Navigating the legal system can be a stressful and confusing experience, especially when you need to locate a loved one or understand the rules of a correctional facility. In King County, Washington, the jail system is managed by the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. This system primarily consists of two main facilities: the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle and the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.
This guide provides a straightforward overview of how to find inmate information, schedule visits, post bail, and communicate with those currently in custody. By following these clear steps, you can save time and ensure you are meeting all the necessary requirements set by the county.
How to Use the King County Inmate Lookup
The most common reason people search for jail information is to locate an inmate. King County provides a public tool known as the Subject Look-up Tool or the Jail Inmate Lookup Service (JILS). This online database is the fastest way to confirm if someone is in custody.
To search for an individual, you will generally need their first and last name. If the name is common, having their middle initial or date of birth can help narrow down the results. The system will provide details such as the individual’s booking number, the facility where they are being held, their housing location, and the charges against them.
Understanding Search Results
When you find an individual in the system, pay close attention to the status listed. “In Custody” means the person is currently at the facility. If the status says “Subject to Release,” the individual may be in the process of being out-processed or transferred. The JILS system also lists the bail amount if one has been set by the court.
Keep in mind that the database is updated frequently, but there may be a slight delay between a booking and the information appearing online. If you cannot find someone who was recently arrested, it is best to wait a few hours and try the search again.
Visiting an Inmate in King County
Visitation at King County facilities is a privilege and is subject to strict rules to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and the public. Currently, most visitation is conducted via video, though the specific options can vary depending on the facility and the current health guidelines.
Registering for Video Visitation
Before you can visit an inmate, you must register with the county’s third-party service provider, Securus Technologies. You will need to create an account and provide a valid form of government-issued identification. Once your account is approved, you can schedule visits in advance.
Video visits can often be done from your own home using a computer or mobile device with a camera. There is typically a fee associated with remote video visits. Alternatively, some facilities offer on-site video visitation booths that may be free of charge, though these still require advance scheduling.
Visitation Rules and Conduct
Whether visiting remotely or in person, you must adhere to a professional dress code. Clothing that is overly revealing, contains offensive language, or resembles inmate uniforms is strictly prohibited. Additionally, all visits are monitored and recorded, except for those with legal counsel.
Disruptive behavior or violations of the visitation rules can lead to your session being terminated and your visitation privileges being suspended. It is important to remain respectful and follow all instructions provided by the jail staff or the video interface.
How to Post Bail and Pay Fees
Bail is the amount of money set by a judge that allows a defendant to be released from jail while awaiting their court date. In King County, bail can be paid 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle. The Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent also accepts bail during specific business hours.
Payment Methods
The jail accepts several forms of payment for bail. Cash is accepted, but it must be the exact amount as the jail staff cannot provide change. You can also pay using a cashier’s check made out to the King County Superior Court or the relevant District Court. Personal checks are not accepted.
If you cannot afford the full bail amount, you may contact a private bail bond company. These companies typically charge a non-refundable fee (usually 10% of the bail amount) and provide a guarantee to the court that the defendant will appear for their hearings.
Inmate Trust Accounts
Inmates have access to trust accounts which they use to purchase items from the commissary, such as snacks, hygiene products, and stationery. You can deposit money into an inmate’s account through kiosks located in the jail lobbies, online through the county’s authorized vendor, or by phone. You will need the inmate’s full name and their booking number to ensure the funds reach the correct person.
Communication Methods: Phone and Mail
Staying in touch with family and friends is vital for an inmate’s well-being. King County jails offer two primary ways to communicate: phone calls and traditional mail. Note that inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls; they must place outgoing calls to you.
Setting Up Phone Accounts
Inmate phone calls are typically collect calls or paid for through a pre-paid account. You can set up a pre-paid account through Securus Technologies. This allows the inmate to call your number directly, and the cost is deducted from your balance. Be aware that all calls are recorded and may be monitored.
Sending Mail to the Jail
When sending mail, you must follow specific formatting rules to ensure it reaches the inmate. Use a plain white envelope and write the inmate’s full name, booking number, and the facility address clearly on the front. You must also include a return address.
- Prohibited Items: Do not include stickers, glitter, perfume, or any foreign substances in the envelope.
- Photographs: You may usually send a limited number of photos, but they must not contain nudity or depict illegal acts.
- Legal Mail: Correspondence from attorneys is handled differently and should be clearly marked as “Legal Mail” to ensure privacy.
All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband before it is delivered to the inmate. If a piece of mail violates the rules, it will be returned to the sender or disposed of.
Facility Locations and Contact Information
It is important to know which facility your loved one is housed in, as the rules and mailing addresses differ slightly. There are two primary locations for adult detention in King County.
King County Correctional Facility (KCCF)
Located in downtown Seattle, this is the primary intake center for the county. Most individuals arrested in the Seattle area are brought here first for processing and booking. It is located at 500 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104.
Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC)
Located in Kent, this facility serves the southern part of King County. It houses both men and women and is part of a larger complex that includes the South Precinct of the Superior Court. The address is 620 W James St, Kent, WA 98032.
Summary of Best Practices
Dealing with the jail system requires patience and attention to detail. To make the process as smooth as possible, always keep the inmate’s booking number handy, as it is required for almost every transaction, from sending mail to depositing money. Check the official county website regularly for updates, as policies regarding visitation and bail can change without much notice.
By following the guidelines for communication and visitation, you help ensure that your loved one stays connected to their support system while their legal matters are being resolved. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on navigating local government services and understanding legal procedures for more practical advice.