Stearns County Jail – St. Cloud, MN

Stearns County Jail is in Stearns County, Minnesota and is the main jail for the region. Do you know somebody in jail at Stearns County Jail? This site gives you all about anything a person needs to know about Stearns County Jail,like: How to do a jail inmate search. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures. Court information. And everything else.

The chance of going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also their friends and family. This guide is designed to give you advice and information that you’ll need to make getting locked up easier. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask it, and any comments or feedback that would be a benefit to others will be appreciated.

Do you know someone that is locked up and don’t know how to contact them?

Has a family member or friend who has been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

To search who’s in jail at Stearns County Jail you should visit their website and perform an inmate lookup.

The Stearns County Jail Inmate Roster has information on people who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. Also, you are able to find information for anyone who has been arrested or released within the past 24-hour period. Inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can locate the information more quickly if you enter their full name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be at another jail you can check the other Minnesota county jails in our Minnesota County Jail Guide: Other County Jails in Minnesota

A mugshot, or jail processing picture, is the photograph that the police take when you are booked into jail. A mugshot is actually one face photo and a side-view photo. Your name and booking number will be on the mugshot, and they are kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Stearns County Jail prisoners can be seen on the Stearns County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Stearns County Jail. When viewing online you have to enter the person’s name, and an arrest date, if you have one.

Want to have your mugshot erased from the Stearns County Jail website? This can be tricky, as the mugshot is public record. You must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the many different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Return To Main Menu

Of course, if you are incarcerated, your primary thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount is decided either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be released, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released you will have to promise to go to your court date, and until that date you won’t be permitted to leave the area.

Typically, prisoners at Stearns County Jail will earn time off in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and area a good inmate while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to do work release. Either you will have to go back to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you may be permitted to move to a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you have to pay all depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. Someone you know will need to pay to the courts 10% of the amount that was determined in order to get discharged from jail. If you don’t go to your court date, the person that bailed you out of jail will not get their money back.

You will have to call the jail. If you have all the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know how much their bail is. You can also check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but thankfully, it is easy if you have the money. First, find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you can’t use the services of a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail can’t accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the person will be released to your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. They usually have a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and usually have a minimum charge of $100. This will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will in most cases ask to use assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

You can find a local bail bondsman go to: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to use a bail bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Post A Comment

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

Return To Main Menu

The intake procedure takes you through the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or 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 have to answer a bunch of questions, like your legal name, address, birth date and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will get to use the telephone so you can talk to a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be able to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell us how it happened. How long did it take to get processed? How did the guards treat you? Do you have any secrets that will help others get through the process?

Speak Your Mind

Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged takes from 10 minutes to quite a few hours. Or, simply, the quicker bail is posted, the faster you can get out of jail. It also can depend on whether or not you have a cash bond or if the judge needs to figure out how much your bail will be. For a minor charge, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and are given a date of your release, plan to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

If the police have a, or if you need to begin your jail sentence, you really should follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go to the jail, in the reception area, and tell an officer that you think there may be a warrant for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. Be sure that you aren’t late. Only bring approved items when you turn yourself in, like your driver’s license or photo 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 list information about each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s names will be entered into a log of visitors for the inmate that requested the visitor. All visitors will have to provide proof of identification. Any visitors arriving late or without a visiting order will be turned away.
Jail visitation policies frequently change, so check the official Stearns County Jail jail site before you go to visitation.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are much more expensive than regular phone calls. There is no limit to when and how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules and are disciplined, your ability to use the phone might get cut back or forbidden.

Phone Number: 320-259-3760

All mail is required to be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You must not use any other method of delivery. You should print the inmate’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail gets opened and reviewed by the jail staff, and the mail will get sent back if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

Stearns County Jail
807 Courthouse Square
St. Cloud, MN 56303

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Stearns County Jail
807 Courthouse Square
St. Cloud, MN 56303

The Stearns County Jail mail policy is always changing, so be sure to double check the site before you send a letter.

Return To Main Menu

Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have certain rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure you have a friend or family member locate an attorney when you call them. You’re probably asking yourself ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and help you understand the criminal justice system in Stearns County. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better.

For more information on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, read: How to Find an Attorney

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender Office has access to private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys who are members of the State Bar and are licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Stearns County court records are a matter of public record. They are comprised of a case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and every documents and motions that have been filed. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case using the Stearns County website, or by going to the Stearns County Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence related to your case are held at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges and fees associated with your case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

The Stearns County court magistrate is the person that presides over your case. Magistrates are judges that do a number of different things, which include setting bail, issuing warrants for arrest, and overseeing preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed to include the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate will review when deciding on the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be requested from the defendant, his or her family, and if necessary the victim. Don’t forget that you can request to get your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you get the chance to review it and correct any mistakes.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, including community service to probation, to even 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 could be immediately taken into custody, or you could be given a date that you are required to surrender and report to jail to serve your term.

Return To Main Menu

Are you trying to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do so, you should visit the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Stearns County jail website or call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. You should know 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 Stearns County jail, either by phone, go there in person, or find out online. Arrest records are a matter of public record and the information is accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, which can be a court order. You can find these by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders have to be registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view sex offenders on the website, but you should know that you can’t find the actual address, but only the block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. They include a court case file containing a docket sheet and all of the filings and documents filed in your court case. You are able to access your court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the Stearns County Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains records of a person’s criminal background. These online databases are all connected so you can track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You can go to the Stearns County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if it was in a different state, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will be able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for crimes, which include:

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

If you do a criminal records check, in most cases will not be able to find out if someone has had any moving violations, like:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? How easy was it? Was your search online or did you call the courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments might help other people that are in the same situation.

Speak Your Mind

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Stearns County, the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Stearns County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that getting locked up in the Stearns County jail is very scary, soon you will settle into the daily routine there. Expect an alarm for wake-up every morning at six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then get breakfast. When you finish 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 Stearns 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 Stearns 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 inmates might change, so you should review the the Stearns County Jail website when 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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Stearns County Jail

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


Return To Main Menu

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


Return To Main Menu

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 post 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.


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever spent any time at this jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever visited an inmate at Stearns County Jail?

If your answer is yes, then you should write a review about it. Write down your experience so that others will know what to expect.

Things you could write in your comment:

• Conditions in Stearns County Jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Inmate safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate programs and activities


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Everyone’s who has been put in jail has a story about it. How’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell the World All About It

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you want to reconnect with somebody you met when you were locked up? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to someone at Stearns County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Stearns County Jail Link
Stearns County Jail Inmate Search
Stearns County Jail Mugshots
Stearns County Jail Bail Link

Stearns County Jail Visitation
Stearns County Jail Mail Policy
Stearns County Jail Inmate Search
Stearns County Jail Warrant Inquiry Link
Stearns County Jail Arrest Lookup
Stearns County Jail Send Money Procedure
Stearns County Jail Jobs


Return To Main Menu
1449