Hamilton County Justice Center – Cincinnati, OH

Hamilton County Justice Center is located in Hamilton County and is the main correctional facility for the region. Looking for someone at Hamilton County Justice Center? This page tells you all about everything related to Hamilton County Justice Center: How to locate an inmate. How to view Hamilton County Justice Center mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court records. And much, much more.

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and stressful idea, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is meant to offer advice and information you need to make helping someone get out of jail easier. If you have questions, just ask them, and any comments or feedback that might be beneficial to others would be appreciated.

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

Has someone who has been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

To search who’s in jail at Hamilton County Justice Center you have to go to their link and use the inmate search.

The Hamilton County Justice Center Inmate Roster has information on persons who have been arrested and are in custody, including custody status, how much their bail is, and visiting schedule. You can find info for anyone processed or discharged in the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You will be able to locate the information faster if you have their name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the inmate you are looking for may be incarcerated at a different jail you will want to check the other Ohio county jails in our Ohio County Jail Guide: Other Jails in Ohio

A mugshot, also known as a intake photo, is the photo taken by the police when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one frontal photo and one profile photo. Your name and booking number will be in the mugshot, and they will be stored.

Mugshots of Hamilton County Justice Center inmates can be searched on the website, or you can see them in person at the Hamilton County Justice Center. When you search for mugshots online you have to input their full name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Trying to figure out how to get your mugshot taken down from the Hamilton County Justice Center site? This can be tricky, because the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Of course, once you are incarcerated, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After booking, a bail amount is decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If you don’t get a bail set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you are required to promise to be there for your court date, and you will not be permitted to leave the county.

Typically, an inmate in the Hamilton County Justice Center are given an early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while incarcerated.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be given work release detail. You will have to stay jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you may be allowed to live in a halfway house when you are not working.

Your bail is the amount of money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail until you go to court. Your bail amount is determined by how serious your charges are. Someone you know will need to put up 10 percent of the total that was set so you can be released. If you miss your court date, whoever put up your bail money will lose that bail money.

You have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. You can also see the bail amount online.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never a fun thing, but most of the time, its really easy. First of all, find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you can’t use the services of a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they can’t take a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the person will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and sometimes have a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman will in most cases require that they use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

If you need a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used a bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If so, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to tell your story

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

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The jail intake process includes the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If there are a lot of arrests, it will take a while to get processed.
• You will answer a number of questions, such as what your legal name is, street address, birth date and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your psychological and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• You will then be allowed to use the phone in order to 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 be able to keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell our readers about your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? What was your treatment like? Can you share any tips that might help other people that get arrested get through jail intake?

Click here to share your story

When you finally post bail, you will get discharged from jail. This process may take between 15 minutes to all day long. Or, simply, the quicker you post bail, the quicker you will get let go. Also, it might depend on whether or not you’ve got a cash bond or if a judge needs to decide on how much to set your bail at. For lesser charges, you will get 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, you should plan to get released that morning.

If you have a, or if you must start a jail sentence, you really should follow the law and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail processing area, and let them know that you think there is an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if they find one, they will take you into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Just bring approved items when you turn yourself in, such as a driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the sentencing order from court.

Inmates must list information about each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitors will go into the visitors log for the requesting inmate. Every visitor is required to provide a photo ID when visiting. Any visitors that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so make sure that you visit the official site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are much more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on 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 are disciplined for an infraction, phone calls might get cut back or totally denied.

The Hamilton County Justice Center phone number is: (513)-946-6600

All mail must be sent using the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other type of mail delivery. You have to clearly write or type the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t mail a box, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and read and inspected by the officers at the jail, and will get sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Hamilton County Justice Center is:

Hamilton County Justice Center
1000 Sycamore St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Hamilton County Justice Center
1000 Sycamore St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202

The mail policy at Hamilton County Justice Center changes often, so you should review the official Hamilton County Justice Center site when you send a letter.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you have particular rights, one of these is your right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to have a friend or family member find an attorney for you. You might be asking yourself ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and help you understand the complicated court system. The sooner you get a lawyer involved with your case, the better.

For more detailed information on how to find a lawyer, visit: How to Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and case workers. Public Defenders are licensed lawyers who are admitted to the State Bar and are legally licensed to handle your case.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Hamilton County court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They contain a case file with a docket and all of the documents that have been filed. You have the ability to access your court case records using the Hamilton County website, or by going to the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and read the jury’s verdict. All court records from your court case are available at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court costs and court fees are all costs from your case, which include filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Hamilton County magistrate acts as the judge that will preside over your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do a number of different things, which include setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and presiding over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about your background and information about the defendant’s life history, which the magistrate judge will review when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the person on trial, their family, and if necessary the victim. Be sure to remember that you can request to see your own copy of the report before your sentencing, so you have the opportunity to review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, including community service and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you will either be immediately taken into custody, or you could receive a date to surrender and report to jail to serve your term.

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

This is pretty simple to do, just you should visit the jail’s website, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• or jail ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can access arrest warrants inquiry on the 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 ask one of the officers. You should know that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the Hamilton County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or find out online. Arrest records are a matter of public record and the information is accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by going to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders are registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You can access these offenders on the internet, but bear in mind that you will not get the actual address, but rather the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. They include a court case file containing a docket and all of the documents filed in the case. You are able to access your court records online, or at Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal history. These databases are connected so you are able to track criminal histories from other states. Go to county courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. 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 criminal history search you will be able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for these crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, in most cases will not see if that person has had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this information, you must do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How hard was it? Did you do your search online or did you make a phone call to the courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are lots of reasons that people look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments could help other people.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Hamilton County, the Hamilton County Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in Hamilton County Justice Center is quite unpleasant, soon you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you in jail. Expect an alarm to wake up each morning at 6am, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will have 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 Hamilton County Justice Center, 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 Hamilton County Justice Center 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 procedure to send funds to jail inmates is always changing, so you should review the the Hamilton County Justice Center 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Hamilton County Justice Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Hamilton County Justice Center, 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 Hamilton County Justice Center

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.


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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:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You 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 locked up at this jail? Do you have a friend or family member that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at Hamilton County Justice Center?

If you have, then please tell us about it. Write about your jail experience so other people can learn what to expect.

What to write in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitors
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Gangs
• Inmate programs and activities


Click here to review Hamilton County Justice Center

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? How was day to day life at Hamilton County Justice Center? Tell us about the other inmates. How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Are you trying to find a person you met in jail? Then send them a message by posting a comment below.

Say Hello to someone at Hamilton County Justice Center


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