Sending Legal Mail to Callaway County Jail: How It’s Handled

Legal mail at Callaway County Jail must be clearly marked. Write

Here's the key thing to know: legal mail follows a "show, then seal" process. The inmate presents the letter to a detention officer while it's still open, shows the contents to prove there's no contraband, then seals it. The officer initials the envelope to document that proper legal-mail procedures were followed.

1. Prepare the letter and envelope - The envelope should be properly marked “Legal Mail” and addressed to a qualifying official.
2. Present it unsealed to the detention officer - Legal mail is shown before sealing.
3. Show the contents - The inmate demonstrates there is no contraband in the envelope.
4. Have the officer witness and initial - The witnessing detention officer initials the envelope.
5. Seal the letter - After it’s witnessed, the inmate is allowed to seal it for outgoing delivery.

Attorneys working with someone at Callaway County Jail may be permitted inside the facility to represent their client during video proceedings. Keep in mind that inmates are secured with jail restraints during these sessions, which can affect how documents are exchanged and when your client can review or sign paperwork.

Practical Steps

• ✓ Mark the envelope “Legal Mail” on the front.
• ✓ Address it to an official who qualifies for confidential communication.
• ✓ Expect the inmate to present the legal mail to a detention officer before it’s sealed so they can show there’s no contraband.
• ✓ Know that the witnessing detention officer initials the envelope.
• ✓ Plan around the jail’s dedicated mail pass: detention staff collect outgoing inmate mail unsealed during that pickup.