Jackson County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Jackson County bail and bond: Walden, online bond, and the 8th Judicial District
In North Park, the Walden Sheriff's Office books every adult arrest. Look the person up with Jackson County Inmate Search for custody and the bond amount. The county says bond can be paid online, and the sheriff's non-emergency line is 970-723-4242.
1. Has Walden booked my relative?
Start with Jackson County Inmate Search. Booking status and bond appear there. Walden can move people to other jails, so a missing name is not proof of release. Call the Sheriff's Office at 970-723-4242, ask whether the person is in the Walden jail, and ask where else they could be.
2. Where is the Jackson County Sheriff's Office?
The office is at 396 LaFever Street, Walden, CO 80480, the same street address the state lists for the courthouse. Inmate letters go to PO Box 565, Walden, CO 80480. The sheriff's non-emergency line is 970-723-4242, and the county's main line is 970-723-4660.
3. Is there a bond window at the Walden jail?
The county pages do not list a walk-up window or hours. Phone 970-723-4242 and ask how an in-person payment works and whether a deputy is on duty at night. Jackson's jail page also offers remote online bond posting.
4. What are the jail's rules on ICE holds?
A sheriff's directive posted on a public resource page says the office will not hold anyone in the Jackson County jail only because of an ICE detainer or an ICE administrative warrant. Other holds, such as a judge's order or a warrant from another county, still count. Ask the Sheriff's Office at 970-723-4242 what holds apply to your person.
5. Which court handles a Walden case?
The Jackson County Combined Court is at 396 LaFever Street, Walden, CO 80480, phone 970-723-4363. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office is closed on Friday. County Court sits on Tuesdays and District Court on one Tuesday a month, so ask the clerk for dates.
6. Who sets the bond when court only sits on Tuesday?
Jackson County belongs to the 8th Judicial District, and the state lists a Bond Hearing Office that serves the district. With a 48-hour limit from jail arrival under state law, so a judge from elsewhere in the district may hear it instead of the Walden courtroom. The clerk at 970-723-4363 can tell you the time and whether it is by video.
7. How much will the bond be?
The Larimer County bond amounts that are posted for the 8th District cover the bond commissioners in Larimer County, not Jackson County, so they are not a safe guide here. A judge decides each case. Read the bond line in Jackson County Inmate Search, and ask the clerk about the judge's decision.
8. What can I offer besides cash?
A judge may allow a personal recognizance bond, which needs no money. Other choices: cash left with the clerk, a licensed bail agent's bond, or Colorado land. Land needs equity after debts of 1.5 times the bond, with a deed of trust from every owner; without a waiver, Walden subtracts the homestead exemption, and mobile homes do not count.
9. Why might bond be refused in Jackson County?
Under Colorado Constitution Article II, section 19, North Park judges can deny bail for a capital charge where proof is evident or the presumption great, and for some violent offenses after a hearing if release would be a significant danger to the public. Holds from other places can also block release. The clerk at 970-723-4363 can say which one applies.
10. Where do teenagers from Jackson County go?
The Division of Youth Services lists Platte Valley Youth Services Center, 2200 O Street, Greeley, CO 80631, as serving the 8th Judicial District, which includes Jackson County. Teens are left off the adult roster; the Walden clerk at 970-723-4363 knows the detention hearing date.
11. Who handles a defense if the family has no money?
Tell the judge you cannot pay. The State Public Defender's Steamboat Springs office, 1955 Bridge Lane, Suite 2100, lists Jackson County among those it serves and answers at 970-879-0645. The state's district table also shows the Fort Collins office for the 8th District, so ask which one is assigned. Conflict cases go to the Alternate Defense Counsel.
12. What follows a no-show in Jackson court?
Skipping a Walden date can bring a warrant and forfeiture of the bond. Call the clerk at 970-723-4363 and a lawyer that same day. With a bond from an agent, call the agent too.
13. How is a bond returned?
North Park cash bonds come back at case end minus court-ordered costs; an agent's fee does not. Hang on to the receipt and get refund steps from the clerk at 970-723-4363 how to apply.
14. Which offices handle a Walden arrest?
Public offices for Jackson County cases:
- Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Jail: 396 LaFever Street, Walden, CO 80480; PO Box 565; 970-723-4242.
- Jackson County Combined Court: 396 LaFever Street, Walden; PO Box 308; 970-723-4363; closed Fridays.
- Walden Municipal Court: 513 Harrison Street, Walden; 970-723-4344.
- District Attorney, 8th Judicial District: 201 La Porte Avenue, Suite 200, Fort Collins; 970-498-7200.
- Public Defender, Steamboat Springs: 1955 Bridge Lane, Suite 2100; 970-879-0645.
A detained Jackson County youth goes to Platte Valley Youth Services Center in Greeley.
15. What bond rules apply in North Park?
Colorado law gives a Jackson defendant these terms:
- 48 hours: a bond hearing inside 48 hours after he reaches the Walden jail.
- PR: release on his own written promise.
- Co-signed PR: a Walden co-signer promises he will appear.
- Cash: full payment held by the court.
- Surety: a licensed agent charges up to 15 percent, or $50.
- Property: North Park or other Colorado land, equity 1.5 times the bond.
- Petty or traffic: Walden judges may not require cash.
- Fees: up to a $10 bond fee and 3.5 percent on cards, and neither may stall release.
- Online card: HB25-1015 requires sheriffs statewide to accept cash bond online by credit card.
- No bail: Amendment I (2024) allows denial of bail for first-degree murder with evident proof.
The statute is Colorado bail law, C.R.S. Title 16, Article 4 (https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-16.pdf); bond types are at Colorado Judicial Branch guide to bond types (https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help/types-bonds).
16. Where are Jackson County federal cases heard?
The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado handles them at the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse in Denver, 901 19th Street, Denver, CO 80294, 303-844-3433. In order:
- A first appearance before a magistrate judge.
- A Pretrial Services interview.
- A detention hearing when prosecutors request one.
- Conditional release where allowed.
The U.S. Marshals choose his housing until sentencing: U.S. Marshals Service, 901 19th Street, 3rd Floor, Denver, CO 80294, 303-728-7800.
17. Walden no longer lists him. Where do I look?
Check these:
- Federal: Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/); pre-sentence, the Marshals at 303-728-7800.
- State prison: Colorado Department of Corrections inmate search (https://www.doc.state.co.us/oss/).
- Jackson custody: Jackson County Inmate Search.
Our Jackson County inmate search page adds other search tools.
18. Can a Walden deputy keep someone for ICE?
C.R.S. 24-76.6-102 (https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf) stops Colorado jails from arresting him, or holding him beyond release, on a civil immigration detainer alone. When his Jackson case allows release, he may leave; ICE keeps federal authority.
The ICE Denver Field Office, 12445 East Caley Avenue, Centennial, CO 80111, 720-873-2899 covers North Park. The ICE Online Detainee Locator System (https://locator.ice.gov/odls/) asks for his A-number and birth country.
19. How do I sign up for VINE on a Jackson County inmate?
VINE is free and tracks custody:
- Visit VINELink (https://vinelink.vineapps.com/); choose Colorado.
- Type his name or booking number.
- Open the record that fits him.
- Pick phone, text or email alerts.
20. How do I check Walden court dates and warrants?
Free sources:
- Dockets: Colorado Judicial Branch docket search (https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/dockets); pick Jackson County.
- Records: court record request form (https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/recorddocument-request-form), or the clerk at 970-723-4363.
- Warrants: Jackson County Sheriff's Office, 970-723-4242.
He may turn himself in at 396 LaFever Street, preferably with counsel.
21. Before I pay a Jackson bond, which offices should I phone?
Call both:
- The Sheriff's Office, 970-723-4242, for his location and bond.
- The clerk, 970-723-4363, for his order, court date and refunds.
North Park bond contacts
- Sheriff and jail: Jackson County Sheriff's Office, 396 LaFever Street, Walden, CO 80480; 970-723-4242.
- Jail and bond help: Jackson County jails
- Custody lookup: Jackson County Inmate Search
- County main line: 970-723-4660
- Courthouse: Jackson County Combined Court, 396 LaFever Street, Walden, CO 80480; 970-723-4363
- Public defender: Steamboat Springs office, 1955 Bridge Lane, Suite 2100; 970-879-0645
- Juvenile: Platte Valley Youth Services Center, 2200 O Street, Greeley, CO 80631
Before paying, phone LaFever Street, since North Park hours, numbers and bond orders can shift. This page offers general facts and is not legal advice.
Jackson County Jail
Address:
396 LaFever Street
Walden, CO 80480
Phone:
970-723-4242
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Jackson County
Does Jackson County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Jackson County?
Who can set bail in Jackson County?
When is bail set in Jackson County Colorado?
Does Jackson County have bail?
Yes, Colorado is a bail state and therefore Jackson County has bail. Once bail is paid or the accused secures a bond accepted by the courts, the accused should be released within 6 hours of when the jail is notified, unless ankle bracelet monitoring or other conditions requiring more time have to be set up.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Jackson County?
Jackson County Colorado recognizes most types of bonds. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.
Who can set bail in Jackson County?
A bond hearing officer sets bail in Colorado.This officer must be an attorney and can set bail for any court in the state and is available on weekends and holidays via audio-visual technology that allows the public to view the hearing.
When is bail set in Jackson County Colorado?
Bail is set in Colorado the first time the accused is brought into court, usually directly from jail within 48 hours after the arrest. This first appearance to determine bail or bond is called initial appearance or 1st advisement. Bail can be determined before criminal charges are read. The judge will advise the arrested that they are being investigated and will set bail except for cases involving homicide.
Bail and Bond Frequently Asked Questions for Jackson County Colorado
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Jackson County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance.
The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program.
Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane.
If a judge in Jackson County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.
Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court.
If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will remain detained in the Jackson County Jail until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different.
The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions.
Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.
The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Jackson County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.
The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.
DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.
More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.
Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation.
Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.
On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.
What are the different types of bonds in Jackson County?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.
To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid. Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid. Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:
You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.
You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.
Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over.
The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.
You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value.
A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).
Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.
There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond.
You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.
A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met.
With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved.
Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.
Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.
(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)
Does Jackson County have bail?
Yes, Colorado is a bail state. Once bail is paid or the accused secures a bond accepted by the courts, the accused should be released within 6 hours of when the jail is notified, unless ankle bracelet monitoring or other conditions requiring more time have to be set up.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Jackson County?
Jackson County Colorado recognizes most types of bonds. The court will consider what type of bonds will be accepted depending on the circumstances of the arrest.
Who can set bail in Jackson County?
A bond hearing officer sets bail in Colorado.This officer must be an attorney and can set bail for any court in the state and is available on weekends and holidays via audio-visual technology that allows the public to view the hearing.
When is bail set in Colorado?
Bail is set in Colorado the first time the accused is brought into court, usually directly from jail within 48 hours after the arrest. This first appearance to determine bail or bond is called initial appearance or 1st advisement. Bail can be determined before criminal charges are read. The judge will advise the arrested that they are being investigated and will set bail except for cases involving homicide.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Jackson County Colorado?
Yes, the accused can ask for bail reduction at the second court appearance if it was set by a judge at the first appearance.
In Jackson County Colorado, who can pay bail for me?
The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back.
A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Colorado could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Jackson County Colorado?
Yes, each jail has an online payment system. To contact the jail for online payment information, go to the Jackson County Jail for more information about the jails in Jackson County.
What options are there to pay bail in Jackson County Colorado?
Cash is accepted. Personal checks are not accepted but a certified check, money order or cashier’s check are accepted. Payment of bail by credit cards is permitted.
Contact your Clerk of Court, sheriff’s office or police station clerk to ask how cash can be paid for bail. To contact the jail for information about cash payments, go to the Jackson County Jail for more information about the jails in Jackson County.
Will I get all my bond money back in Colorado?
Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount.
If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Jackson County?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.
A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up. A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Colorado?
The jail or court can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies in Jackson County but they cannot recommend a specific company. You can read reviews about bond companies or get recommendations.
Find out exactly how much a bondsperson would charge, including extra costs. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company.
Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.
Bail Bond Laws of Colorado
Effective January 1, 2022
1. Bond fees, booking fees, and other fees or debts never need to be paid to secure a person’s release on money bond. A payor need only pay the bond amount in order to secure release.
2. While never a basis to hold a defendant in jail, the following fees are chargeable as a debt to the defendant after release if the payor chooses not to pay the fees at the time of bonding: a $10 bond fee and a maximum 3.5% credit card payment fee. No other bond-related fees may be charged at any time, including any kiosk fees or fees for payment by cash, check, or money order.
3. Bond payments are to be made out to the holding county and are never to be made out in the name of the incarcerated person.
4. A sheriff must release a defendant within six hours after a personal recognizance bond is set and the defendant has returned to jail or within six hours after a cash bond has been set and the defendant has returned to jail and the defendant or surety notified the jail that bond is prepared to be posted, unless extraordinary circumstances exist. In the event of a delay of more than six hours, a surety and the defendant have a right to know what, if any, extraordinary circumstance is causing the delay. Supervisory conditions of release do not justify a delay in release; except that a sheriff may hold a defendant for up to 24 hours if necessary to ensure a defendant is fitted with required electronic monitoring.
5. Anyone who posts a money bond has the right to receive a copy of the bond paperwork, including documentation of the next upcoming court date.
6. A surety may never be asked to use posted bond money to pay a defendant’s debts. Only when defendants have posted their own money bond may they be asked if they would like to voluntarily relinquish bond money to pay their debts. Relinquishment of bond money by a defendant to pay a debt is never required and is entirely a voluntary choice by the defendant.