DENVER COUNTY JAIL AND DETENTION
Denver Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center & County Jail
When someone is being held in the custody of the Denver Sheriff there is often confusion over where the person is located. Denver has two main facilities where inmates are housed. The Denver County Jail is located at 10500 East Smith Road. The Denver City Detention Center, also referred to as the Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center, is located at 490 W. Colfax Avenue. The Denver Sheriff’s Department has a website that can be useful in locating an inmate, but it is not always up to date. If you have trouble finding someone, it is best to call the Detention Center Information Desk at 720-913-3600.
Denver Jails And Court Houses – Different For Different Hearing Types
In general, the Denver County Jail is used for the long term care and custody of prisoners, for those serving a County Jail sentence, and for felons awaiting transfer to the Colorado Department of Corrections. This also applies to those waiting to be relocated into halfway house or Community Corrections housing.
The Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center is mainly used for prisoner intake and processing until they are able to make bond, or have been given advisement by the court. Early court hearings, such as bond or preliminary hearings, occur here. For those in custody for state felony, state misdemeanor and City General Sessions, hearings are held in courtrooms 2100 and 2300, located on the second floor at the jail. Later hearings are at the main courthouse across the courtyard.
No matter where your friend or family member is located, our lawyers are ready to visit inmates at anytime. We have greater access to the inmates detained by the Police and Denver Sheriff, and regularly go to the jail to advise inmates of their rights prior to police trying to interview them. Call us for a prompt inmate visit.
Denver Bail Bond Posting In Denver
When a bond is permitted, the Denver County Jail/Detention Facility permits bail/bonds to be posted in the form of surety, or cash bonds. Surety bonds are used when the defendant or the person bonding the individual does not have enough of their own money to post the amount. A fee between 10 to 15% of the bond amount is usually charged for rental of the bonding agent’s money. Sometimes, with the approval of the court, a personal recognizance bond is permitted. Personal recognizance bonds are rarely given to inmates with prior criminal histories and usually require an appearance before the court. This appearance usually necessitates an overnight stay in jail to be seen by the court. Only cash bonds are returned to the person posting bail, and only if the inmate appears at all court appearances. Don’t use a bondsman if you have the full cash bond.
Denver also charges a $40.00 processing fee for the privilege of being booked. However, if the defendant is not convicted, the money will be refunded if a written request is made.
Inmate Account Funds For Purchases While In Jail
Inmate funds can be put on an inmate’s books online or by calling 720-913-3600 and using a credit or debit card. Inmates can use the funds for making commissary purchases like food and personal care items. Be aware that the jail takes a percentage of the money to pay the inmate’s booking fee and costs. Also, if the inmate is in jail serving a sentence, some of that money can go to paying restitution or fines that have been assessed against the inmate.
Inmate Mail At The Van Cise-Simonet Detention Facility
Inmate mail should be addressed as follows:
Inmate: (enter name here, no alias or nicknames) and CD #
P.O. Box 1108
Denver, CO 80201
The CD number is an absolute necessity and mail will be returned without it. Stationary, including paper and stamps can be sent to the inmate if it is sent directly from a stationary store, but is limited to once every 30 days. There are limitations on specific kinds of stationary and you should call the jail to make sure items will not be returned. It is important to keep in mind that the inmate’s mail will be read before it is delivered.
Inmate Mail At The Denver Jail
Inmate mail should be addressed as follows:
Inmate: (enter name here, no alias or nicknames) and CD #
Denver County Jail
10500 E. Smith Road
Denver, CO 80239
Inmate Telephone Calls
The Denver County Sheriff’s Office uses a system called Global Tel Link for inmates to call collect, or use by using a prepaid account. Friends and family members of inmates can go to www.gtl.net to learn more information or make deposits into inmates’ accounts. The cost for making calls varies depending on if the call is made within the 720/303 area codes, or if the call is within Colorado or outside of Colorado. International calls are also possible at higher rates.
Inmate Visitation At The Denver Detention Center
Inmates at the detention facility are allowed non-contact visitation. A request may be made online or through the detention center. The detention center will permit “walk in” visits every day at 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm, and 8:00 pm. No visits are permitted until an inmate has been transferred to the 2nd floor Intake Housing
Inmate Visitation At The Denver Jail
Like the detention center, Denver County Jail visits are all done through video (non-contact). Walk-in visits are not permitted and you must schedule an appointment. You can go online to fill out the request form, or contact the jail directly.
Denver County Work Release Program
The Denver County Jail has a work release (also called Alternative Sentencing) program for approved offenders by the court. Work release participants must pay a daily rate depending upon annual gross income, and adhere to the strict rules of the program. It is important to understand that when work release is granted by the court, an inmate is considered incarcerated. If an inmate does not return to the detention facility at their designated time, he or she may be considered as an escapee. Participants in the Denver County Work Release program must have proof of employment, acceptable criminal history, and no outstanding warrants. The jail decides whether to grant work release in the end, not the judge.
To schedule a lawyer visit or attorney visit with your family or friend in the Denver County Jail or Detention Facility today, call our criminal defense attorneys at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect their future.
