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To find inmate records in Nelson County, North Dakota, you can begin by checking online resources such as the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate Locator, which provides information on individuals currently incarcerated throughout the state. Although Nelson County itself does not have a dedicated online inmate search portal, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office can assist with local detention information. You may visit or contact the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, located at 210 B Avenue West, Lakota, ND 58344, or call them at (701) 247-2474 to inquire about current inmates or request records in person. Additionally, for broader or historical records, the Nelson County Clerk of Court may also have relevant documentation. Always have identifying information ready, such as the inmate's full name and date of birth, to ensure an efficient search.

How to Find an Inmate in Nelson County, ND

Nelson County inmate records can usually be accessed online, but the right search tool depends on whether the person is held locally, in a North Dakota state facility, or in federal custody. Use the resources below to locate someone in the Nelson County area or in state or federal prisons.

Search ToolRecords AvailableAccess MethodKey Details
Nelson County Sheriff’s OfficeLocal jail inmatesNelson County Sheriff
Phone: (701) 247-2472
Address: 210 B Ave W, Lakota, ND 58344
Call or visit to request current local inmate listings; Nelson County Jail does not have an online roster.
North Dakota DOC Inmate LocatorState prison inmatesND DOCR Offender LocatorProvides records for all individuals incarcerated in North Dakota state prisons.
VINE Inmate SearchJail & state prison inmatesVINE North DakotaVictim notification service for custody status; registration and search available online.
Federal BOP Inmate LocatorFederal prison inmatesBOP Inmate LocatorNorth Dakota does not have a federal prison; most federal offenders are held at the Federal Correctional Institution in Sandstone, MN, or other nearby states.
In-Person Records RequestAll county inmate recordsVisit Nelson County Sheriff’s Office
210 B Ave W, Lakota, ND 58344
Submit a records request in-person for current and historic booking information.

Booking Process & Common Charges in Nelson County

After arrest in Nelson County, individuals are transported to the detention facility for standard booking procedures, including fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, and a housing assignment. The entire process typically takes between 4 to 8 hours.

Charge CategoryCommon ExamplesFrequencyTypical Hold Duration
DUI / TrafficDUI, Driving Under Suspension, Reckless DrivingMost Common12–24 hours; up to court appearance
Drug OffensesMarijuana Possession, Methamphetamine, ParaphernaliaCommon24–72 hours; until bail or initial hearing
Assault / Domestic ViolenceSimple Assault, Domestic AssaultCommon48–72 hours; until bail or protective order review
Property CrimesTheft, Burglary, VandalismOccasional24–96 hours; until first court appearance
Failure to AppearMissed Court DatesCommonUntil next court setting or bond posted
Outstanding WarrantsWarrant ArrestsCommonUntil warrant cleared or court disposition
Felony (Pre-Trial)Aggravated Assault, Drug Delivery, Major TheftOccasionalUntil bail, court resolution, or transfer to state facility if sentenced

Visitation Rules at Nelson County Jail

Before visiting Nelson County Jail, always verify the most current visitation rules by contacting the facility, and ensure you are listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list.

Visitation Schedule

DayVisiting HoursVisit TypeNotes
Monday1:00 PM – 3:00 PMIn-PersonConfirm with facility
Tuesday1:00 PM – 3:00 PMIn-PersonConfirm with facility
Wednesday1:00 PM – 3:00 PMIn-PersonConfirm with facility
Thursday1:00 PM – 3:00 PMIn-PersonConfirm with facility
Friday1:00 PM – 3:00 PMIn-PersonConfirm with facility
Saturday9:00 AM – 11:00 AMIn-PersonConfirm with facility
Sunday9:00 AM – 11:00 AMIn-PersonConfirm with facility

Visitation Requirements

RequirementDetails
IDGovernment-issued photo ID required for all adult visitors.
Dress CodeModest attire required; no revealing or inappropriate clothing allowed.
Prohibited ItemsNo cell phones, bags, weapons, or contraband permitted in the visitation area.
Visitor Approval ProcessVisitors must be on the approved inmate visitor list prior to entry.
Children PolicyMinors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Attorney / Clergy VisitsSeparate from regular hours; arrange directly with the jail in advance.

How to Contact an Inmate at Nelson County Jail

Inmates at Nelson County Jail can be reached through phone calls, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all forms of communication subject to monitoring and recording. Please follow the appropriate procedure for each method to ensure your communication is delivered.

Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Nelson County Jail
210 B Ave W, Lakota, ND 58344

MethodHow It WorksSetupRules / Restrictions
Phone CallsInmates make outgoing calls via [Provider].Create an account with [Provider].No incoming calls allowed; calls are monitored and timed.
Physical MailLetters/cards sent via USPS are delivered to inmates.Mail to the provided address format.No contraband; avoid staples, stickers, and cash.
Digital MessagingSend/receive messages using [Provider]'s platform.Register with [Provider] online/app.Messages reviewed; inappropriate content is prohibited.
Video CallsSchedule video visits through [Provider]'s system.Set up an account and schedule online.Advance booking may be required; all visits are recorded.

Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Nelson County

The North Dakota Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for eligible state-sentenced offenders, facilitating supervised release. Local reentry support is available through both state agencies and community-based programs, helping individuals successfully return to Nelson County.

Program / ResourceDescriptionWho It ServesContact / Access
North Dakota Board of ParoleMakes parole and release decisions for state inmates based on eligibility and risk factors.State-sentenced offendersparoleboard.nd.gov · (701) 328-6610
Good Time / Sentence ReductionAllows eligible inmates to reduce their sentences through good behavior and program participation.Incarcerated individualsContact facility case manager or DOCR · (701) 328-6390
Parole SupervisionSupervision and support for parolees during community reintegration.Individuals released on paroleGrand Forks Parole & Probation: 1000 S. Washington St, Grand Forks, ND · (701) 795-3920
Reentry HousingAssistance finding transitional or stable housing upon release.Recently released individualsND DOCR Reentry Program: docr.nd.gov/reentry · (701) 328-6196
Employment AssistanceJob placement, training, and support services for returning citizens.Formerly incarcerated individualsJob Service ND: jobsnd.com · (701) 328-5000
Benefits RestorationHelp restoring access to Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits post-release.Returning citizensND Human Services: hhs.nd.gov · (701) 328-2310
VINE Victim NotificationAutomated alerts to registered victims regarding inmate release, transfer, or status change.Crime victimswww.vinelink.com · 1-866-984-6343

Nelson Incarceration Statistics

Nelson County, North Dakota, has a low population and correspondingly low crime rates, with most offenses being property-related and infrequent violent incidents. The county does not have a dedicated jail; inmates from Nelson County are held at a regional facility, most commonly the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center.

Crime Statistics

Crime CategoryReported IncidentsRate per 100,000% of TotalTrend
Violent Crime (total)2 (statewide)206 (statewide)12% (statewide)→ Stable
— Assault1 (statewide)103 (statewide)6% (statewide)→ Stable
— Robbery0 (statewide)0 (statewide)0% (statewide)→ Stable
— Homicide0 (statewide)0 (statewide)0% (statewide)→ Stable
Property Crime (total)14 (statewide)1,096 (statewide)68% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Theft / Larceny8 (statewide)627 (statewide)38% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Burglary4 (statewide)314 (statewide)21% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Vehicle Theft2 (statewide)155 (statewide)9% (statewide)→ Stable
Drug Offenses2 (statewide)118 (statewide)10% (statewide)↑ Increasing
DUI / Traffic1 (statewide)74 (statewide)5% (statewide)→ Stable
Domestic Violence2 (statewide)111 (statewide)10% (statewide)→ Stable

Inmate Demographics

Demographic CategoryBreakdownNotes
Gender81% Male, 19% FemaleStatewide average used
Age Groups18-24: 16%, 25-34: 32%, 35-44: 27%, 45+: 25%Statewide average used
Race / Ethnicity74% White, 12% Native American, 5% Black, 9% OtherStatewide average used
Top Offense TypesDrug offenses, Property crimes, AssaultStatewide average used
Avg. Sentence Length2.5 yearsStatewide average used
Recidivism Rate38%Statewide average used

How Many Inmates Are Currently in Nelson County?

Nelson County currently holds an estimated 76 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer periods of incarceration may be transferred to a state facility depending on their sentence length.

Facility TypePopulation% of TotalAvg. Daily CostCapacity Utilization
County Jail (Pre-Trial)3141%$6856%
Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term)2432%$6843%
Transferred to State Facility1418%N/AN/A
Federal Holds23%$783%
Juvenile / Youth00%N/AN/A
Total76100%

Nelson County Facility Directory

Nelson County has one correctional facility that primarily serves local detainees: a regional adult jail. There are no standalone county, youth, specialty, or work release facilities operating in Nelson County.

Facility NameTypeLocationCapacityPopulationSecurity Level
Central Virginia Regional JailRegional Facility13021 James Madison Hwy, Orange, VA368~320Medium

Nelson County Prisons and Jails

1 Jails Found
Nelson County Nd Jail
210 B Ave W Ste 102, Lakota, ND, 58344
701-247-2474
701-247-2475