Martinez Detention Facility in Martinez, CA

Address: 901 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553

Phone: (925) 335-4600

Custody Services Bureau (24/7 inmate info): (925) 646-4496

Operated by: Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

The Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) is the primary intake point for everyone arrested in Contra Costa County and serves as the county’s maximum-security jail. Opened in 1981 and located in downtown Martinez, the facility houses both pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates who don’t qualify for less restrictive placement at the West County Detention Facility or Marsh Creek Detention Facility. If a loved one was arrested anywhere in Contra Costa County — Concord, Walnut Creek, Antioch, Pittsburg, Richmond, or beyond — they were almost certainly booked here first.

If a Loved One Has Just Been Booked

To confirm someone is in custody, use the Contra Costa Sheriff’s In-Custody Locator or call the Custody Services Bureau at (925) 646-4496 — staffed 24 hours a day. Have the person’s full name and date of birth ready.

A few things worth knowing in those first hours:

• The locator covers all three county facilities (Martinez, West County, Marsh Creek). If your loved one isn’t at Martinez, they may have been transferred to West County or Marsh Creek, depending on classification.
• All inmate phone calls are recorded. Don’t discuss what happened over the jail phone.
• Arraignment typically happens within 48 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and holidays. Cases are heard at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse next door.

Bail and Release

Bail amounts are set by the Contra Costa County bail schedule based on the charges. Bail can be posted at the facility in cash or through a licensed bail bondsman. An attorney can request a bail hearing to argue for reduction or release on own recognizance (OR release) — the standard option for many non-violent offenses.

For lower-level charges, the sheriff’s office may release someone on a citation without requiring bail.

Visiting Someone at Martinez

All visits are scheduled in advance and conducted under strict rules. Visit times vary by housing unit and security classification, and the schedule changes — confirm current procedures on the Sheriff’s Visiting an Inmate page or by calling (925) 335-4600.

A few things to know:

• Up to four visitors may visit an inmate at one time; all visitors must be scheduled.
• Visitors must arrive no later than 30 minutes before the end of any visiting block, with check-in beginning 30 minutes before the posted visiting time.
• Bring valid, unexpired government photo ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with proof of relationship.
• Dress code is strict — no clothing resembling inmate or law enforcement attire, no revealing or sheer clothing, no gang-related graphics, no head coverings.
• Visitors who have been in Contra Costa County custody within the past six months are not permitted to visit.

Video visitation is also available through ConnectNetwork (ViaPath Technologies).

If your loved one has been booked into Martinez, our team is available around the clock. The sooner we’re involved, the more options we have. Learn how we defend Contra Costa County criminal cases.