Tarrant County Jail – Cold Springs Facility – Fort Worth, TX

Tarrant County Jail is located in Tarrant County, TX and is the primary jail for the region. Looking for somebody in Tarrant County Jail? This guide will tell you information about everything you might need to know about Tarrant County Jail,like: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court records. And more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and daunting situation, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is designed to give you information that you’ll need to make the process less stressful. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask them, and any comments or feedback that might be a benefit to others will be much appreciated.

Do you know someone that is locked up and don’t know how to locate them?

Do you know someone who’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out where they are?

To find out who is in jail at Tarrant County Jail you have to go to their web site and perform an inmate search.

The Tarrant County Jail Inmate Lookup has information on people who were arrested and are now in jail, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you are able to get the same information about anyone who has been arrested or released within the past 24 hours. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to get their arrest information quicker if you enter the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or loved one might be incarcerated at a different jail you can check our guide to other Texas jails: List of all jails in Texas

A mugshot, or intake picture, is the photo taken by the police during jail intake processing. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and a side picture. Your full name and jail booking number will be on the pictures, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots of Tarrant County Jail inmates can be found on the Tarrant County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Tarrant County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will have to input their first and last name, and an arrest date, if you know it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken down from the Tarrant County Jail website? This can be tricky, since your mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, 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 different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Return To Main Menu

Of course, once you are in jail, your only thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail amount will be decided either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If no bail is set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you are required to promise to go to your court date, and you are not allowed to leave town.

Usually, a prisoner are given time off for good behavior when they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while they are in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will either have to stay jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you may be permitted to live in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will be required to pay depends on how serious your crime is. You or someone you know will have to post 10 percent of the total that was set before you can get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your court date, whoever posted your bail will lose that bail money.

You will have to call the Tarrant County Jail. If you’ve got the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. You can also see the bail amount online.

Posting bail to get out of jail is no fun, but in some cases, its simple to do if you have the money. To start with, you have to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If so, you will not be able to use the services of a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail will not accept a check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the prisoner will be released into your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will generally charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and in most cases with a minimum fee of $100. This is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman may require that they use your assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

If you need a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Tarrant County

Have you ever used the services of bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to tell about all about it

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

Return To Main Menu

The intake process includes each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is really busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• You will answer some basic questions, such as what is your full name, home address, birthdate and contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your mental and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will then be allowed to use the phone in order to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you will be allowed to keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will be given a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell our readers about your experience. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How were you treated? Can you share any secrets that might help other people that get arrested get through jail processing?

Click here to tell your story

When you finally post bail, you will get discharged from jail. This process takes anywhere from 15 minutes to all day. So, the faster bail is posted, the quicker you can get out of jail. It also might depend on whether you’ve been given a cash bond or if the magistrate has to decide on your bail amount. For a minor offense, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served your sentence and are given a date of your release, plan to get discharged in the morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must start a jail sentence, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and turn yourself into the authorities. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail intake center, and tell the intake officer that believe that there could be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Make sure that you only bring approved items when you go to jail, for example a driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, and a copy of the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you must give each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitors will be put in a Visiting log for the inmate. Each visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors arriving late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so it would be wise to check the jail site before you visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . These phone calls are much pricier than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the rules, an inmate’s ability to use the phone may be limited or forbidden.

Phone Number: 817-884-3116

All inmate mail has to be sent using US Postal Service. You can’t use any other type of mail or package delivery. You have to clearly write the person’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t mail a box or package, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and read and examined by the jail officers, and will be sent back if it can’t be delivered.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Tarrant County Jail is:

Tarrant County Jail
1815 Cold Springs Rd
Fort Worth, TX 76102

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Tarrant County Jail
1815 Cold Springs Rd
Fort Worth, TX 76102

The inmate mail policy at Tarrant County Jail can change, so you should visit the official website when you send a letter to an inmate.

Return To Main Menu

If you have been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these being that you have the right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so it is a good idea to have a friend or relative locate an attorney for you. You might be asking yourself ‘I don’t need a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and help you find your way through the complicated legal system in your county. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your situation, the better off you’ll be.

For more information on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, click: How to Find a Lawyer in Tarrant County

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender is staffed by independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are real attorneys that are admitted to the Texas State Bar Association and are licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? How did they do?

Tarrant County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They have a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents in the case. You have the ability to access the records and documents in your court case using the website, or at the Tarrant County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Tarrant County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath during court cases, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records related to your court case are kept and available to you at Tarrant County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees are the charges and fees from your case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

A Magistrate is the judge that will preside over your court case. They do a number of things, like setting your bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary and procedural court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about the arrestee’s background and details of the defendant’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will review when determining the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be requested from the defendant, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Keep in mind that you can request to see your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, and make sure that you correct the mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you will either be taken into custody, right there in court, or you might be given a date that you are supposed to surrender and report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Want to find out if someone is incarcerated, or has ever been in jail?

To find this out you should visit the Tarrant County jail website, and search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birth date.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member 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 access arrest warrants inquiry on the website or you can call the jail. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and inquire at the information desk. Keep in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Tarrant County jail, by phone, go there in person, or look online. An arrest is in the public record and this information is accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, which can be court orders. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders must be registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You can access these offenders online, but bear in mind that you will not be able to get the street address, but rather the block that they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. These records include a case file containing a docket sheet and any of the documents and filings filed in the case. You are able to access your court records on the internet, or at the Tarrant County Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of someone’s criminal past. These state databases are all connected and you can track criminal histories from any other state. You can go to county courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

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

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

When you do a criminal history search, usually won’t find if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you have to call the Tarrant County courthouse? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments might help other people that are in the same situation.

Speak Your Mind

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Tarrant County, the Tarrant County Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of spending time in the Tarrant County jail is quite unpleasant, soon you will get used to the daily routine there. You will get an alarm for wake-up at 6:00 AM, and then roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. Following breakfast participate 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 Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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 funds to someone in jail at Tarrant County Jail can change, so be sure to check the official Tarrant County Jail site before 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.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Tarrant County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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 post a comment


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:

• 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.

Click here to tell 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 been a prisoner at this jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever been to visit someone there?

If so, then you should tell us about it. Write down what you experienced because other people will know what to expect.

Things you can put in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Click here to write a review

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has a story to tell. How’d you get locked up? Did you get fair treatment? What was it like in jail? What about the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

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

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Need to find out how to get in touch with an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Write your message below.

Post a message to someone at Tarrant County Jail


Return To Main Menu
2842