Harris County Jail – Houston, TX

Harris County Jail is located in Harris County and is the primary correctional facility for this area. Are you looking for someone incarcerated at Harris County Jail? This page will tell you information about anything related to Harris County Jailsuch as the following: Find an inmate at Harris County Jail. How to view Harris County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And everything else.

The chance of going to jail is a daunting and scary situation, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to give you information and advice that you need to make going to jail easier. If you have a specific question, just ask it, and any tips or comments that would help others will be welcome.

Do you have a friend or family member that is incarcerated and want to find them?

Has a friend or family member who has been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

To look up who’s in jail at Harris County Jail you will have to go to their web site and do an inmate lookup.

The Harris County Jail Inmate Search is an online list of people who have been arrested, which includes current status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. Also, you can find info on anybody arrested and booked or discharged in the past 24-hour period. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can find their inmate information more quickly if you’ve got their name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be at another county jail you can check our guide to other Texas jails: Texas County Jails Listing

A mugshot, also known as a jail intake photo, is the photograph that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually one frontal photo and one profile photo. Your full name and intake number will appear on the mugshot, and they’re on file.

Mugshots can be searched online, or you can see them at the Harris County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to enter their name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot removed from the Harris County Jail website? This may not be possible, as your mugshot is a matter of public record. You will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Return To Main Menu

Of course, once you are arrested and put in jail, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve been booked, a bail amount will be decided using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. 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 do bail out you are required to promise to go to your court date, and in the meantime you are not allowed to leave town.

Typically, an inmate in the Harris County Jail will earn early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to participate in work release. You will have to go back to jail each day after work, or you may be allowed to move into a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail pending trial. The amount you have to pay is determined by the seriousness of your charges. Someone will have to pay 10 percent of the total amount that was determined so you are able to be released from jail. If you miss your court appearance, the person that paid your bail will lose that money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will 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 be able to let you know how much their bail is. You can also see the bail amount on the Harris County Jail site.

Having to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but most of the time, it’s easy. First of all, you need to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you can’t use the services of a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they will not take checks. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the person will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, of if you can’t pay it, you should try a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and usually with a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and the bondsman only accepts cash. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman will usually request to use assets as collateral.

To find a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Harris County Jail

Have you ever used the services of bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to post a comment

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

Return To Main Menu

The intake procedure is made up of these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first step is that you must answer some basic questions, like what is your legal name, your address, birthdate and contact person.
• You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will be allowed to make a phone call in order to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might be able to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take? How did the guards treat you? Can you share any things that might help other people get through jail processing?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you pay your bail, you will get discharged from jail. The discharge process can take between 30 minutes to many hours. In simple terms, the faster you can pay your bail, the faster you can get out of jail. Also, it will depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond amount or if the magistrate needs to determine the bail amount. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a date of your release, plan to get released in the morning.

If there is a, or if you have to report to start a sentence, you really should do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail, in the reception area, and tell someone that you think there is a warrant out for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they find one, you will be taken into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order requires you to. Be very careful that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Make sure that you only bring required items with you, like a driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, and the copy of the sentencing order.

Inmates must give information about each visitor to the jail in advance. Your visitors will be put into a log of visitors as an authorized visitor. Each visitor will have to provide acceptable photo identification. Anyone showing up late or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Harris County Jail visitation procedures are always changing, so it would be wise to double-check the official jail site before you go to visitation.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are a lot more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, 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 under any sort of disciplinary procedure, phone privileges might get reduced or forbidden completely.

The Harris County Jail phone number is: 713-755-7484

All inmate mail has to be mailed using US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of mail delivery. You have to clearly write or type the prisoner’s name, inmate ID, and jail address on the envelope. Do not send anything in a box, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail sent to inmates will be opened and inspected and read by the jail officers, and will be sent back if deemed inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Harris County Jail:

Harris County Jail
1200 Baker Street
Houston, TX 77002

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Harris County Jail
1200 Baker Street
Houston, TX 77002

The inmate mail policy at Harris County Jail changes, so it would be best to double check the the Harris County Jail website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

Return To Main Menu

If you get arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these is the right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure you have a friend or relative locate a lawyer when you talk to them. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate the complicated court system. The sooner you get an attorney working on your charges, the better.

For more detailed information on this, read: Find a Lawyer

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. The Public Defender’s Office is staffed by independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. All Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you ever had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

All court records are public records and are available upon request. They have a file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents and motions filed in the course of your case. You have the ability to access your court case records using the internet service, or at the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages access to court records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records and documents from your court case are maintained at Harris County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees associated with your case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The Harris County magistrate is the type of judge that presides over your case. They do different tasks, such as setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about your background and details of the defendant’s life and public history, which the judge will review and take into consideration when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the defendant, their family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Bear in mind that you should request to have your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to review it and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you may be locked up immediately, or you could get a date that you are required to report to jail to serve your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

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

This is pretty simple to do, just just visit the Harris County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search using:

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

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants on the Harris County court website or call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask the officer in charge. You should be clear 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, as well as their arrest date, contact the Harris County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and the information is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, like a court order. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders have to be listed and registered on either a national or state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You are able to see sex offenders on the website, but you should know that you will not see the actual address, but rather the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a court case file that includes a docket and all of the filings and documents filed in the case. You can access the court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of a person’s criminal past. These databases are connected so you are able to track criminal convictions from any other state. You can go to the Harris County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It is helpful to know the county, and if the crime was in a completely different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal records search you are able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any of the following crimes:

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

If you do a criminal records check, in most cases won’t learn if that person has had any:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving histories, you have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you make a phone call to the courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your story may help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Harris County, the Harris County Sheriff’s Department has their own list of the most wanted criminals, that you can access online.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of spending time in Harris County Jail is very scary, eventually you will settle into the routine that is set for you in jail. Expect a wake-up alarm every morning at 6am, and then you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. When you finish 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 Harris 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 Harris 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 procedure to send funds to inmates at Harris County Jail could change, so it would be best to check the official website when you send money to an inmate 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 Harris County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Harris 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 Harris County Jail

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


Return To Main Menu

Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to tell about all about it


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:

• 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 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 spent any time at Harris County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at this jail?

If yes, then please tell us about it. Write about your experience so other people will know what to expect.

What to write in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• Other Inmates.
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has some stories about their time ‘inside’. 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? How has this experience impacted your life?

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

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you want to reconnect with a friend from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to people incarcerated at Harris County Jail


Return To Main Menu
2717