Hardin County Jail – Kountze, TX

Hardin County Jail is in Hardin County, Texas and is the primary jail for that area. Looking for someone locked up in Hardin County Jail? This page will tell you info about everything you might need to know about Hardin County Jail: How to do a jail inmate search. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Hardin County Jail intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

The prospect of going to jail is a daunting and scary thought, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The goal of this guide is to offer info that you need to make the process a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask them, and please leave any comments or tips that would be a benefit to other people in the same situation would be appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that has gone to jail and need to locate them?

Do you know someone that has been arrested and you want to locate them?

In order to find out who is in jail at Hardin County Jail you have to navigate to their link and do an inmate search.

The Hardin County Jail Inmate Roster is a list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, including status, how much their bail is, and visiting schedule. You can also get information about anyone arrested and booked or discharged in the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to find the information more quickly if you enter your friend or family member’s name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be in another jail you should look here, too: Texas Jails

A mugshot, or jail booking picture, is a photograph that the jail takes during jail intake processing. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and one profile photo. Your full name and jail booking number will appear on the pictures, and they will be stored at the jail.

Mugshots of inmates are online, or you can go in person to the Hardin County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to put in the person’s full name, and an arrest date.

Need to know how to get your mugshot removed from the Hardin County Jail website? This can be tricky, because your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be accessible. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the various websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

Return To Main Menu

Of course, once you’re arrested and put in jail, your main thought is when and how to get out. After booking, bail will be set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If there is no bail set this can mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released from jail you are required to agree to go to your court date, and you won’t be permitted to leave the county.

In most cases, inmates are given early release in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be allowed to do work release. You will either have to return to jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you may get to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system to get out of jail pending trial. Your bail amount depends on how serious your charges are. Someone you know will need to post 10 percent of the total that was set in order for you to bail out of jail. If you miss your scheduled court date, whoever put up your bail money will lose that bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know what their bail is set at. You can also see the bail amount online.

Having to get someone out of jail is never fun, but fortunately, it is simple to do if you have the money. To start with, you have to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If this is the case, you will not be able to get a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail will not accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the prisoner will be released into your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and sometimes with a minimum fee of $100. This will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman will in most cases ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral.

If you need a bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a bail bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to post a comment

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

Return To Main Menu

The intake procedure takes you through the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you must answer a number of questions, such as what your legal name is, street address, date of birth and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you are released.
• You will be allowed to use the telephone so you can get in touch with family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might get to keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please tell us how it happened. How long did it take? How did the guards treat you? Do you have any tips that might help others to get through the process?

Click here to tell about all about it

Once you are able to post bail, you will get released from jail. This process may take anywhere from 30 minutes to many hours. In simple terms, the faster bail is posted, the faster you will get let go. It also might depend on whether you have a cash bond or if the judge must decide on how much to set your bail at. For minor charges, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and have a date of your release, plan to get discharged that morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you need to start your sentence, you should follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail intake center, and tell them that think that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they verify that you have one, they will take you into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Make sure that you are not late. Just bring required items when you turn yourself in, for example a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a sentencing order from court.

Inmates need to provide each visitor’s full name to the jail. Your visitor’s names will be entered in a log of visitors as an Authorized visit. Each and every visitor will have to provide identification. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be able to attend visitation.
The Hardin County Jail visitation procedures can change, so we suggest that you check the official site before you go to the jail to visit.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are much more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but you should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s phone privileges might get cut back or forbidden.

The Hardin County Jail phone number is: (409) 246-3441

All mall sent to inmates is required to be sent via the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of delivery. You should write the prisoner’s name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send anything in a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail will be opened and read by the jail officers, and the mail will get returned if deemed inappropriate.

The mailing address for Hardin County Jail is:

Hardin County Jail
P.O.Box 1990
Kountze, TX 77625

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Hardin County Jail
P.O.Box 1990
Kountze, TX 77625

The Hardin County Jail mail policy changes, so be sure to visit the site when you send a letter to an inmate.

Return To Main Menu

If you have been arrested, you have particular rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so you would be wise to ask a friend or family member to find an attorney for you. I know you’re probably asking yourself right now ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense attorney will advise you about your rights, protect your interests and show you the way through the complicated court system in your county. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better off you’ll be.

For more information on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, read: How to Find an Attorney

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as investigators, forensics experts as well as social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers that are members of the Texas State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law in Texas.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? What was your experience?

Court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records contain a case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents and motions in the case. You are able to access your court case records via the internet service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that manages court records. They also administer the oath during court cases, and read the jury’s verdict. All records and documents associated with your court case are kept at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees and costs are the fees and charges from your court case, such as for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The Hardin County magistrate is the judge that will preside over your court case. Magistrate judges do a number of things, such as deciding a bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over initial court appearances and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared with information about the defendant’s background and information about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the judge will take into account when determining the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the person on trial, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim. Be sure to remember you are able to ask to get a copy of the report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to correct any inaccurate information.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are a number of different options, ranging from community service and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you may be locked up immediately, or you might be given a date to go to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Are you trying to find out if a family member or friend is in jail, or has ever been locked up?

To do so, you need to access the jail website and do an inmate search, and search by:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their jail 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.

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants on the Hardin County jail website or you are able to call the jail. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask them. You should be clear that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the Hardin County jail, either by phone, go there in person, or look online. Records of arrests are in the public record and this information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by going to the Hardin County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on both a national and 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 view sex offenders on the internet, but remember that you can’t see the actual address, just the address block they live on.

Court Records are public records. These records include a case file containing a court docket and any of the filings and documents filed in your case. You can access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the Hardin County Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each and every state keeps a record of someone’s criminal background. These online databases are linked together and you can track criminal convictions from another state. You can go to county courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that the crime was in a different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will be able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any of the following crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you won’t discover if they have had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Traffic accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving histories, you have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How easy was it? Did you do your search online or did you make a phone call to the Hardin County courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your feedback might help other people.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Hardin County, the Hardin County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in the Hardin County jail is something you wish you could avoid, eventually you will get used to the daily routine there. You will get a wake-up alarm at 6:00 AM, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will have to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 Hardin 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 Hardin 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 inmates at Hardin County Jail is likely to change, so be sure to visit the site when you send money to an inmate 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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Hardin County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Hardin 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 Hardin County Jail

Requirements:

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


Return To Main Menu

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 tell about all about it


Return To Main Menu

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:

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

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.


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been a prisoner in Hardin County Jail? Do you know someone that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited a prisoner in this jail?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Tell us about your experience so other people can find out what to expect.

Things you might want to put in your review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? What was it like in jail? What were the other inmates like? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell your story about when you did time at Hardin County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

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

Send a message to people incarcerated at Hardin County Jail


Return To Main Menu
2715