Essential Information for Supporting a Loved One in Jail in Minnesota
Navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system can be overwhelming, especially when a loved one is incarcerated. Whether it’s understanding where they’ve been taken, how to communicate with them, or the procedures for visiting and supporting them, knowing the right steps to take is crucial. This guide aims to provide essential information for families and friends in Minnesota who are seeking to support a loved one in jail. In this blog, we cover seven key aspects to help you during this challenging time.
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The location where your loved one was arrested determines the jail they will be taken to. For instance, the Hennepin County Jail houses inmates arrested in cities such as Minneapolis, Bloomington, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Edina, and over 20 other cities. If your loved one is picked up in any of these areas, they will likely be taken to the Hennepin County Jail. You can also use the inmate search tool provided by the county to locate your loved one. Visit our services page here to find jail information for your specific county. Keep in mind that it may take some time for the jail to book and process them or to transfer them from a city police department. If you need assistance in finding out which jail someone is in, give us a call today!
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Jails have specific times and dates allocated for inmate visits, and most require that you schedule an appointment in advance. Typically, this appointment must be arranged by someone other than the inmate. However, procedures can vary from one jail to another. If you encounter any difficulties, we are here to assist you in navigating the process. Give us a call today!
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Unfortunately, most jails do not allow you to contact an inmate directly. Jail staff will also be unwilling to pass messages to inmates in most counties. Although you may leave a voicemail for an inmate, the inmate will typically not be notified of the voicemail. Instead, the inmate will need to contact you. In most cases, a defendant must have money on their books to make outgoing calls. Otherwise, you will need to set up a prepaid calling account with an inmate telephone system company in order to receive calls from the jail. The company that you set your account up with will depend on the jail you intend to receive calls from. For example, in Dakota County, Ramsey County, and many other county jails in Minnesota, you will need to set up an account with Securus Technologies. In most other counties, you will need to set up an account with IC Solutions.
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The length of time a defendant stays in jail depends on when they were arrested and if they can post bail. According to Minnesota law, a person cannot be held in jail for more than 48 hours without a judge finding probable cause. Furthermore, the defendant must be brought before a judge within 36 hours to have their bail assessed. Note that the 36-hour rule does not include the day of arrest, Sundays, and legal holidays. If the defendant cannot post bail, they will remain in jail until their next hearing, unless their charges are dropped or they post bail beforehand. For more detailed information on the bail process and jail procedures in Minnesota, contact us today.
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This process varies from jail to jail. Most Minnesota counties allow you to place money on a defendant’s books online or by phone. Otherwise, you are usually able to go to the jail and deposit money into a kiosk or with jail staff. Jail websites usually have information on how to complete this process. Check out our services page here to find links to MN jail websites or phone numbers.
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When a person is arrested, the items they have on them during the arrest will be held by the jail while they are in custody. These items may include a debit card or cash. If they have sufficient money in cash or on your card to pay for bail, but the jail is in possession of it, the inmate can sign these items over to a trusted friend or family member to retrieve. Otherwise they may sign these items over to one of our agents to pay for the bond. The inmate will need to talk to a jailer who will provide them with the required forms to sign over their property. The person they sign their cash or card to will then need to come to the jail to pick it up to pay for their bond.
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Metro Bail Bonds does not offer rides to inmates getting out of jail. You will need to be there to pick him or her up. Otherwise, you can arrange an Uber, Lift, or Minnesota taxi service.
Supporting a loved one in jail can be a challenging and emotional experience, but understanding the procedures and options available can make a significant difference. By staying informed about jail locations, visitation rules, communication methods, and bail processes, you can better navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system in Minnesota. Remember, you are not alone in this journey—there are resources and professionals ready to assist you every step of the way. If you need further assistance or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 651-324-8006. Your support and understanding can provide much-needed comfort and stability to your loved one during this difficult time.
