What You Need to Know About the Livingston County Jail

If you or a loved one are facing the possibility of incarceration at Livingston County Jail, having a clear understanding of what to expect can help manage this challenging experience.

Understanding Livingston County Jail: A Comprehensive Guide

Located at 150 S Highlander Way, Howell, MI, the Livingston County Jail houses individuals awaiting trial on felony and misdemeanor charges or serving sentences for various offenses. The jail houses inmates serving sentences of one year or less for non-severe felonies and misdemeanor crimes.

What to Expect at Livingston County Jail

Incarceration at Livingston County Jail involves a structured daily routine, including roll calls, meal times, and lights-out periods. The jail provides basic amenities and enforces strict rules to maintain order and security. Inmates have access to basic medical care, mental health support, and educational programs aimed at rehabilitation and preparing them for reintegration into the community. Despite having programs and resources for mental and physical health needs, the jail often fails to give inmates access to needed medical attention. If you discover that a friend or loved one is not getting needed medical attention, you should consult an attorney who can contact the jail and demand appropriate medical treatment. If unsuccessful, the attorney can go to court to force the jail to provide needed medical care.

Preparing for Incarceration

Preparing to go to jail can be emotionally and logistically challenging. It’s crucial to arrange your affairs before incarceration, such as securing your property, managing financial obligations, and making childcare arrangements if necessary. Getting a physical medical check-up and addressing any health issues is advisable. Also, familiarize yourself with the jail’s rules regarding what items are allowed and prohibited. Here is some helpful information:

Visitation Policies: Livingston County Jail allows inmates to have visitors. Visitors must schedule visits in advance through the ICSolutions (ICS) website or kiosk in the jail lobby. All on- or off-site visitation is by video. The cost of a remote visit is $5.00. For more information, call ICS at (888) 506-8407. ICSolutions allows you to set up one of two account types that enable you to purchase prepaid minutes to receive calls from an incarcerated person. Visitors must provide valid photo identification, be on the inmate’s approved visitor list, and adhere to a strict dress code. Visiting hours are limited to specific days and times, typically on weekends and holidays.
- On-site visitation – Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
- Off-site visitation – Monday – Sunday – 8:00 a.m. 9:30 p.m.
- Excluding mealtimes and counts. Actual available inmate visitation times are dependent on where the inmate is housed.

Attorney Visitation: Inmates have a constitutional right to visit with their lawyers. Criminal defense attorneys have an ethical and constitutional obligation to communicate with their clients. Inmates can privately meet with their attorneys via Zoom (limited to 30 minutes) or in-person visitation (unlimited).

Healthcare Services: The jail provides basic medical and dental care to inmates through contracted healthcare providers. Inmates can request medical attention by submitting a sick call request. According to the jail, deputies will address emergencies promptly. Medical staff reviews prescription medications brought in at intake and refills permitted medicines as needed.

Commissary and Personal Accounts: Inmates at Livingston County Jail can purchase items from the commissary using funds deposited into their accounts through Access Corrections (866) 345-1884 or www.accesscorrections.com. You can also deposit funds via a kiosk in the jail’s lobby. Commissary orders are placed weekly, and items available for purchase include toiletries, snacks, and writing materials. Access Corrections charges a fee on all deposited funds. Family and friends can also send gift packages to inmates through the jail commissary vendor by going to www.michigancountypackages.com or calling (800) 546-6283.

Legal Rights: Inmates have the right to access legal resources, including legal materials and assistance with preparing legal documents. Legal mail is subject to inspection, but inmates are entitled to confidential communication with their attorneys. Grievance forms are available for inmates to file complaints or report violations of their rights.

Disciplinary Procedures: Livingston County Jail has established disciplinary procedures to maintain order and discipline within the facility. Inmates who violate rules or engage in misconduct may face disciplinary action, including loss of privileges, segregation, or additional charges. Jail administrators conduct disciplinary hearings to determine guilt and administer appropriate sanctions.

Mental Health Resources: The jail provides mental health services through contracted professionals. Inmates can request mental health evaluations and receive counseling or therapy as needed. In cases of mental health crises, inmates may be placed on suicide watch or transferred to a mental health facility for further evaluation and treatment.

Educational and Vocational Programs: Livingston County Jail offers educational and vocational programs to inmates, including GED preparation, literacy courses, and job training programs. Participation in these programs is voluntary. Completing rehabilitative programs can help inmates acquire new skills, increase their chances of successful reintegration into society upon release, and improve their image with the judge presiding over their case.

Securing Release on Bond or Bail

Being granted bail or bond is critical for many individuals to manage their defense from outside the jail. The bail amount and conditions are typically set during an arraignment (a court hearing shortly after the arrest). Release on bail is vital for those who can post a bond or obtain a personal bond. Statistics unequivocally demonstrate that defendants released on bond have far better odds of achieving a more lenient plea bargain, getting acquitted at trial, and avoiding a sentence requiring incarceration.

Specific Visitation Rules at the Livingston County Jail

Even by video, jail visitors must adhere to strict guidelines or lose visitation privileges. Examples of the rules at LCJ are as follows:

All visits are subject to monitoring and recording.
Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
Visits are limited to 20 minutes.
Inmates are allowed four (4) video visits per week but only one weekly on-site visit.
Visitors arriving more than five minutes after the scheduled start time will have their visit canceled.
All adult visitors (17 or older) must be registered and scheduled.
All visitors must possess a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, State ID card, passport, or Military-issued ID.
Appropriate dress is required at all times.
Visitors and inmates must remain seated at all times during the visitation session.
Visitors who fail to follow the rules will be placed on permanent visiting restrictions.
Staff can deny, change, or cancel a visit at any time.
Cell phones are prohibited, and using a cell phone for any reason during a visit will result in cancellation of the visit.

The Role of Skilled Defense Lawyers

Navigating the complexities of the legal system, particularly when facing potential jail time, can be overwhelming. Hiring an experienced and skilled defense lawyer, such as the Livingston County criminal defense lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., is crucial. A qualified attorney can significantly influence the outcome of your case, from arguing for reduced bail to potentially avoiding a jail sentence altogether. Top defense lawyers work not only to protect your legal rights but also to provide a strategic defense that addresses the immediate and long-term impacts of criminal charges. Call us for a free consultation today. We will find a way to help you!

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.