Meade County Jail

Q: Does Meade County have bail?

Does Meade County have bail? Yes, Meade County recognizes most types of bonds. In South Dakota, it is up to the defendant to bear the burden of proof as to why they will not, or do not have the ability to flee prosecution. Bail is usually established in cases where a felony or Class I misdemeanor has occurred. People arrested on Class II misdemeanors are usually released on recognizance meaning that if the court decides that there is a good chance that the arrested will show up for trial and not flee, they are released on their own promise, or recognizance without having to pay bail.

Q: What kind of bonds are accepted in Meade County?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Meade County? In Meade County, once bail is set a defendant must pay the required amount of bail set by the court to be released from temporary holding (typically the county jail). If the person cannot afford the amount of bail required by the court, they must seek a bond from a licensed bondsperson to cover the amount. The bondsperson will charge 10% and can offer a surety or property bond.

Q: Who can set bail in Meade County?

Who can set bail in Meade County? The magistrate judge is given the ability to consider various factors in determining bail. Judges in South Dakota rely on a statewide bail schedule, which sets out a recommended range of bail amounts for different offenses. Judges can still exercise discretion in setting bail above or below the recommended range. Typically, some of the biggest factors considered are the nature of the offense, the amount of credible evidence against the defendant, the defendant’s criminal history, their location, their income, and their ability to afford to attempt to escape prosecution. The South Dakota Courts can set conditions for the release of a defendant on bail. These conditions can include many factors such as not leaving a certain area, not consuming drugs or alcohol, not hanging out with certain people, and receiving mental health counseling. If these conditions are not met the person will be taken back into custody.

Q: When is bail set in Meade County South Dakota?

When is bail set in Meade County South Dakota? Bail for minor, non-violent offense are set via a phone call with the on duty judge between 8:00 am – 9:00 pm. If the arrest occurs after 9:00 pm you will need to wait until 8:00 am the next day. More serious offenses require a hearing in front of a judge, which will be scheduled according to the court calendar. This will generally occur the next day, not including weekends or holidays.

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

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Meade County Jail? To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Meade County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 605-720-6632. 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. Meade County Jail Booking Roster

Q: What happens during booking in Meade County?

What happens during booking in Meade 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 Meade 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.

Q: What is the booking process like at the Meade County Jail?

What is the booking process like at the Meade 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 Meade County and other South Dakota 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.

Q: What kind of questions are asked during booking?

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 with 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. If the offender remains in jail for any length of time, the Meade County Jail will allow a friend or family member to pick up the inmate's property if the offender gives written authorization for a named person to do so. To find out the days and times for picking up an inmate's property, and what you will need to bring to verify your identity, call the jail at 605-720-6632 during business hours.

Q: How long does the Meade County Jail booking process take?

How long does the Meade 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. What happens after an offender is booked into the Meade County Jail? 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 Meade 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.

Question 1

How Do You Find Someone in the Meade County Jail?

Answer

To search for an inmate in the Meade 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 605-720-6632 for the information you are looking for.

Meade County Jail Inmate Search

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about finding an inmate in the Meade County Jail, how the jail rosters work and what happens after an offender is arrested and booked. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-720-6632 for further assistance.

The Meade County Jail maintains an average of 88 offenders in custody on any given day. The Meade 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 Meade County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 2,360 offenders.

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Question 2

About the Meade County Jail

Answer

With just short of 150 beds, the Meade County Jail is located at 1400 Main Street, in Sturgis, South Dakota. It is used to house the immediate inmates after their arrest anywhere within the county by any of the law enforcement agencies in operation. It houses both male and female inmates and is available for new bookings around the clock. On average it is expected to have over 60 detainees on any day. Not only does the Sheriff’s Office take responsibility for the operation of the jail and the housing of the inmates in a safe and secure way that treats each person humanely, but they are also the key law enforcement in the area who complete warrant executions, enforce road rules and local laws, serve paperwork for civil cases, and complete safe transport of inmates from the jail to the court house and back as needed. While remaining incarcerated at this location inmates will have the opportunity to remain in contact with their loved ones who are waiting for them to be released through a mail program which will see all of the incoming mail uploaded to a digital program for viewing in the cell blocks, access to phones in the cell blocks from 6am until 11pm each day, and via visitation with 2 approved visits each week. Currently online remote video visitations are provided, and they can be scheduled in advance during the daytime hours of the jail, from 6am until 11pm each day.

Jail (Main): 605-720-6632
Sheriff: 605-347-2681

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Question 3

Recent Bookings & Arrests

Answer

How is booking conducted at Meade County Jail?

After an arrest, individuals are transported to Meade County Jail for the booking process. This procedure ensures the person’s identity, assesses charges, and determines if they will be released, eligible for bail, or detained until court.

Remaining silent during this process is vital. Anything said could be used as evidence, so it’s wise to wait for an attorney before speaking about the arrest.

Here’s a breakdown of the booking steps at Meade County Jail:

Verifying identification information.
Capturing mugshots for record-keeping.
Health assessments and questions about criminal history.
Possible DNA collection.
Physical search for contraband or weapons.
Securing personal belongings.
Granting a free phone call.

The booking process varies in duration, taking anywhere from an hour to 48 hours. For questions about an arrestee’s bond, call the facility at 605-720-6632.

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Question 4

Directions / Map to the Meade County Jail

Answer

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Question 5

Inmate Bail and Bonding

Answer

How to post bail for someone arrested in Meade County

When an individual is arrested and booked at Meade County Jail in Sturgis, the outcomes include:

1. Release without bail, under the condition they appear for their court date.
2. Remain in custody until the court appearance.
3. Post a bail or bond for release. Contact 605-720-6632 for specific bail amounts.

Bail payments can be made in different ways.

Cash, credit, or money order are accepted forms of payment.
You can work with a licensed bail bondsman in Meade County.
County real estate property can be used as collateral.

For further information on posting bail in Meade County, South Dakota, visit the Meade County Jail Bail Information Page.

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Question 6

Inmate Visitation

Answer

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

Meade County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

1400 Main Street
Sturgis, SD 57785-1444
605-720-6632

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 605-720-6632 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 605-720-6632 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

Meade County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

Note: This option may not be available for your inmate. When registering, check to see if devices are available.

Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy. Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones. Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls. The cost of this is $4.00 per month for rental of the Reliance Tablet Phone + $0.25 per minute for video and voice calls.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Meade County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-720-6632 for further assistance.

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Question 7

Remote Video Visitation

Answer

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

Meade County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

Note: This option may not be available for your inmate. When registering, check to see if devices are available.

Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy.
Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones.
Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls.
The cost of this is $4.00 per month for rental of the Reliance Tablet Phone + $0.25 per minute for video and voice calls.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Meade County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-720-6632 for further assistance.

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Question 8

Inmate Money Accounts

Answer

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Meade County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-720-6632 for further assistance.

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Question 9

Inmate Phone Contact

Answer

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

How Do Inmates in Meade County Jail Make Phone Calls?

To set up your Meade County inmate to make to make phone calls to you and others, follow these instructions:

Register and set up a new account with RELIANCE Telephone, or log in if you already have an account.
Review your communication options and choose a plan.
Select Meade County Jail, then select your inmate who you will be funding.

For all the information you need in order to receive phone calls from your Meade County inmate, or to assist them in making calls to others, including instructions, fees, cost of calls, payment methods and times that your inmate can use the phone, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your communication with your inmate will be monitored and recorded. Use discretion when discussing sensitive information about their pending case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Meade County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-720-6632 for further assistance.

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Question 10

Mailing an Inmate

Answer

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

Meade County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Meade 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 Meade 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 #
Meade County Jail
1400 Main Street
Sturgis, SD 57785-1444

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Meade County Jail
1400 Main Street
Sturgis, SD 57785-1444

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 Meade County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & 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 Meade 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 #
Meade County Jail
1400 Main Street
Sturgis, SD 57785-1444

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

For inmates receiving mail in the Meade 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 Meade County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Meade County Jail
1400 Main Street
Sturgis, SD 57785-1444

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 Meade County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-720-6632 for further assistance.

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Question 11

Inmate Commissary

Answer

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Meade County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-720-6632 for further assistance.

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Question 12

Texting and Emailing an Inmate

Answer

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

Meade County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for emailing/texting to inmates.

Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy.

Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones.
Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls.
Cost of texting is $4.00 per month for rental of the Reliance Tablet Phone + $0.09 per message sent or received up to 160 characters.

How to Email an Inmate at Meade County Jail

Using Jail ATM Digital Messaging with an Inmate at Meade County Jail - Sending and Receiving Messages.

How It Works:

Once you sign up with Jail ATM instant Messaging you can you can send texts from the cell phone associated with the mobile number you provided at sign-up, and receive text messages from the inmate on the same cell phone. You can only use the phone number you signed up with or it won't work.

To learn more about this email service, check out our full instructions, including fees at our emailing and texting page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Meade County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-720-6632 for further assistance.

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Question 13

Inmate Tablets

Answer

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

Meade County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

Note: This option may not be available for your inmate. When registering, check to see if tablets are available.

Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy.
Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones.
Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls.
The cost of this is $4.00 per month for rental of the Reliance Tablet Phone + $0.25 per minute for video and voice calls.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Meade County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 605-720-6632 for further assistance.

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Question 14

Are there photos of the Meade County Jail? What does it look like?

Answer

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Question 15

Other Jails in Meade County

Answer

What are the other City and County Jails in Meade County?

Meade County County Jails

Meade County Jail

Meade County Juvenile Facilities

Western South Dakota Juvenile Services Center

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Question 16

Other Jails Nearby

Answer

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

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Meade County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Meade County

Meade County Jail Information

How is booking conducted at Meade County Jail?

How to post bail for someone arrested in Meade County

Meade County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

Meade County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

How Do Inmates in Meade County Jail Make Phone Calls?

Meade County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

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

Meade County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for emailing/texting to inmates.

How to Email an Inmate at Meade County Jail

Meade County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

Search for an Inmate in Meade County

Meade County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Meade County

Meade County Jail Information

How is booking conducted at Meade County Jail?

How to post bail for someone arrested in Meade County

Meade County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

Meade County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

How Do Inmates in Meade County Jail Make Phone Calls?

Meade County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

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

Meade County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for emailing/texting to inmates.

How to Email an Inmate at Meade County Jail

Meade County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

Search for an Inmate in Meade County

Inmate SearchMeade County & City of Sturgis

Inmate SearchState of South Dakota and Federal Lockups

Meade County JailContact Information