Scioto County Jail – Portsmouth, OH

Scioto County Jail is located in Scioto County and is the main correctional facility for the region. Do you know someone in jail at Scioto County Jail? This guide gives you info about anything you might want to know about Scioto County Jail,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary idea, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also that person’s friends and family. The goal of this guide is to give information that you’ll need to make going to jail easier. If you have a question, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or feedback that could help others will be appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that has gone to jail and need to find out where they are?

Has a family member or friend who’s been arrested and you want to find them?

In order to find out who’s in jail at Scioto County Jail you have to navigate to their web site and use the inmate lookup.

The Scioto County Jail Inmate Lookup is a list of people currently in custody, including custody status, how much their bail is, and times you can visit. Also, you can find the same information for anybody booked or released in the past 24-hour period. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to get their arrest information faster if you’ve got the arrestee’s name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you’re searching for might be at another jail you can check our guide to other Ohio jails: Other County Jails in Ohio

A mugshot, or jail processing photograph, is a picture that the police take when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually one full face and a side-view photo. Your name and booking number will appear on the photos, and they will be stored at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be seen online, or you can see them in person at the Scioto County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to enter the inmate’s full name, and a booking date, if you have it.

Do you want to get your mugshot taken off of the Scioto County Jail website? This may not be possible, as your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that your arrest record would be sealed, and will not be accessible. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the various websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Of course, once you’re arrested and put in jail, your primary thought is when and how to get out. After booking, your bail amount is decided by a special judge called a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released from jail you will have to agree to go to your court date, and you can’t leave the county.

Typically, prisoners will be given an early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and area a good inmate while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will have to go back to the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you might have the chance to move into a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Your bail is money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount of bail that is set depends on the seriousness of your charges. You will have to post 10 percent of the total amount that was set in order for you to be released. If you don’t go to court, the person that paid your bail will lose that money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the person’s info, including name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know how much their bail is. You can also see the bail amount on the jail website.

Having to get someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but fortunately, it is really easy. To start with, figure out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you will not be able to use a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they can’t take a personal check. When you’ve paid bail, the inmate will be released to your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

If bail is set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge you a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and sometimes charge a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman will usually ask to use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To find a local bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Speak Your Mind

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

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The intake process includes each of the following steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first step is that you have to answer some questions, like what is your legal name, street address, date of birth and a contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will let you make a phone call to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you will be allowed to wear your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please tell us how it happened. How long did it take? How were you treated? Do you know any tips that could help other people get through jail processing?

Click here to tell about all about it

Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. This process may take from 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. So, the faster bail is posted, the sooner you will get discharged from jail. It also will depend on whether or not you have a cash bond or if a magistrate still needs to determine your bail amount. For a minor charge, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served your sentence and are given a date of your release, you should expect to get released in the morning.

If you have a, or if you need to begin your jail sentence, you really should follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail reception area, and tell an officer that you think there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if they find one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report on the date and time that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Just bring things that are allowed when you go to jail, for example your driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the sentencing order from court.

To have visitors, you need to give the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitors will go in a log of approved visitors as an approved visitor. Every visitor has to provide a photo ID when visiting. Visitors that gets to visitation or without a visiting order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Scioto County Jail visitation procedures can change, so it would be wise to review the official Scioto County Jail jail 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. Phone calls made in jail are a lot more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There is no limit to when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the jail rules, an inmate’s phone privileges might get cut back or eliminated altogether.

The Scioto County Jail phone number is: 740-355-8277

All mail has to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of mail or package delivery. You must print the name, inmate ID number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not mail anything in a box or package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail gets opened and read by staff, and the mail will be sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Scioto County Jail is:

Scioto County Jail
1025 Sixteenth Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Scioto County Jail
1025 Sixteenth Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662

The inmate mail policy at Scioto County Jail is always changing, so be sure to check the site when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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If you have been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request an attorney. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to get a friend or relative to find a lawyer when you call them. You might be thinking ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a lawyer will make sure you know your rights, look after your best interests and guide you through the complicated legal system. The faster you get an attorney working on your charges, the better your chances.

For more info on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, go to: How to Find an Attorney in Scioto County

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender is staffed by investigators, forensics experts and social workers. Public Defenders are licensed attorneys that are admitted to the Ohio State Bar Association and are fully licensed to handle your case.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They contain a file containing a docket sheet and every documents that have been filed in the case. You are able to access your court case records via the website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that 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 jury’s verdict. All records from your court case are maintained at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the costs associated with your court case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The magistrate is the type of judge that will preside over your case. They do different tasks, which include setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over first court appearances and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed with background information and information about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate will consider when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the defendant, his or her family members, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Keep in mind you are able to ask to see a copy of the report prior to sentencing, and make sure that you correct the mistakes.

After you are 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, which include community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you might get locked up immediately, or you could receive a date that you must turn yourself into jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if some you know is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

To find this out you need to go to the jail’s website, and search by:

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

If you think this person is in jail, you can also call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check the court records on the website or you can call the court directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. Bear in mind that there is an outstanding 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 jail, by phone, in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are in the public record and this information is available to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, like warrants. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Scioto County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders have to be listed and registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to view these offenders on the internet, but keep in mind that you will not be able to find the street address, but only the address block that they live on.

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

Each state maintains a record of people’s criminal past. These online databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from other states. You are able to go to the Scioto County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for these crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

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

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving histories, you will have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How easy was it? Was your search online or did you call the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback may make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Scioto County, the Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of spending time in Scioto County Jail is very scary, in time you will become accustomed to the routine that is set for you. You should expect a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00AM, and next you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will have 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 Scioto 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 Scioto 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 money to people in jail is always changing, so it would be best to double check the official Scioto County Jail site when you send any money.


Commissary

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

Inmate Medications

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

Meals

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

Pods / The Yard

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

Gangs

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


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Scioto County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Scioto 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 Scioto 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 leave a 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.

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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 anybody that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at this jail?

If so, then please leave a comment below about it. Write about what you experienced so that other people can find out what to expect.

Things you might want to include in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has a story to tell. How’d you get locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? What were the other inmates like? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell Your Story About Scioto County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to find a friend from jail? Post a message to them below.

Say Hello


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