Mower County Jail – Austin, MN

Mower County Jail is in Mower County, Minnesota and is the primary correctional facility for this county. Looking for somebody at Mower County Jail? This guide gives you info about everything you might need to know about Mower County Jail,like the following: Find out who’s in jail at Mower County Jail? Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Booking and intake procedures. Mower County court information. And more…

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their family and friends. This guide is meant to give you all the information and advice you need to make going to jail less stressful. If you have a specific question, just ask it, and please leave any tips or comments that would be a benefit to other people in the same situation is appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that has gone to jail and want to contact them?

Has someone that’s been arrested and you need to find them?

To find out who is in jail at Mower County Jail you need to click on their web site and use the inmate search.

The Mower County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of persons currently in custody, which includes status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can find info for anyone processed or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to locate their arrest information quicker if you’ve got their full name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the inmate you are looking for is locked up at a different jail you can check our Minnesota county jail guide: Minnesota County Jails

A mugshot, or jail processing photo, is a photograph that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. They will take one full face and one profile photo. Your name and jail booking number will be in the mugshot, and they will be stored at the jail.

Mugshots of Mower County Jail prisoners are on the website, or you can see them in person at the Mower County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to input the inmate’s legal name, and an arrest date.

Need to know how to get your mugshot taken down from the Mower County Jail site? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the many different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Once you are incarcerated, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve been booked, your bail amount is decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you will have to agree to be there for your court date, and until then you won’t be permitted to travel out of the county.

Usually, a prisoner in the Mower County Jail will be given time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be granted work release. You will have to stay the jail each day when you’re finished working, or you might be allowed to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you will be required to pay in order to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will have to pay all depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. You will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total amount set so you can bail out of jail. If you don’t show up for your scheduled court date, whoever posted your bail won’t get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you must call the Mower County Jail. If you’ve got the pertinent information, 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 jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is no fun, but in some cases, it is easy if you have the money. First of all, you have to find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you won’t be able to use the services of a bail bondsman. Cash only – the jail won’t accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the person will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you should try a bail bondsman. They will generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and usually have a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman might ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

You can find a bail bondsman click here: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a bail bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to tell about all about it

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

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The jail intake procedure is made up of 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.
• You will answer some basic questions, like your full legal name, your address, birth date and a contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will be taken from you and will be stored until you are released.
• They will let you use the phone to contact family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be allowed to wear your own clothes, if not you will have to wear a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did you have to wait? What was your treatment like? Can you share any things that could help other people get through the procedure?

Click here to tell your story

Once you are able to post bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged takes anywhere from 30 minutes to many hours. In other words the faster you post bail, the sooner you will get out of jail. How quickly you get discharged can depend on whether you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a magistrate needs to figure out the amount of bail to be set. For a minor charge, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and are given a discharge date, you should expect to get discharged that morning.

If you have a, or if you need to start a jail sentence, you should follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, go down to the jail intake center, and tell them that believe that there could be a warrant out for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if there is one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Just bring things that are allowed when you go, such as your driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the official sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates have to provide information about each visitor to the jail. Your visitors will be entered in a log of visitors for the requesting inmate. Every visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification. Any visitors that gets to visitation or that is not on the visitation list will not be able to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies are always changing, so double-check the official jail site before you go.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . These phone calls are generally pricier than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but bear 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 eliminated altogether.

The Mower County Jail phone number is: (507) 437-9562

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be sent using the actual US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of mail or package delivery. You have to clearly write or type the inmate’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the letter that you send. Do not send a box or package, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and examined by the jail officers, and the mail will be returned to the sender if deemed inappropriate.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Mower County Jail is:

Mower County Jail
201 2Nd Ave Ne
Austin, MN 55912

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Mower County Jail
201 2Nd Ave Ne
Austin, MN 55912

The mail policy can change, so be sure to double check the the Mower County Jail website before you send a letter.

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When you’ve been arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these is that you have the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so it is important to have a friend or family member locate an attorney for you. You’re probably asking yourself ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, an attorney will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate the legal system. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better.

For more detailed information on how to find a lawyer, go to: Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, forensics experts as well as case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are actual attorneys that are admitted to the State Bar and are legally licensed to handle your case.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

Court records are a matter of public record. Court records contain a court case file with a docket sheet and all of the documents that have been filed in the case. You can access the records and documents in your court case with the website, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

The Mower County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your court case are kept and available to you at the Mower County Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are all costs from your court case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The magistrate acts as the judge who presides on your case in court. They do a number of different things, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together to include the defendant’s background information and information about the defendant’s life and public history, which the magistrate will review and take into consideration when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the defendant, his or her family members, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Remember that you can ask to receive a copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct any inaccurate information.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, ranging from community service to probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you may be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could receive a date that you are supposed to report to jail to do your time.

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Want to find out if someone is currently in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do this, you will have to go to the Mower County jail website, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• or inmate ID.

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

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants inquiry online or you can call the jail. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should be clear that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the Mower County jail, by phone, in person, or look online. An arrest is in the public record and these records are accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, which can be court orders. You can find these by going to the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are required to be listed and 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 are able to view these offenders online, but remember that you will not find the precise address, rather the address block that they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. They include a case file that includes a court docket and all of the documents and filings filed in the case. You are able to access the court records on the website, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of a person’s criminal past. These online databases are all linked and you can track criminal histories from another state. You are able to go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you can get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

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

When you do a criminal history search, usually will not learn if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you call the Mower County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your story could make it easier for others.

Click here to tell your story

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a listing of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Mower County, the Mower County Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

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 Mower County Jail is very scary, soon you will get accustomed to the routine that is set for you. You should expect a wake-up alarm at about 6am, and then you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will have 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 Mower 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 Mower 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 procedure to send funds to Mower County Jail inmates can change, so you should visit the official website before you send funds to an inmate.


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 Mower County Jail

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

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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.

Click here to leave a 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 spent any time in Mower County Jail? Do you know anybody that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate there?

If you have, then you should tell us about it. Write about your experience so others will know what to expect.

What to write in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Safety
• Gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Click here to write your review of Mower County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has a story about it. Why were you locked up? Were you fairly treated? How was day to day life at Mower County Jail? What were the other inmates like? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to share your story about when you did time in Mower County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Trying to reconnect with somebody you met when you were locked up? Send a message to them here.

Send a message to someone incarcerated at Mower County Jail


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