Middlesex Jail – Cambridge, MA

Middlesex Jail is in Middlesex County and is the main correctional facility for the region. Know somebody in jail at Middlesex Jail? This page will tell you info about everything you might need to know about Middlesex Jail,like the following: Find an inmate at Middlesex Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court records. And much, much more.

The chance of going to jail is a daunting and scary thought, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their family and friends. The goal of this guide is to give advice and information that you’ll need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a question, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or tips that could be beneficial to other people in the same situation will be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that has gone to jail and want to find out where they are?

Has a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out where they are?

To look up who’s in jail at Middlesex Jail you have to click on their web site and do an inmate lookup.

The Middlesex Jail Inmate List is a list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and schedule for visitation. Also, you can find info about anyone booked or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to locate the information faster if you’ve got their first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the person you are looking for might be at another county jail you will want to check our guide to other Massachusetts jails: Other County Jails in Massachusetts

A mugshot, also called a booking photograph, is a picture that the jail takes when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is actually two photos one frontal photo and one profile photo. Your full name and intake number will be on the mugshot, and they will be kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots can be seen online, or you can go in person to the Middlesex Jail. When you search for mugshots online you have to enter the prisoner’s first and last name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Are you trying to get your mugshot taken down from the Middlesex Jail site? This can be tricky, since your mugshot is a public record. You will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that all of your arrest records would be sealed, and will not be accessible. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

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

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Obviously, if you are in jail, your main thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail amount will be 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 get released, pending trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you are required to promise to show up for court, and until that date you can’t leave the area.

Usually, an inmate in the Middlesex Jail can earn time off for good behavior when they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while incarcerated.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will be required to return to jail each day after work, or you might be permitted to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail until you go to court. Your bail amount depends on the seriousness of your charges. You will have to post 10 percent of the total that was determined so you are able to get discharged from jail. If you don’t go to your scheduled court date, the person that paid your bail won’t get the bail money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you need to call the Middlesex Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know the bail amount. You can also see the bail amount on the Middlesex Jail site.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but thankfully, its simple to do if you have the money. To start with, find out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you can’t get a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they can’t accept a check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the prisoner will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should try a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and sometimes have a minimum fee of $100. This will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman will in most cases ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral.

If you need a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Bail bondsman

Have you ever used a bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The intake procedure is made up of the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• First, must answer a number of questions, like what is your full legal name, address, date of birth and a contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and mental history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• You will be allowed to make a telephone call in order to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you will be allowed to wear your own clothes, if not you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, 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 tips that will help other people make it through jail processing?

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When you post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged will take anywhere from 10 minutes to all day. Or, simply, the faster bail is posted, the quicker you will get discharged from jail. Also, how fast you get released will depend on whether or not you’ve been given a cash bond or if a magistrate has to determine the amount of bail to be set. For minor charges, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and know the discharge date, expect to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

If there is a, or if you must report to start a sentence, you really should follow the rules and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail, and tell someone that you think there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if so, 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 states. Be sure that you don’t show up late. Only bring things that are allowed when you go, such as a driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the sentencing order.

The inmate need to list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail. Your visitor’s information will be put into the visitation log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each and every visitor is required to provide identification. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or without a visiting order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Middlesex Jail can change, so make sure that you check the official jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Jail phone calls are a lot pricier than phone calls made at home. There is no limit to when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but bear in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s phone privileges might get cut back or forbidden completely.

The Middlesex Jail phone number is: 617-494-4410

All mall sent to inmates has to be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other form of delivery. You should print the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a package or box, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail sent to inmates is opened and examined by the officers at the jail, and will be returned to the sender if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

Middlesex Jail
40 Thorndike Street
Cambridge, MA 2141

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Middlesex Jail
40 Thorndike Street
Cambridge, MA 2141

The Middlesex Jail inmate mail policy changes, so it would be best to visit the site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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When you’ve been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is important to have a friend or relative locate a lawyer for you. You’re probably asking yourself ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and help you find your way through the criminal justice system that you are now faced with. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better.

For more information about this subject, click: How to Find a Lawyer

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, you will get a public defender. The Public Defender Office is staffed by investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. All Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers, members of the State Bar and are licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

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

Middlesex County court records are a matter of public record. Court records contain a file with a docket sheet and all motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed in your case. You, and anyone else, can access the records and documents in your court case via the online service, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court.

The Middlesex County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records associated with your case are available at the Middlesex County Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges from your case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The Middlesex County magistrate is the judge that will preside on your case. Magistrate judges do many different things, like setting bail, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed with background information and details of the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember that you can request to get a copy of the report before your sentencing, and correct any inaccurate information.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you might get taken into custody, right there in court, or you could be given a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Want to find out if somebody you know is locked up, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty simple to do, just you will have to visit the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Approximate booking date.
• or 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 can check arrest warrants on the website or call the court. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should know that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

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

A Civil Process is when someone has been 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 are registered on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access sex offenders online, but you should know that you will not get the street address, rather the address block that they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a case file that includes a court docket and all of the filings and documents 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 where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal background. These databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal histories from another state. You can go to the Middlesex County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a completely different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for these crimes:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

During a criminal records search, in most cases won’t be able to find out if that person has had any:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your feedback may help other people.

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Most Wanted

The FBI maintains a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Middlesex County, the Middlesex County Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that getting locked up in the Middlesex County jail is no fun, eventually you will get accustomed to the routine that is set for you. Inmates get an alarm for wake-up at about 6:00 AM, and then roll call. Then you will have breakfast. When you finish breakfast participate 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 Middlesex 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 Middlesex 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 people in jail might change, so you should check the official Middlesex Jail site before 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 Middlesex Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Middlesex 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 Middlesex Jail

Requirements:

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


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Family Resources

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

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

Click here to share 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:

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

The definition of victim includes:

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

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

Victim Notification

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

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

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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 been incarcerated at Middlesex Jail? Do you know anybody that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at Middlesex Jail?

If your answer is yes, then you should write a review about it. Write down your jail experience because others can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to put in your review:

• Conditions in Middlesex Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Programs and activities


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Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has at least one story to tell about it. Why were you locked up? Were you fairly treated? How was day to day life at Middlesex Jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell your story about when you did time at Middlesex Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Want to send a message to an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Post a message to them below.

Send a message to Middlesex Jail


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