How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL.

Frequently asked questions about ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL?

   Mailing address:

   ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL
   160 Peregory Ln
   Charlottesville, VA 22902
   Phone: (434) 977-6981

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL?

   Visiting hours at ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (434) 977-6981 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL?

   You can send money to an inmate at ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL JAIL, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Educational partnerships form a cornerstone of programming at Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail, with residents able to participate in construction classes through Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC). This collaboration allows incarcerated individuals to develop practical skills and earn credentials that may enhance their employment prospects upon release. The facility's commitment to education reflects a broader approach to rehabilitation that emphasizes skill-building and personal development.

The jail utilizes modern communication technology to help residents maintain connections with family and legal representatives through Smart Communications services for phone and tablet access. Residents and their families can manage accounts through designated online platforms for both communication services and canteen purchases. The facility typically may offer additional programming such as substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and life skills workshops, though specific details about these programs are not specified in available information. Religious services and library access are commonly available at Virginia correctional facilities of this type.

Support services often include medical and mental health care, visitation programs for family members, and coordination with community organizations for reentry planning. The facility operates under the oversight of the ACRJ Board Authority, which holds regular monthly meetings to review operations and policies. Like many regional jails in Virginia, the facility may provide various rehabilitative programs designed to address the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior and prepare residents for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail stay connected with family and friends through Smart Communications technology, which provides access to phone and tablet services throughout their incarceration. This digital communication system allows residents to maintain important relationships while serving their sentences, with families able to deposit funds directly onto inmates' phone and tablet accounts through the smartinmate.com platform. The facility also operates a separate canteen system through accesscorrections.com, enabling loved ones to ensure inmates have access to personal care items and approved commissary goods.

Educational opportunities form a significant part of the daily routine, with inmates able to participate in construction classes offered through Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC). These programs typically provide valuable job skills training that may help with reintegration upon release. The facility generally maintains structured daily schedules that often include meals, recreation time, educational programming, and work assignments, though specific timing may vary based on housing units and individual circumstances.

The jail, which opened in 1974 as a collaborative effort between the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, continues to serve the regional community while maintaining safety and security protocols. Families seeking to visit or communicate with inmates can access current information through the facility's website, and those affected by crime can utilize the Virginia VINE system to stay informed about custody status changes. The facility typically operates under standard correctional guidelines while working to provide rehabilitation opportunities and maintain connections between inmates and their support networks.