in court. They do different tasks, like setting bail, issuing warrants for arrest, and overseeing preliminary court appearances and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together to include background information and information about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will consider when determining a sentence. Information will be collected from the person on trial, his or her family, and if necessary the victim. Bear in mind that you can request to see your own copy of the report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct any inaccurate information.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you might get taken into custody, right there in court, or you might be given a date that you are required to go to jail to serve your sentence.

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Want to find out if some you know is in jail, or has ever been in jail?

To do so, just access the jail’s website, and do a search using:

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

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

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you are able to check the court records on the St Joseph County court website or call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. You should know that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or check online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and these records are accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You can access these offenders on the website, but bear in mind that you can’t find the street address, just the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. They include a court case file that includes a court docket and any of the documents and filings filed in your court case. You are able to access your court records on the website, or at Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of people’s criminal background. These state databases are linked together so you can track criminal convictions from another state. Go to the St Joseph County Courthouse and inquire, or check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any of the following crimes:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, in most cases won’t be able to find out if someone has had any moving violations, like:

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

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

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it easy? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the jail? Was it correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal records, and your feedback may help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In St Joseph County, the St Joseph County Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that spending time in the St Joseph County jail is quite unpleasant, soon you will get accustomed to the routine that is set for you in jail. You will get an alarm for wake-up every morning at six in the morning, and next you’ll have roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. After breakfast, you will be required 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 St Joseph 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 St Joseph 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 money to people in jail changes, so check the official St Joseph County Jail site before you send money to an inmate 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 St Joseph County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the St Joseph 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 St Joseph 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 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.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

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

Domestic Violence

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

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever spent any time at this jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited someone in this jail?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Tell us about what you experienced so that other people can learn what to expect.

Things you can include in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Programs and activities


Click here to write your review of St Joseph County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has a story to tell. How’d you get locked up? Did you get fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? What were the other inmates like? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you want to say wassup to a person you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Post a message to people still locked up at St Joseph County Jail


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