Hardin County Jail – Eldora, IA

Hardin County Jail is located in Hardin County and is the primary jail for the area. Are you looking for someone locked up in Hardin County Jail? This page will tell you all about anything you might want to know about Hardin County Jail,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Hardin County court information. And lots more.

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and daunting idea, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to offer information that you’ll need to make going to jail a lot easier. If you have questions, feel free to ask them, and any feedback or comments that could help others would be welcome.

Do you know someone that is in jail and want to find them?

Do you know somebody that’s been arrested and you need to find them?

In order to search who’s in jail at Hardin County Jail you have to go to their website and do an inmate search.

The Hardin County Jail Inmate Search is an online list of people who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes current status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. You can also get info about anybody processed or discharged in the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to find the information fast if you have your friend or family member’s name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be incarcerated at a different jail you should look here: Iowa Jails

A mugshot, or jail processing picture, is a picture that the police take when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and one profile photo. Your name and booking number will be on the photos, and they are kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of inmates can be searched online, or you can see them in person at the Hardin County Jail. When viewing online you will need to input the inmate’s name, and a booking date.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken down from the Hardin County Jail website? This is difficult, because the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you need to 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.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Of course, if you are in jail, your only thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount will be set by the magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be released, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released you will have to agree to go to your court date, and until that day you are not permitted to go out of town.

In most cases, prisoners in the Hardin County Jail are given time off in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and area a good inmate while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to participate in work release. Either you will have to go back to the jail at the end of the day after work, or you could have the chance to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system to get out of jail until your court date. The amount you have to pay depends on the crime you are charged with. You will need to pay 10 percent of the total amount set in order for you to be released. If you don’t show up for your scheduled court date, that person won’t get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they will let you know the bail amount. You can also find out how much their bail is on the Hardin County Jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but in some cases, its very simple to do. First, figure out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you will not be able to get a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail won’t accept a personal check. When you’ve paid bail, the prisoner will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If the bail amount is too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and sometimes charge a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will in most cases require that they use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

You can find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: How to find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used a bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to tell your story

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

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The intake process includes each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• You will have to answer some simple questions, such as your legal name, address, birth date and contact person.
• You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and stored until you get released.
• You will get to use the telephone in order to talk to a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, they will let you skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will be given a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did you have to wait? What was your treatment like? Do you know any secrets that might help other people that get arrested make it through jail intake?

Tell Your Story

When you pay your bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged may take anywhere from 30 minutes to hours or even all day long. In simple terms, the faster you post bail, the quicker you will get let go. It also will depend on whether or not you have a cash bond or if a magistrate needs to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For lesser charges, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. If you have served a sentence in jail and are given a discharge date, you should plan to get released between 9am and noon.

If the police have a, or if you have to begin your sentence in jail, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go down to the jail, in the reception area, and tell an officer that believe that there could be a warrant out for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if so, you will be taken into jail custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Make sure that you aren’t late. Be sure to only bring required items when you go, for example your driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the official sentencing order.

The inmate have to list each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s information will be put in the log as an authorized visitor. Each visitor is required to provide proof of identification. Any visitors that arrives for visitation late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures can change, so it would be wise to review the jail site before you go to visitation.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Jail phone calls are much more expensive than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules, your ability to use the phone could be reduced or eliminated completely.

The Hardin County Jail phone number is: 641-939-8194

All mail must be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You can’t use any other type of mail or package delivery. You have to write or type the name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Don’t mail anything in a package or box, padded envelope, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. Any mail will be opened and inspected and read by staff, and will be returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

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

Hardin County Jail
1116 – 14Th Ave.
Eldora, IA 50627

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Hardin County Jail
1116 – 14Th Ave.
Eldora, IA 50627

The Hardin County Jail mail policy can change, so be sure to visit the site before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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When you get arrested, you have particular rights, the first of which is the right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea 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’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, protect your interests and help you navigate the complicated court system in Hardin County. The sooner you get an attorney working on your charges, the better.

For more detailed information on this, visit: How to Find a Lawyer

If you can’t afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender Office is staffed by private investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law in Iowa.

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

Hardin County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They are comprised of a case file with a docket and each of the motions, documents, and evidence in your case. You are able to access your court case records with the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Hardin County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All court records from your case are kept and available to you at Hardin County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees are the fees and charges from your case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

The Hardin County court magistrate acts as the judge that rules over your court case. Magistrate judges do many different things, like deciding a bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and overseeing first court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include your background information and details of the defendant’s life, which the judge will review and take into account when decide your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be solicited from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Bear in mind that you should ask to get a copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, and correct any inaccurate information.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service to probation, to 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 might get taken into custody immediately, or you could receive a date that you must go to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if someone is in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you should visit the Hardin County jail website, and search using:

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

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you can also call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants on the website or you can call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. Bear in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the Hardin County jail, by phone, in person, or look online. An arrest is a matter of public record and this information is accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, which can be warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Hardin County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders have to be registered and listed on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to see these listings online, but you should know that you won’t find the street address, but rather the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. These records include a court case file containing a court docket and all of the filings and documents filed in the case. You are able to access court records online, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the county where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of people’s criminal history. These state databases are linked together and you can track criminal histories from another state. Go to county courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

A criminal records search you will get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for these crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, usually will not see if they have had any:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Traffic accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving records, you must do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? 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 people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback might help other people.

Click here to tell your story

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Hardin County, the Sheriff has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Hardin County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in the Hardin County jail is very scary, eventually you will settle into the daily routine there. You will get an alarm for wake-up at 6:00 AM, and next they’ll do roll call. Then you will get breakfast. When you finish eating 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 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 process for sending funds to jail inmates might change, so it would be best 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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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.


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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 leave a comment


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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.

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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 in Hardin County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at Hardin County Jail?

If you have, then please write your review about it. Write down your jail experience so that other people will know what to expect.

Things you could put in your comment:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


Click here to write your review of Hardin County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? How was life in jail? What about the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Do you want to reconnect with a person you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to Hardin County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Hardin County Jail Link
Hardin County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Hardin County Jail Mugshots
Hardin County Jail Bail Link

Hardin County Jail Visitation Procedures
Hardin County Jail Mail Policy
Locate an inmate at Hardin County Jail
Hardin County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Hardin County Jail Arrests
Hardin County Jail Send Money Procedure
Hardin County Jail Jobs


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