Hancock County Jail – Findlay, OH

Hancock County Jail is in Hancock County, OH and is the primary jail for the area. Do you know someone at Hancock County Jail? This guide gives you about everything related to Hancock County Jailsuch as the following: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Booking and intake procedures. Court information. And more…

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The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary thought, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to give you information and advice you need to make getting locked up less stressful. If you have questions, feel free to ask it, and any feedback or comments that would help others will be appreciated.

General Information

Address

Hancock County Jail
200 West Crawford Street
Findlay, OH 45840

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone: 419-424-7097
Fax:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that has gone to jail and need to find out where they are?

Has a friend or family member who has been arrested and you need to locate them?

In order to search who is in jail at Hancock County Jail you will have to navigate to their link and perform an inmate lookup.

Inmate Lookup

The Hancock County Jail Inmate Locator has information on persons who are in jail, which includes current status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting schedule. Also, you can get the same information for anyone arrested and booked or discharged in the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You can get their arrest information quicker if you enter their full name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be in another jail you can check our guide to other Ohio jails: Ohio County Jails Directory


Mugshots

A mugshot, also called a jail processing picture, is a photo taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. They will take one and a side photo. Your full name and intake number will appear on the photos, and they’re kept on file at the jail.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be seen on the website, or you can go in person to the Hancock County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you have to enter the person’s legal name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken down from the Hancock County Jail website? This can be tricky, as your mugshot is a public record. You must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that your arrest record would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the many different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Once you’re incarcerated, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through booking, a bail amount will be decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If no bail is set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you are required to promise to show up for court, and you won’t be permitted to leave town.

Usually, inmates can earn time off in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and act right while they are in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will either have to return to the jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you might be allowed to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail

Bail is money that you have to pay to the court system to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you have to pay all depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. You will need to put up 10 percent of the total amount set in order for you to get out of jail. If you don’t show up for court, that person won’t get the bail money back.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

To find out someone’s bail amount you will need to call the jail. If know the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they will let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can check their bail amount and status online.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Posting bail to get out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but thankfully, its easy if you have the money. To start with, you need to find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you can’t use a bail bondsman. Cash only – the jail won’t take a personal check. When you’ve paid bail, the prisoner will be released to your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get the bail money back.

Bail Bondsman

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should try a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and sometimes charge a minimum fee of $100. This is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will usually request to use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

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

Have you ever hired 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 things turned out.

Tell Your Story

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

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


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The intake process is made up of each of the following steps:

  • They’ll put you in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
  • First, will have to answer a bunch of questions, such as your full legal name, your address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
  • They’ll also ask about your medical and mental history.
  • You will be given an inmate ID.
  • You will be fingerprinted.
  • You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
  • Any personal property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
  • You will get to use the phone so you can contact a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
  • If you think you will get released quickly, they will let you wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please tell us what happened. How long did it take to get processed? How were you treated? Can you share any things that could help other people to get through jail processing?

Click here to tell about all about it

Discharge Procedures

When you pay your bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. This process takes anywhere from 30 minutes to all day long. In simple terms, the quicker you post bail, the faster you will get out of jail. Also, how fast you get released depends on whether you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a magistrate must determine the bail amount. For minor offenses, you will simply be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and know the discharge date, expect to get discharged in the morning.

How To Turn Yourself In

If the sheriff has a, or if you have to begin your sentence in jail, you really should follow the rules and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell an officer that believe that there could be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they find one, you will be taken into jail custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring required items when you go, like a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the sentencing order from court.

Visitation Procedures

Inmates must provide the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. This information will go into the visitation log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Hancock County Jail frequently change, so it would be wise to check the official site before you try to 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 . Calls made in jail are usually pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s phone privileges might get cut back or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: 419-424-7097

Sending Mail to Inmates

Any mail that you send to an inmate has to be sent using US Postal Service. You must not use any other method of mail delivery. Clearly write or type the prisoner’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the letter. Do not send anything in a package or box, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail sent to inmates is opened and inspected by staff, and will get returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Mailing Address

The mailing address for Hancock County Jail is:

Hancock County Jail
200 West Crawford Street
Findlay, OH 45840

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Hancock County Jail
200 West Crawford Street
Findlay, OH 45840


The inmate mail policy at Hancock County Jail can change, so check the official website when you send a letter.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

Even if you’ve been arrested, you have particular rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure to have a friend or family member find a lawyer when you talk to them. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and guide you through the legal system in your county. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more info on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, read: How to Find an Attorney in Hancock County

Public Defender

If you cannot afford an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. In addition, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys who are admitted to the Ohio State Bar Association and are licensed to practice law in Ohio.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

Court Records

Court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records have a file containing a docket sheet and each of the documents in your case. You can access court records with the internet service, or by going to the Hancock County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Clerk of Court

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages court records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and read the jury’s verdict. All records relating to your case are available at Clerk of Court’s office.

Fees

Court costs and court fees are all costs associated with your case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

Magistrate

A Magistrate is the person that will preside over your case. They do a number of different things, such as determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

Pre-Sentencing

A pre-sentencing report is put together with information about the arrestee’s background and information about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into account when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the defendant, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Bear in mind that you can request to get your own copy of the report before you are sentenced, and make sure that you correct any inaccurate information.

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, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you will either be locked up immediately, or given a date that you are supposed to turn yourself into jail to do your time.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

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

You can you need to query the jail’s website, and do a search using:

  • Their name.
  • Birthdate.
  • Their approximate booking date.
  • or inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you should call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

Warrant Inquiry

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the Hancock County court website or you are able to call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should be clear that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you know a person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are public record and this is available to anyone.

Civil Inquiry

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by contacting the Hancock County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All convicted sex offenders are registered and listed on either a national or state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to see these listings online, but you should know that you can’t find the street address, rather the address block they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. They include a court case file that contains a docket and any documents and filings filed in your court case. You are able to access your court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the Hancock County Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each and every state maintains a record of people’s criminal background. These state databases are all connected and you can track criminal histories from any other state. You are able to go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if the crime was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay for a more intensive search.

A criminal history search you can find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for the following crimes:

  • DUI.
  • Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
  • Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
  • Theft.

During a criminal records search, usually will not discover if that person had:

  • Speeding or reckless driving.
  • Drivers license suspended or revoked.
  • Been in a traffic accident.
  • Moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To search for driving records, you must do a search for their driving record.

    Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that people look up criminal records, and your story could help other people that are in the same situation.

    Click here to post a comment

    Most Wanted

    Everyone knows that the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Hancock County, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

    FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    While the prospect of spending time in the Hancock County jail is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. You will get an alarm for wake-up every morning at 6:00AM, and then roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will have to work in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. 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 Hancock 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 Hancock 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 funds to Hancock County Jail inmates changes, so you should visit the site 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 Hancock County Jail

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Hancock 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 Hancock 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.

    Click here to share 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:

    • Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
    • Victims have the right to notification.
    • Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
    • Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
    • Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
    • Victims have the right to restitution.
    • Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
    • Victims 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.

    Click here to tell about all about it

    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 spent any time in this jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit someone at this jail?

    If you have, then we would like you to write your review about it. Write down your jail experience because other people can find out what to expect.

    Things you might want to write in what you write:

    • Conditions at the jail.
    • Jail and pod layout and facility
    • Guards and staff
    • Jail food and commissary
    • Having Visitors
    • The other inmates.
    • Safety
    • Jail gangs
    • Programs and activities


    Speak Your Mind

    Tell Your Story

    Everyone’s who has been put in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you get arrested? Were you mistreated? How was day to day life at Hancock County Jail? Were the other inmates cool? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

    Click here to tell about all about it

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Trying to say wassup to a friend from jail? Write your message below.

    Send a message to people still locked up at Hancock County Jail


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