Putnam County Adult Detention Facility Inmate Bail & Bonds
Putnam County bail and bond: the Heritage Trail jail, the court's bail schedule and where to pay
Adults arrested in Putnam County are held at the Putnam County Adult Detention Facility, 1035 Heritage Trail, Ottawa, run by the Sheriff's Office. Check Putnam County Inmate Search for the booking, the charge and the bail amount. Misdemeanor bail follows a written schedule in the Putnam County Municipal Court rules, and bail is paid only at the courthouse or the county jail. The Sheriff's Office answers at 419-523-3208, and the courthouse is at 245 East Main Street.
Is my cousin inside the Ottawa jail?
Type her name into Putnam County Inmate Search. A booking that is complete will show the charge and the bail. A person arrested a few minutes ago may take time to show up.
If you need more, call the Sheriff's Office at 419-523-3208 and ask about the Adult Detention Facility.
Where is the Putnam County jail?
The Putnam County Adult Detention Facility is at 1035 Heritage Trail, Ottawa, OH 45875. That is also the Sheriff's Office address.
The county holds its own adult prisoners and is not a member of a regional jail.
What does the court's written schedule say for a misdemeanor?
When police arrest someone without a summons and the person is not released on a signature, the municipal court's rule sets these amounts: first-degree misdemeanor, $3,000; second degree, $2,000; third degree, $1,500; fourth degree, $1,000. These come from Rule 19 of the court's 2024 local rules.
The rule adds that a ten percent bond can be posted only if a judge approves it.
Which charges are left off that schedule?
Felonies are left off, and only a judge sets bail on them. So are offenses of violence such as assault, menacing and stalking, and certain offenses against peace officers.
Certain domestic violence charges are excluded as well, including cases with a protection order in force. In those the person must appear before a judge for bail to be set, and the court weighs the factors in R.C. 2919.251(B). Only a judge can waive that appearance, and a no-contact condition applies.
Who can accept bail, and where?
The Clerk may set bail from the schedule during office hours. When the Clerk's office is closed, the Sheriff, a deputy or a police officer holding the person may set and accept it under the schedule. Under the rule, bail is paid only at the courthouse or the county jail.
The Clerk of Courts is at 419-523-3110.
What are the court's hours?
The court and the Clerk's office are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 245 E. Main Street, Ottawa, OH 45875. The court's phone is 419-523-8735.
The county's courts all share the Government Center building.
Can I use a credit card?
Yes. Rule 19 says the jail and the Clerk shall accept credit cards for bail payments, and the card company's added percentage may apply.
A person who waives a court appearance on a ticket pays by certified check or money order, in person, by mail or online. That rule is separate from bail.
When do the arraignments happen?
The municipal court sets arraignments by weekday. Monday has a 9:00 a.m. jail arraignment and a 1:00 p.m. in-person session. Tuesday and Thursday each have a 9:00 a.m. arraignment, jail and in-person. Wednesday and Friday have a 9:00 a.m. jail-only arraignment.
State law also requires the first bail hearing by the second court day after arrest.
How much is the bond on a traffic ticket?
Appendix C of the rules lists bond amounts for common tickets. A driver's seat belt violation is $105, speeding 0 to 10 mph over is $115, 11 to 15 over is $125, 16 to 20 over is $135, and 26 or more over is $175. Driving under suspension, an unclassified misdemeanor, is $225.
A defendant who waives appearance forfeits the bond, and no warrant issues. The charging officer can still require an appearance.
What is the difference between a ten percent bond and a cash bond?
A cash bond is the full amount. A ten percent bond is a deposit of one tenth, and ninety percent comes back once every condition is met. In Putnam County the municipal court allows a ten percent bond only with a judge's approval.
Other forms under Ohio law are an unsecured promise, a surety and real estate or securities.
How should I treat a bail agent's offer?
Licensed by the Ohio Department of Insurance, agents must charge the approved rate, tell you about any expense fee, and may not require a deed or solicit at the jail or courthouse.
The fee is not refunded, even when charges are dropped.
Can I put up land in Putnam County?
Real estate or securities can serve as security under Ohio law. The owner swears to the property, its liens, other bonds and debts, and the court must find the owner financially responsible for at least the bond amount. The Clerk at 419-523-3110 can say how the court handles the paperwork.
What happens if the court says no bail?
Bail can be denied for a capital offense with strong proof, or a felony with strong proof when the person poses a substantial risk of serious physical harm to anyone or to the community.
R.C. 2937.222 requires a hearing and clear and convincing proof, and the accused is entitled to counsel and to cross-examine.
Where can I get a lawyer if I am poor?
Ask the judge at the arraignment, whether it is held from the jail or in person. The court decides who qualifies and appoints counsel at public cost. The Clerk of Courts at 419-523-3110 can say who takes appointments.
What if the arrested person is a teenager?
The Probate/Juvenile Court is at 245 E. Main Street, Ottawa, OH 45875, phone 419-523-3012. Call it to learn the hearing time and where the youth is held. A juvenile record is private and does not appear on the adult search.
What if he misses court after posting bond?
A warrant can issue and the court can start forfeiture. A surety is released by surrendering the defendant or asking for a warrant before the date.
Money from a helper cannot go toward the defendant's costs without that person's express approval.
Who might try to scam me?
No court or jail asks for gift cards, crypto or a person-to-person app. Confirm the booking on Putnam County Inmate Search, then call 419-523-3208 or 419-523-3110 yourself.
Putnam County bail contacts
- Jail
- Putnam County Adult Detention Facility, 1035 Heritage Trail, Ottawa, OH 45875; Sheriff's Office 419-523-3208
- Custody lookup
- Putnam County Inmate Search
- Municipal Court
- 245 E. Main Street, Ottawa, OH 45875; 419-523-8735; Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Clerk of Courts
- 419-523-3110
- Probate/Juvenile Court
- 245 E. Main Street, Ottawa, OH 45875; 419-523-3012
- Bond help
- Putnam County bail and bond pages
Putnam County hours, fees and phone numbers can change, and the judge may set an amount that departs from the court's schedule. Check with the Clerk before paying. This page is a general overview and is not legal advice.
How do Bail Bonds work at Putnam County Adult Detention Facility
The Putnam County Sheriff recommends that you might want to use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Putnam County.
However if you don't want to use a bail bond agent:
- You can always pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in Putnam County, or in some cases the state of Ohio, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Putnam County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
- The typical fee for a bond in Ohio is between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15% or less. So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1,500.00.
- Pay by cash, cashier's check, money order or credit card at the Putnam County Adult Detention Facility, or the courthouse in Putnam County where the offense took place.
Call 419-523-3407 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Putnam County inmate locator.
Putnam County Adult Detention Facility
Address:
1035 Heritage Trail
Ottawa, OH 45875
Phone:
419-523-3407
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Putnam County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Putnam County?
Who can set bail in Putnam County?
When is bail set in Putnam County Ohio?
Does Putnam County have bail?
Yes, Putnam County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Putnam County?
Bail in Putnam County is available in several different types including personal bond (aka own recognizance), cash bond, 10% bond, surety bond, and property bond.
Who can set bail in Putnam County?
A judge usually sets bond. In some counties the County Court has established a bail schedule, which outlines the bail for many non-violent or minor crimes. If a charge is not part of the bail schedule a hearing will be necessary.
When is bail set in Putnam County Ohio?
Bail is set in Ohio the first time the accused is brought into court. Although this hearing is set as soon as possible based on court availability, it can take up to 3 days not including weekends or holidays.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Putnam County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance.
The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program.
Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane.
If a judge in Putnam County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.
Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court.
If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Putnam County Adult Detention Facility until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different. The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions. Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.
The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Putnam County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.
The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.
DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.
More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.
Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation.
Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.
On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.
What are the different types of bonds in Putnam County?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.
To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid.
Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid.
Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:
You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.
You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.
Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over.
The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.
You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value.
A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).
Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.
There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond.
You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.
A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met.
With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved.
Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.
Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.
(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)
Does Putnam County have bail?
Yes, Putnam County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Putnam County?
Bail in Putnam County is available in several different types including personal bond (aka own recognizance), cash bond, 10% bond, surety bond, and property bond.
Who can set bail in Putnam County?
A judge usually sets bond. In some counties the County Court has established a bail schedule, which outlines the bail for many non-violent or minor crimes. If a charge is not part of the bail schedule a hearing will be necessary.
When is bail set in Ohio?
Bail is set in Ohio the first time the accused is brought into court. Although this hearing is set as soon as possible based on court availability, it can take up to 3 days not including weekends or holidays.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Putnam County Ohio?
Yes, if there are extenuating circumstances, let the judicial officer know. The accused can ask for bail reduction or a change in bail conditions.
In Putnam County Ohio, who can pay bail for me?
The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back.
A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Ohio could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Putnam County Ohio?
Yes, Putnam County does offer online bail payment. In Ohio, bail payment is made to the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Putnam County Ohio?
Most all jail and courts accept cash, a cashier or bankers’ check. Some accept a credit card with fees. Please contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted: Go to the Putnam County Adult Detention Facility for more information about posting bail in Putnam County. An alternative would be to contact the Clerk of Court.
Will I get all my bond money back in Ohio?
Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount. If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Putnam County?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.
A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up. A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Ohio?
The Putnam County Adult Detention Facility or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.
The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.