Portage County Jail – Ravenna, OH

Portage County Jail is located in Portage County, Ohio and is the main correctional facility for this area. Know someone in Portage County Jail? This site gives you information about anything related to Portage County Jail,such as: Find out who’s in jail at Portage County Jail? Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures and booking. Portage County court information. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary thought, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is designed to give you all the advice and information that you need to make helping someone get out of jail a lot easier. If you have questions, feel free to ask them, and please leave any comments or tips that could help others will be appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend in jail and don’t know how to contact them?

Has someone that’s been arrested and you need to locate them?

To look up who’s in jail at Portage County Jail you will need to visit their link and perform an inmate search.

The Portage County Jail Inmate List has information on people who have been arrested and are in jail, including custody status, bail amount, and schedule for visitation. You can get info on anyone who has been arrested or discharged in the past 24 hours. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to locate their inmate information more quickly if you’ve got their first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the inmate you are looking for could possibly be in another county jail you will want to check our Ohio county jail guide: Other County Jails in Ohio

A mugshot, also called a booking photo, is the picture that the jail takes when you are processed at the jail intake. They take one and a profile photo. Your full name and jail ID number will appear on the photos, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be viewed online, or you can view them at the Portage County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to put in the prisoner’s legal name, and the booking date, if you have one.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot taken off of the Portage County Jail site? This will be difficult, since your mugshot is a matter of public record. You need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Once you are arrested and put in jail, your only thought is about how to get out. After you’ve been booked, bail is decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released you are required to agree to go to your court date, and until that day you are required not to leave town.

Typically, a prisoner in the Portage County Jail will be given an early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and conduct themselves properly while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. You will be required to go back to the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you might be permitted to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail pending trial. The amount you have to pay all depends on how serious your charges are. Someone you know will need to pay to the courts 10% of the amount that was set so you are able to be released from jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, the person that paid your bail will lose that bail money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you need to call the Portage County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they will let you know how much their bail is. You can also check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, it is really easy if you have the money. To start with, figure out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If this is the case, you can’t use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Cash only – they will not accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the prisoner will get released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you will get this money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and sometimes charge a minimum charge of $100. This money is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman will in these cases request to use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

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

Have you ever had to use a Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

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

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The jail intake process takes you through the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first step is that you will answer some basic questions, such as what your legal name is, street address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will then be allowed to make a phone call in order to get in touch with a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you will be allowed to wear your street clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, please share your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How did the guards treat you? Can you share any secrets that could help other people that get arrested to get through jail intake?

Click here to tell your story

Once you are able to post bail, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail takes between 15 minutes to many hours. Or, simply, the faster bail is posted, the quicker you can get released from jail. It also depends on if you’ve been given a bond amount or if a judge needs to figure out the bail amount. For a minor offense, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served your sentence and are given a release date, you should expect to get released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

If you have a, or if you must start a jail sentence, you really should follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell someone that you think they might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they find one, you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Be very careful that you aren’t late. Make sure that you only bring things that are allowed when you go to jail, for example a driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, and the copy of the sentencing order.

The inmate must list each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s information will be put into the visitation log for the requesting inmate. All visitors will have to provide a photo ID when visiting. Visitors arriving late or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Portage County Jail visitation procedures are always changing, so you should check the official jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are much pricier than phone calls made at home. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you are disciplined for an infraction, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get reduced or eliminated altogether.

The Portage County Jail phone number is: 330-297-3891

All inmate mail is required to be sent using US Postal Service. You must not use any other form of mail delivery. You have to clearly write the prisoner’s name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t mail anything in a box or package, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail sent to inmates is opened and inspected by the jail administration, and the mail will be sent back if deemed inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Portage County Jail:

Portage County Jail
8240 Infirmary Road, Justice Center
Ravenna, OH 44266

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Portage County Jail
8240 Infirmary Road, Justice Center
Ravenna, OH 44266

The mail policy changes often, so it would be best to visit the official website before you send a letter.

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When you’ve been arrested, you still have rights, the first of which is the right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure to ask a friend or family member to locate a lawyer for you. You might be thinking ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and help you navigate the complicated legal system. The quicker you get an attorney working on your situation, the better your chances.

To read more about this, click here: Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers that are admitted to the Ohio State Bar Association and are licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know used the services of a Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Portage County court records are public records. They are comprised of a court case file containing a docket and each of the documents that have been filed in your case. You are able to access the records and documents in your court case using the website, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court.

The Portage County Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath in a court case, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records and documents from your case are kept and available to you at Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges associated with your court case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you are low income and have a court appointed attorney, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The Portage County court magistrate is the person that will preside over your court case. Magistrate judges do a number of different things, which include setting bail, issuing warrants, and presiding over preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared with background information and details of the arrestee’s life history, which the judge will take into account when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be requested from the defendant, his or her family members, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Remember you can request to see a copy of the pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, and go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

After being convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you might get taken into custody immediately, or given a date that you are required to go to jail to do your time.

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Do you want to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do this, you need to access the Portage County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

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

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants online or you are able to call the court. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask one of the officers. You should know that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the Portage County jail, either by phone, go there in person, or you can check online. An arrest is a matter of public record and this is accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, which can be , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Portage County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders must be listed and registered on either a national or state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You can access these offenders on the website, but bear in mind that you will not find the exact address, rather the address block of the address that they registered.

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

Every state maintains records of someone’s criminal history. These online databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal histories from other states. You are able to go to county courthouse and inquire, or check online. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you can get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any of the following crimes:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

But, when you do a criminal records check, in most cases won’t be able to see if they have had any:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the courthouse? Was the information correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your account could make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI keeps a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Portage County, the Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in the Portage County jail is no fun, you will soon get used to the daily routine there. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up every morning at 6:00 AM, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 Portage 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 Portage 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 jail inmates changes, so it would be best to review the official website before you send funds to an inmate.


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 Portage County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Portage 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 Portage 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 tell about all about it


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Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been incarcerated in this jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever been to visit someone at this jail?

If yes, then we would like you to write a review about it. Write about what you experienced because other people can find out what to expect.

Things you could include in your review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner activities and programs


Speak Your Mind

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you get locked up? Were you fairly treated? What happened to you while you were locked up? Tell us about the other inmates. Did going to jail affect your life? How?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Need to talk to an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Post a message to people still locked up at Portage County Jail


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