Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility – Richmond, CA

Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility is located in Contra Costa County, California and is the primary jail for that county. Looking for someone incarcerated at Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility? This site gives you all about everything you might want to know about Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility,like: How to locate an inmate at Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and how to get out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. Court records. And much, much more.

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary idea, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is designed to give advice and information that you need to make the process less stressful. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask them, and also any comments or tips that could help other people in the same situation is much appreciated.

Do you know someone that has gone to jail and need to contact them?

Do you know somebody who has been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to see who is in jail at Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility you have to visit their website and do an inmate lookup.

The Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility Inmate Roster is a list of persons who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes custody status, how much their bail is, and schedule for visitation. Also, you can find the same information for anyone arrested and booked or discharged within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You can locate their arrest information quicker if you have your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be locked up at a different jail you can check the other California county jails in our California County Jail Guide: California Jails

A mugshot, or intake photograph, is the photo that the police take when you get booked into jail. A mugshot is make of one and a profile picture. Your name and jail ID number will appear on the pictures, and they’re kept on file.

Mugshots are on the Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility website, or you can see them at the Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility. When you search for mugshots online you will have to input the prisoner’s full name, and a booking date, if you have it.

Are you trying to get your mugshot erased from the Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility website? This may not be possible, since the mugshot is a matter of public record. You need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that your arrest record would 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 various mugshot websites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Of course, if you are incarcerated, your main thought is about when you get out. After you’ve been booked, a bail amount will be determined by a special judge called a magistrate. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released from jail you are required to agree to be in court on your court date, and until that day you will not be permitted to leave the area.

Typically, inmates at Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility will be given time off in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while incarcerated.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you may be allowed to do work release. Either you will have to go back to jail every day after work, or you may be permitted to move into a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is money that you have to pay to be released from jail pending trial. Your bail amount is determined by what crime you are charged with and how serious it is. Someone will have to post ten percent of the total that was determined in order to get discharged from jail. If you don’t go to your court date, the person that bailed you out of jail will lose that bail money.

You will need to call the jail. If know the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will tell you what their bail is set at. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but in some cases, it is really easy. First of all, you need to find out if they have a Cash Only Bond. If so, you won’t be able to use the services of a Bail Bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they won’t accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the prisoner will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just don’t have the money, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total bail amount, and in most cases with a minimum fee of $100. This is non-refundable and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will in these cases ask to use assets as collateral for the bond.

If you need a bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility

Have you ever used a bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out for you.

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In California bail amounts are set by the California Felony Bail Schedule, but the magistrate or judge has the final word on you bail amount. The California Felony Bail Schedule includes every crime included in California and the specific bail amount for each crime.

• Early Release For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Be Released on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• Get Released on House Arrest
• Get 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. When the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• You must answer a number of questions, such as your full legal name, your address, date of birth and an emergency contact.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be issued an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All of your personal property will be taken from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will get to use the telephone in order to call family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be allowed to keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will be given 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 it take to get through intake? Were you treated fairly? Do you have any tips that will help other people that get arrested get through the procedure?

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When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. The discharge process takes anywhere between 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. In simple terms, the quicker bail is posted, the faster you will get let go. Also, how fast you get released might depend on whether you have a cash bond amount or if the magistrate still needs to figure out how much your bail will be. For minor charges, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and know the discharge date, plan to get released in the morning.

for your arrest, or if you must begin your jail sentence, you really should follow the law and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. For a warrant, report to the jail processing area, and tell the intake officer that you think they might have an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. A record check will be run, and if they find one, you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, go to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Ensure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Only bring allowed items when you go to jail, like your driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the official sentencing order.

Inmates have to list information about each visitor to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s information will be put in the visitors log for the inmate. Each and every visitor must provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone showing up late or without a visiting order will not be able to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies can change, so make sure that you review the official Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility jail site before you visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Calls made in jail are usually 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 you should keep in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone privileges could be reduced or eliminated completely.

The Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility phone number is: 510-262-4200

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be sent using US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of delivery. You have to write the inmate’s name, prisoner number, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not mail anything in a box, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail that you send to inmates gets opened and read and examined by staff, and the mail will get returned if deemed inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility:

Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility
5555 Giant Highway
Richmond, CA 94806

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility
5555 Giant Highway
Richmond, CA 94806

The mail policy at Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility changes often, so you should review the the Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you still have certain rights, one of these is your right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so make sure to have a friend or relative locate a lawyer when you call them. You might be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, an attorney can advise you of your rights, help protect your interests and help you navigate the complicated court system that you are now faced with. The quicker you get an attorney working on your case, the better off you’ll be.

For more detailed information on how to find a lawyer, read our guide: How to Find a Lawyer in Contra Costa County

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender Office has access to investigators, experts in forensics as well as case workers. All Public Defenders are actual lawyers who are admitted to the State Bar and are completely licensed to handle your case.

Have you ever had to use the services of a Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

All court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. They are comprised of a court case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents and motions in the case. You have the ability to access court records using the internet service, or at the Contra Costa County Clerk of Court.

The Contra Costa County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court who manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for all court participants, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence relating to your case are available at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the fees and charges from your court case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a court appointed attorney, you may not have to pay them.

A Magistrate is the type of judge that will preside over your case. They do a number of different things, such as deciding a bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing first court appearances and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is completed to include your background information and information about the defendant’s life, which the judge will review when decide your sentence. Information will be gathered from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some circumstances the victim. Remember you are allowed to ask to see your own copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, and make sure that you correct any mistakes that it contains.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on how serious your crime was, you may be immediately taken into custody, or given a date that you must report to jail to serve your sentence.

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

To do this, you will have to access the Contra Costa County jail website, and search using:

• Their name.
• Date of birth.
• Their approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if your friend or family member is in jail, you should 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 arrest warrants inquiry on the Contra Costa County jail website or you can call the court directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. Bear in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, either by phone, go there in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are in the public record and this is accessible to anyone.

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

All registered sex offenders are required to be registered on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You are able to see these offenders on the internet, but keep in mind that you will not see the street address, rather the block that they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a court case file that contains a court docket and all of the documents filed in your court case. You are able to access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal past. These state databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal convictions from another state. You can go to the Contra Costa County Courthouse and inquire, or check online. It helps to know the county, and if it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for the following crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, you generally won’t be able to see if that person has had any:

• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Any accidents.
• Moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Did you search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your story may make it easier for others.

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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of getting locked up in Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility is very scary, soon you will settle into the daily routine there. Prisoners get an alarm for wake-up at about 6:00AM, and next you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. Following breakfast participate 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 Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility, 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 Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility 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 inmates can change, so you should visit the official Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility site when 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 Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility, 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 Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility

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.

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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 been an inmate at Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility? Do you have a friend or family member that spent time there? Have you ever been to visit someone at this jail?

If your answer is yes, then please tell us about it. Write about your experience so that others can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to put in your review:

• Conditions in Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility.
• Jail facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitation Days
• Inmates.
• Safety
• Gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Click here to review Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has a story to tell. Why’d you get arrested? Did you experience fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did getting locked up affect your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Do you need to send a message to somebody you met in jail? Post a message to them below.

Say Hello to someone at Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility

Links and Resources

Main Contra Costa County Jail – West County Detention Facility Website


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