Columbia County Jail – St. Helens, OR

Columbia County Jail is in Columbia County, OR and is the main correctional facility for that county. Looking for somebody locked up in Columbia County Jail? This guide tells you all about everything you might want to know about Columbia County Jail,like the following: How to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Columbia County Jail intake procedures. Columbia County court information. And lots more.

The thought of going to jail is a daunting and scary thought, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family and friends. This guide is meant to offer info you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any comments or tips that would be beneficial to others would be welcome.

Do you have a friend or family member that is in jail and don’t know how to locate them?

Has a family member or friend that has been arrested and you want to find them?

To search who’s in jail at Columbia County Jail you need to go to their link and do an inmate lookup.

The Columbia County Jail Inmate Roster is a list of persons who are in jail, including custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and schedule for visitation. Also, you can find the same information on anybody arrested and processed or discharged in the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by last name. You can locate the information quicker if you enter their full name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the inmate you are looking for may be at another jail you should check the other Oregon county jails in our Oregon County Jail Guide: Oregon County Jails

A mugshot, also called a jail intake picture, is a photograph that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and a side-view photo. Your full name and booking number will be on the photos, and they are kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of inmates can be searched online, or you can go in person to the Columbia County Jail. When viewing online you will have to input the full name, and an arrest date, if you have it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot removed from the Columbia County Jail site? This is difficult, as your mugshot is a public record. You have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot taken down, the many different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: Mugshot Removal

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Of course, once you’re incarcerated, your only thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve been booked, your bail amount is set by a special judge called a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you are required to promise to be there for your court date, and until that date you can’t leave town.

Usually, inmates in the Columbia County Jail will earn time off in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while locked up.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to do work release. You will be required to return to jail every day when you’re finished working, or you may be permitted to live in a halfway house instead of jail.

Your bail is money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will be required to pay all depends on the crime you are charged with. You will have to put up 10 percent of the total set so you can get discharged from jail. If you miss court, the person that bailed you out of jail won’t get the bail money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail must call the Columbia County Jail. If you’ve got the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know the bail amount. You can also see the bail amount on the Columbia County Jail site.

Bailing out of jail is never a fun thing, but in some cases, it is really easy if you have the money. First, figure out if it is a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you can’t use a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail will not take checks. Once the cash bond has been paid, the person will be released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually have a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and usually with a minimum charge of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is extremely high, the bail bondsman may 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 click here: Find a bail bondsman at Columbia County Jail

Have you ever had to use a Bail Bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out for you.

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

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The intake process takes you through these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you have to answer a bunch of questions, like your full name, your address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• Also, you will also be asked about your medical and mental history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will then be allowed to use the telephone to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, they will let you skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please tell your story. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? What was your treatment like? Do you have any things that will help others to get through jail intake?

Click here to share your story

When you pay your bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged from jail may take between 30 minutes to all day long. So, the quicker you post bail, the sooner you will get discharged. Also, how fast you get released might depend on whether or not you have a bond amount or if the judge must determine the bail amount. For minor charges, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have served out your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, expect to get released between 9am and noon.

out against you, or if you have to start your sentence, you should do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail, in the reception area, and tell the intake officer that you think there is a warrant out for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they verify that you have one, they will take you into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report on the date and time that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be sure that you are not late to report. Just bring things that are allowed when you go to jail, like a driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, and the sentencing order from court.

The inmate must provide each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail. This information will be put in the visitation log as an authorized visitor. Every visitor will be required to provide identification. Visitors that arrives for visitation late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
The Columbia County Jail visitation procedures can change, so we suggest that you review the jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are much pricier than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about when and 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 break the jail rules, phone calls might get reduced or cut altogether.

The Columbia County Jail phone number is: (503) 366-4611

All mall sent to inmates must be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You must not use any other type of mail or package delivery. Clearly write or type the person’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the letter. Do not send a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail received by the jail is opened and read by the officers at the jail, and will get sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

The mailing address for Columbia County Jail is:

Columbia County Jail
901 Port Avenue
St. Helens, OR 97051

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Columbia County Jail
901 Port Avenue
St. Helens, OR 97051

The inmate mail policy at Columbia County Jail is always changing, so we suggest that you double check the official Columbia County Jail site when send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you have been arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these being that you have the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea to get a friend or family member to locate a lawyer for you. You may be asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you understand the complicated legal system. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better.

For more information on how to find an attorney, read our guide: How to Find an Attorney

If you can’t afford an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender has a number of staff such as private investigators, forensics experts and social case workers. Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys who are members of the Oregon State Bar and are licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know had to use the services of a Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

Columbia County court records are a matter of public record. Court records include a court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all documents and motions filed during your court case. You, and anyone else, can access your court records using the Columbia County website, or at the Columbia County Clerk of Court.

The Columbia County Clerk of Court is a member of the court who manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records, documents, and evidence from your case are held at the Columbia County Clerk of Court.

Court fees are all costs 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 will not be responsible for these fees.

The Columbia County court magistrate acts as the judge that rules on your case. Magistrate judges do a number of different things, like setting your bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together to include the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate judge will take into consideration when deciding on the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some circumstances the victim of the crime. Don’t forget that you can request to have your own copy of the pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, so you can correct any inaccurate information.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, ranging from community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you could receive a date to report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if a family member or friend is incarcerated in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you should query the jail’s website, and search using:

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

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you should call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the court records online or you are able to call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. Bear in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or look online. Arrest records are in the public record and these records are accessible to anyone.

A Civil Process is when someone has been served with papers, like a court order. You can find these by contacting the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders are registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You can access these offenders on the internet, but keep in mind that you can’t find the precise address, rather the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. These records include a court case file that includes a court docket and all of the documents and filings filed in your case. You can access the court records via the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of people’s criminal history. These state databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal histories from other states. You are able to go to county courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. It is helpful to know the county, and if it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you are able to 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.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, usually won’t find if someone has had any infractions like moving violations:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving records, you will have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it easy? Did you do your search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments might help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a listing of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Columbia County, the Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Columbia County Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in Columbia County Jail is quite unpleasant, you will soon get accustomed to the daily routine there. All inmates get a wake-up alarm every morning at 6:00AM, and then roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. Following breakfast you will work in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 funds to someone in jail could change, so it would be best to visit the official Columbia County Jail site before 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 Columbia County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Columbia 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 Columbia 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:

• 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 locked up at Columbia County Jail? Do you know someone that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at Columbia County Jail?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to leave a comment below about it. Write down your experience so other people will know what to expect.

Things you can write in your comment:

• Conditions in Columbia County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has a story to tell. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you get fair treatment? How was life in jail? How did you get along with the other inmates? How did going to jail affect your life?

Click here to tell your story about Columbia County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Need to say wassup to someone you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Post a message to people still locked up at Columbia County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Columbia County Jail Link
Columbia County Jail Inmate Search Link
Columbia County Jail Mugshots
Columbia County Jail Bail Link

Columbia County Jail Visitation Procedures
Columbia County Jail Jail Mail Link
Columbia County Jail Inmate Search
Columbia County Warrant Inquiry
Columbia County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Funds to an Inmate at Columbia County Jail
Jobs at Columbia County Jail


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