Montezuma County Jail – Cortez, CO

Montezuma County Jail is located in Montezuma County and is the main jail for the area. Are you looking for someone locked up in Montezuma County Jail? This guide tells you about everything you might need to know about Montezuma County Jailsuch as the following: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures and booking. Montezuma County court information. And much more…

The chance of going to jail is a scary and daunting situation, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to offer info you need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a question, just ask it, and also any tips or comments that might be a benefit to others would be much appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that has gone to jail and want to find them?

Has a family member or friend who has been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

To see who’s in jail at Montezuma County Jail you will need to click on their web site and use the inmate search.

The Montezuma County Jail Inmate Locator is an online list of persons who have been arrested and are in custody, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can find information about anybody processed or released within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to locate their inmate information quicker if you enter your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the inmate you are looking for might be at another county jail you will want to check our Colorado county jail guide: Other Jails in Colorado

A mugshot, also called a jail processing photo, is the photo that the jail takes when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is make of one face photo and a side-view photo. Your name and booking number will appear on the photos, and they’re on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Montezuma County Jail inmates can be searched on the Montezuma County Jail website, or you can go in person to the Montezuma County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you need to enter the full name, and the booking date, if you have one.

Need to know how to get your mugshot taken down from the Montezuma County Jail website? This may not be possible, because the mugshot is public record. You must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

Read our in-depth tutorial about getting your mugshot taken down, the different websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Obviously, once you’re locked up, your primary thought is when and how to get out. After booking, your bail amount is decided by the magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either be released, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out you must promise to go to your court date, and you can’t leave the county.

In most cases, prisoners at Montezuma County Jail are given early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. You will have to go back to jail every day after work, or you may be allowed to move to a halfway house instead of jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to get out of jail until your trial. The amount of bail that is set all depends on how serious your crime is. You will have to pay ten percent of the total that was determined so you are able to be released. If you don’t show up for court, that person will lose that money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail need to call the Montezuma County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s information, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know what their bail is set at. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but most of the time, its really easy. To start with, you need to find out if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you will not be able to get a Bail Bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they will not accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the inmate will be released to your care. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will generally have a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and usually charge a minimum of $100. This money will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If bail is very large, the bondsman might request to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To contact a local bail bondsman click here: Bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of 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 things turned out.

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In the state of Colorado bail amounts are already set by the Guide to Bail Bonds in Colorado, but keep in mind that the magistrate or judge has the final word on you bail amount. The Guide to Bail Bonds in Colorado includes all of the crimes included in state law and the specific bail amount for each crime.

• Early Release For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Get Out on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• Get Released on House Arrest
• Get Released on Your Own Recognizance

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The jail intake process includes each of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• Firstly, you have to answer a bunch of questions, such as what is your full name, address, date of birth and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your mental and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• They will allow you to use the phone so you can call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you will be allowed to wear your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be issued a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, you should tell your story. How long did it take to get processed? How were you treated? Can you tell us things that might help others to get through jail intake?

Click here to tell your story

When you pay your bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. The discharge process can take from 30 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the faster you post bail, the quicker you will get out of jail. Also, how fast you get released can depend on whether or not you’ve got a cash bond amount or if the judge needs to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For a minor offense, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a discharge date, plan to be released between 9am and noon.

If the police have a, or if you have to report to start a sentence, it is recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail reception area, and tell them that you think there is a warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into jail custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Be sure that you don’t show up late. Only bring approved items when you go, like a driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as an official sentencing order.

The inmate have to provide each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of the visit. This information will be put in a log of visitors as an approved visitor. All visitors have to provide a photo ID when visiting. Visitors arriving late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Montezuma County Jail are always changing, so you should visit the official Montezuma County Jail jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are a lot more expensive than regular phone calls. Phone calls are restricted on how often you can use the phone, but bear in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you are disciplined for an infraction, phone privileges may be limited or forbidden completely.

Phone Number: 970-565-8452

All inmate mail is required to be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other method of mail or package delivery. You have to clearly write the person’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the letter that you send. Don’t mail anything in a package or box, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail that you send to inmates gets opened and examined by the jail staff, and the mail will get sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

The mailing address for Montezuma County Jail is:

Montezuma County Jail
730 E Driscoll Street
Cortez, CO 81321

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Montezuma County Jail
730 E Driscoll Street
Cortez, CO 81321

The mail policy changes often, so you should check the official website before you send a letter.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you should know you still have rights, the first of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so it is a good idea to get a friend or family member to locate an attorney when you talk to them. You may be asking yourself ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate the complicated court system. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your situation, the better your chances.

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

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender has access to independent investigators, experts in forensics and case workers. Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys who are admitted to the Colorado State Bar Association and are fully licensed to practice law.

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

All court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They contain a case file with a docket sheet and all of the documents and motions filed during your court case. You are able to access your court records using the Montezuma County website, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court.

The Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that manages court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records, documents, and evidence related to your case are maintained at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees are the costs from your case, such as filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you are low income and have been assigned a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The Montezuma County magistrate is the type of judge that presides over your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do different functions, such as determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about your background and information about the defendant’s life and history, which the judge will review when determining the sentence. Information will be collected from the person on trial, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Remember that you should ask to receive a copy of this report prior to sentencing, and make sure that you 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, which include community service, house arrest, and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you will either be immediately taken into custody, or given a date that you are required to turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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Want to find out if some you know is incarcerated in jail, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty simple to do, just just visit the Montezuma County jail website, and search using:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants on the Montezuma County jail website or call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. You should be clear that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or check online. Arrest records are a matter of public record and the information is freely available.

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, like warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders are registered and listed on a sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see this information online, but you should know that you can’t get the exact address, but rather the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a case file that contains a docket sheet and any of the documents filed in your case. You are able to access your court records on the website, or at the Montezuma County Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal past. These online databases are linked together and you can track criminal histories from other states. You can go to courthouse and make an inquiry, or 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 a fee for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you can find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any crimes, which can include:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually won’t be able to find out if they had:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you search online or did you call the local courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your account might help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

For Federal crimes, the FBI has their list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Montezuma County, the Montezuma County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Montezuma County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of spending time in Montezuma County Jail is no fun, soon you will get used to the routine that is set for you in jail. Inmates get an alarm to wake up every morning at six in the morning, and then roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will work 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 Montezuma 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 Montezuma 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 Montezuma County Jail inmates might change, so be sure to check the site when 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 Montezuma County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Montezuma 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 Montezuma County Jail

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to 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 tell your story


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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.

Click here to 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 at Montezuma County Jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever visited an inmate there?

If yes, then please leave a comment below about it. Write about your jail experience because others will know what to expect.

Things you can put in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Food and commissary
• Visitation Days
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Click here to review Montezuma County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why were you locked up? Were you fairly treated? How was life in jail? What about the other inmates? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Want to find somebody you met in jail? Write your message below.

Post a message to someone at Montezuma County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Montezuma County Jail Link
Montezuma County Jail Inmate Search Link
Montezuma County Jail Mugshots
Montezuma County Jail Bail Amount Link

Colorado Bail Schedule

Montezuma County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Montezuma County Jail Jail Mail Link
Montezuma County Jail Inmate Inquiry Link
Montezuma County Warrants
Montezuma County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Money to an Inmate at Montezuma County Jail
Montezuma County Jail Jobs


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