Dona Ana County Detention Center – Las Cruces, NM

Dona Ana County Detention Center is located in Dona Ana County, New Mexico and is the primary jail for this area. Do you know someone in Dona Ana County Detention Center? This page tells you info about everything one might want to know about Dona Ana County Detention Center,such as: Learn how to locate an inmate. How to view Dona Ana County Detention Center mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Dona Ana County Detention Center intake procedures. Court information. And more…

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful situation, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also their friends and family. This guide is meant to offer info you need to make going to jail a lot easier. If you have a specific question, just ask it, and please leave any comments or feedback that could help others is appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is incarcerated and don’t know how to find them?

Do you know somebody that has been arrested and you want to find out where they are?

In order to look up who is in jail at Dona Ana County Detention Center you need to click on their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Dona Ana County Detention Center Inmate Search is an online list of people who have been arrested and are in jail, including current status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. You can also find info on anyone arrested and processed or released in the last 24 hours. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to find their arrest information faster if you have their first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or family member could possibly be at another jail you will want to check the other New Mexico county jails in our New Mexico County Jail Guide: Other County Jails in New Mexico

A mugshot, also known as a jail booking photo, is a picture that the police take when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually one face photo and a profile photo. Your full name and jail booking number will be on the photos, and they’re kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Dona Ana County Detention Center inmates can be seen on the website, or you can view them at the Dona Ana County Detention Center. When viewing mugshots online you will need to enter the inmate’s legal name, and a booking date, if you know it.

Do you want to get your mugshot taken off of the Dona Ana County Detention Center website? This is difficult, because the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

Read our in-depth tutorial about removing your mugshot, the many different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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If you are locked up, your primary thought is about when and how you will get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail amount will be determined by a special judge called a magistrate. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you must promise to show up for court, and until then you can’t leave town.

In most cases, prisoners will be given time off in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and area a good inmate while in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be given work release detail. You will be required to return to jail every day when you’re finished at your job, or you could be permitted to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is money that you are required to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. The amount you will be required to pay is dictated by the crime you are charged with. You will need to put up ten percent of the total that was set so you are able to be released. If you miss your scheduled court date, that person will not get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail will need to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know the bail amount. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the Dona Ana County Detention Center site.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but in some cases, its easy if you have the money. First of all, you have to find out if it is a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you will not be able to get a bail bondsman. Cash only – the jail will not accept a check. When you’ve paid bail, the prisoner will be discharged. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you will get this money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you can’t afford it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and sometimes have a minimum of $100. This will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will usually use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

If you need a bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman at Dona Ana County Detention Center

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

Click here to share your story

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

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The intake procedure takes you through these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• You must answer some basic questions, like your legal name, home address, birthdate and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• They will allow you to use the phone 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 quickly, they will let you wear your street clothes, if not you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please tell us how it happened. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? How were you treated? Can you tell us secrets that might help other people make it through the process?

Click here to comment

When you post bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process may take from 30 minutes to all day. In simple terms, the quicker bail is posted, the quicker you will be freed. Also, it will depend on if you’ve got a bond amount or if a judge must decide on your bail amount. For a minor charge, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a discharge date, plan to get released between 9am and noon.

for your arrest, or if you need to start your sentence, it is highly recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in. For a warrant, report to the jail processing area, and let them know that you think there may be a warrant out 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 you do, you will be taken into custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, report on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Make sure that you only bring things that are allowed when you go to jail, such as your driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must provide each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s information will be put in a log of approved visitors as an approved visitor. Each visitor will have to provide a photo ID when visiting. Any visitors arriving late or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
Visitation procedures at Dona Ana County Detention Center are always changing, so you should double-check the jail site before you try to visit an inmate.

All phone calls from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are a lot pricier than regular phone calls. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but bear in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you are disciplined for an infraction, an inmate’s phone privileges might get reduced or forbidden.

Phone Number: 575-647-7600

All mail has to be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You can’t use any other method of delivery. You have to clearly write or type the prisoner’s name, inmate number, 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, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. Any mail is opened and inspected by the jail staff, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if it can’t be delivered.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Dona Ana County Detention Center is:

Dona Ana County Detention Center
1850 Copper Loop
Las Cruces, NM 88005

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Dona Ana County Detention Center
1850 Copper Loop
Las Cruces, NM 88005

The inmate mail policy at Dona Ana County Detention Center changes frequently, so it would be best to double check the the Dona Ana County Detention Center website before you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you get arrested, you still have certain rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea to get a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you call them. You might be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense lawyer will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate through the legal system in Dona Ana County. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better.

To read more about this subject, read our guide: Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender Office has access to independent investigators, forensics experts and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys who are members of the State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know had to use a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

Dona Ana County court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They contain a case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents in your case. You, and anyone else, can access your court case records via the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office.

The Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your case are available at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges from your court case, which include filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

A Magistrate acts as the judge that rules on your case. Magistrates are judges that do many different things, like setting bail amounts, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about your background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life history, which the magistrate will review and take into account when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim. Don’t forget that you should ask to receive a copy of your pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you get the chance to correct the mistakes.

When 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 and probation, to incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on how serious your crime was, you could be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could be given a date that you must to surrender and report to jail to serve your sentence.

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

To find this out you need to query the Dona Ana County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

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

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you can also call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check the arrest warrants online or you can call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask one of the officers. You should know that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the Dona Ana County jail, on the phone, in person, or you can check online. Arrest records are a matter of public record and this is accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s office, online or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are required to be registered and listed 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 crime. You can access these listings on the website, but remember that you will not be able to get the actual address, but rather the address block they live on.

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

Each and every state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal background. These online databases are connected and you can track criminal histories from any other state. You can go to the courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and in the event that it was in a different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal history search you will be able to get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for the following crimes:

• DUI.
• 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.

If you do a criminal records check, in most cases won’t discover if someone has had:

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

To find this information, you will have to do a driving records search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How easy was it? Did you search online or did you make a phone call to the local courthouse? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your story could 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 a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Dona Ana County, the Sheriff maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of spending time in Dona Ana County Detention Center is quite unpleasant, soon you will settle into the daily routine. Prisoners get a wake-up alarm at six in the morning, and next you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. When you finish eating 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 Dona Ana County 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 Dona Ana County 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 can change, so be sure to visit the official 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 Dona Ana County Detention Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Dona Ana County 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 Dona Ana County 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.

Speak Your Mind


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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 incarcerated in Dona Ana County Detention Center? Do you have a friend or family member there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at this jail?

If your answer is yes, then you should tell us about it. Write about your experience so that other people can find out what to expect.

What to write in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• Other Inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


Speak Your Mind

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you get locked up? Did you get fair treatment? How was life in jail? What were the other inmates like? How did getting locked up affect your life?

Click here to share your story about when you did time in Dona Ana County Detention Center

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Are you trying to reconnect with a friend from jail? Post a message to them below.

Send a message to people incarcerated at Dona Ana County Detention Center


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