Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center – Windom, MN

Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center is located in Cottonwood County, Minnesota and is the primary jail for that region. Know somebody incarcerated at Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center? This site tells you information about everything related to Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Centersuch as the following: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and bail bondsmen. Booking and intake procedures. Court information. And much, much more.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary situation, not only for whoever is incarcerated, but also that person’s family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to offer info that you need to make helping someone get out of jail less stressful. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and also any tips or comments that might help other people in the same situation would be welcome.

Do you know someone that is locked up and want to locate them?

Has a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you want to find them?

In order to find out who’s in jail at Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center you will have to go to their web site and do an inmate lookup.

The Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center Inmate Search is a list of people who have been arrested and are in custody, which includes custody status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you are able to find the same information about anybody arrested and processed or released in the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You will be able to get the information more quickly if you’ve got the arrestee’s name, birth date, or arrest number.

If the person you are looking for might be at another jail you should look here: Minnesota County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also called a jail intake photo, is a photo taken by the police when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is actually one full face and a side picture. Your full name and intake number will be in the mugshot, and they are stored.

Mugshots can be found on the website, or you can view them at the Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center. When viewing online you need to input the person’s full name, and the arrest date.

Need to know how to get your mugshot erased from the Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center site? This is difficult, as the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that your arrest record would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

To learn more about getting your mugshot taken down, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Of course, if you are arrested and put in jail, your main thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through booking, a bail amount will be set either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be released, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released from jail you will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and you won’t be permitted to leave the county.

Usually, prisoners at Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center will be given an early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. Either you will have to go back to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you may get to move to a halfway house when you are not working.

Your bail is the amount of money that you are required to pay to get out of jail pending trial. The amount of bail that is set is dictated by the crime you are charged with. You will have to put up 10 percent of the total set so you are able to be released from jail. If you miss your court date, whoever put up your bail money won’t get the bail money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will have to call the jail. If you have all the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you what their bail is set at. You can also find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but thankfully, it is easy if you have the money. To start with, you need to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond situation. 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 prisoner will be released to your care. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

If bail is set too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should try a bail bondsman. They usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and sometimes with a minimum of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will usually ask to use assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

You can find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Cottonwood County

Have you ever had to use a bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to leave a comment

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

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The jail intake process includes each of these steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you will have to answer some basic questions, such as your full name, your address, birth date and contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• They will allow you to make a phone call in order to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, they will let you wear your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail uniform.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, please tell us how it happened. How long did it take to get processed? How were you treated? Do you know any tips that might help others to get through jail intake?

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Once you are able to post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. Getting discharged from jail may take between 10 minutes to all day long. In other words the faster you post bail, the sooner you will get released. Also, it depends on whether you’ve been given a bond amount or if the magistrate must figure out how much to set your bail at. For lesser charges, you will be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the date of your release, you should expect to be released that morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you have to begin your sentence in jail, you really should follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. For a warrant, go to the jail processing area, and tell an officer that believe that there could be a warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, go down to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order states. Be sure that you aren’t late. Make sure that you only bring necessary items when you go, like your driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you have to provide information about each visitor to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s information will be entered into a Visiting log for the inmate. Every visitor will be required to provide proof of identification. Anyone showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures change often, so it would be wise to double-check the official Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Jail phone calls are much more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the jail rules, phone privileges may be limited or eliminated completely.

The Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center phone number is: 507-831-1376

All mail is required to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You cannot use any other form of mail or package delivery. Clearly write the prisoner’s name, inmate ID, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a box or package, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail received by the jail gets opened and inspected and read by staff, and the mail will be returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center:

Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center
902 5Th Ave.
Windom, MN 56101

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center
902 5Th Ave.
Windom, MN 56101

The inmate mail policy at Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center changes, so it would be best to visit the official Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center site when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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When you get arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these is the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure you get a friend or relative to locate a lawyer for you. You may be thinking ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ While you are not required to have one, a lawyer will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and help you understand the complicated legal system that you are now faced with. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better your chances.

For more detailed information on how to find a lawyer, read: How to Find a Lawyer in Cottonwood County

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office is staffed by independent investigators, forensics experts as well as social case workers. Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers that are members of the State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

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

All court records are public records. They have a court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and every documents and motions filed during your court case. You are able to access your court case records with the Cottonwood 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. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records and documents related to your court case are kept at the Cottonwood County Clerk of Court.

Court fees are all costs from your court case, such as filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The magistrate is the judge that will preside on your case. Magistrate judges do a number of things, such as deciding a bail amount, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed with the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life, which the magistrate will take into account when determining the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and in some cases the victim. Be sure to remember that you can ask to receive your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you get the chance to correct any mistakes that it contains.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you may be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could be given a date to go to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

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Do you want to find out if someone is currently in jail, or has ever been locked up?

To find this out you will have to access the Cottonwood County jail website, and do a search using:

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

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

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you are able to check the court records on the Cottonwood County court website or you can call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. Keep in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the Cottonwood County jail, by phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and this information is accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, like warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are listed and registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You are able to see this information on the internet, but you should know that you will not find the precise address, rather the block they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. Court Records include a court case file that contains a court docket and any documents filed in the case. You are able to access court records online, or at Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state keeps a record of people’s criminal past. These state databases are connected and you can track criminal convictions from any other state. You can go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It helps to know the county, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you are able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for the following crimes:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

But, when you do a criminal records check, in most cases won’t find if someone had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To search for driving records, you have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments could make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

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

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center is no fun, soon you will get used to the daily routine there. You should expect an alarm to wake up at 6:00AM, and then you’ll have roll call. Then you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will have to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. 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 Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center, 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 Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center 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 process for sending funds to someone in jail at Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center is always changing, so it would be best to double check the the Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center website before you send money to an inmate.


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 Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center, 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 Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center

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 post 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:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You 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 spent any time at Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever visited someone there?

If yes, then you should leave a comment below about it. Write about what you experienced so that others can learn what to expect.

What to include in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Programs and activities


Write a Review of Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? Were you mistreated? What was your daily routine in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did going to jail affect your life?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Want to reconnect with somebody you met when you were locked up? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Say Hello to people still locked up at Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center


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