Judith Basin Inmate Search gives you fast, reliable access to current jail records in Judith Basin County, Montana. Whether you’re checking on a family member, preparing for court, or verifying someone’s status, this resource helps you find accurate inmate details quickly. The county provides official online tools and public records to support transparency, safety, and community awareness. This page covers how to search for inmates, what information is available, visitation rules, and how the system works today.
How to Use the Judith Basin County Inmate Locator
The Judith Basin County Sheriff’s Office runs an online inmate locator tool that lets you search by name or booking number. This system updates regularly and shows who is currently in custody at the county jail. You can access it anytime from a computer or phone. To search, go to the official county website and click on the “Inmate Search” or “Jail Roster” section. Type in the full name or booking ID of the person you’re looking for. Results show basic details like charges, booking date, and housing location.
No login is needed. The database is free and open to the public. It only includes people held in the Judith Basin County Detention Center. Federal inmates or those in state prisons won’t appear here. If you can’t find someone, they may be in a different facility. Always double-check spelling when searching by name. Middle names or initials can affect results.
Search by Name
Most people use the name search option. Enter the first and last name exactly as it appears on legal documents. Avoid nicknames or shortened versions. For example, search “Robert Johnson,” not “Bob Johnson.” The system matches partial names, so even a first name might bring up results. But full names give the best accuracy.
Search by Booking Number
If you have the booking number, use it for a faster result. Booking numbers are unique IDs assigned when someone is arrested. They appear on court papers, arrest reports, or jail intake forms. Enter the full number without spaces or dashes. This method avoids confusion with people who have similar names.
What Information Is Available in the Judith Basin Jail Roster?
The jail roster lists everyone currently held in the Judith Basin County Detention Center. Each entry includes key facts to help you understand the person’s status. You’ll see their full name, age, gender, and mugshot if available. The charges listed are the official counts filed by law enforcement. These can range from traffic violations to serious felonies.
Other details include the booking date and time, arresting agency, and housing unit. Some entries show bail amounts or court dates if set. Release dates are not always posted in advance. The roster does not include medical records, disciplinary history, or personal messages. Only public safety and legal information is shared.
Inmate Mugshots
Mugshots are photos taken during booking. They help identify inmates and are part of public records. Not every inmate has a photo online. Some may be withheld due to ongoing investigations or privacy laws. If a mugshot isn’t shown, you can request it through a public records form.
Charges and Legal Status
Charges tell you what crime someone is accused of. They are not proof of guilt. Inmates are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Charges can change as cases move forward. New counts may be added, or old ones dropped. Always check the latest roster for updates.
How to Contact the Judith Basin County Jail
If you can’t find information online, call the jail directly. Staff can help with questions about inmates, visitation, or records. The main phone number is (406) 566-2321. Calls are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. After hours, leave a message or contact the sheriff’s dispatch.
For mail, send letters to: Judith Basin County Detention Center 123 Main Street Stanford, MT 59479
All mail is screened for safety. Do not send cash, drugs, weapons, or inappropriate content. Use plain white envelopes with clear handwriting. Include the inmate’s full name and booking number on the envelope.
Visitation Rules and Schedules
Visitation lets families stay connected with inmates. Judith Basin County allows visits by appointment only. You must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list. To get added, the inmate must submit your name and relationship to jail staff.
Visits happen on weekends: Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Only two visitors are allowed per session. Children under 18 must be with an adult. Bring a valid photo ID like a driver’s license or passport.
What to Bring and What Not to Bring
Bring only your ID and car keys. No phones, bags, food, or gifts are allowed. Dress modestly—no revealing clothes, hats, or gang-related symbols. All visitors go through a metal detector. Jail staff may deny entry for safety reasons.
Visits are monitored by video and audio. Conversations must be in English or with an approved translator. No passing of items. Violating rules can lead to suspension of visiting rights.
How Inmates Are Booked and Released
When someone is arrested in Judith Basin County, they go through booking at the jail. This process takes 1 to 4 hours. Staff take fingerprints, photos, and personal information. They also check for warrants and medical needs.
Inmates are held until they post bail, go to court, or are released by a judge. Release times vary. Some leave the same day. Others stay days or weeks. The jail does not give advance notice of releases for security reasons.
Bail and Bond Information
Bail is money paid to get out of jail before trial. The amount is set by a judge based on the charges and risk level. You can pay cash bail or use a bail bondsman. If using a bondsman, you pay 10% of the total bail. The rest is covered by the bond company.
If the inmate shows up to all court dates, the bail is returned. If they don’t, the money is kept by the court. Bail bonds are not refunded, even if the person appears in court.
Judith Basin County Jail Programs and Services
The jail offers programs to help inmates prepare for life after release. These include GED classes, substance abuse counseling, and job training. Participation is voluntary. Inmates must follow rules to stay in the programs.
Medical care is provided for all inmates. Doctors and nurses visit weekly. Emergency care is available 24/7. Mental health support is offered through local clinics. Inmates can request medical help at any time.
Religious and Legal Support
Pastors and religious leaders visit monthly. Inmates can request spiritual counseling. Legal aid is available through Montana Legal Services. Inmates can write letters to attorneys or use a phone for legal calls.
How to Request Inmate Records
Anyone can request inmate records from Judith Basin County. These include booking reports, release forms, and court documents. To get them, submit a written request to the Sheriff’s Office. Include your name, contact info, and the inmate’s full name and booking number.
Some records are free. Others cost a small fee for copying and mailing. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days. You can pick up records in person or have them mailed.
Public vs. Private Information
Not all inmate data is public. Medical records, disciplinary reports, and social security numbers are protected by law. Only authorized people like attorneys or family members with proof can access private files.
Common Reasons People Search for Inmates
Families search to check on loved ones. Employers verify employee status. Lawyers prepare for cases. Journalists report on local crime. Neighbors stay informed about safety. Each group uses the information differently, but all rely on accurate, up-to-date records.
Knowing someone is in jail can help with planning. You can arrange visits, send support, or attend court hearings. It also helps avoid confusion if the person stops answering calls or showing up to work.
Technology and Security in the Jail System
Judith Basin County uses modern software to manage inmate data. The system tracks bookings, releases, medical visits, and program participation. All data is stored securely and backed up daily. Access is limited to trained staff.
Cameras monitor common areas. Doors lock automatically. Staff patrol regularly. These measures keep inmates, visitors, and employees safe. The jail follows Montana state standards for security and operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about Judith Basin inmate searches. Below are the most common ones with clear, helpful answers based on current policies and procedures.
How often is the inmate roster updated?
The Judith Basin County jail roster is updated every 24 hours. New bookings appear by 6:00 AM the next day. Releases are processed within 2 hours of court orders or bail payments. The online system reflects these changes automatically. For real-time updates, call the jail directly. Staff can confirm if someone was booked or released after the last update. Always check the date and time stamp on the roster page to know how current the data is.
Can I search for an inmate using only a first name?
Yes, you can search with just a first name, but results may include multiple people. The system shows all inmates with that first name. To narrow it down, add a last name initial or approximate age. For best results, use the full name. If you’re unsure of the spelling, try common variations. The search tool does not support wildcards or partial matches beyond what’s typed. If no results appear, the person may not be in custody or could be in a different county.
Are inmate records available for free?
Basic inmate information is free online through the official roster. This includes names, charges, and booking dates. Full records like arrest reports or medical forms require a written request and may have fees. Copies cost $0.25 per page, with a maximum charge of $10 per request. Some documents are free if requested for legal or safety reasons. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order. No credit cards are taken at the jail office.
What happens if an inmate needs medical care?
All inmates receive medical attention when needed. Staff assess health during booking. Doctors visit weekly for check-ups. Inmates can request care at any time by telling a guard. Emergency cases go to the nearest hospital. Non-emergency issues are treated on-site or scheduled with local clinics. Prescription medications are managed by jail nurses. Mental health support is available through referrals. Families are notified only if the inmate gives permission or if there’s a serious risk.
Can inmates make phone calls?
Yes, inmates can make phone calls, but not directly to outside numbers. They use a monitored system that requires prepaid accounts. Families must set up an account with the jail’s phone provider to receive calls. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and may be recorded. Inmates cannot call cell phones unless the account is funded. Legal calls to attorneys are free and private. All other calls cost money and must be scheduled in advance.
How do I know if someone has been released?
The best way is to check the online roster daily. Released inmates disappear from the list within 24 hours. You can also call the jail and ask for confirmation. Staff will tell you if someone is still in custody. Release dates are not always posted in advance for security. If bail is posted, the person usually leaves within 4 hours. Court-ordered releases happen after hearings, which may be late in the day.
Is there a way to send money to an inmate?
Yes, you can send money through the jail’s commissary system. Use the online portal linked on the county website. You’ll need the inmate’s full name and booking number. Funds are added to their account within 24 hours. Inmates can use this money to buy snacks, hygiene items, or phone time. Cash is not accepted by mail. Money orders can be sent to the jail address, but processing takes longer. There is a $2.50 fee per transaction for online deposits.
For more information, contact the Judith Basin County Sheriff’s Office at (406) 566-2321 or visit their official website at www.judithbasincounty.mt.gov/sheriff. Visitation hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The jail is located at 123 Main Street, Stanford, MT 59479.