Houston County Jail – Dothan, AL

Houston County Jail is located in Houston County and is the primary correctional facility for this county. Know somebody in jail at Houston County Jail? This guide will tell you all about everything one might want to know about Houston County Jail,such as: How to do a jail inmate search. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Houston County Jail intake procedures. Court records. And everything else.

The prospect of going to jail is a scary situation, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is designed to give you all the information and tips that you’ll need to make helping someone get out of jail a lot easier. If you have questions, please feel free to ask them, and any comments or tips that could help others would be appreciated.

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

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

In order to find out who is in jail at Houston County Jail you should navigate to their web site and do an inmate lookup.

The Houston County Jail Inmate Locator has information on persons who have been arrested, which includes custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. You can also find info for anybody booked or released within the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You can get their inmate information faster if you have your friend or family member’s full name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be in another jail you will want to look here: Alabama County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also called a jail intake picture, is a photograph taken by the police during jail intake processing. They will take one full face and a profile photo. Your full name and jail ID number will appear on the photos, and they are on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be seen online, or you can see them at the Houston County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will have to put in the inmate’s full name, and an arrest date, if you know it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken down from the Houston County Jail website? This will be difficult, because the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that all of your arrest records will 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.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: Mugshot Removal

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Naturally, if you are in jail, your only thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, bail is set either by bail schedule or magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out of jail you must promise to go to your court date, and you must not leave the area.

Usually, prisoners in the Houston County Jail are given time off in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. Either you will have to stay jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you could be permitted to move to a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is how much 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 is dictated by how serious your crime is. You will have to post 10% of the amount set before you can be released. If you don’t go to your court appearance, whoever put up your bail money will not get their money back.

To find out someone’s bail amount you need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you have all the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you what their bail is set at. You can also check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but usually, its very simple to do. To start with, you have to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you will not be able to get a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they won’t accept a check. When you’ve paid bail, the person will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you will get this money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually have a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and usually charge a minimum charge of $100. This money is non-refundable and must be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will in these cases require that they use assets as collateral.

To talk to a local bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used a bail 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.

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In Alabama the amount of bail you pay is predetermined by the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure – Bail Schedule, but the judge or magistrate has the final word on how much your bail will be. The Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure – Bail Schedule lists all of the crimes defined by Alabama and the specific bail amount for each crime.

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

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The jail intake procedure includes each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• First, will have to answer a bunch of questions, like your legal name, home address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• You will be allowed to use the phone so you can contact a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be allowed to wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be issued a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, you should tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any things that will help others make it through jail intake?

Click here to comment

When you post bail, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. The discharge process can take between 15 minutes to all day long. In other words the faster bail is posted, the faster you will get discharged from jail. How quickly you get discharged will depend on whether you have a bond amount or if a judge needs to decide on how much your bail will be. For a minor offense, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have served out your jail sentence and know the date of your release, expect to get released that morning.

If there is a, or if you must report to start a sentence, you should follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go down to the jail, and tell them that you think there is a warrant out for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Make sure that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring allowed items when you turn yourself in, such as a driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, and a sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to provide the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s names will be entered into a log of visitors as an approved visitor. Every visitor must provide identification. Any visitors showing up late or that is not on the visitation list will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Houston County Jail are always changing, so review the jail site before you go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Calls made in jail are typically pricier than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules, phone calls could be reduced or eliminated completely.

The Houston County Jail phone number is: (334) 712-0762

All mall sent to inmates must be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of mail delivery. You have to write or type the person’s name, inmate number, and the jail address on the envelope. Don’t mail anything in a box or package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates will be opened and inspected and read by the jail administration, and the mail will get sent back if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

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

Houston County Jail
901 East Main Street
Dothan, AL 36301

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Houston County Jail
901 East Main Street
Dothan, AL 36301

The Houston County Jail mail policy changes, so it would be best to visit the official Houston County Jail site before you send a letter.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these is the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to get a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you call. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your interests and help you through the legal system. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your situation, the better off you’ll be.

For more info on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, click here: How to Find a Lawyer in Houston County

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. The Public Defender is staffed by investigators, forensics experts as well as social case workers. Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are completely licensed to handle your case.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney? What was your experience?

Houston County court records are a matter of public record. Court records include a court case file containing a docket and every motions, documents, and evidence filed in the case. You, and anyone else, can access your court records using the internet service, or at the Clerk of Court.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath in a court case, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All court records from your case are held at Clerk of Court.

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

A Magistrate is the judge that rules on your court case. Magistrate judges do a number of things, such as setting bail, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing initial court appearances and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include the defendant’s background information and details of the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate will review when decide your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be requested from the defendant, their family, and if necessary the victim. Be sure to remember you are able to ask to have a copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you can go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, including community service to probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you could be taken into custody immediately, or given a date that you must to surrender and report to jail to serve your term.

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Want to find out if some you know is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

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

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you can check arrest warrants inquiry online or you are able to call the court directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. You should be clear that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are public record and this is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by going to the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders have 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 crime. You are able to see this information on the internet, but remember that you won’t get the exact address, but only the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. They include a case file that includes a court docket and any of the documents filed in your court case. You are able to access court records on the website, or at the Houston County Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains records of someone’s criminal past. These databases are connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from other states. You can go to the Houston County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay for a more intensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you can find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for the following crimes:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, you generally will not be able to see if that person has had:

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

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

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? Was it easy? Was your search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your story might help other people.

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Houston County, the Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Houston County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in Houston County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, soon you will settle into the daily routine there. All inmates get an alarm to wake up at 6:00 AM, and next you’ll have roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. When you finish breakfast participate 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 Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston County Jail might change, so it would be best to visit the site when send funds to someone in jail there.


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 Houston County Jail

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

Click here to 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.

Click here to post a comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been locked up in this jail? Do you know someone that is an inmate there? Have you ever visited an inmate at Houston County Jail?

If yes, then you should tell us about it. Write about your experience so others can learn what to expect.

What to include in the review:

• Conditions in Houston County Jail.
• Jail and pod layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Gang activity
• Inmate activities and programs


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you get locked up? Were you mistreated? What was it like in jail? Were the other inmates cool? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Want to reconnect with somebody you met in jail? Write your message below.

Send a message to Houston County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Houston County Jail Website
Houston County Jail Inmate Search Link
View Houston County Jail Mugshots
Houston County Jail Bail Amount Link

Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure – Bail Schedule

Houston County Jail Visitation
Houston County Jail Mail Policy
Locate an inmate at Houston County Jail
Houston County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Houston County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Funds to an Inmate at Houston County Jail
Houston County Jail Employment


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