Franklin County Jail in Columbus, Ohio

If you believe your friend or relative has been arrested in Franklin County, then you can check to see if they are listed as an inmate at FCCC I or II. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office provides an inmate information search feature. Keep in mind, if the arrest happened very recently, the information might not be up yet.

If a case has been filed against a person who is in custody at the Franklin County jail, you can find that information.

If the inmate was arrested for a misdemeanor or felony in Frankin County, you can search the FCMC Clerk records. You also can search the Franklin County Clerk of Court’s Case Information Online (CIO) for felonies filed in the Court of Common Pleas.

If you search in both places and cannot find a case for your friend or relative, the case may not be filed yet. Their case may also have originated in another state or county.

Both FCCC I and FCCC II allow inmate visitation on specific days based on the first letter of the inmate’s last name:

• A-G – Sundays and Thursdays
• H-O – Mondays and Fridays
• P-Z – Tuesdays and Saturdays
• Juveniles – Wednesdays

If you arrive at the jail to visit an inmate on the wrong day, you will be turned away.

Visiting hours are:

• 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
• 6:00 – 9:30 p.m.

When you visit, you can bring up to two adults and three children. Adult inmates are allowed visitors for up to 15 minutes, and juveniles can spend up to 30 minutes with visitors.

Do not forget, you will need identification. For children who wish to visit an inmate, you can bring their birth certificate, state ID, or health insurance card.

Whether or not you can help a friend or family be released from jail on bond depends on the circumstances. You should speak with a criminal defense attorney from Luftman, Heck & Associates first. Is the inmate facing a bail amount based on a pre-determined schedule, or is the amount based on the judge’s discretion? If the inmate was arrested for certain violent offenses, a defense lawyer can represent them and seek a fair and affordable amount for bail.

When the bail amount is set, a lawyer will explain the payment options. If it is a standard bail bond, also known as an appearance bond, then you may only need to pay a 10 percent deposit to the court. If the inmate is required to pay a cash bond, then they are required to pay the full amount for their release. For a surety bond, the inmate can utilize a private bail bondsman. You would pay a certain percentage of the bail and fees to the bondsman who would then post the funds for the inmate to be released.

Additionally, bail is not paid at the jail. Bond money is paid at the Franklin County Clerk of Courts:

345 S. High St., 1st Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215

FCCC I (Franklin County Corrections Center I) primarily houses male inmates and is located downtown at 370 S. Front Street, while FCCC II, located at 2460 Jackson Pike, holds both male and female inmates and serves as the larger facility with expanded intake and housing capabilities.

To communicate with an inmate, you must use GTL services by calling 1-800-483-8314. Inmates cannot take incoming calls, but you can set up prepaid accounts to leave messages or schedule calls. Visitation rules vary by facility, so check in advance.

Visitors must bring valid photo identification and comply with jail dress code and rules. Only approved visitors will be allowed, and personal belongings (bags, phones) must be left outside. Contact the jail’s visitation line at (614) 525-3383 to confirm requirements.

Most individuals arrested in Franklin County appear for arraignment within 1–3 business days. This first hearing determines bond and initial charges. An experienced attorney can often expedite release and begin working on the defense immediately.

Medical care for inmates is managed in-house. If your loved one has a serious condition, you can call the medical office at (614) 525-3465 to notify staff. Be prepared to provide their full name, birth date, and any necessary medical details.

Criminal defense attorneys like those at Luftman, Heck & Associates can visit clients in custody outside of standard visiting hours. Legal visits are confidential and can be scheduled quickly to prepare for hearings or arraignments.