Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center – Albuquerque, NM

Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center is located in Bernalillo County and is the main jail for this region. Are you looking for someone in jail at Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center? This page tells you info about everything a person needs to know about Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information and records. And everything else.

The thought of going to jail is a scary and stressful idea, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. The purpose of this guide is to give you all the information and advice you need to make going to jail easier. If you have questions, just ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or feedback that would be a benefit to others is much appreciated.

Do you know someone in jail and want to find them?

Do you know someone that has been arrested and you need to locate them?

In order to look up who is in jail at Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center you should click on their link and do an inmate lookup.

The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center Inmate List is a list of people currently in custody, including custody status, bail amount, and visiting hours. Also, you are able to get the same information about anybody arrested and booked or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to locate the information more quickly if you’ve got their name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or family member could possibly be in another jail you will want to check our New Mexico county jail guide: List of all jails in New Mexico

A mugshot, also called a jail booking picture, is the photo that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. They take one face photo and a side-view photo. Your full name and jail ID number will be in the mugshot, and they will be kept on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be viewed online, or you can see them at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center. When viewing mugshots online you need to input the prisoner’s legal name, and the booking date, if you know it.

Do you want to have your mugshot taken down from the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center site? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the many different websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Obviously, once you’re arrested and put in jail, your main thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve been booked, your bail amount will be determined by a special judge called a magistrate. If no bail is set this can mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released from jail you will have to promise to be in court on your court date, and in the meantime you won’t be permitted to travel out of the county.

Usually, inmates in the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center will earn an early release in exchange for good behavior if they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while they’re in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to do work release. 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 be allowed to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the courts in order to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will have to pay all depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. You will have to post ten percent of the total that was determined so you can get out of jail. If you miss your court date, that person will not get their money back.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will have to call the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center or the County Courthouse. If know the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center site.

Having to get someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but in some cases, it is very simple to do. To start with, you need to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you won’t be able to get a bail bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail can’t take a check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the inmate will be released to your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

If the bail amount is too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. They generally charge a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and usually 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 the bail has been set really high, the bondsman may require that they use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

You can find a local bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman at Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center

Have you ever had to use a bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to post a comment

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

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The intake process is made up of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first step is that you will answer a bunch of questions, like your legal name, address, birthdate and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will then be allowed to use the phone so you can talk to a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing street clothes, if not you will have to wear a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If you have, you should share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take? How did the guards treat you? Do you know any tips that might help other people that get arrested get through the procedure?

Click here to tell about all about it

Once bail has been posted, you will be discharged from jail. The discharge process may take between 30 minutes to quite a few hours. In simple terms, the quicker bail is posted, the faster you will get released. It also will depend on whether or not you’ve got a bond amount or if a judge must decide on how much your bail will be. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and know the release date, you should expect to get discharged that morning.

for your arrest, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, it is recommended that you follow the rules and turn yourself in willingly. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail, in the reception area, and tell them that you think they might have a warrant out for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Be sure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Make sure that you only bring approved items with you, like your driver’s license or even ID, prescription medication, as well as an official sentencing order.

To have visitors, you need to provide each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitors will be entered into a log of approved visitors as an authorized visitor. All visitors have to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Any visitors that gets to visitation or that does not have a visitation order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so we suggest that you check the jail site before you go to the jail to visit.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Phone calls made in jail are much pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates must 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 could be reduced or forbidden completely.

The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center phone number is: (505) 839-8700

All mail has to be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of mail delivery. You have to clearly print the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the letter. Don’t send a box or package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail sent to inmates is opened and inspected by the jail officers, and will be returned to the sender if it can’t be delivered.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center:

Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
100 Deputy Dean Miera Dr Sw
Albuquerque, NM 87151

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
100 Deputy Dean Miera Dr Sw
Albuquerque, NM 87151

The mail policy is always changing, so be sure to review the the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center website when you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you get arrested, you still have certain rights, the most important of which is the right to request a lawyer. You only get so many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure you have a friend or family member locate an attorney when you call them. You’re probably asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal defense attorney will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and guide you through the criminal justice system in your county. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your situation, the better.

To read more about how to find a lawyer, click here: How to Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys that are admitted to the State Bar and are completely licensed to practice law in New Mexico.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court records are public records and are available upon request. Court records contain a file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed in the case. You, and anyone else, can access your court records using the internet service, or at the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Bernalillo County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages access to court records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records and documents related to your court case are kept and available to you at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the costs from your case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The Bernalillo County court magistrate is the person that presides over your case in court. Magistrate judges do many different things, like deciding a bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about the defendant’s background and details of the arrestee’s life history, which the judge will review when determining your sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be requested from the person on trial, their family, and if necessary the victim in the crime. Be sure to remember you are able to request to get a copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, and make sure that you go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service to probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the severity of the crime, you will either be taken into custody immediately, or given a date that you are required to go to jail to serve your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if someone is in jail, or has ever been in jail?

To do this, just query the Bernalillo County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and do a search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Birthdate.
• Their approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you believe you have an outstanding warrant, you can check the court records on the Bernalillo County court website or you are able to call the court. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and inquire at the information desk. Bear in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the Bernalillo County jail, by phone, in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are public record and this is available to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders must be registered on a sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to see these listings on the internet, but you should know that you will not get the exact address, rather the address block they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. These records include a court case file that includes a docket and any filings and documents filed in the court case. You are able to access your court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state keeps a record of a person’s criminal history. These online databases are connected so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from any other state. Go to courthouse and inquire, or check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if the crime was in a different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more intensive search.

A criminal records search you can get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any of the following crimes:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, in most cases will not discover if that person has had:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this kind of information, you will have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Was your search online or did you call the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your comments may make it easier for others.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Bernalillo County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of being incarcerated in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center is very scary, in time you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. All inmates get an alarm to wake up at about 6:00am, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then have breakfast. Following breakfast participate 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 Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention 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 Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention 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 procedure to send funds to jail inmates is likely to change, so check the official Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center site before you send any money.


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 Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention 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 Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention 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:

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• 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.

Speak Your Mind

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 incarcerated in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center? Do you have a friend or family member there? Have you ever been to visit someone there?

If yes, then we would like you to tell us about it. Write about what you experienced so other people can learn what to expect.

Things you can put in the review:

• Conditions in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates.
• Safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has a story to tell. Why were you locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? How was day to day life at Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center? Tell us about the other inmates. Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Click here to leave a comment

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you need to get in touch with an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center


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