Howard County Jail – Cresco, IA

Howard County Jail is in Howard County, IA and is the primary jail for that county. Know someone locked up at Howard County Jail? This site gives you info about everything a person needs to know about Howard County Jail: Find out who’s in jail at Howard County Jail? Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Howard County Jail intake procedures. Court information and records. And more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also that person’s friends and family. The purpose of this guide is to give info that you’ll need to make going to jail a little less stressful. If you have questions, just ask them, and please leave any comments or feedback that could help others is welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is incarcerated and want to contact them?

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

In order to see who’s in jail at Howard County Jail you will have to go to their web site and use the inmate search.

The Howard County Jail Inmate Search has information on people who are in jail, which includes custody status, how much their bail is, and times you can visit. Also, you are able to find information for anyone processed or discharged within the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to get their arrest information faster if you’ve got your friend or family member’s name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one may be in another jail you will want to check our Iowa county jail guide: Other Jails in Iowa

A mugshot, or intake photograph, is a picture that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. They take one and a profile photo. Your full name and booking number will be in the photos, and they’re on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Howard County Jail prisoners can be seen on the Howard County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Howard County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to put in the inmate’s first and last name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Do you want to get your mugshot erased from the Howard County Jail website? This will be difficult, because your mugshot is a matter of public record. You have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that the record of your arrest will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about getting your mugshot removed, the different websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

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If you’re arrested and put in jail, your main thought is about when you get out. After you’ve been booked, bail will be determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If there is no bail set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released you are required to promise to show up for court, and until then you are required not to leave town.

Typically, an inmate are given time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you may be granted work release. You will be required to return to jail every day when you’re finished working, or you may be permitted to sleep in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount of bail that is set all depends on how serious your charges are. You will have to put up 10 percent of the total amount set so you can get discharged from jail. If you miss your court appearance, that person won’t get the bail money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will need to call the Howard County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they will tell you the bail amount. Also, you can find out how much their bail is online.

Having to get someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but most of the time, it is really easy. First of all, you need to know if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you will not be able to use a Bail Bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail won’t take a check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the person will be discharged. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If bail is set too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will usually have a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and sometimes have a minimum fee of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will require that they use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

You can find a local bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman

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

Speak Your Mind

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

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The intake process is made up of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• You will answer some simple questions, like what is your full legal name, street address, birthdate and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any property you have will be taken from you and stored until you are released.
• You will get to use the phone so you can get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might get to wear your street clothes, if not you will have to wear a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get processed? How were you treated? Can you share any tips that could help others get through jail intake?

Click here to tell your story

When you post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged from jail may take anywhere from 10 minutes to all day. In simple terms, the faster bail is posted, the quicker you can get out of jail. How quickly you get discharged can depend on if you have a bond amount or if the magistrate needs to determine the bail amount. For a minor offense, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and are given a date of your release, expect to be released between 9am and noon.

If the sheriff has a, or if you must start a jail sentence, you really should do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go down to the jail, and tell someone that believe that there could be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if so, they will take you into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Be sure that you are not late. Only bring required items when you go, like your driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a sentencing order.

The inmate need to give information about each visitor to the jail. Your visitor’s names will be entered in the visitation log as an approved visitor. Each and every visitor will be required to provide identification. Anyone arriving late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will be turned away.
Visitation procedures can change, so double-check the official Howard County Jail jail site before you visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are usually pricier than regular phone calls. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules, an inmate’s phone privileges might get cut back or eliminated completely.

The Howard County Jail phone number is: 563-547-3535

All mall sent to inmates has to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other method of mail or package delivery. You have to clearly write the name, prisoner number, and jail address on the letter that you send. Do not mail anything in a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail received by the jail is opened and read by the officers at the jail, and will get returned to the sender if they decide it is inappropriate.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Howard County Jail, use this address:

Howard County Jail
124 South Park Place
Cresco, IA 52136

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Howard County Jail
124 South Park Place
Cresco, IA 52136

The Howard County Jail inmate mail policy changes frequently, so we suggest that you visit the site before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you have been arrested, you still have certain rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to have a friend or relative locate a lawyer for you. You may be thinking ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a lawyer will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and show you the way through the criminal justice system that you are now faced with. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better off you’ll be.

To read more about how to find a lawyer, click here: Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender is staffed by investigators, experts in forensics as well as social workers. Public Defenders are real lawyers that are members of the Iowa State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law in Iowa.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Court records are public records. Court records include a court case file with a docket and each of the motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed in the case. You have the ability to access your court case records via the online service, or by going to the Howard County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath in a court case, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records related to your court case are kept and available to you at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court costs and court fees are the costs associated with your court case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have been assigned a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Howard County magistrate is the type of judge who presides on your court case. Magistrates are judges that do a number of things, such as setting bail amounts, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is put together to include your background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the judge will review and take into consideration when deciding on the sentence. Information will be solicited from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim. Bear in mind that you should request to have your own copy of the report before your sentencing, and correct the mistakes.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including community service and probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get taken into custody immediately, or you could receive a date that you are required to report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if someone is locked up, or has gone to jail in the past?

You can just visit the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• or inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants on the Howard County jail website or you are able to call the jail. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. You should be clear that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are public record and these records are freely available.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, which can be court orders. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Howard County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders are listed and registered on a sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to see these offenders on the website, but you should know that you will not be able to find the street address, but rather the address block they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. They include a court case file that includes a court docket and any documents and filings filed in your case. You are able to access the court records on the website, or at the Howard County Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of someone’s criminal history. These online databases are all linked so you can track criminal histories from other states. Go to the Howard County Courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and if it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal records search you are able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any crimes, which can include:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you generally will not be able to find out if that person has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving records, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How hard was it? Did you do your search online or did you call the local courthouse? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal records, and your comments might help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Howard County,The Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

Howard County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in Howard County Jail is quite unpleasant, you will soon become accustomed to the daily routine. Inmates get an alarm for wake-up each morning at six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. Following breakfast you will be required 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 Howard 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 Howard 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 someone in jail can change, so you should check the site before you send any money.


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 Howard County Jail

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

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 been an inmate at this jail? Do you know someone that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit someone at Howard County Jail?

If you have, then you should write your review about it. Write about your jail experience because others can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to put in your comment:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Write a Review of Howard County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What was your daily routine in jail? What were the other inmates like? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Click here to post a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Want to reconnect with somebody you met when you were locked up? Send a message to them here.

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

Links and Resources

Main Howard County Jail Website
Howard County Jail Inmate Search
Howard County Jail Mugshots
Howard County Jail Bail Amount Link

Howard County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Howard County Jail Jail Mail Link
Howard County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Howard County Warrant Inquiry
Howard County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Money to an Inmate at Howard County Jail
Jobs at Howard County Jail


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