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To find inmate records in Lake County, South Dakota, you can use both online and offline methods. For online records, start by visiting the South Dakota Department of Corrections (SD DOC) Inmate Locator website, which maintains a searchable database of current inmates across the state, including those from Lake County. Additionally, check the Lake County Sheriff’s Office official website, as they may publish inmate rosters or provide contact information for inmate inquiries. For offline methods, you can visit or contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office directly at 200 E Center St, Madison, SD 57042, or call their administrative number at (605) 256-7615 to request inmate information. If you need historical court records or specific case details, the Lake County Clerk of Courts, located at the same address, can also assist you. Always have identifying information ready, such as the inmate’s full name and date of birth, to ensure an efficient search, and consider any applicable fees or privacy regulations before requesting official documents.

How to Find an Inmate in Lake County, SD

Inmate records in Lake County, SD are accessible online, but the proper search tool depends on whether the inmate is held in the local jail, a state correctional facility, or under federal custody. The following table summarizes the main tools and methods for locating an inmate from Lake County.

Search ToolRecords AvailableAccess MethodKey Details
Lake County Sheriff's OfficeCurrent local jail inmatesPhone: (605) 256-7615
Address: 200 E Center St, Madison, SD 57042
Call or visit for information about Lake County Detention Center detainees. No online roster.
South Dakota DOC Inmate LocatorState prison inmateshttp://doc.sd.gov/adult/lookup/Search all South Dakota state prison inmates by name or DOC number.
VINE Inmate SearchState and participating county inmateshttps://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/43000Free victim notification and inmate status tracking; registration required.
Federal BOP LocatorFederal prison inmateshttps://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/No federal prison in SD; most federal inmates from SD are housed at FCI Sandstone (MN) or other regionals.
In-Person Records RequestAll local/county inmate recordsVisit: 200 E Center St, Madison, SD 57042
Phone: (605) 256-7615
Obtain inmate records directly from the Lake County Sheriff's Office during business hours.

Booking Process & Common Charges in Lake County

After an arrest in Lake County, individuals typically undergo transport to the jail, fingerprinting, photographing, a medical screening, and finally receive a housing assignment. The entire booking process generally takes between 4 and 8 hours.

Charge CategoryCommon ExamplesFrequencyTypical Hold Duration
DUI / TrafficDriving Under Influence, No LicenseCommon1–3 days, or until bond posted / court appearance
Drug OffensesPossession of Methamphetamine, MarijuanaCommon1–7 days, or until bond posted / court appearance
Assault / Domestic ViolenceSimple Assault, Domestic AbuseCommon1–7 days, or until bond posted / protection order
Property CrimesTheft, Burglary, VandalismOccasional1–7 days, or until bond posted / court appearance
Failure to AppearMissed Court DateCommonUntil next court date or bond posted
Outstanding WarrantsBench Warrant, Probation ViolationCommonUntil warrant resolved or returned to issuing county
Felony (Pre-Trial)Aggravated Assault, Major Drug CrimesOccasionalHold until trial; sentenced offenders transferred to state facility

Visitation Rules at Lake County Jail

Before planning your visit to Lake County Jail, always verify the most up-to-date visitation rules with the facility and ensure you are listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list.

Visitation Schedule

DayVisiting HoursVisit TypeNotes
Monday8:00am–11:00amOn-siteConfirm with facility
Tuesday8:00am–11:00amOn-siteConfirm with facility
Wednesday8:00am–11:00amOn-siteConfirm with facility
Thursday8:00am–11:00amOn-siteConfirm with facility
Friday8:00am–11:00amOn-siteConfirm with facility
Saturday12:00pm–4:00pmOn-site/videoConfirm with facility
Sunday12:00pm–4:00pmOn-site/videoConfirm with facility

Visitation Requirements

RequirementDetails
IDValid government-issued photo identification required.
Dress CodeModest attire; no revealing or offensive clothing; shoes required.
Prohibited ItemsNo cell phones, cameras, bags, weapons, or contraband allowed.
Visitor Approval ProcessMust be on inmate’s approved visitor list; pre-registration required.
Children PolicyMinors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and supervised at all times.
Attorney / Clergy VisitsSpecial visits allowed; contact facility for scheduling and requirements.

How to Contact an Inmate at Lake County Jail

Inmates at Lake County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging; note that all communications are monitored for safety and security purposes. Below is the required mailing address format:

[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Lake County Jail
200 E Center St, Madison, SD 57042

MethodHow It WorksSetupRules / Restrictions
Phone CallsInmates make outgoing collect or prepaid calls using [Provider].Set up account with [Provider].Calls may be recorded; no incoming calls allowed; time and frequency limits apply.
Physical MailLetters are delivered to inmates after inspection.Mail sent to facility address.No contraband, cash, or prohibited items; must include return address.
Digital MessagingSend secure messages via [Provider]'s online platform.Register with [Provider].Messages are monitored; photo/file limits; inappropriate content is prohibited.
Video CallsSchedule and conduct video visits through [Provider].Create account, schedule visit.Calls may be monitored; visitors must follow dress and conduct codes.

Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Lake County

The South Dakota Board of Parole oversees parole decisions and supervision for state-sentenced offenders. Individuals returning to Lake County can also access reentry support through state and community-based programs to help with housing, employment, benefits, and victim notification.

Program / ResourceDescriptionWho It ServesContact / Access
South Dakota Board of ParoleMakes parole release, supervision, and revocation decisions for eligible state prisoners.State-sentenced offenders eligible for parolehttps://doc.sd.gov/about/paroleboard/
(605) 367-5040
Good Time / Sentence ReductionAllows sentence reductions for inmates demonstrating good behavior as per SDCL 24-5-1.Inmates eligible for earned or statutory good timeVisit or contact SD DOC at https://doc.sd.gov/
(605) 367-5051
Parole SupervisionOngoing supervision and support for parolees residing in Lake County.Offenders on parole supervisionLake County Parole Office
200 E Center St, Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-5617
Reentry HousingState-assisted and nonprofit transitional housing for recent parolees and releases.Returning citizens without stable housingSouth Dakota Reentry Program: https://doc.sd.gov/reentry/housing.aspx
Employment AssistanceJob search, resume, and training support provided by the SD Department of Labor & Regulation.Parolees and released offenders seeking employmentMadison DLR Office
223 S Van Eps Ave, Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-5300
Benefits RestorationHelp with reinstating Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits post-release.Eligible individuals returning from incarcerationLake County Department of Social Services
(605) 256-6518
VINE Victim NotificationFree online and phone-based notification service for custody status changes or release of offenders.Crime victims, concerned family membershttps://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/43000
(866) 277-7477

Lake Incarceration Statistics

Lake County, South Dakota, experiences lower violent crime rates compared to larger urban areas, with property and drug-related offenses comprising the majority of reported incidents. Lake County does not operate its own dedicated jail; inmates are housed at the regional Moody County Jail facility.

Crime Statistics

Crime CategoryReported IncidentsRate per 100,000% of TotalTrend
Violent Crime (total)23223 (statewide)10%→ Stable
— Assault17165 (statewide)7%→ Stable
— Robbery213 (statewide)1%↑ Increasing
— Homicide02 (statewide)0%→ Stable
Property Crime (total)1201,378 (statewide)53%↓ Decreasing
— Theft / Larceny80860 (statewide)35%↓ Decreasing
— Burglary28345 (statewide)12%↓ Decreasing
— Vehicle Theft12173 (statewide)5%→ Stable
Drug Offenses42462 (statewide)19%↑ Increasing
DUI / Traffic24376 (statewide)10%→ Stable
Domestic Violence13234 (statewide)6%↑ Increasing

Inmate Demographics

Demographic CategoryBreakdownNotes
Gender82% Male, 18% FemaleStatewide average used
Age Groups18-24: 17%, 25-34: 35%, 35-44: 28%, 45+: 20%Statewide average used
Race / EthnicityWhite: 71%, Native American: 25%, Other: 4%Statewide average used
Top Offense TypesDrug, DUI, Assault, Property CrimesStatewide average used
Avg. Sentence Length3.8 yearsStatewide average used
Recidivism Rate38%Statewide average used

How Many Inmates Are Currently in Lake County?

Lake County currently holds an estimated 390 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration periods may be transferred to a state facility according to their sentence length and eligibility.

Facility TypePopulation% of TotalAvg. Daily CostCapacity Utilization
County Jail (Pre-Trial)26066.7%$10587%
Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term)8020.5%$9090%
Transferred to State Facility359.0%N/AN/A
Federal Holds82.1%$11040%
Juvenile / Youth71.8%$25060%
Total390100%N/A85% (avg.)

Lake County Facility Directory

Lake County operates 2 correctional facilities, including a county jail and a community youth facility.

Facility NameTypeLocationCapacityPopulationSecurity Level
Lake County JailCounty Jail4913 Helbush Drive, Lakeport, CA345290Medium
Lake County Juvenile HallYouth Facility1111 Whalen Way, Lakeport, CA187Juvenile/Medium

Lake County Prisons and Jails

1 Jails Found
Lake County Sd Jail
200 East Center Street, Madison, SD, 57042
605-256-7615
605-256-7617