Potter County Jail – Coudersport, PA

Potter County Jail is in Potter County, PA and is the primary jail for that region. Looking for someone incarcerated at Potter County Jail? This guide will tell you all about anything you might want to know about Potter County Jail: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Potter County Jail intake procedures. Court information and records. And much, much more.

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The thought of going to jail is a scary and daunting situation, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is designed to offer advice and information that you need to make the process a lot easier. If you have questions, please feel free to ask it, and also any comments or tips that could be a benefit to others would be much appreciated.

General Information

Address

Potter County Jail
1 North Main Street
Coudersport, PA 16915

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone Number: (814) 274-9350
Fax Number:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend in jail and don’t know how to find them?

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

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

Inmate Search

The Potter County Jail Inmate List has information on people who have been arrested, including status, bail amount, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can get information for anybody processed or released within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to locate the information fast if you’ve got the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one may be in a different jail you can look here, too: List of all county jails in Pennsylvania


Mugshots

A mugshot, or booking photograph, is the picture that the police take when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is actually two photos one and one profile photo. Your full name and intake number will be in the mugshot, and they’re stored at the jail.

View Mugshots

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be found online, or you can see them at the Potter County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you have to enter the full name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Mugshot Search

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Last Name

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Want to get your mugshot erased from the Potter County Jail website? This will be difficult, since your mugshot is a matter of public record. You have to file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that your arrest record would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Obviously, if you are incarcerated, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount will be determined either by bail schedule or magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released from jail you must agree to go to your court date, and until then you will not be permitted to travel out of the county.

In most cases, inmates will earn time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and area a good inmate while they’re in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to do work release. You will either have to return to jail every day after work, or you could have the chance to sleep in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount you have to pay is determined by how serious your charges are. Someone you know will need to post ten percent of the total set in order for you to get out of jail. If you don’t show up for your court appearance, whoever paid your bail will lose that bail money.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you need to call the Potter County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know what their bail is set at. You can also see the bail amount online.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, it is very simple to do. First, figure out if it is a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you will not be able to get a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail won’t accept checks. When you’ve paid bail, the inmate will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get the bail money back.

Bail Bondsman

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and usually have a minimum charge of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will in most cases ask to use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

If you need a bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman at Potter County Jail

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out.

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Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

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


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The jail intake process includes these steps:

  • They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
  • You have to answer some questions, like what is your legal name, home address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
  • They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
  • You will be given an inmate number.
  • You will get fingerprinted.
  • You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
  • All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are released.
  • You will be allowed to use the phone to talk to 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 get to keep wearing street clothes, if not you will have to wear a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please share your experience. How long did you have to wait? What was your treatment like? Can you share any tips that will help others to get through jail processing?

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Discharge Procedures

When you pay your bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged can take from 30 minutes to all day long. In simple terms, the faster you post bail, the sooner you will get out of jail. How quickly you get discharged can depend on if you’ve got a cash bond or if a judge must determine how much to set your bail at. For a minor charge, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the date of your release, you should expect to be discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

How To Turn Yourself In

out against you, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, it is recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go down to the jail intake area, and tell them 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 verify that you have one, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go down to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Ensure that you are not late to report. Just bring allowed items when you go to jail, such as a driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

In order to have visitors, inmates have to list each visitor’s full name to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s information will go into the visitation log as an Authorized visit. Every visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Potter County Jail visitation procedures are always changing, so check the official Potter County Jail jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

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 generally more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but inmates must keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s phone privileges might get reduced or forbidden completely.

Phone Number: (814) 274-9350

Sending Mail to Inmates

All mall sent to inmates has to be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other form of mail delivery. You have to write the prisoner’s name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the letter. Do not mail anything in a box, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail that you send to inmates is opened and inspected by the jail staff, and will be returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

Mailing Address

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Potter County Jail, use this address:

Potter County Jail
1 North Main Street
Coudersport, PA 16915

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Potter County Jail
1 North Main Street
Coudersport, PA 16915


The Potter County Jail mail policy can change, so you should check the official website before send a letter to someone in jail there.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

If you get arrested, you have certain rights, the first of which is your right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to ask a friend or family member to locate an attorney when you call. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, look after your best interests and help you find your way through the complicated court system that you are now faced with. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more info on how to find a lawyer, visit: Find a Lawyer

Public Defender

If you can’t afford a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender is staffed by investigators, experts in forensics and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys that are admitted to the State Bar and are licensed to handle your case.

Have you or someone you know had to use a Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court Records

Court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records contain a case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all motions, documents, and evidence in the case. You can access the records and documents in your court case via the internet service, or by going to the Potter County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Clerk of Court

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who manages court records. They also administer the oath in a court case, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All court records related to your case are kept and available to you at Potter County Clerk of Court office.

Fees

Court costs and court fees are the charges associated with your court case, which include filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you are low income and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

Magistrate

The magistrate is the judge who presides over your court case. Magistrate judges do a number of things, which include setting your bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Pre-Sentencing

A pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about the arrestee’s background and details of the defendant’s life, which the judge will review when determining a sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be solicited from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Remember that you can ask to get a copy of the report before sentencing, so you have the opportunity to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

Sentencing

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, including 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 may be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could be given a date to report to jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Are you trying to find out if someone is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been locked up?

To do this, just access the jail website and do an inmate search, and search using:

  • Name.
  • Date of birth.
  • Their booking date if you know it.
  • and their jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you should call the jail to find out.

Warrant Inquiry

If you believe you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check court records on the Potter County court website or you can call the jail directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. You should know that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you know a person’s name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the Potter County jail, on the phone, in person, or look online. An arrest is in the public record and this is available to anyone.

Civil Inquiry

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, like warrants. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All registered sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to view these offenders on the website, but you should know that you will not be able to see the street address, just the block they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a case file containing a docket sheet and any filings and documents filed in your case. You are able to access court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Every state maintains records of a person’s criminal background. These online databases are all connected and you can track criminal convictions from any other state. Go to the Potter County Courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and if it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A criminal history search you will be able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for crimes, which include:

  • DUI.
  • Drug offenses.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Rape or other sexual assault.
  • Violent crimes like assault or murder.
  • Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, you won’t discover if they has had:

  • Speeding.
  • Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
  • Accidents.
  • Moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To find this information, you must do a search for their driving history.

    Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the jail? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your account could help other people.

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    Most Wanted

    On a Federal level, the FBI maintains a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Potter County, the Potter County Sheriff’s Department 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 the Potter County jail is no fun, you will soon get accustomed to the routine that is set for you in jail. Prisoners get a wake-up alarm each morning at 6:00AM, and next they’ll do roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. After breakfast, you will work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

    Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Potter 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 Potter 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 inmates at Potter County Jail changes, so be sure to double check the official website when you send any funds.

    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 Potter County Jail

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

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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 Potter County Jail? Do you know anybody that spent time there? Have you ever visited an inmate there?

    If yes, then you should leave a comment below about it. Tell us about your experience so others can learn what to expect.

    Things you might want to include in your comment:

    • Jail conditions.
    • Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
    • Guards and jail staff
    • Commissary and food
    • Having Visitors
    • The other inmates.
    • Inmate safety
    • Gangs
    • Programs and activities


    Write a Review

    Tell Your Story

    Anybody that’s ever been locked up has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you get locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? How was life in jail? What were the other inmates like? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

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

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Did you make friends in jail? Do you need to find out how to get in touch with an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Leave a message for them here.

    Send a message to Potter County Jail


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