Houston, We Have a Problem (Finding Someone, That Is)
So, your friend, family member, or that neighbor who always borrowed your lawnmower and "accidentally" kept it for a year (looking at you, Brenda) has gone missing. You've scoured Facebook, their absence is deafening on Instagram, and carrier pigeons seem to be a thing of the past. Fear not, my friend, for there's a chance they might be residing in a correctional facility, fondly nicknamed "the clink" by some. But before you bust out the orange jumpsuit and practice your shiv-making skills (important note: don't do that), here's how to find your missing Houstonian in a less, well, dramatic fashion.
Houston Hold 'Em: Jail or Prison?
This, my friend, is the first hurdle. Jails typically house folks awaiting trial or serving short sentences, while prisons are for those sentenced to a longer stay. Houston has a delightful spread of both, so some detective work is needed.
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City Slickers: If your friend got tangled with city ordinances (parking tickets times a million, anyone?), they're likely chilling in the Harris County Jail. You can waltz over to the Harris County Sheriff's Office website [use a search engine to find this] and use their nifty inmate search tool. Pro Tip: The more info you have (first and last name, booking number, etc.), the faster you'll find your wayward pal.
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Lone Star Loafin': Did your associate tangle with state law? Maybe they borrowed something "valuable" that wasn't theirs, or perhaps their karaoke rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" got a little too enthusiastic. In that case, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is your best bet. Head to their inmate search [use a search engine to find this] and unleash your inner bloodhound.
Bonus Round: Channel Your Inner Sherlock Holmes
Still striking out? Don't fret, there are other avenues to explore:
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The Power of the Phone: Don't underestimate the good old-fashioned phone call. Hit up the Harris County Sheriff's Office or the jail directly and see if they can shed some light on the situation.
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Hire a Parrot (Just Kidding... Maybe): Private investigators exist for a reason! If your missing mate is a real mystery, consider this option, though it might cost a pretty penny.
Houston, We Found Someone!
There you have it! With a little internet sleuthing and maybe a dash of good luck, you've hopefully located your missing Houstonian. Now, the question remains: jailhouse visit or celebratory margaritas? That, my friend, is entirely up to you (and maybe your lawyer).
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