Search Benzie County, MI Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Benzie County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Benzie County, MI
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Benzie County
- Visitation Rules at Benzie County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Benzie County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Benzie County
- Benzie Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Benzie County?
- Benzie County Facility Directory
- Benzie Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Benzie County, Michigan, you can begin your search online by visiting the Benzie County Sheriff's Office website, as they often provide up-to-date information about current inmates or links to related resources. If the online database is not available or you need more detailed information, you can directly contact or visit the Benzie County Jail, which is managed by the Sheriff's Office, located at 505 South Michigan Avenue, Beulah, MI 49617. For broader searches, the Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) also allows you to find individuals incarcerated in state facilities, though not necessarily in county jails. Additionally, you may call the Sheriff's Office at (231) 882-4484 to inquire about specific inmate records, or request information in person during business hours. For historical or court-related inmate records, you can visit the Benzie County Clerk’s Office at the county courthouse. Always bring valid identification and be prepared to comply with any applicable Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) procedures for record requests.
How to Find an Inmate in Benzie County, MI
Inmate records for Benzie County are accessible online, but the appropriate search tool depends on whether the individual is being held in the county jail, a Michigan state prison, or is in federal custody. Use the table below to select the correct search resource for your needs.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benzie Jail / Sheriff’s Office | Current inmates in Benzie County Jail | Call (231) 882-4484 or visit 505 S Michigan Ave, Beulah, MI 49617 | No online roster; call the jail or visit in person. For emergencies or arrest info, contact the Benzie County Sheriff's Office directly. |
| Michigan DOC Inmate Locator | Michigan state prisoners (not county jail) | Online: https://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2.html | Covers all state prisons; requires name or MDOC number. Benzie County inmates typically appear here only if sentenced to state prison. |
| VINE Inmate Search | County and state inmate custody status/notifications | Online: https://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/23000 | Provides custody status and notifications for Michigan inmates. Registration required for alerts. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates (current/former) | Online: https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ | Michigan has no federal prisons. Most federal inmates from Michigan are held at Milan FCI or facilities in neighboring states. |
| In-Person Records Request | Official inmate and arrest records | Visit: Benzie County Sheriff’s Office, 505 S Michigan Ave, Beulah, MI 49617 | For certified records or detailed inmate files, submit a request during office hours. Contact: (231) 882-4484. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Benzie County
After an arrest in Benzie County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, and given a medical screening before being assigned housing. The entire booking process typically takes between 4 and 8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | OWI, driving with suspended license | Most Common | 12–48 hours or until bond is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of marijuana, controlled substances | Common | 1–3 days or until bond is posted |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, domestic battery | Common | 1–3 days or until court appearance |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, vandalism | Occasional | 1–3 days or until bond is posted |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates | Common | Until next court date or bond is satisfied |
| Outstanding Warrants | Bench warrants, probation violations | Common | Until bond is posted or matter is resolved |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, serious drug offenses | Occasional | Hold pending transfer; sentenced felony offenders are sent to a state facility |
Visitation Rules at Benzie County Jail
Before visiting Benzie County Jail, always verify the most current visitation rules with the facility and ensure you are on the inmate's approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00am–11:00am | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 6:00pm–8:00pm | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 1:00pm–3:00pm | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 6:00pm–8:00pm | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | No Visitation | N/A | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:00pm–3:00pm | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | No Visitation | N/A | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest clothing; no revealing attire or offensive graphics. |
| Prohibited Items | No phones, bags, weapons, food, or drinks in the visitation area. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be on inmate’s approved visitor list; submit application. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Permitted outside regular hours; schedule with jail staff. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Benzie County Jail
Inmates at Benzie County Jail can be contacted via phone calls, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all forms of communication subject to monitoring and review. Please use the official mailing address format below when sending correspondence:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Benzie County Jail
505 Michigan Ave, Beulah, MI 49617
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates can make outgoing phone calls through [Provider]. | Create an account with [Provider]. | Calls are monitored; inmates cannot receive calls. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters to inmates at the jail using the format above. | No setup needed. | No contraband allowed; mail is inspected and logged. |
| Digital Messaging | Send and receive messages through [Provider]'s online system. | Register and fund an account online. | Messages are reviewed and subject to approval. |
| Video Calls | Schedule and conduct video visits via [Provider]. | Set up an account with [Provider]. | Visits may be recorded and must comply with guidelines. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Benzie County
The Michigan Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, facilitating their supervised release. Individuals returning to Benzie County can access a range of state and community-based reentry support programs that address housing, employment, supervision, and victim notification needs.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan Board of Parole | Decides parole eligibility and conditions for state prisoners in Michigan. | State-sentenced prisoners | MDOC Parole Board 517-373-0270 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | MDOC administers sentence credit programs such as disciplinary credits; Michigan does not currently have a "Good Time" law for most inmates. | Eligible state prisoners | MDOC Offender Info 517-335-1426 |
| Parole Supervision | Supervised release and monitoring of parolees in the community; Benzie County is served by the Cadillac Parole Office. | Parolees residing in Benzie County | Cadillac Parole Office 8055 E. 34 Road, Suite A, Cadillac, MI 49601 231-775-4618 |
| Reentry Housing | Assistance in locating transitional and stable housing through MDOC and partner agencies. | Returning citizens released from prison | MDOC Reentry |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness, training, and placement services via Michigan Works! and MDOC partners. | Parolees and returning citizens | Northwest Michigan Works! 231-922-3700 |
| Benefits Restoration | Assists in restoring Medicaid, Social Security, and other benefits post-release. | Recently released individuals | MDHHS Benzie Office 231-882-1330 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated system providing victims with custody status and release notifications. | Crime victims and concerned community members | MI-VINE 866-277-7477 |
Benzie Incarceration Statistics
Benzie County, Michigan, is a small rural community with lower-than-average crime rates compared to statewide figures; however, fluctuations are noted in certain offense categories. The county does not operate its own jail—individuals arrested in Benzie County are typically held at the regional Benzie County Jail (part of the regional correctional system) or transported to nearby facilities as needed.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 22 (statewide) | 494.7 (statewide) | 15% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| — Assault | 15 (statewide) | 337.5 (statewide) | 10% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 4 (statewide) | 80.0 (statewide) | 2% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 1 (statewide) | 9.1 (statewide) | 0.5% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 76 (statewide) | 1,710.5 (statewide) | 55% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 50 (statewide) | 1,125.0 (statewide) | 33% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 18 (statewide) | 405.0 (statewide) | 13% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 8 (statewide) | 180.0 (statewide) | 6% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Drug Offenses | 14 (statewide) | 325.0 (statewide) | 10% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 10 (statewide) | 240.0 (statewide) | 7% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 8 (statewide) | 180.0 (statewide) | 6% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 82% Male, 18% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 11%, 25-34: 26%, 35-44: 28%, 45+: 35% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 57%, Black: 38%, Other: 5% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Assault, Drug Offenses, Burglary | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 2.6 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 28% | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Benzie County?
Benzie County typically detains approximately 48 individuals in local custody at any given time. Offenders sentenced to longer terms are generally transferred to a Michigan Department of Corrections facility outside the county.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 28 | 58% | $85 | 80% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 8 | 17% | $85 | 90% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 7 | 15% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 2 | 4% | $90 | 75% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 0 | 0% | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 48 | 100% | — | — |
Benzie County Facility Directory
Benzie County has one correctional facility: a county jail. There are no separate youth facilities, work release centers, or specialty jails within the county.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benzie County Jail | County Jail | 505 South Michigan Ave, Beulah, MI 49617 | 40 | 25 | Medium |
Benzie County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-Entry Programs
- Legal Rights & Legal Aid
- Family & Community Support