Lea County Detention Center – Lovington, NM

Lea County Detention Center is located in Lea County and is the correctional facility for this county. Know somebody at Lea County Detention Center? This site tells you information about anything related to Lea County Detention Center,like: How to locate an inmate at Lea County Detention Center. How to view Lea County Detention Center mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Lea County Detention Center intake procedures. Court information. And everything else.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary thought, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their friends and family. This guide is meant to offer advice and information that you need to make getting locked up a lot easier. If you have a question, feel free to ask it, and any comments or feedback that would help other people in the same situation will be much appreciated.

Do you know someone that is in jail and don’t know how to contact them?

Do you know a family member or friend who’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out where they are?

To find out who is in jail at Lea County Detention Center you will need to go to their website and do an inmate search.

The Lea County Detention Center Inmate Roster is a list of people currently in custody, which includes current status, bail amount, and times you can visit. You can also get info on anybody processed or discharged in the past 24 hours. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to find the information more quickly if you have your friend or family member’s full name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the inmate you are looking for may be at another jail you should check our guide to other New Mexico jails: New Mexico Jails

A mugshot, or jail intake photograph, is a photograph that the police take when you get processed at jail intake. They take one frontal photo and one profile photo. Your name and jail booking number will be on the pictures, and they will be kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of inmates can be viewed online, or you can view them at the Lea County Detention Center. When you search for mugshots online you have to enter the person’s first and last name, and a booking date, if you have one.

Are you trying to get your mugshot taken off of the Lea County Detention Center site? This is difficult, since your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you will need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about removing your mugshot, the many different mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Obviously, once you’re incarcerated, your primary thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, your bail amount will be determined either by bail schedule or magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you are required to promise to go to your court date, and until that day you can’t travel out of the county.

Typically, a prisoner at Lea County Detention Center are given an early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while they are in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to do work release. You will either have to return to jail every day when you’re finished working, or you could be allowed to move into a halfway house instead of jail.

Your bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to the courts to be released from jail pending trial. The amount of bail that is set depends on what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. You will have to put up ten percent of the total that was determined in order for you to be released. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail will lose that money.

In order to find out how much someone’s bail is, you will have to call the Lea County Detention Center. If know the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. You can also check their bail amount and status on the Lea County Detention Center site.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but most of the time, it’s really easy if you have the money. First, you need to find out if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you can’t use a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail won’t take checks. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the inmate will get released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If bail is set too high, or you can’t afford it yourself, you should try to hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and usually have a minimum fee of $100. This money will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will in most cases ask to use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond.

To contact a bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Lea County Detention Center

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience, and let us know how things turned out.

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

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The intake process includes these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• Firstly, you must answer some basic questions, such as your full name, your address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will then be allowed to use the telephone in order to get in touch with a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you think you will get released quickly, they will let you keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If so, please tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get through intake? How were you treated? Do you have any secrets that will help others get through the process?

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Once you are able to post bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail can take anywhere from 30 minutes to quite a few hours. In other words the faster you can pay your bail, the quicker you will be freed. Also, how fast you get released might depend on whether or not you’ve got a bond amount or if the magistrate still needs to decide on your bail amount. For minor charges, you will get booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a release date, expect to be discharged that morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you have to start your sentence, you should follow the law and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go down to the jail, in the reception area, and tell someone that think that there is a warrant out for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if you do, you will be taken into jail custody. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go down to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order states. Be very careful that you don’t show up late. Make sure that you only bring allowed items when you turn yourself in, such as a driver’s license or even photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as an official sentencing order.

Inmates must provide each visitor’s name to the jail in advance of any visit. This information will go in a Visiting log for the inmate. Each visitor will have to provide identification. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or that is not on the visitation list will be turned away.
Jail visitation policies change often, so we suggest that you double-check the official site before you try to go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are usually pricier than regular phone calls. There is no limit to how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get reduced or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: (575) 396-8668

All inmate mail has to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other form of mail delivery. You must write or type the name, prisoner number, and the address of the jail on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send a box or package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail that you send to inmates gets opened and examined and read by the officers at the jail, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

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

Lea County Detention Center
1401 S. Commercial
Lovington, NM 88260

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Lea County Detention Center
1401 S. Commercial
Lovington, NM 88260

The mail policy is always changing, so it would be best to check the official Lea County Detention Center site before you send a letter.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these is that you have the right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure you have a friend or family member find a lawyer when you call them. You’re probably asking yourself ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate through the criminal justice system in Lea County. The quicker you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better off you’ll be.

For more information about the benefits of hiring a lawyer, read: How to Find an Attorney

If you cannot afford an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. Also, the Public Defender Office is staffed by private investigators, forensics experts as well as social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are actual attorneys who are admitted to the New Mexico State Bar Association and are fully licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know used the services of a Public Defender? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Lea County court records are public records and are available upon request. They have a file containing a docket and all documents filed during your court case. You, and anyone else, can access court records using the website, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath for anyone testifying in court, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records associated with your case are kept at Lea County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees are all costs from your case, for example 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 and won’t have to pay them.

A Magistrate is the judge that will preside over your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do a number of things, such as determining how much your bail will be, writing arrest warrants, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed to include information about the defendant’s background and information about the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will consider when deciding on the sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the person on trial, their family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Be sure to remember that you can ask to see your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you get the chance to correct any inaccurate information.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you could receive a date that you are supposed to turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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

You can you need to query the jail website and do an inmate search, and search by:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• or inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you can also call the jail to find out.

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants inquiry on the Lea County jail website or you can call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask one of the officers. Bear in mind that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, in person, or look online. Records of arrests are public record and the information is accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, like a court order. You can access civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All convicted sex offenders have to be registered on either a national or state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You are able to view this information on the internet, but remember that you will not get the exact address, but rather the neighborhood block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a case file containing a docket sheet and any documents filed in the court case. You are able to access court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the Lea County Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of people’s criminal background. These databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal histories from any other state. You are able to go to the county courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that the crime was in a completely different state, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you can get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

When you do a criminal history search, you will not be able to find out if someone has had any:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get driving histories, you must do a driving records search.

Have you ever tried to search for someone’s criminal records? How hard was it? Did you search online or did you have to make a phone call to the Lea County courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments may make it easier for others.

Click here to post a comment

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Lea County, the Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in Lea County Detention Center is no fun, eventually you will get accustomed to the daily routine. Prisoners get an alarm for wake-up at 6:00 AM, and then roll call. Next, you will have breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will have to 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 Lea 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 Lea 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 rules for sending money to people in jail is likely to change, so you should visit the the Lea County Detention Center website 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 Lea County Detention Center

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Lea 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 Lea 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.

Click here to share 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.

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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 Lea County Detention Center? Do you have a friend or family member that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit someone at Lea County Detention Center?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to write a review about it. Write about your experience because others can learn what to expect.

Things you could write in the review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail layout and facility
• Staff and guards
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Jail gangs
• Activities and programs


Click here to write your review of Lea County Detention Center

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has some stories about their time ‘inside’. How’d you get locked up? Did you get fair treatment? What happened to you while you were locked up? Were the other inmates cool? How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Trying to find somebody you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to people still locked up at Lea County Detention Center


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