Allen County Jail – Lima, OH

Allen County Jail is located in Allen County, Ohio and is the main correctional facility for the area. Know somebody locked up in Allen County Jail? This page gives you info about anything one might want to know about Allen County Jail,like: Find an inmate at Allen County Jail. How to view Allen County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information and records. And lots more.

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The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is designed to offer info that you need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any feedback or comments that might be beneficial to other people in the same situation will be welcome.

General Information

Address

Allen County Jail
133 W. North Street
Lima, OH 45801

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone Number: 419-227-3535
Fax:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you know someone that is in jail and need to locate them?

Do you know a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find them?

To see who is in jail at Allen County Jail you will have to visit their web site and use the inmate search.

Inmate Lookup

The Allen County Jail Inmate List has information on people who have been arrested, including current status, how much their bail is, and visiting hours. You can get information about anybody who has been arrested or discharged in the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to get the information faster if you enter their first and last name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one is at another county jail you will want to look here, too: List of all jails in Ohio


Mugshots

A mugshot, also called a jail processing picture, is a picture taken by the police when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one frontal photo and a profile photo. Your name and jail booking number will be in the mugshot, and they are stored.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of inmates can be viewed on the website, or you can view them at the Allen County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you need to put in the person’s full name, and the booking date.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot taken off of the Allen County Jail website? This can be tricky, since your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the many different websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Naturally, once you are arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount is determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you are required to agree to be there for your court date, and in the meantime you must not travel out of the county.

In most cases, inmates will earn time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and area a good inmate while incarcerated.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to do work release. You will have to stay the jail each day after work, or you could be allowed to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail

Your bail is the amount of money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will have to pay is determined by how serious your charges are. You or someone you know will have to put up ten percent of the total set so you are able to be released. If you don’t show up for your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail will lose that bail money.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

To find out someone’s bail amount you will have to call the jail. If you’ve got the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can find out how much their bail is online.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is no fun, but usually, it is very simple to do. First, you need to know if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you can’t get a bondsman. Cash only – the jail won’t take checks. When you’ve paid bail, the inmate will be discharged. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get the bail money back.

Bail Bondsman

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. They will generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and usually charge a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman will request to use your assets as collateral.

To talk to a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

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Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

  • Early Release For Good Behavior
  • Get Out on Work Release
  • Time Served
  • Be Released on a Pre-Trial Release Program
  • House Arrest
  • Get Released on Your Own Recognizance


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The intake procedure takes you through these steps:

  • You will be placed in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, it will take a while to get processed.
  • Firstly, you will have to answer some questions, such as what is your full name, your address, birthdate and a contact person.
  • You will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
  • You will be issued an inmate ID number.
  • Your fingerprints will be taken.
  • You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
  • All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get released.
  • They will let you use the telephone in order to get in touch with a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
  • If you are expected to be released shortly, you might get to wear your own clothes, if not you will be given a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell our readers about your experience. How long did you have to wait? How were you treated? Can you share any secrets that could help others make it through jail processing?

Click here to leave a comment

Discharge Procedures

Once bail has been posted, you will be discharged from jail. This process may take from 30 minutes to hours or even all day long. In other words the faster you can post bail, the sooner you can get out of jail. It also might depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if the magistrate has to determine how much your bail will be. For minor charges, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and are given a discharge date, you should expect to get discharged between 9am and noon.

How To Turn Yourself In

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must begin your jail sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail intake center, and tell an officer that you think they might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if they verify that you have one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you aren’t late. Be sure to only bring allowed items when you go, for example your driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a copy of the sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

To have visitors, you need to list each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s names will be put into a log of approved visitors for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each visitor will be required to provide proof of identification. Anyone showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be able to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies frequently change, so it would be wise to review the official Allen County Jail jail site before you go to visitation.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are generally more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Phone calls are restricted on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates must keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s phone privileges might get reduced or cut altogether.

Phone Number: 419-227-3535

Sending Mail to Inmates

All mail has to be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You can’t use any other method of mail delivery. You should write the inmate’s name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a package or box, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail received by the jail is opened and inspected by the jail staff, and will be returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Mailing Address

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Allen County Jail:

Allen County Jail
133 W. North Street
Lima, OH 45801

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Allen County Jail
133 W. North Street
Lima, OH 45801


The mail policy at Allen County Jail is always changing, so we suggest that you double check the official website when send a letter to someone in jail there.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

When you get arrested, you have particular rights, the first of which is the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to have a friend or relative find an attorney for you. You might be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal attorney will make sure you know your rights, look after your best interests and show you the way through the criminal justice system. The quicker you get an attorney working on your criminal case, the better off you’ll be.

For more info on how to find an attorney, read our guide: How to Find a Lawyer in Allen County

Public Defender

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. The Public Defender Office is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social workers. Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys who are members of the Ohio State Bar and are fully licensed to handle your case.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? How did they do?

Court Records

Court records are a matter of public record. They include a file with a docket sheet and all of the documents and motions that have been filed. You are able to access your court records via the internet service, or at the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Clerk of Court

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for all court participants, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records related to your case are held at Clerk of Court.

Fees

Court fees are the charges and fees from your case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you are low income and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

Magistrate

The Allen County court magistrate acts as the judge that rules over your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do a number of different things, such as setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

Pre-Sentencing

Your pre-sentencing report is completed to include the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life, which the judge will review and take into consideration when determining the sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the defendant, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Be sure to remember you can request to have your own copy of the report prior to sentencing, and correct any mistakes that it contains.

Sentencing

After you are convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service to probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you might be given a date to report to jail to serve your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Do you want to find out if some you know is currently in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

To do so, you should go to the Allen County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

  • Name.
  • Date of birth.
  • Their approximate booking date.
  • or jail ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can call the jail get confirmation.

Warrant Inquiry

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants inquiry on the website or you are able to call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and inquire at the information desk. You should know that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Allen County jail, on the phone, in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are public record and this is freely available.

Civil Inquiry

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, such as court orders. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All convicted sex offenders are required to be registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to view these listings on the internet, but remember that you will not be able to get the exact address, but only the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. They include a court case file that includes a court docket and any of the documents and filings filed in your case. You can access the court records on the website, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the county where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each and every state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal past. These online databases are all linked and you can track criminal convictions from another state. You are able to go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a totally different state, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes, which can include:

  • DUI or DWI.
  • Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Rape or other sexual assault.
  • Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
  • Property crimes like theft or larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually will not learn if that person has had any:

  • Tickets for speeding.
  • Drivers license revoked or suspended.
  • Been in a traffic accident.
  • Moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To get driving histories, you must do a search for their driving history.

    Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it a difficult process? Did you search online or did you have to make a phone call to the courthouse? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback might help other people.

    Post A Comment

    Most Wanted

    Everyone knows that the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Allen County, the Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

    FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    While the prospect of being incarcerated in Allen County Jail is no fun, eventually you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. All inmates get a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00AM, and next you’ll have roll call. You will then have breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will be required to work in the program that has been assigned to you. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

    Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Allen County Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

    Dress Code

    When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Allen County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

    How To Send Money to an Inmate

    You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

    The rules for sending money to Allen County Jail inmates might change, so visit the the Allen County Jail website before send funds to someone in jail there.

    Commissary

    The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

    Inmate Medications

    If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

    Meals

    You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

    Pods / The Yard

    The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

    Gangs

    As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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    News and Media

    News

    Photos / Pictures

    Videos


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    Jobs

    Types of Jobs at Allen County Jail

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Allen County Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

    Apply for a Job at Allen County Jail

    Requirements:

    • You have to be over the age of 21.
    • You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
    • You have to be a US Citizen.
    • You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
    • You have to pass a drug test.
    • You have to have a good level of fitness.
    • You have to be in good health.
    • You have to have a valid Driver’s License
    • An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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    Family Resources

    There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

    If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

    Tell Your Story


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    Victim Resources

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

    Victim’s Rights

    The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

    • You have the right to protection from the accused.
    • You have the right to notification.
    • You have the right to attend proceedings.
    • You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
    • You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
    • You have the right to restitution.
    • You have the right to a speedy trial.
    • You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

    The definition of victim includes:

    • Spouses and children of all victims.
    • Parents and guardians of minor victims.
    • Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
    • Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

    There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

    Victim Notification

    The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

    Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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    Sex Offender Information and Search

    All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

    Domestic Violence

    If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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    Reviews

    Reviews of this Jail

    Have you ever been an inmate at Allen County Jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever been to visit someone there?

    If you have, then you should write a review about it. Tell us about your jail experience so that others will know what to expect.

    Things you might want to write in your comment:

    • Conditions in Allen County Jail.
    • Jail and pod facility and layout
    • Guards and jail staff
    • Food and commissary
    • Visitors
    • The other inmates.
    • Prisoner safety
    • Gang activity
    • Prisoner programs and activities


    Write a review about Allen County Jail

    Tell Your Story

    Anyone who’s been in jail has at least one story to tell about it. Why’d you get arrested? Were you fairly treated? What was your daily routine in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. Did going to jail affect your life? How?

    Speak Your Mind

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Trying to find out how to get in touch with an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

    Send a message to people incarcerated at Allen County Jail


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