Otero County Jail – La Junta, CO

Otero County Jail is located in Otero County, Colorado and is the main jail for the region. Know somebody incarcerated at Otero County Jail? This page gives you all about anything you might need to know about Otero County Jail,such as: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Otero County Jail intake procedures. Court information and records. And much more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary prospect, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s friends and family. The goal of this guide is to give advice and information that you need to make getting locked up a little less stressful. If you have questions, feel free to ask them, and please leave any comments or feedback that could help other people in the same situation will be appreciated.

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

Has somebody who’s been arrested and you need to find out what jail they’re in?

To search who’s in jail at Otero County Jail you should visit their website and use the inmate lookup.

The Otero County Jail Inmate Locator has information on persons who have been arrested and are in jail, which includes custody status, bail amount, and schedule for visitation. Also, you can find the same information for anybody who has been arrested or released within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can find their arrest information more quickly if you enter the arrestee’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the person you’re searching for could possibly be in a different jail you can check our guide to other Colorado jails: Colorado County Jails Listing

A mugshot, or jail processing picture, is a picture that the police take when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and a side photo. Your name and booking number will be in the photos, and they will be kept on file.

Mugshots of Otero County Jail inmates can be seen online, or you can see them in person at the Otero County Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to put in the person’s legal name, and an arrest date.

Need to know how to have your mugshot taken down from the Otero County Jail site? This may not be possible, because the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and will not be accessible. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

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

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Of course, if you’re locked up, your primary thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail amount will be set by the magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you do bail out of jail you are required to promise to be there for your court date, and until that day you won’t be permitted to leave town.

Typically, inmates at Otero County Jail are given an early release in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and conduct themselves properly while they’re in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. Either you will have to stay the jail at the end of the day after work, or you might be permitted to move to a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Your bail is how much money that you have to pay to be released from jail until you go to court. The amount of bail that is set depends on the seriousness of your crime. Someone will have to post 10 percent of the total set in order to get out of jail. If you miss court, whoever paid your bail will lose that money.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail have to call the Otero County Jail. If you have all the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will let you know the bail amount. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but thankfully, its really easy. To start with, you need to find out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If this is the case, you will not be able to get a bail bondsman. Cash only – the jail can’t accept checks. Once you have paid the bond, the inmate will be released. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should try a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will generally charge you a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and sometimes have a minimum fee of $100. This money is non-refundable and the bondsman only accepts cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman will ask to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond.

To talk to a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a Bail Bondsman in Otero County

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

Speak Your Mind

In the state of Colorado your bail is pre-determined using by the Guide to Bail Bonds in Colorado, but the magistrate or judge has the final word on how much your bail will be. The bail schedule includes each and every crime included in state law and the specific amount of bail for each one.

• Get Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release Programs
• Released 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 procedure includes these steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is really busy, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first thing you will have to is you must answer some simple questions, like what is your full legal name, street address, birth date and contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
• You’ll be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any personal property you have will get taken away from you and stored until you are released.
• You will then be allowed to make a phone call so you can contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, they will let you wear your street clothes, otherwise you will have to wear a jail uniform.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take to get through intake? What was your treatment like? Do you know any things that will help other people get through jail intake?

Click here to leave a comment

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process takes anywhere from 10 minutes to quite a few hours. Or, simply, the faster bail is posted, the faster you will get discharged from jail. Also, how fast you get released depends on if you’ve got a bond amount or if a magistrate must decide on the amount of bail to be set. For minor offenses, you will be booked and released on your own recognizance. When you have completed your jail sentence and know the release date, you should expect to be released that morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must start your sentence, you should follow the rules and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go down to the jail intake center, and tell the intake officer that you think there is 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 they find one, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. When reporting to serve a sentence, go down to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order lists. Ensure that you aren’t late. Make sure that you only bring things that are allowed when you turn yourself in, such as your driver’s license or state issued ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s information will go in a Visiting log as an Authorized visit. Every visitor has to provide a photo ID when visiting. Visitors showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so make sure that you double-check the jail site before you go to visitation.

All phone calls from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Phone calls made in jail are usually more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There is no limit to when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but bear 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, phone privileges might get reduced or eliminated completely.

The Otero County Jail phone number is: 719-384-5941

All mail has to be sent via US Postal Service. You can’t use any other type of mail delivery. You should write or type the person’s name, prisoner number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send a package, envelope with padding, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and inspected by staff, and the mail will be sent back to the person who mailed it if deemed inappropriate.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Otero County Jail is:

Otero County Jail
222 East Second Street
La Junta, CO 81050

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Otero County Jail
222 East Second Street
La Junta, CO 81050

The mail policy at Otero County Jail changes, so it would be best to visit the official Otero County Jail site when you send a letter to an inmate.

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If you get arrested, you have certain rights, one of these is the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so you would be wise to ask a friend or family member to locate an attorney for you. You may be thinking ‘do I really need an attorney?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate through the court system that you are now faced with. The quicker you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your situation, the better.

For more information about this, go to: How to Find an Attorney

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has a number of staff such as private investigators, forensics experts as well as social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers, admitted to the Colorado State Bar Association and are legally licensed to practice law in Colorado.

Have you or someone you know had to use the services of a Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. Court records contain a court case file with a docket and each of the motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed in the case. You can access court records with the online service, or by going to the Clerk of Court’s office.

A Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All records, documents, and evidence associated with your court case are maintained at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees and costs are all costs associated with your court case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various 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.

A Magistrate acts as the judge who presides on your case. Magistrates are judges that do several different things, like determining how much your bail will be, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is put together to include background information and as much detail about the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate judge will review and take into account when deciding on the sentence. Information will be collected from the person on trial, his or her family members, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Bear in mind you are allowed to ask to have a copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, and review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are a number of different options, which include community service to probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on sentencing guidelines and the severity of your crime, you could be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could be given a date to turn yourself into jail to serve your sentence.

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

This is pretty simple to do, just just query the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

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

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants inquiry on the website or you are able to call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask the officer in charge. Bear in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

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

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, such as , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Otero County Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All registered sex offenders have to be listed and registered on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to view these listings on the internet, but keep in mind that you can’t see the street address, just the block that they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. They include a court case file that includes a court docket and any of the documents filed in the court case. You are able to access your court records via the internet, or at the clerk’s office of the court in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state keeps a record of people’s criminal background. These online databases are connected and you can track criminal convictions from other states. You can go to the 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 totally different state, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

A criminal history search you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for crimes, which include:

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

But, when you do a criminal records check, in most cases won’t find out if someone has had:

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

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

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you make a phone call to the jail? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records, and your account may help other people.

Click here to tell about all about it

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI keeps a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Otero County, the Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Otero County Sheriff’s Department’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in Otero County Jail is quite unpleasant, soon you will get used to the daily routine. All inmates get an alarm to wake up at six in the morning, and then you’ll have roll call. Next, you will eat breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will work in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 Otero 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 Otero 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 process for sending funds to someone in jail could change, so we suggest that you review the official Otero County Jail site when you send any funds.


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 Otero County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Otero 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 Otero 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 tell 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:

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

The definition of victim includes:

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

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

Victim Notification

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

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

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 in Otero County Jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited an inmate at this jail?

If yes, then please write a review about it. Write down what you experienced because other people can find out what to expect.

Things you can write in your review:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail, yard and pod layout and facility
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has at least one story to tell about it. How’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? How was life in jail? What were the other inmates like? Did going to jail affect your life? How?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Want to find out how to get in touch with somebody you met when you were locked up? Send a message to them here.

Send a message to Otero County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Otero County Jail Link
Otero County Jail Inmate Search Link
Otero County Jail Mugshots
Otero County Jail Bail Amount Link

CO Bail Schedule

Otero County Jail Visitation
Otero County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Locate an inmate at Otero County Jail
Otero County Warrants
Otero County Jail Arrest Lookup
Otero County Jail Send Money Procedure
Otero County Jail Employment


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