Lake County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Lake County

Lake County Jail Information

The Lake County Jail is a 48 bed jail in the city of Baldwin, Lake County, Michigan. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 231-745-2712.

Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.

You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.

Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Michigan State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 231-745-2712, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Lake County Jail at 231-745-2712 to get it.

Phone: 231-745-2712

Physical Address:
1153 Michigan Ave.
Baldwin, MI 49304

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
1153 Michigan Avenue
Baldwin, MI 49304

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
1153 Michigan Avenue
Baldwin, MI 49304

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Lake County Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Lake County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 231-745-2712 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's Criminal Court Case online for Lake County or any county in Michigan.

Lake County Jail Inmate Search

The Lake County Jail maintains an average of 48 offenders in custody on any given day. The Lake County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Lake County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 960 offenders.

The following charts of Lake County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the Lake County Corrections Department, the state of Michigan Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Lake County.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Lake County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

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About the Lake County Jail

The 48-bed Lake County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Lake County as they wait for their trial or as they serve their sentence, usually less than one year. 

It serves many law enforcement organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, local police, Immigration, and other surrounding counties as needed.

If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 231-745-2712, and an online listing of all the detainees is published for your own investigation.

Upon intake, the booking process is completed, which includes a medical screening, fingerprinting and mugshots, DNA sample, along with an assessment to determine security needs, medical needs, mental health requirements, and housing assignment. 

Staff is available to transport all inmates to court dates and any medical appointments or emergency needs, as well as inspecting all mail for contraband, receiving commissary funds and other money for inmates, maintaining the safety of the community and the security of the facility, and other tasks. 

The Lake County Jail also provides several other services to inmates including basic needs in meals, laundry, and hygiene items, and programs including AA, counseling, religious programs, education, recreation, and opportunities to grow social and life skills. 

Along with the efforts made by the staff, reduced recidivism is seen when inmates are able to stay in contact and supported by their family or friends who are not incarcerated so mail, phones, and visits are provided. 

Visits are in person, and are via video and an account is created online to book and complete visits, allowing both visitors and inmates to schedule a visit. 

Phone accounts are also registered online, and allow for inmates to make outgoing calls during the daytime and evening hours when they are not participating in a task or program. 

Information for money for an inmate’s commissary can be found on our Inmate Money page

All personal mail is sent to: 

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
1153 Michigan Avenue
Baldwin, MI 49304

Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.

Legal mail, money orders, books and newspaper and magazine subscriptions are mailed to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
1153 Michigan Avenue
Baldwin, MI 49304

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Lake County Jail?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Lake County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 231-745-2712.

There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.

Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.

If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.

Lake County Jail Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Lake County?

After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Lake County for booking.

Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.

What is the booking process like at the Lake County Jail?

Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Lake County and other Michigan and USA jurisdictions.

If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.

It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.

What happens to an offender’s personal property during booking?

During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.

Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.

What happens after booking?

At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.

If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Lake County Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.

Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.

How long does the Lake County Jail Booking process take?

Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.

If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.

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Directions / Map to the Lake County Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

Can I pay an Inmate's Bail Online?

Lake County Jail has contracted with Express Account, a third party online money deposit service, to pay for an Inmate's Bail using a credit card.

Here's how it works:

  1. Call the Lake County Jail at 231-745-2712 to find out the exact amount you need in order to pay your inmate's bail. Often there are fees that are in addition to the bail amount. Keep in mind that Express Account will also be adding a small percentage for the use of their service. Make sure you select 'bond' when doing this.
  2. Go to Express Account, register with them and follow the instructions to pay bail.  You can also do this by phone if you prefer, by calling 866-422-6833.
  3. A fax or email is sent to the facility within 5 minutes of posting the bond. It includes the information about the bail/bond payment which begins the release process at the facility. If you have a concern, you may contact the facility at 231-745-2712 to inquire.

If you have any questions on how this works phone support is available Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) between 8am - 4pm EST - call 866-422-6833. If you prefer to contact them online, go to their Customer Service Contact Page and write them with the question(s) you have.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Lake County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Lake County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

1153 Michigan Ave.
Baldwin, MI 49304
231-745-2712

  • Visits are 30 minutes.
  • You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
  • The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 231-745-2712 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
  • Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
  • Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
  • Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 231-745-2712 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
MONDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
TUESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
THURSDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
FRIDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
SATURDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM

Lake County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales, also known as Combined Public Communication (CPC) for visitation communication between inmates and their friends and family members.

In order to have a successful video visit, these are the steps to follow:

  1. Make sure you have a device a speaker, a camera and a connection to the internet.
  2. Register with Inmate Sales.
  3. Find Lake County Jail
  4. Select 'New Purchase'
  5. Choose this facility and a product ('Remote' or 'Onsite' Visit)
  6. Enter your personal information and purchase minutes.
  7. Schedule a visit.

Call 877-998-5678 if you have any questions.
iphone app
Google Play app

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 231-745-2712 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Lake County Jail?

Lake County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales, also known as Combined Public Communication (CPC) for visitation communication between inmates and their friends and family members.

In order to have a successful video visit, these are the steps to follow:

  1. Make sure you have a device a speaker, a camera and a connection to the internet.
  2. Register with Inmate Sales.
  3. Find Lake County Jail
  4. Select 'New Purchase'
  5. Choose this facility and a product ('Remote' or 'Onsite' Visit)
  6. Enter your personal information and purchase minutes.
  7. Schedule a visit.

Call 877-998-5678 if you have any questions.
iphone app
Google Play app

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 231-745-2712 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Lake County Jail?

There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:

Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail
Bring money to the jail in person. 
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use an Express Account self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.



Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Lake County Jail uses Express Account to process all online deposits to an inmate's account.

The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.



Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail


Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union.

Call the Lake County Jail first as they may want you to do this online or at the jail kiosk instead.

Make the Money Order out to the inmate's name and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
1153 Michigan Avenue
Baldwin, MI 49304



Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit with Express Account 24/7 over the Phone by calling 866-422-6833.
To do this you will need the inmate's offender # (inmate ID #) and full legal name.

Lake County Jail uses a third party service called Express Account, affiliated with TIGGS Canteen Service to deposit money in an inmate's account.

By creating an account with Express Account you can send money: 

  • Online 24/7
  • By calling 866-422-6833 24/7
  • By using the Lake County Jail Kiosk which takes cash, debit and credit cards.

Express Account also serves Lake County Jail inmates by allowing friends and family to purchase commissary items for them and having them shipped directly to the facility.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 231-745-2712 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Lake County Jail?

How Do Inmates in Lake County Jail Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Lake County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

  • Lake County Jail uses the services of a company named Inmate Sales.
  • Register with them online or call them at 877-998-5678
  • Agents are available M-F from 8:00 AM - 12:00 midnight EST, Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, and speak both English & Spanish.
  • Services for Lake County inmates and their families and friends include: Collect Calling, PIN Debit, Purchasing Calling Cards, Deposits, Messaging & Video Visitation.

iphone app
Google Play app

For all the information regarding phone calls with Lake County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 231-745-2712 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Lake County Jail, and what can I send them?

Lake County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Lake County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Lake County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
1153 Michigan Avenue
Baldwin, MI 49304



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
1153 Michigan Avenue
Baldwin, MI 49304



Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Lake County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Lake County Jail standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
1153 Michigan Avenue
Baldwin, MI 49304

Lake County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Lake County Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.

All mail is to be shipped to the Lake County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
1153 Michigan Avenue
Baldwin, MI 49304


For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 231-745-2712 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Lake County Jail, and what can I purchase?

Lake County Jail uses a third party service called Express Account, affiliated with TIGGS Canteen Service to deposit money in an inmate's commissary account.

By creating an account with Express Account you can send money and purchase commissary to an inmate: 

  • Online 24/7
  • By calling 866-422-6833 24/7
  • By using the Lake County Jail Kiosk which takes cash, debit and credit cards.

Express Account and TIGGS Canteen Service allows friends and family to purchase commissary items for them and having them shipped directly to the facility. Items such as snacks (healthy or non-healthy, clothes, hygeine products, etc.)

Lake County Jail uses a third party service called Express Account, affiliated with TIGGS Canteen Service to deposit money in an inmate's commissary account.

By creating an account with Express Account you can send money and purchase commissary to an inmate: 

  • Online 24/7
  • By calling 866-422-6833 24/7
  • By using the Lake County Jail Kiosk which takes cash, debit and credit cards.

Express Account and TIGGS Canteen Service allows friends and family to purchase commissary items for them and having them shipped directly to the facility. Items such as snacks (healthy or non-healthy, clothes, hygeine products, etc.)

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 231-745-2712 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Lake County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Lake County Jail uses the services of Inmate Sales to allow text messaging communication between inmates and their friends and family.


Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.  
This product allows inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.


Here's how it works:

  • First you must register, and then funds are added to the inmate's account. If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
  • When an inmate gets the device they may send 5 free automated messages each day for the first three days of possession of the chirping device.  
  • These automated messages will inform the person the inmate Chirped who is sending the Chirps and the facility they are Chirping from.
  • It will then ask them to go to a direct link to the inmate's account on the Inmate Sales website.
  • The website will then instruct them to use a credit card to put money on the inmate's account.  

Cost of Chirping:  

  • Inmates will be charged a monthly service fee of $4.00.  Inbound and Outbound Chirps are $0.10 each.
  • If an inmate has available funds on their chirping device they will be able to chirp any cell phone and that chirp will appear to be a normal text. 
  • If you wish to stop receiving Chirps from an inmate, reply to the Chirp with STOP.

iphone app
Google Play app

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Lake County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Lake County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Inmate Sales, the company that handles inmate messaging in Lake County, by creating an account.
  • Select Michigan, then select Lake County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to spend, and input your payment method. The funds can also be used by the inmate to send a message back to you.
  • If you want to pay by phone, call 877-998-5678.
  • NOTE: All messages between you and your inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

-  Chirping is the product name for inmate texting.  
-  This product allows Lake County inmates to send chirps (texts) to friends and family members.
-  Inmates will be charged a monthly service fee of $4.00.
-  Inbound and Outbound Chirps are $0.10 each.

Inmate Sales Apps

iphone app
Google Play app

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Lake County Jail check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Lake County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 231-745-2712 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Lake County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 231-745-2712 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Lake County Jail? What does it look like?
Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Lake County?

Lake Mecosta Newaygo Oceana Osceola Mason Wexford Manistee
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Search for an Inmate in Lake County

This facility, known as "Lake County Jail" is also known as Lake County Jail , Lake County Jail , Michigan, Lake.