Dona Ana County Juvenile Detention

County Juvenile

Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Address
1850 Cooper Loop, Las Cruces, NM 88004
Beds
50
County
Dona Ana
Phone
575-647-7680
Fax
575-647-7679
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131

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Dona Ana Juv Detention is for County Juvenile offenders have not been sentenced yet and are detained here until their case is heard.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County juvenile - low facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is AccessCorrections There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of Dona Ana County Juvenile Detention

You can support your loved ones at Dona Ana Juv Detention on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 575-647-7680.

The Dona Ana County Juvenile Detention is a medium to low-security detention center located at 1850 Cooper Loop Las Cruces, NM that is operated locally by the Juvenile Justice Department and holds youths awaiting the determination of punishment for the crimes of which they are accused. Most of the adolescents are here for less than two years.

The juvenile justice system differs from the adult system, focusing on rehabilitation and recognizing the developmental differences in juveniles. It aims to protect both the child and the public and helps juveniles become productive adults.

Juveniles are detained if they pose a threat, may miss court, or violate court orders. Parental involvement is crucial for effective supervision and rehabilitation.

Key differences in terminology include "taken into custody" instead of "arrest" and "supervision" instead of "probation." Referrals usually come from law enforcement, and an intake social worker decides the juvenile's placement. An inquiry can lead to dismissal, corrective action, or court involvement.

The process includes a plea hearing, possible evaluations, a pre-trial conference, a fact-finding hearing, and a dispositional hearing to determine the case's outcome. Parents may need to cover associated costs.

Constructed in 2000 and operational since 2001, the 50-bed juvenile facility at the Doña Ana County Detention Center embodies a specialized environment tailored to the needs of young detainees. Detention officers stationed within the housing unit dayrooms maintain direct supervision over juveniles and monitor their daily activities closely. The facility comprises five distinct units, each designed to accommodate ten juveniles. Four of these units feature a dayroom, eight single-person cells, and one two-person cell, while the fifth unit includes ten single-person cells, a dayroom, and a small outdoor recreation area, providing flexibility for maximum-security or special-management needs.

In terms of population, the juvenile facility initially housed an average of approximately 25 juveniles upon opening. By calendar year 2004, the average daily population had increased to around 54 juveniles. While the majority of detainees originate from Doña Ana County, the facility also accepts juveniles from other counties and governmental agencies, reflecting its broader regional role.

To support the holistic development of juveniles in custody, the facility offers an array of programs and services. The Las Cruces Public School District provides two full-time teachers for educational instruction, enabling detainees to continue their education and earn credits toward graduation. Additionally, religious programming and life-skills classes are available, enhancing personal and spiritual development. Family visits, conducted twice weekly with each detainee allotted two half-hour sessions, facilitate vital connections with loved ones. Counseling services, including court-ordered and individual counseling, are accessible through various agencies to address specific needs. Recreational activities, commissary services, and library resources further contribute to the juveniles' well-being and rehabilitation efforts.

Through a comprehensive approach encompassing education, counseling, and recreational opportunities, the juvenile facility at the Doña Ana County Detention Center strives to foster positive growth and facilitate successful reintegration into the community for its young detainees.

Inmate Locator

Juvenile facilities overseen by Dona Ana County do not publish the names of the offenders housed in their facility. As such, there is no public forum for this information.

Visitation Information

The Juvenile Detention Center continues to allow in-person visits. However, they must be scheduled before arrival and are limited to one visitor at a time, through a glass partition. To schedule a visit with a juvenile detainee, please call (575) 647-7680.

  • Visitation hours start at 5:30 p.m. and the last visit will be accepted up until 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • No visitation on weekends nor county-observed holidays.
  • Juveniles are allowed three 30-minute visits per week.
  • Up to three visitors at each visit.
  • Only immediate family members: Parents or legal guardians, grandparents and siblings.
  • Visitors must present a valid government-issued ID.
  • Minors must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian and present a birth certificate if not in possession of a valid government ID.
  • Nothing will be passed between visitors and detainees nor will detention personnel pass any item for any reason, nor deliver personal messages.

Visitors can check in at Reception for SHU, AB & Medical visits. All visitors can check in at the East Visitation desk. Only three visitors are allowed. Regular visits will be video visitation.

Detainees are permitted one 30-minute visit per week. Three individuals may be present at this visit, and all individuals must show valid photo ID.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dona Ana County Juvenile Detention - FAQs about Juvenile Detention Centers

  1. What is a juvenile detention center?
    A juvenile detention center is a secure facility designed to house minors who have been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime. Unlike adult jails, these centers focus on rehabilitation, education, and structured supervision. Youth housed in these facilities may be awaiting trial, serving short-term sentences, or completing mandated treatment programs aimed at reducing delinquent behavior.

  2. How does a juvenile detention center differ from an adult jail?
    Juvenile detention centers differ from adult jails in their approach to discipline, rehabilitation, and environment. They prioritize counseling, education, and structured activities over punitive measures. While adult jails emphasize punishment and security, juvenile facilities are designed to address the root causes of delinquent behavior, such as trauma, lack of parental guidance, or substance abuse issues.

  3. Who can be sent to a juvenile detention center?
    Juvenile detention centers house minors under 18 who have been arrested for criminal activity, ranging from status offenses (such as truancy or curfew violations) to serious felonies like robbery or assault. Some youth may also be placed in detention for violating probation, running away from court-mandated programs, or awaiting transfer to another facility.

  4. What types of offenses lead to juvenile detention?
    Youth may be detained for a variety of offenses, including property crimes (theft, vandalism), drug-related offenses, assault, gang activity, or firearm possession. In some cases, juveniles are detained for non-criminal behavior, such as repeatedly skipping school or running away from home. The severity of the offense, prior record, and risk level typically determine whether a juvenile is detained or placed in an alternative program.

  5. How long do juveniles stay in detention centers?
    The length of stay depends on the case. Some juveniles are held for a few days or weeks while awaiting trial, while others may serve months or years depending on their sentence. Youth placed in long-term detention typically participate in rehabilitation programs, educational courses, and mental health counseling. Courts may also mandate step-down programs, where youth transition into community-based supervision before full release.

  6. Are juvenile records sealed after release?
    In many states, juvenile records are sealed or expunged once the individual reaches adulthood, provided they meet certain conditions. However, serious offenses such as violent felonies or sex crimes may remain on record, potentially affecting future employment, housing, and educational opportunities. In some cases, a juvenile may petition the court to have their record expunged after demonstrating rehabilitation.

  7. Do juveniles in detention attend school?
    Yes, most juvenile detention centers provide on-site educational programs that allow youth to continue their schooling while in custody. These programs may include core academic subjects, GED preparation, and vocational training. Some facilities work with local school districts to ensure that credits earned in detention transfer back to public schools upon release.

  8. Can family members visit juveniles in detention?
    Yes, but visitation policies vary by facility. Families typically need to schedule visits in advance, follow strict security protocols, and comply with dress code regulations. Some detention centers offer video visitation or family counseling sessions to strengthen relationships before the juvenile is released. Regular contact with family members can significantly reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation outcomes.

  9. Are juveniles allowed to make phone calls?
    Most juvenile detention centers allow monitored phone calls, though the frequency and duration depend on facility rules, the youth’s behavior, and their case status. In some cases, juveniles may call only pre-approved family members or legal representatives. Facilities may also restrict calls if an inmate violates behavioral rules.

  10. What rehabilitation programs are available?
    Programs often include substance abuse counseling, anger management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, vocational training, and life skills workshops. These services are intended to help juveniles develop positive coping mechanisms, make better decisions, and reintegrate into their communities upon release. Some centers also offer mentorship programs where at-risk youth receive guidance from former inmates or community leaders.

  11. Are juveniles placed in solitary confinement?
    While some facilities still use room confinement or restricted housing as disciplinary measures, prolonged solitary confinement for juveniles is widely discouraged due to its negative psychological effects. Many states have passed laws limiting or banning solitary confinement for minors, encouraging the use of alternative discipline methods such as behavioral interventions and conflict resolution programs.

  12. Can juveniles be transferred to adult prison?
    In some cases, juveniles may be tried as adults for severe offenses, such as murder, armed robbery, or sexual assault. If convicted, they can be transferred to adult prison upon turning 18. Some states allow judges to reconsider these transfers based on the juvenile’s rehabilitation progress, age, and psychological evaluations.

  13. What rights do juveniles have in detention?
    Juveniles have the right to education, medical care, legal representation, and protection from abuse. They are also entitled to due process, meaning they cannot be detained indefinitely without a hearing. Inmates must be provided with access to rehabilitative services and fair treatment under the law. Any allegations of abuse or mistreatment must be investigated by oversight agencies.

  14. How do juveniles reintegrate into society after detention?
    Many juvenile detention centers offer reentry programs, including mentorship, transitional housing, probation supervision, and vocational training. Youth are often connected with caseworkers, social services, and education programs to help them successfully reintegrate. Some facilities also arrange family reunification counseling to strengthen support systems at home.

  15. What happens if a juvenile violates probation after release?
    If a juvenile violates probation, consequences can range from increased supervision and mandatory counseling to community service or re-detention. In severe cases, the juvenile may be returned to detention or sent to a more restrictive program. Courts typically evaluate the circumstances of the violation, the individual’s progress, and any external factors before making a decision.

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