Mesa County Jail – Grand Junction, CO

Mesa County Jail is located in Mesa County, CO and is the primary correctional facility for that area. Know someone incarcerated at Mesa County Jail? This guide gives you info about anything you might need to know about Mesa County Jail: Find an inmate at Mesa County Jail. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information. And much more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for the person who is incarcerated, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is meant to offer advice and information that you need to make the process a lot easier. If you have a question, just ask it, and any tips or comments that would help others is welcome.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is incarcerated and want to locate them?

Has someone that’s been arrested and you need to locate them?

To find out who is in jail at Mesa County Jail you need to visit their link and use the inmate search.

The Mesa County Jail Inmate Lookup is an online list of people who have been arrested, including current status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. Also, you can get info about anybody arrested and processed or discharged within the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You can locate their inmate information faster if you’ve got your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID.

If the person you are looking for is at another county jail you will want to check our guide to other Colorado jails: Colorado County Jails Directory

A mugshot, also known as a booking photo, is the photograph that the jail takes during jail intake processing. They will take one frontal photo and a side photo. Your name and jail ID number will be on the photos, and they are stored at the jail.

Mugshots are on the Mesa County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Mesa County Jail. When you search for mugshots online you will need to input the prisoner’s legal name, and a booking date, if you have one.

Do you want to get your mugshot removed from the Mesa County Jail website? This may not be possible, as the mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a Petition to Expunge with the court. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot removed, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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Obviously, if you are in jail, your only thought is about getting out. After you’ve been booked, bail is determined by a special judge called a magistrate. If you don’t get a bail set this can 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 must agree to be in court on your court date, and until that date you won’t be permitted to leave the area.

In most cases, a prisoner can earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and act right while in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to do work release. You will have to return to the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you may be allowed to live in a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the courts to get out of jail pending trial. The amount you will be required to pay is determined by the crime you’ve been charged with. You will need to put up 10% of the amount that was set before you can get out of jail. If you miss your court date, the person that paid your bail will not get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail must call the Mesa County Jail. If you have all the pertinent information, including 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 jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is no fun, but thankfully, its really easy. First of all, figure out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If this is the case, you won’t be able to use a bail bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they will not take checks. Once the cash bond has been paid, the person will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just don’t have the money, you should try a bail bondsman. They usually have a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and usually charge a minimum of $100. This money is non-refundable and is typically cash only. If the bail is extremely high, the bondsman will in most cases use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To find a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman at Mesa County Jail

Have you ever used the services of bondsman for someone you know or yourself? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to post a comment

In the state of Colorado your bail is set by the Guide to Bail Bonds in Colorado, but the judge or magistrate has the final word on how much your bail will be. The bail schedule lists all of the crimes defined by Colorado and the exact bail amount for each of the crimes.

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

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The jail intake procedure is made up of these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• You will answer a bunch of questions, such as what is your full legal name, home address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and mental history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
• You will then be allowed to make a phone call to call a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be able to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will be given 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 you have to wait in the holding cell? Were you treated fairly? Do you have any tips that could help other people get through the procedure?

Click here to post a comment

Once bail has been posted, you will get discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail will take anywhere between 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. So, the faster you post bail, the faster you will get out of jail. How quickly you get discharged depends on if you have a bond amount or if a judge must determine your bail amount. For lesser charges, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the release date, plan to get released that morning.

If the police have a, or if you must start your sentence, it is highly advisable that you follow the law and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail processing area, and tell the intake officer that believe that there could be an outstanding arrest warrant out for you. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if they find one, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If it is for a jail sentence, report at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Make sure that you are not late. Be sure to only bring allowed items with you, like your driver’s license or state issued ID, prescription medication, and the sentencing order from court.

To have visitors, you have to provide each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will go into the log as an Authorized visit. Every visitor will have to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies can change, so make sure that you visit the official jail site before you go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Calls made in jail are much pricier than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get reduced or totally denied.

Phone Number: 970-244-3520

All inmate mail must be sent via the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You cannot use any other type of mail or package delivery. You should write the name, inmate ID, and the jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Do not send anything in a box, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail received by the jail gets opened and read by the jail staff, and the mail will get returned if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Mesa County Jail:

Mesa County Jail
215 Rice Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Mesa County Jail
215 Rice Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501

The mail policy at Mesa County Jail can change, so be sure to review the site when you send a letter.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you have particular rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure to get a friend or family member to locate a lawyer for you. You might be thinking ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate through the criminal justice system that you are now faced with. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your case, the better your chances.

For more information on this subject, click here: Find a Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has access to independent investigators, experts in forensics and social workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers that are admitted to the Colorado State Bar Association and are legally licensed to practice law in Colorado.

Have you ever had to use the services of a Public Defender? What was your experience?

Mesa County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records are comprised of a case file with a docket sheet and every documents in the case. You can access your court records using the online service, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

A 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 delivered by the jury. All records, documents, and evidence from your court case are kept at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees are the costs associated with your case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you don’t have the money 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 Mesa County magistrate is the person that presides on your court case. Magistrates are judges that do different functions, which include setting your bail amount, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing initial court appearances and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed with information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate will review and take into consideration when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Remember you can request to receive your own copy of the report before you are sentenced, so you have the opportunity to go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

If you get convicted of a crime during your trial, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, ranging from community service and probation, to even incarceration in jail or prison. Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be immediately taken into custody, or you could be given a date that you are supposed to surrender and report to jail to serve out your sentence.

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Do you need to find out if someone is locked up, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you should go to the Mesa County jail website, and search by:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Their 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 to find out.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you are able to check the arrest warrants on the Mesa County court website or you can call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. Keep in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, as well as their arrest date, contact the Mesa County jail, either by phone, go there in person, or look online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and the information is freely available.

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

All registered sex offenders are registered on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You can access these listings on the website, but bear in mind that you will not find the actual address, rather the address block they live on.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. These records include a case file that contains a court docket and any of the documents and filings filed in the court case. You can access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the Mesa County Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains 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 are able to go to the Mesa County Courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and if it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you are able to 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 offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, you won’t be able to find out if that person has had any:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it an easy process? Did you search online or did you make a phone call to the Mesa County courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that people look up criminal backgrounds and records, and your story may help other people.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

The FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Mesa County, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

Mesa County Sheriff’s Department Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of being incarcerated in Mesa County Jail is very scary, in time you will settle into the daily routine there. All inmates get an alarm for wake-up at 6:00am, and next they’ll do roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. After breakfast, you will be required to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Mesa County Jail, 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 Mesa County Jail 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 money to Mesa County Jail inmates is likely to change, so it would be best to double check the official Mesa County Jail 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 Mesa County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Mesa County Jail, 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 Mesa County Jail

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 leave a comment


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Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Click here to tell your story

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 Mesa County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at Mesa County Jail?

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

What to put in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitation
• The other inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Activities and programs


Write Your Review

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has a story to tell. How’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? What was it like in jail? What were the other inmates like? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Tell Your Story About Mesa County Jail

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Are you trying to get in touch with someone you met in jail? Send a message to them here.

Post a message to someone at Mesa County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Mesa County Jail Link
Mesa County Jail Inmate Search
Mesa County Jail Mugshots
Mesa County Jail Bail Link

CO Bail Schedule

Mesa County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Mesa County Jail Mail Policy
Find an inmate at Mesa County Jail
Mesa County Jail Warrant Inquiry
Mesa County Jail Arrest Inquiry
Mesa County Jail Send Money Procedure
Jobs at Mesa County Jail


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