Muskegon County Inmate Search

Hello! We are glad you came to this page. We will work hard to give you the best facts for your Muskegon County Inmate Search. Our goal is to help you find the data you need fast and with ease. We aim to make this task less hard for you.

To begin searching right now, you can visit https://muskegoncountyjails.org/muskegon-county-mi-inmate-search/. This resource is set up to help people start their Muskegon County Inmate Search quickly. If you want to check for an inmate right away, that link is a place you can go to try and find who you are looking for in the county system. Please know this article gives details on official county ways too.

Official Muskegon County Inmate Search Methods

Finding someone in the Muskegon County Jail system requires using official channels. The Muskegon County Sheriff's Office runs the jail. They are the main source for inmate data. In the past, the county website had an online search tool. But, official county site links show this tool is "Currently Down". This means you may need to use other ways.

The best way now is often to call the jail directly. This lets you check if a person is held there at this time. Be ready to give the person's full name. A date of birth is also helpful if you know it. The Sheriff's staff can check their records for you. This is the most sure way to get current data.

Muskegon County Jail Information

Location and Contact

The Muskegon County Sheriff's Office manages the jail operations. Their main office is a key contact point.

• Address: Muskegon County Sheriff's Office, 990 Terrace Street STE 450, 4th Floor, Muskegon, MI 49442. (The jail facility is part of the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice complex at this street address).

• Phone: 231-724-6351

• General Office Hours: While jail operations run 24/7, administrative offices typically follow standard business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. It is best to call for specific department hours.

Calling the Jail

Calling the jail is often the most direct way to confirm custody status. Use the main Sheriff's Office number: 231-724-6351. Ask for jail booking or inmate information. You will need to provide the person's full legal name. Having their date of birth can also speed up the search. Staff can tell you if the person is currently in their jail. They cannot give out much more detail by phone. This call confirms only if they are there or not.

Visiting an Inmate at Muskegon County Jail

Visiting someone in jail has strict rules. You must follow all rules for the visit to happen. These rules help keep the jail safe and secure for all. Plan your visit well in advance.

Visitation Rules and Requirements

You must know and follow all jail rules for visits. Failure to do so can end your visit. It might also stop future visits. Plan ahead to avoid any problems.

• Appointments: All visits are by appointment only. You must schedule at least 24 hours before you want to visit.

• Duration: On-site visits are 25 minutes long.

• Identification: All adult visitors need valid government issued photo ID. School ID works for those under 18.

• Minors: Visitors under 18 must come with an adult who is 18 or older. A child aged 12 or more counts as an adult visitor slot.

• Visitor Limit: A maximum of 2 adults and 2 children under 12 are allowed per visit.

• Arrival Time: Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time for check in. Late arrival means you miss the visit.

• Conduct: Improper conduct will end the visit. Future visits may be stopped.

• Searches: All visitors can be searched by staff.

• Prohibited Items: Do not bring cell phones, cameras, bags, purses, packs, food, drinks, or strollers into the visit area.

• Help Desk: Call 855-208-7349 if you have issues scheduling or during a visit.

Visitation Hours

On-site visitation happens five days a week. It does not occur on federal holidays.

• Days: Monday through Friday

• Morning Hours: 8:30 AM to 10:55 AM

• Afternoon Hours: 1:00 PM to 3:55 PM

Video Visitation

The Muskegon County Sheriff's Office website mentions a Video Visitation System. This may allow remote visits via computer or phone. Details on how to use this system are key. This includes costs, the service provider used, and how to set it up. You may need to call the jail directly at 231-724-6351. Or check the Sheriff's Office website page on corrections for the latest info. Video visits offer a good way to keep in touch if you live far away. They may have different rules than on-site visits. Check those rules before you set one up.

Communicating and Supporting Inmates

Staying in touch helps inmates. You can send mail or put funds in their account. Follow the rules for each method.

Sending Mail

Inmates can receive mail. All mail is opened and checked for safety reasons. Do not send items that are not allowed. This can include things like staples, paper clips, or inappropriate content.

• Address Mail To:

  • Inmate's Full Name

  • Muskegon County Jail

  • 990 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49442

• Include your full name and return address. Mail without this may be rejected. Check the Sheriff's site or call if you are unsure about specific mail rules. They can change.

Inmate Phone Calls

Inmates cannot receive phone calls coming into the jail. They can make calls going out. These calls are often collect calls. The person getting the call pays. Or, calls can be paid for from the inmate's account funds. All calls are recorded and may be watched by jail staff. Keep talk proper and do not discuss illegal acts. Issues with inmate phones may need help from the phone service provider used by the jail.

Sending Money (Commissary/Account Deposits)

Inmates have accounts for buying items. This is called commissary. Items can include snacks, hygiene goods, or writing tools. Funds put in the account become the inmate's property. There are set ways to deposit money.

• Online: Use the eXpress Account website (https://www.expressaccount.com). This site lets you deposit funds using a card. Fees may apply.

• Phone: Call 866-422-6833. This service allows deposits by phone. They are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Note that ordering commissary by phone has a $4.50 handling fee. Depositing funds might have its own fee.

• Kiosk: A kiosk is located at the entrance to the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice (990 Terrace Street). You can use cash or cards here 24/7 to deposit funds into an inmate account. This is a fast way to add money.

You can view the commissary menu online via the Sheriff's Office website. It shows items inmates can buy.

Posting Bond in Muskegon County

Posting bond allows an inmate to be released from jail while their case goes on. The court sets the bond type and amount. How you post bond depends on the type set.

Types of Bonds

• Cash Only: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. No surety or bond agent can be used.

• Cash or Surety (10% Deposit): This is common in Muskegon County. You can pay the full cash amount. Or, you can use a bail bond company (surety). Michigan law also allows posting 10% of the full amount directly to the court in some cases, or using a surety for one-quarter (1/4) of the full bail amount (MCL 765.6). Check with the court or jail for specifics on 10% options.

• Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant does not pay money. They sign a promise to appear in court. The court may set a money amount, but it is only owed if the defendant fails to show up or breaks release rules.

How to Post Cash Bond

If posting cash for a "Cash Only" or "Cash or Surety" bond:

• Kiosk: Use the inmate account kiosk at the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice entrance (990 Terrace Street). This is open 24/7.

• Online: Use https://www.expressaccount.com. Check if this site can be used for bond payments, as it's listed for inmate account deposits. Fees likely apply.

Important Considerations

An inmate might have bond set in Muskegon County. But they may still not be released. This happens if they have a "hold". A hold is a request from another city, county, or state. It means that place also wants the inmate for charges there. The inmate must clear the hold before release. This might mean posting bond in the other place too. Always ask jail staff if there are any other holds.

State-Level and Other Resources

Other tools exist beyond the county jail system. These help find state prisoners or get victim alerts.

Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) Offender Search

This search is for state prisoners. These are people convicted of felonies. They serve time in state prisons, not the county jail. Muskegon County has state prisons like Earnest C. Brooks and Muskegon Correctional Facility. These are separate from the county jail. Use the MDOC Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS).

• OTIS Website: https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/otis

• What OTIS Shows: Data on current state prisoners, parolees, and probationers under MDOC watch. It also shows those off supervision within the last three years.

• What OTIS Does Not Show: County jail inmates, city lockup inmates, or offenders off supervision for more than three years.

MI-VINE Victim Notification

MI-VINE helps victims of crime. VINE means Victim Information and Notification Everyday. It gives updates on an offender's custody status. This includes release or transfer alerts. The service is free and private.

• Register by Phone: 800-770-7657

• Register Online: https://www.vinelink.com

• You can check status anonymously online or by phone anytime.

Muskegon County Court Records

Court records show case details. This includes charges, court dates, and outcomes. Muskegon County provides online access to public case information.

• Circuit Court (Felonies, Major Civil Cases): https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CaseSearch/Court/C14

• District Court (Misdemeanors, Small Claims): https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CaseSearch/Court/D60

• Probate Court (Wills, Estates, Guardianships): https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CaseSearch/Court/P61

• Circuit Court Records Office:

  • Address: 990 Terrace, 6th Floor, Suite 600, Muskegon, MI 49442

  • Phone: 231-724-6251

  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Closed Holidays.

  • You can visit this office for records or call with questions. Leave a clear message with your name, number, and the case details.