Harlan County Jail – Alma, NE

Harlan County Jail is located in Harlan County and is the jail for that area. Do you know somebody in jail at Harlan County Jail? This page tells you information about everything you might want to know about Harlan County Jail: How to locate an inmate at Harlan County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary and stressful idea, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give you all the information and tips you need to make getting locked up easier. If you have a question, please feel free to ask them, and please leave any comments or tips that would be beneficial to others will be appreciated.

Do you know someone that is incarcerated and don’t know how to locate them?

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

To look up who is in jail at Harlan County Jail you will have to click on their web site and do an inmate search.

The Harlan County Jail Inmate Search is a list of persons currently in custody, including current status, bail amount, and times the inmate can have visitors. You can also get information about anybody arrested and booked or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can locate their inmate information fast if you enter the arrestee’s full name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one might be in another jail you can check our Nebraska county jail guide: List of all jails in Nebraska

A mugshot, also called a intake photo, is the picture taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually one face photo and a side photo. Your full name and booking number will appear on the photos, and they’re stored.

Mugshots of inmates are on the website, or you can see them at the Harlan County Jail. When viewing online you will need to put in the legal name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Are you trying to get your mugshot erased from the Harlan County Jail site? This can be tricky, since the mugshot is public record. You need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. 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 a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

Return To Main Menu

Of course, once you are in jail, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail will be decided by the magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this may mean that you will either be released, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you will have to agree to show up for court, and until that date you are not permitted to leave the area.

Typically, a prisoner at Harlan County Jail will be given early release in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and act right while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you may be allowed to do work release. You will be required to return to the jail each day when you’re finished with work, or you might have the chance to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount of bail that is set is determined by the crime you are charged with. You will have to post ten percent of the total that was determined so you are able to get out of jail. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, whoever posted your bail will lose all of the bail money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you need to call the jail. If know the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will 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 an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, it’s easy. First, you need to know if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If this is the case, you won’t be able to get a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail can’t take a check. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will get released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you will get this money back.

If the bail amount is too high, of if you can’t pay it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and in most cases with a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will in most cases request to use your personal assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

If you need a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at Harlan County Jail

Have you ever used a bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to tell your story

• Early Release For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• Released On House Arrest
• Own Recognizance

Return To Main Menu

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.
• First, must answer some basic questions, like what is your full name, address, date of birth and contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• You will be allowed to use the phone to contact a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might get to keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? Were you treated fairly? Do you know any secrets that could help other people that get arrested to get through jail processing?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you post bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged can take anywhere from 15 minutes to all day. In simple terms, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you will be freed. Also, it will depend on whether or not you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a judge needs to figure out the bail amount. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, plan to be released in the morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, you really should follow the rules and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go down to the jail, and tell them that believe that there could be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if there is one, they will take you into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Make sure that you are not late to report. Only bring things that are allowed with you, such as your driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a copy of the sentencing order.

Inmates must give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitors will be entered in a log of approved visitors for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each and every visitor must provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors that gets to visitation or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Harlan County Jail are always changing, so make sure that you visit the official jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are typically pricier than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the jail rules, your ability to use the phone may be limited or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: 308-928-2147

All mall sent to inmates has to be sent via the US Postal Service. You must not use any other type of delivery. You have to write or type the person’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Do not send a box, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail will be opened and read and inspected by staff, and the mail will get returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

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

Harlan County Jail
706 2Nd St.
Alma, NE 68920

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Harlan County Jail
706 2Nd St.
Alma, NE 68920

The Harlan County Jail inmate mail policy changes, so be sure to visit the official Harlan County Jail site before send a letter to someone in jail there.

Return To Main Menu

Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to have a friend or relative find an attorney when you call them. You might be thinking ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your best interests and show you the way through the complicated court 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.

For more information on how to find a lawyer, read: Find an Attorney

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender has access to independent investigators, forensics experts and social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers, members of the State Bar and are fully licensed to handle your case.

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

Court records are a matter of public record. Court records include a court case file with a docket sheet and all motions, documents, and evidence filed in the case. You, and anyone else, can access court records using the internet service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Harlan County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence related to your court case are held at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the fees and charges from your court case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you are low income and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Harlan County court magistrate is the person that presides over your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do different tasks, like setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and overseeing preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about your background and details of the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will take into account when decide your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Bear in mind that you should request to get a copy of this report before your sentencing, so you get the chance to review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service to probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be immediately taken into custody, or you could be given a date to surrender and report to jail to serve your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Want to find out if someone is incarcerated, or has ever been locked up?

To do this, you should go to the Harlan County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their jail ID.

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

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants on the website or you are able to call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask one of the officers. Keep in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Harlan County jail, either by phone, in person, or check online. An arrest is in the public record and the information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, such as court orders. You can find these by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access sex offenders on the internet, but bear in mind that you won’t see the exact address, but rather the address block they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a court case file containing a docket and all of the filings and documents filed in your case. You can access the court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of someone’s criminal background. These databases are all connected so you can track criminal convictions from any other 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 if the crime was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you are able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for the following crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, you generally will not find if that person has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding tickets.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this kind of information, you must do a driving history search.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? How hard was it? Did you search online or did you have to make a phone call to the Harlan County courthouse? Was the information correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your account may help other people.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Harlan County,The Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that spending time in Harlan County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, soon you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. You will get an alarm to wake up at six in the morning, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then get breakfast. Following breakfast participate 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 Harlan 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 Harlan 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 inmates is likely to change, so review 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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Harlan County Jail

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


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 share your story


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:

• 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 leave 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 an inmate at Harlan County Jail? Do you know someone that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at Harlan County Jail?

If yes, then you should write your review about it. Write about what you experienced because others can find out what to expect.

Things you can include in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner programs and activities


Speak Your Mind

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? How was day to day life at Harlan County Jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to share your story about when you did time in Harlan County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Trying to talk to somebody you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to people incarcerated at Harlan County Jail


Return To Main Menu
1757