Erie County Jail – Sandusky, OH

Erie County Jail is located in Erie County, OH and is the primary correctional facility for the county. Know somebody locked up at Erie County Jail? This guide tells you information about anything you might want to know about Erie County Jail,like the following: Find an inmate at Erie County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Erie County Jail intake procedures. Court records. And lots more.

The thought of going to jail is a scary situation, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is designed to give you all the information and tips you need to make helping someone get out of jail a lot easier. If you have a question, just ask it in the comment section below, and also any comments or feedback that could be a benefit to other people in the same situation is welcome.

Do you have a friend or family member in jail and need to contact them?

Do you know a friend or family member who’s been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

In order to find out who is in jail at Erie County Jail you have to click on their link and perform an inmate lookup.

The Erie County Jail Inmate Roster is a list of people who have been arrested and are in jail, which includes current status, bail amount, and times you can visit. Also, you can find the same information on anyone who has been arrested or discharged within the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You can find the information faster if you’ve got their first and last name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member may be in a different jail you can look here: Ohio County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also known as a booking picture, is the picture that the police take during jail intake processing. They take one frontal photo and a profile photo. Your name and jail ID number will be on the pictures, and they will be kept on file.

Mugshots of Erie County Jail prisoners can be viewed online, or you can see them in person at the Erie County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you need to input the person’s full name, and the arrest date, if you have one.

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot removed from the Erie County Jail site? This can be tricky, since the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that your arrest record will 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 removed, the different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

Return To Main Menu

Naturally, if you are locked up, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, your bail will be decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If there is no bail set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you will have to agree to be there for your court date, and until then you will not be permitted to leave the area.

Typically, prisoners at Erie County Jail are given an early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and area a good inmate while they are in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will be required to return to jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you could be permitted to live in a halfway house instead of jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you are required to pay to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you will have to pay all depends on how serious your crime is. Someone will have to pay 10% of the amount set so you are able to get out of jail. If you fail to show up for court, the person that paid your bail will not get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the Erie County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you what their bail is set at. You can also check their bail amount and status on the Erie County Jail site.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but in some cases, it is very simple to do. To start with, you need to know if it is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you won’t be able to use the services of a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail will not take a personal check. When you’ve paid bail, the inmate will be released to your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen usually charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of total bail, and sometimes have a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will in these cases ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond.

To find a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to leave a comment

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

Return To Main Menu

The intake process takes you through the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you will answer a bunch of questions, such as what is your full legal name, address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• You will get to make a phone call to talk to family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be allowed to keep wearing street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail uniform.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell us how it happened. How long did it take to get through intake? How were you treated? Do you have any secrets that could help other people make it through the process?

Click here to comment

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. The discharge process will take anywhere between 15 minutes to quite a few hours. In simple terms, the faster you can pay your bail, the faster you can get released from jail. Also, how fast you get released might depend on whether or not you’ve got a bond amount or if the magistrate has to figure out how much your bail will be. For lesser charges, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served your sentence and know the release date, you should expect to be discharged at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

If you have a, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, you should follow the rules and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail intake center, and tell an officer that you think there may be a warrant out for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into jail custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, go to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Make sure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Just bring allowed items when you go, like a driver’s license or even your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the copy of the sentencing order.

The inmate have to provide each visitor’s full name to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitors will be entered in the log as an authorized visitor. All visitors is required to provide a photo ID when visiting. Visitors showing up late or that is not on the visitation list will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Erie County Jail change often, so it would be wise to double-check the official site before you try to visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Phone calls made in jail are usually more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the jail rules, phone privileges could be reduced or forbidden completely.

The Erie County Jail phone number is: (419) 627-7569

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be sent via US Postal Service. You must not use any other type of delivery. You should print the inmate’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the envelope. Do not send a box, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail received by the jail gets opened and inspected by the jail staff, and will be returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

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

Erie County Jail
2800 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Erie County Jail
2800 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870

The mail policy is always changing, so we suggest that you review the official Erie County Jail site when you send a letter to an inmate there.

Return To Main Menu

When you get arrested, you have certain rights, and an important one is the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure you have a friend or relative locate a lawyer when you call. You might be asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ While you are not required to have one, an attorney will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and help you understand the complicated legal system in your county. The sooner you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better your chances.

To read more about this subject, read our guide: How to Find a Lawyer in Erie County

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. The Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as private investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. All Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers, members of the State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law.

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

All court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. Court records are comprised of a court case file containing a docket and all motions, documents, and evidence in your case. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case using the online service, or by going to the Erie County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the jury’s verdict. All records and documents from your court case are kept at the Erie County Clerk of Court.

Court fees are all costs from your court case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

The Erie County magistrate is the type of judge that rules on your case. Magistrates do different functions, like setting bail amounts, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s 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 consider when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the defendant, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim of the crime. Bear in mind that you should request to receive your own copy of this report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct the mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service to probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you might get taken into custody, right there in court, or you could receive a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Do you need to find out if somebody you know is locked up, or has been an inmate in the past?

You can just query the Erie County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• or inmate ID.

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

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants on the Erie County court website or you can call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. You should know that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Erie County jail, either by phone, go there in person, or check online. Records of arrests are in the public record and the information is accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, like warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All registered sex offenders must be listed and registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to see these listings on the website, but bear in mind that you can’t find the street address, but rather the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a court case file containing a docket and all documents and filings filed in your court case. You are able to access court records on the internet, or at the Erie County Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of people’s criminal background. These online databases are connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from another state. You are able to go to county courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you are able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any crimes, which can include:

• DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

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

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you have to call the jail? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your story might make it easier for others.

Click here to comment

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Erie County, the Sheriff 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

Just the thought of being incarcerated in the Erie County jail is something you wish you could avoid, you will soon get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. Prisoners get a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00AM, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. When you finish 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 Erie 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 Erie 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 could change, so be sure to check the the Erie County Jail website before send money to someone in jail there.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Erie County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Erie 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 Erie 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 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:

• 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 share your story

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

If so, then you should write your review about it. Write about what you experienced so that other people will know what to expect.

Things you might want to put in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate programs and activities


Write a Review of Erie County Jail

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why were you locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? Were the other inmates cool? How has this experience impacted your life?

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

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Trying to find out how to get in touch with an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Write your message below.

Say Hello


Return To Main Menu
2137