La Plata County Jail – Durango, CO

La Plata County Jail is in La Plata County and is the jail for the area. Looking for someone in jail at La Plata County Jail? This page gives you about anything you might want to know about La Plata County Jail,like the following: Find an inmate at La Plata County Jail. How to view La Plata County Jail mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court records. And more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also that person’s friends and family. The goal of this guide is to give you information and advice you need to make helping someone get out of jail a lot easier. If you have a question, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any feedback or comments that would be beneficial to others would be appreciated.

Do you know someone that is incarcerated and need to contact them?

Do you know somebody that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to locate them?

In order to look up who’s in jail at La Plata County Jail you have to click on their link and do an inmate lookup.

The La Plata County Jail Inmate Roster is an online list of persons currently in custody, which includes custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting schedule. You can get info about anybody arrested and processed or discharged in the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to get their inmate information quicker if you have your friend or family member’s name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the inmate you are looking for could possibly be at a different jail you can look here: Colorado County Jails

A mugshot, also known as a jail intake photograph, is a picture taken by the police when you get booked into jail. They will take one frontal photo and a side photo. Your full name and intake number will be in the pictures, and they are kept on file.

Mugshots of La Plata County Jail inmates can be searched on the La Plata County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the La Plata County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you need to put in the inmate’s full name, and an arrest date, if you have one.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot removed from the La Plata County Jail website? This may not be possible, because the mugshot is public record. You need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the many different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Once you’re incarcerated, your main thought is about getting out. After you’ve been booked, your bail is determined using the bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you do bail out you must agree to show up for court, and you can’t leave the area.

In most cases, a prisoner in the La Plata County Jail are given an early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and area a good inmate while they are in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to do work release. You will have to return to jail at the end of the day after work, or you might have the chance to live in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail is money that you have to pay to get out of jail until your court date. The amount you will be required to pay is dictated by the seriousness of your crime. Someone will have to post ten percent of the total set in order to get out of jail. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, the person that paid your bail won’t get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will need to call the La Plata County Jail. If know the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know the bail amount. You can also see the bail amount online.

Having to get someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but fortunately, it’s really easy if you have the money. First, you need to know if they have a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you can’t get a bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – they can’t accept a check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the prisoner will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, of if you can’t pay it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases have a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and the bondsman only accepts cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman will in these cases require that they use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

If you need a bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at La Plata County Jail

Have you ever used a Bail Bondsman for someone you know or yourself? 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 Colorado the amount of bail you pay is pre-determined using by the Guide to Bail Bonds in Colorado, but keep in mind that the judge or magistrate has the final word on where your bail is set. The Guide to Bail Bonds in Colorado lists all crimes included in Colorado and the specific bail you will have to pay for each crime.

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

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The jail intake process takes you through these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• First, have to answer some basic questions, such as your full name, home address, birth date and an emergency contact.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will get to use the telephone to talk to a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you think you will get released quickly, you might get to keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will be given a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, please tell your story. How long did it take to get processed? What was your treatment like? Can you share any things that will help other people that get arrested to get through the process?

Click here to tell about all about it

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail may take anywhere from 10 minutes to many hours. Or, simply, the quicker bail is posted, the sooner you can get released from jail. It also will depend on whether or not you’ve got a bond amount or if the magistrate needs to decide on how much to set your bail at. For lesser charges, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. If you have served a sentence in jail and have a release date, you should expect to be discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

for your arrest, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, you really should follow the rules and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. If you have a warrant, go to the jail intake area, and tell an officer that you think there may be a warrant for your arrest. They will check their system to see if there are any outstanding local, state or federal arrest warrants out for you, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into jail custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Ensure that you don’t show up late. Only bring required items with you, for example a driver’s license or even state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, and a official sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must provide each visitor’s full name to the jail. This information will be entered into the visitation log for the inmate. Each visitor must provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Anyone showing up late or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at La Plata County Jail change often, so double-check the official jail site before you visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Jail phone calls are generally more expensive than phone calls made at home. There is no limit to when and how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you are disciplined for an infraction, your ability to use the phone may be limited or forbidden.

Phone Number: 970-247-1161

All mall sent to inmates must be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other form of mail or package delivery. You have to clearly write the name, inmate ID, and jail address on the envelope. Do not mail anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail sent to inmates is opened and reviewed by the staff, and the mail will be returned if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

La Plata County Jail
742 Turner Dr.
Durango, CO 81303

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
La Plata County Jail
742 Turner Dr.
Durango, CO 81303

The La Plata County Jail inmate mail policy can change, so it would be best to visit the official website when you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you have been arrested, you have certain rights, one of these being your right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to have a friend or relative find a lawyer when you call. You might be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and guide you through the criminal justice system. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more information on this subject, click here: How to Find an Attorney

If you can’t afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender is staffed by independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys who are members of the Colorado State Bar and are licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you ever had to use a court appointed attorney? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court records are public records. Court records contain a file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all documents in the case. You are able to access your court records with the internet service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is a member of the court that manages court records. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records and documents related to your court case are kept and available to you at Clerk of Court.

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

The magistrate is the person who presides on your case. Magistrates are judges that do a number of things, like determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing initial court appearances and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together with your background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will take into account when determining the sentence. Information will be gathered from the person on trial, his or her family, and if necessary the victim. Remember you can request to see your own copy of your pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, so you get the chance to review it and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on how serious your crime was, you could be locked up immediately, or you could receive a date that you are supposed to surrender and report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Are you trying to find out if some you know is currently in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty easy to do, simply just visit the La Plata County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you can also call the jail to find out.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you can access arrest warrants on the La Plata County court website or you are able to call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. Keep in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or you can check online. Arrest records are public record and the information is freely available.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, which can be a court order. You can access civil process orders by contacting the La Plata County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders are listed and registered on a sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view these offenders online, but you should know that you will not see the street address, but rather the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a court case file that contains a court docket and all documents and filings filed in your case. You can access your court records on the internet, or at the La Plata County Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of someone’s criminal past. These databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal histories from another state. Go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if it was in a totally different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for the following crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, you won’t be able to find out if that person had:

• Speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this kind of information, you must do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you have to make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments could help other people that are in the same situation.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In La Plata County, the Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List

La Plata County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that serving a jail sentence in La Plata County Jail is no fun, soon you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. You should expect an alarm to wake up at 6:00AM, and next they’ll do roll call. Then you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will work in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 La Plata 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 La Plata 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 is likely to change, so you should review the official website before you send funds to an inmate 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 La Plata County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the La Plata 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 La Plata 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 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:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims 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 in this jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate in this jail?

If yes, then you should write your review about it. Write about your experience because other people can find out what to expect.

What to put in your comment:

• Conditions in La Plata County Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitors
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has at least one story to tell about it. Why’d you get arrested? Were you mistreated? How was life in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell Your Story About La Plata County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you want to get in touch with somebody you met in jail? Write your message below.

Send a message to someone at La Plata County Jail

Links and Resources

Main La Plata County Jail Website
La Plata County Jail Inmate Search
View La Plata County Jail Mugshots
La Plata County Jail Bail Amount Link

Colorado Bail Schedule

La Plata County Jail Visitation Procedures
La Plata County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Find an inmate at La Plata County Jail
La Plata County Jail Warrant Inquiry
La Plata County Jail Arrests
La Plata County Jail Send Money Procedure
La Plata County Jail Jobs


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