Wells County Jail – Bluffton, IN

Wells County Jail is in Wells County, IN and is the primary correctional facility for that region. Know somebody in jail at Wells County Jail? This site tells you all about everything one might want to know about Wells County Jailsuch as the following: Find an inmate at Wells County Jail. How to view Wells County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. Wells County court information. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary and daunting prospect, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s family and friends. The goal of this guide is to give you all the information and advice that you need to make getting locked up easier. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask it, and please leave any comments or feedback that could help other people in the same situation will be much appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that is locked up and need to locate them?

Has somebody who has been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

In order to find out who’s in jail at Wells County Jail you have to go to their website and do an inmate search.

The Wells County Jail Inmate Search is an online list of persons who have been arrested and are in jail, which includes current status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. Also, you can get information about anybody booked or released within the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can find the information fast if you enter the arrestee’s full name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be incarcerated at a different jail you should check the other Indiana county jails in our Indiana County Jail Guide: Indiana County Jails Listing

A mugshot, also known as a jail intake photograph, is the photograph that the jail takes during jail intake processing. A mugshot is make of one frontal photo and a profile photo. Your name and booking number will be on the mugshot, and they will be stored at the jail.

Mugshots of inmates can be found on the Wells County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Wells County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you have to enter the inmate’s name, and an arrest date, if you have one.

Do you want to get your mugshot taken off of the Wells County Jail site? This can be tricky, as 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 all of your arrest records would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot removed, the many different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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Once you are in jail, your main thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through booking, bail is set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If no bail is set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you will have to agree to be there for your court date, and until then you can’t go out of town.

Usually, prisoners will earn time off in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and area a good inmate while in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will have to go back to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you could get to live in a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you are required to pay to get out of jail pending trial. The amount you will be required to pay all depends on what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You or someone you know will have to pay 10 percent of the total that was determined so you are able to get out of jail. If you don’t go to your court date, that person will lose that money.

You must call the Wells County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you have all the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. You can also find out how much their bail is on the Wells County Jail site.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but thankfully, its easy if you have the money. First of all, figure out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you won’t be able to get a Bail Bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail can’t take a check. When you’ve paid bail, the prisoner will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

If the bail amount is too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and sometimes have a minimum of $100. This money is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman will in these cases request to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

You can find a local bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman at Wells County Jail

Have you ever had to use a bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to tell your story

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

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The intake process is made up of each of the following steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• First, must answer some simple questions, such as your full name, your address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• They will let you make a telephone call to get in touch with 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 wear your own clothes, otherwise you will have to change into a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should share your experience. How long did you have to wait? How were you treated? Can you tell us secrets that might help others make it through the process?

Click here to post a comment

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. In simple terms, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you can get out of jail. Also, it might depend on whether you have a cash bond or if the magistrate needs to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For a minor charge, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and have a release date, you should plan to be released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

If the police have a, or if you must report to start a sentence, you really should follow the rules and turn yourself in willingly. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail, in the reception area, and tell them that you think there may be a warrant out for your arrest. They will do a record check, and if there is one, you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Be sure that you are not late to report. Only bring things that are allowed when you go to jail, like your driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to give each visitor’s full name to the jail. This information will be entered into the visitors log as an authorized visitor. All visitors is required to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone showing up late or without a visiting order will not be able to attend visitation.
The Wells County Jail visitation procedures frequently change, so make sure that you double-check the official site before you go to visitation.

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 generally pricier than regular phone calls. Phone calls are restricted on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but bear in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, your ability to use the phone might get cut back or forbidden completely.

Phone Number: 260-824-3426

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of mail or package delivery. You have to clearly print the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send a package or box, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. Any mail is opened and inspected by the jail staff, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Wells County Jail is:

Wells County Jail
1615 W. Western Ave.
Bluffton, IN 46714

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Wells County Jail
1615 W. Western Ave.
Bluffton, IN 46714

The Wells County Jail inmate mail policy changes often, so you should check the official website when you send a letter to an inmate.

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When you’ve been arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these being your right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure to get a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you call them. You might be asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and help you find your way through the complicated legal system in Wells County. The quicker you get an attorney working on your charges, the better off you’ll be.

For more detailed information on how to find a lawyer, read: How to Find an Attorney in Wells County

If you cannot afford an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. In addition, the Public Defender has access to investigators, experts in forensics as well as social case workers. All Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers that are admitted to the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use the services of a Public Defender? What was your experience?

Wells County court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records are comprised of a file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all motions, documents, and evidence in the case. You, and anyone else, can access your court records using the Wells County website, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

The Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages court records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All court records associated with your case are kept and available to you at Wells County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees and costs are the fees and charges associated with your case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The magistrate is the person that rules over your case. Magistrates are judges that do a number of things, which include deciding a bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed with background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate will review when determining your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be solicited from the defendant, their family, and if necessary the victim. Bear in mind you can request to see your own copy of the report before your sentencing, and make sure that you review it and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, which include community service and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you will either be taken into custody immediately, or you could get a date to turn yourself into jail to serve your jail term according to your sentence.

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Want to find out if some you know is locked up, or has ever been locked up?

To find this out you should query the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

• The inmate’s 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 arrest warrants on the website or you are able to call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. You should know that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or check online. Arrest records are in the public record and this is accessible to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you are served with legal papers, like a court order. You can find these by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on either a national or state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access these offenders on the website, but you should know that you can’t see the street address, just the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a case file containing a docket sheet and all of the documents filed in your case. You are able to access your court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal history. These online databases are all linked and you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. You can go to courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and in the event that it was in a totally different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

A criminal history search you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, you won’t find if they have had any:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? How easy was it? Did you do your search online or did you call the courthouse? Was the information correct? There are plenty of reasons that people search for criminal records, and your story may make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Wells County, the Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Wells County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in Wells County Jail is quite unpleasant, in time you will settle into the daily routine there. Inmates get an alarm for wake-up at about 6:00am, and next they’ll do roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will have to 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 Wells 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 Wells 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 could change, so we suggest that you double check the the Wells County Jail website when you send funds 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 Wells County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Wells 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 Wells 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 leave a comment


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Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• 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 about all about it

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 an inmate in this jail? Do you know someone that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner in this jail?

If so, then please write a review about it. Write down what you experienced because other people can learn what to expect.

Things you could write in the review:

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


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories about their time ‘inside’. How’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did it affect you to go to jail?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you want to send a message to someone you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

Send a message to someone incarcerated at Wells County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Wells County Jail Link
Wells County Jail Inmate Search
View Wells County Jail Mugshots
Wells County Jail Bail Link

Wells County Jail Visitation
Wells County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Locate an inmate at Wells County Jail
Wells County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Wells County Jail Arrests
Wells County Jail Send Money Procedure
Jobs at Wells County Jail


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