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 Botetourt County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Botetourt County 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 Botetourt County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Botetourt County 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 Botetourt County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Botetourt County 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 Botetourt County 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 Botetourt County 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 Botetourt County 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 Botetourt County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Botetourt County Jail
   205 N Roanoke St
   Fincastle, VA 24090
   Phone: (540) 473-8230

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Botetourt County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Botetourt County 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 (540) 473-8230 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 Botetourt County 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 Botetourt County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Botetourt County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Botetourt County 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 Botetourt County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Botetourt County 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 Botetourt County 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 Botetourt County 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 Botetourt County 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

Through a multifaceted approach to personal development, the comprehensive programming at Botetourt County Jail emphasizes transformation through diverse learning opportunities and skill-building initiatives. This holistic framework recognizes that meaningful change occurs when individuals have access to varied pathways for growth, encompassing everything from academic advancement to practical life skills development. The facility's commitment to comprehensive programming reflects an understanding that successful reintegration requires addressing multiple aspects of personal development simultaneously.

Educational opportunities typically form the cornerstone of the facility's academic offerings, with programs designed to help individuals pursue their educational goals while incarcerated. These may include literacy improvement courses, GED preparation classes, and continuing education opportunities that allow participants to advance their knowledge base. In addition to this academic foundation, vocational training programs often provide hands-on experience in various trades and industries, equipping individuals with marketable skills that can translate directly into employment opportunities upon release. Such training may encompass technical skills, workplace readiness preparation, and certification programs that align with regional employment demands.

The facility's support services extend beyond traditional educational models to encompass therapeutic and community-oriented opportunities that address personal development from multiple angles. Cognitive behavioral programs typically focus on helping individuals develop critical thinking skills, emotional regulation techniques, and decision-making strategies that support long-term behavioral change. Community service opportunities often allow participants to contribute meaningfully to local initiatives while developing a sense of civic responsibility. Additionally, programs addressing healthy relationships may provide essential guidance on communication skills, conflict resolution, and building positive interpersonal connections. Practical services such as laundry facilities support daily living needs while maintaining dignity and routine, contributing to the overall comprehensive approach to individual development and preparation for successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

The rhythmic sound of meal trays being distributed signals another carefully orchestrated day beginning for individuals housed at Botetourt County Jail. Each person now follows a structured routine that typically begins with early morning head counts, followed by breakfast service and the gradual opening of various facility areas for daily activities. The schedule regularly incorporates time for personal hygiene, cleaning responsibilities, and participation in available programming, with individuals generally moving through their day according to established protocols that balance security requirements with opportunities for constructive engagement.

Living accommodations within the facility typically consist of shared housing units where individuals may be assigned based on various classification factors including security level and program participation. The dormitory-style or cell-based housing generally provides basic furnishings such as beds, storage areas for personal property, and access to restroom facilities, though space and privacy are naturally limited. Personal belongings are usually restricted to approved items that can be purchased through the commissary system or received through approved channels, with individuals often relying on these small comforts to maintain connections to their lives outside the facility walls.

In addition to this structured living environment, the facility typically offers various programs and activities designed to provide meaningful engagement during incarceration. Recreation time may include access to television areas, reading materials, and limited exercise opportunities, while work assignments often involve kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or facility maintenance tasks that help individuals maintain a sense of purpose. Despite this structured environment, maintaining family connections remains crucial, with visitation schedules and telephone privileges generally allowing individuals to communicate with loved ones, though these interactions are typically monitored and subject to facility regulations that govern frequency and duration of contact.