Williams County Jail – Williston, ND

Williams County Jail is located in Williams County, North Dakota and is the primary correctional facility for this county. Do you know somebody at Williams County Jail? This site tells you info about everything a person needs to know about Williams 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 and booking. Court records. And lots more.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family and friends. This guide is designed to offer info you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a lot easier. If you have a question, please feel free to ask them, and also any comments or tips that would help others will be welcome.

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

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

To see who’s in jail at Williams County Jail you should navigate to their website and do an inmate lookup.

The Williams County Jail Inmate Locator is a list of persons currently in custody, including status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. Also, you are able to find information about anybody arrested and processed or discharged within the last 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You can find their inmate information fast if you have the arrestee’s name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or family member might be in a different jail you can check our North Dakota county jail guide: List of all jails in North Dakota

A mugshot, also known as a jail processing picture, is the photo that the police take during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually one full face and a profile picture. Your name and intake number will be on the photos, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots of inmates can be found on the website, or you can view them at the Williams County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to input their name, and the arrest date.

Need to know how to have your mugshot removed from the Williams County Jail site? This is difficult, as your mugshot is public record. You will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

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Of course, once you’re arrested and put in jail, your main thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail amount will be set either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If there is no bail set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you are required to promise to show up for court, and until that day you can’t leave the area.

Typically, prisoners at Williams County Jail will earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and act right while they’re in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be granted work release. You will either have to go back to the jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you may be allowed to move into a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Your bail is how much money that you are required to pay to be released from jail until your trial. Your bail amount depends on the crime you are charged with. Someone you know will need to pay to the courts 10% of the amount that was determined in order for you to get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, whoever posted your bail won’t get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail need to call the jail. If you’ve got the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but most of the time, it is really easy if you have the money. First of all, find out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you can’t get a Bail Bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they won’t accept a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, of if you can’t pay it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. They generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and usually have a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman will in most cases require that they use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To contact a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Williams County

Have you ever used the services of bail bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to leave a comment

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

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The intake process is made up of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• First, must answer some questions, like your full legal name, address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and mental history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will allow you to make a phone call in order to contact a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you will be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will be given a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please tell us how it happened. How long did it take to get through intake? What was your treatment like? Can you share any secrets that could help other people that get arrested make it through jail processing?

Click here to tell your story

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged will take anywhere from 10 minutes to all day long. In other words the faster you can pay your bail, the sooner you can get released from jail. It also might depend on whether you have a bond amount or if a judge needs to decide on your bail amount. For minor charges, you will 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 discharged in the morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you must report to start a sentence, it is recommended that you follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail, in the reception area, and tell the intake officer that you think there may be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if they verify that you have one, they will take you into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Be sure that you are not late to report. Just bring necessary items when you go, like your driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as a sentencing order from court.

The inmate need to give each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail. Your visitor’s names will go in a log of approved visitors for the inmate. All visitors must 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.
The Williams County Jail visitation procedures change often, so you should visit the official Williams County Jail jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are typically pricier than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you are disciplined for an infraction, an inmate’s phone privileges might get reduced or totally denied.

The Williams County Jail phone number is: 701-577-7700

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be mailed using the US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of delivery. You must write or type the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and jail address on the letter. Don’t mail anything in a package or box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail sent to inmates is opened and inspected and read by the jail officers, and the mail will be sent back if deemed inappropriate.

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

Williams County Jail
512 4Th Avenue E
Williston, ND 58801

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Williams County Jail
512 4Th Avenue E
Williston, ND 58801

The mail policy at Williams County Jail is always changing, so it would be best to visit the site before you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you have been arrested, you have certain rights, one of these being your 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 relative find a lawyer when you call them. You may be asking yourself ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, an attorney can advise you of your rights, look after your best interests and guide you through the court system that you are now faced with. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better off you’ll be.

For more detailed information on this subject, click here: Find a Lawyer

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender has access to private investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys who are members of the North Dakota State Bar and are licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

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

Williams County court records are public records. Court records are comprised of a file containing a docket and all of the documents and motions in the case. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case with the website, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

The Clerk of Court is a member of the court who maintains court records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the jury’s verdict. All records and documents associated with your case are kept and available to you at Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the costs from your case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may not have to pay the fees.

The Williams County magistrate is the judge that presides over your case. They do different functions, which include determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared to include the defendant’s background information and information about the defendant’s life history, which the magistrate will review and take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be solicited from the person on trial, their family, and if necessary the victim. Be sure to remember you are allowed to ask to see a copy of the report before sentencing, and make sure that you correct any mistakes that it contains.

When 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 incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you could be given a date to turn yourself into jail to serve out your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if someone is locked up, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do this, you need to visit the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants inquiry on the Williams County court website or call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. Keep in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or find out online. Arrest records are in the public record and this information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, like a court order. You can access civil process orders by going to the Williams County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders must be registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see this information online, but you should know that you will not be able to get the actual address, but rather the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a case file containing a docket sheet and any documents and filings filed in your court case. You are able to access the court records on their website, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the county where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of someone’s criminal background. These databases are linked together so you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. You are able to go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a totally different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

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

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

When you do a criminal history search, you will not see if they has had:

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

To get driving records, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you have to call the Williams County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your story may help other people.

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

The FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Williams County, the Williams County Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in Williams County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, in time you will get used to the daily routine there. Inmates get a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00AM, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then 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 Williams 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 Williams 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 money to someone in jail is always changing, so we suggest that you review the official website when you send funds 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 Williams County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Williams 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 Williams County Jail

Requirements:

• You must be over the age of 21.
• You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You must be a US Citizen.
• You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You must pass a drug test.
• You must have a good level of fitness.
• You must be in good health.
• You must have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to tell your story


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Victim Resources

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

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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 in Williams County Jail? Do you know anybody that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at Williams County Jail?

If you have, then you should leave a comment below about it. Tell us about your experience so that others can find out what to expect.

Things you could put in your review:

• Conditions in Williams County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has at least one story to tell about it. Why’d you get arrested? Were you mistreated? What happened to you while you were locked up? What about the other inmates? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Need to send a message to an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Send a message to them here.

Say Wassup


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