Runnels County Jail – Ballinger, TX

Runnels County Jail is located in Runnels County, Texas and is the primary jail for the region. Looking for somebody in jail at Runnels County Jail? This guide tells you about anything one might want to know about Runnels County Jail,like: How to locate an inmate at Runnels County Jail. How to view Runnels County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and how to get out of jail. Intake procedures. Court information and records. And everything else.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting thought, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also that person’s family and friends. The goal of this guide is to offer information and advice that you’ll need to make the process a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, just ask it, and any comments or feedback that might be beneficial to other people in the same situation will be welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend in jail and want to find them?

Do you know someone who’s been arrested and you need to find them?

To see who is in jail at Runnels County Jail you will need to navigate to their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Runnels County Jail Inmate List has information on people who have been arrested, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting schedule. You can get the same information on anyone arrested and booked or released within the past 24 hours. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to locate their inmate information more quickly if you have their first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be incarcerated at a different jail you can look here: List of all county jails in Texas

A mugshot, also called a jail processing photo, is a photograph that the police take when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is make of one frontal photo and a side picture. Your name and booking number will appear on the mugshot, and they will be kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested are online, or you can see them at the Runnels County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will need to input their first and last name, and an arrest date, if you know it.

Do you want to get your mugshot taken off of the Runnels County Jail site? This will be difficult, since the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Once you are in jail, your only thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount is set 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 free to go until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released you will have to promise to be in court on your court date, and until then you are required not to leave the area.

In most cases, inmates will be given an early release in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and act right while in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to do work release. Either you will have to go back to jail each day after work, or you may get to move into a halfway house instead of the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail until your trial. The amount of bail that is set depends on how serious your crime is. Someone you know will need to put up 10 percent of the total amount that was determined so you can get discharged from jail. If you miss your scheduled court date, whoever put up your bail money will not get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they will let you know the bail amount. You can also find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but usually, it’s really easy if you have the money. First of all, you need to know if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you won’t be able to use a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail will not accept a personal check. When you’ve paid bail, the person will get released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. They generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and sometimes have a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bail bondsman may ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

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

Have you ever had to find a bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to tell about all about it

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

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The jail intake process includes the following steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you will answer a number of questions, like what is your full legal name, address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will then be allowed to use the phone so you can contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will be issued a jail jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take to get processed? What was your treatment like? Can you share any tips that will help other people to get through jail intake?

Click here to share your story

When you pay your bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged from jail will take between 30 minutes to all day. In simple terms, the quicker you post bail, the sooner you will get out of jail. Also, it can depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond or if a magistrate still needs to determine how much your bail will be. For a minor offense, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you get to the end of your sentence and know the discharge date, expect to be discharged between 9am and noon.

for your arrest, or if you must start your sentence, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go to the jail processing area, and tell them that you think there may be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if you do, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Ensure that you are not late to report. Only bring allowed items with you, for example a driver’s license or even ID, prescription medication, and the copy of the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you have to provide each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s names will be entered into the visitation log as an Authorized visit. All visitors will have to provide proof of identification. Any visitors arriving late or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so you should double-check the official Runnels County Jail jail site before you try 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 a lot more expensive than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about how often you can use the phone, but bear 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, an inmate’s ability to use the phone could be reduced or forbidden.

Phone Number: 325-365-2121

All inmate mail is required to be sent via US Postal Service. You must not use any other type of mail delivery. You have to write or type the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the letter. Do not send a package, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail received by the jail is opened and reviewed by the officers at the jail, and the mail will get sent back if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

Runnels County Jail
612 Strong Avenue
Ballinger, TX 76821

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Runnels County Jail
612 Strong Avenue
Ballinger, TX 76821

The Runnels County Jail mail policy is always changing, so we suggest that you visit the official website when you send a letter.

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When you’ve been arrested, you have particular rights, one of these is your right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so you would be wise to have a friend or family member find a lawyer for you. You’re probably asking yourself ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you through the complicated legal system in your county. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your situation, the better your chances.

For more detailed information on how to find an attorney, click: How to Find an Attorney

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as private investigators, experts in forensics as well as case workers. Public Defenders are real lawyers who are members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to handle your case.

Have you or someone you know used the services of a Public Defender? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They have a case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents in your case. You, and anyone else, can access court records via the internet service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Runnels County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages the records. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records associated with your court case are held at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges and fees from your court case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may not have to pay the fees.

A Magistrate acts as the judge who presides on your case. Magistrates do different functions, such as setting bail, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the defendant’s background and information about the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate will review and take into account when determining the sentence. Information will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Remember you can request to get a copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, and review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service and probation, to 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 could be taken into custody immediately, or you might be given a date that you must report to jail to serve your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been in jail?

To do this, you should query the jail’s website, and search using:

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

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

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant, you can check the arrest warrants on the website or call the court directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask them. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding 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 the date of their arrest, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or check online. Arrest records are a matter of public record and the information is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, such as warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Runnels County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders must be registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see this information on the internet but bear in mind that you won’t see the street address, but only the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a court case file containing a docket sheet and any of the documents filed in your court case. You are able to access your court records on their website, or at the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal history. These databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal convictions from another state. You are able to go to the Runnels County Courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and in the event that it was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

A criminal records search you will be able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for crimes, which include:

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

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually will not discover if they has had:

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

To find this information, you will have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? How hard was it? Did you search online or did you make a phone call to the Runnels County courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your feedback could help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Runnels County, the Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that getting locked up in Runnels County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, you will soon get accustomed to the daily routine there. Prisoners get an alarm for wake-up at about 6am, and then you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. After breakfast, you will 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 Runnels 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 Runnels 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 people in jail changes, so double check the official website when you send money 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 Runnels County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Runnels 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 Runnels 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.


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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 your story


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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:

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

The definition of victim includes:

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

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

Victim Notification

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

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

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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 locked up in this jail? Do you know anybody that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at Runnels County Jail?

If so, then please write your review about it. Write down your experience because other people will know what to expect.

What to write in the review:

• Conditions in Runnels County Jail.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate programs and activities


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story about it. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? What about the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to leave a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Want to get in touch with somebody you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

Say Hello to Runnels County Jail


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