Natchitoches Parish Jail – Natchitoches, LA

Natchitoches Parish Jail is located in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana and is the main jail for that region. Looking for someone incarcerated at Natchitoches Parish Jail? This guide tells you about everything you might want to know about Natchitoches Parish Jail,like: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. How to post bail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information and records. And much more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to give you info that you need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and also any tips or comments that could be beneficial to other people in the same situation would be welcome.

Do you have a family member or friend that is locked up and need to contact them?

Do you know somebody who’s been arrested and you need to find them?

In order to find out who’s in jail at Natchitoches Parish Jail you need to click on their website and use the inmate lookup.

The Natchitoches Parish Jail Inmate Lookup has information on people currently in custody, which includes custody status, how much their bail is, and times the inmate can have visitors. You can find the same information for anyone arrested and booked or released within the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can get their arrest information more quickly if you’ve got their first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or loved one might be in another jail you will want to check our guide to other Louisiana jails: Other County Jails in Louisiana

A mugshot, or jail intake photo, is a photo that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one and a profile picture. Your name and jail booking number will be in the pictures, and they are on file at the jail.

Mugshots of inmates can be viewed on the website, or you can see them in person at the Natchitoches Parish Jail. When you search for mugshots on the website you need to enter the person’s full name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Want to have your mugshot removed from the Natchitoches Parish Jail site? This can be tricky, as your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. This means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot taken down, the different mugshot sites, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: Mugshot Removal

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Obviously, if you are in jail, your main thought is when and how to get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, a bail amount will be decided by a special judge called a magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this can mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you must agree to go to your court date, and until that date you are required not to travel out of the county.

Usually, an inmate can earn an early release in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and conduct themselves properly while in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be allowed to participate in a work release program. You will have to stay jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you may be permitted to move to a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is money that you are required to pay in order to be released from jail until your court date. The amount you will be required to pay all depends on the seriousness of your crime. You will need to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total amount that was determined in order for you to get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, whoever put up your bail money will lose that money.

To find out someone’s bail amount you need to call the Natchitoches Parish Jail. If you’ve got the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they will let you know what their bail is set at. You can also find out how much their bail is on the Natchitoches Parish Jail website.

Bailing out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but usually, it is simple to do if you have the money. To start with, you need to know if their bail is a Cash Only Bond. If it is, you can’t get a Bail Bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they won’t accept checks. Once the cash bond has been paid, the inmate will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford it, you will need to use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount, and sometimes charge a minimum charge of $100. This will not be returned to you and must be paid in cash. If bail is very large, the bondsman will in most cases request to use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

To contact a local bail bondsman visit our page about: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, please leave a comment below and tell about your experience and let us know how it worked out for you.

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

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The intake process includes the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you may not be processed immediately.
• The first step is that you will answer some basic questions, like what is your full name, your address, date of birth and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will get to use the phone in order to contact a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might be able to keep wearing street clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If you have, you should tell us what happened. How long did it take to get processed? How did the guards treat you? Do you have any things that could help other people that get arrested to get through the process?

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When you finally post bail, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged from jail will take between 30 minutes to all day long. In other words the faster you can post bail, the quicker you will get out of jail. Also, how fast you get released might depend on whether you’ve got a bond amount or if a magistrate needs to determine how much to set your bail at. For minor charges, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and know the discharge date, expect to get discharged between 9am and noon.

If the sheriff has a, or if you have to begin your jail sentence, it is recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. If it is for a warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell them that you think they might have 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 verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be sure that you aren’t late. Just bring necessary items when you turn yourself in, for example your driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and the sentencing order.

Inmates must give each visitor’s full name to the jail. Your visitors will be put into the visitors log as an authorized visitor. Every visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification. Any visitors arriving late or without a visiting order will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies are always changing, so we suggest that you check the official jail site before you try to go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Jail phone calls are generally more expensive than regular phone calls. 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 every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you are disciplined for an infraction, an inmate’s ability to use the phone may be limited or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: (318) 352-6432

Any mail that you send to an inmate is required to be mailed using the actual US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of mail delivery. You have to print the name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Do not mail a box or package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail will be opened and inspected and read by the staff, and will be returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

The mailing address for Natchitoches Parish Jail is:

Natchitoches Parish Jail
200 Church St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Natchitoches Parish Jail
200 Church St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457

The inmate mail policy at Natchitoches Parish Jail changes frequently, so review the the Natchitoches Parish Jail website when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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When you’ve been arrested, you should know you still have rights, the first of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so make sure you ask a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you talk to them. You might be asking yourself ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate through the legal system. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better off you’ll be.

For more detailed information on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, click: How to Find an Attorney in Natchitoches Parish

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire an attorney, the courts will assign you a public defender, which is a free lawyer. Also, the Public Defender’s Office is staffed by private investigators, forensics experts and social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are actual lawyers that are admitted to the Louisiana State Bar Association and are fully licensed to practice law in Louisiana.

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

Natchitoches Parish court records are a matter of public record. Court records include a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and every documents and motions filed in the case. You can access your court records using the internet service, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

A Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that manages the records. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records and documents from your court case are held at Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges associated with your case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

The Natchitoches Parish court magistrate is the type of judge that rules over your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do many different things, such as setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and overseeing preliminary court appearances and detention proceedings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared with the defendant’s background information and details of the arrestee’s life and public history, which the magistrate will consider when decide your sentence. Information will be collected from the defendant, his or her family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember you can request to get your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you have the opportunity to review it and correct any mistakes.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, including community service and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you will either be immediately taken into custody, or you could receive a date that you are supposed to go to jail to do your time.

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Are you trying to find out if some you know is incarcerated, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do this, just visit the jail’s website, and search by:

• Their name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can call the jail confirm whether they’ve been arrested or not.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant, you can check arrest warrants online or you can call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask the officer in charge. You should be clear that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the Natchitoches Parish jail, on the phone, go there in person, or find out online. Arrest records are public record and this information is accessible to anyone.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, such as a court order. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on either a national or state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access sex offenders online, but bear in mind that you will not be able to find the street address, rather the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. These records include a case file containing a docket and any of the filings and documents filed in the case. You are able to access court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of their state citizen’s criminal history. These state databases are linked together so you are able to track criminal convictions from other states. You can go to courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and if it was in a totally different state, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for these crimes:

• DUI.
• Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, you won’t find if they have had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Traffic accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

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

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the Natchitoches Parish courthouse? Was it correct? There are lots of reasons that people search for criminal records and backgrounds, and your comments could make it easier for others.

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Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI keeps a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Natchitoches Parish, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Department 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

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in Natchitoches Parish Jail is quite unpleasant, soon you will settle into the routine that is set for you in jail. You should expect an alarm to wake up every morning at 6:00 AM, and next they’ll do roll call. Then you will have breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will have to 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 Natchitoches Parish 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 Natchitoches Parish 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 Natchitoches Parish Jail inmates is likely to change, so be sure to visit the the Natchitoches Parish Jail website when you send money to an inmate.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Natchitoches Parish Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Natchitoches Parish 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 Natchitoches Parish 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.

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.

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Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

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


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been incarcerated at Natchitoches Parish Jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever visited someone at Natchitoches Parish Jail?

If your answer is yes, then we would like you to write your review about it. Write about your experience so that other people can find out what to expect.

Things you might want to include in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Commissary and food
• Having Visitors
• The other inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Activities and programs


Click here to write your review of Natchitoches Parish Jail

Tell Your Story

Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has at least one story to tell about it. Why were you locked up? Did you get fair treatment? What was your daily routine in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did it affect you to go to jail?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Trying to say wassup to someone you met in jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to someone at Natchitoches Parish Jail


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