Virtual Attorney Visits (VAV) at Coastal Bend Detention Center: How They Work and Rules for Lawyers

ICE detention standards require confidential access between non-citizens and their legal representatives. Coastal Bend meets this through Virtual Attorney Visits - secure Zoom sessions for attorney-client conversations. VAV works well when you can't get on-site right away, though it's not meant to replace in-person meetings entirely.

To schedule a Virtual Attorney Visit (VAV) or ask questions about the process at Coastal Bend, contact 361-767-3400 or email cbintake@geogroup.com.

VAV sessions at Coastal Bend are limited to the legal team and necessary support roles. Only legal representatives, legal assistants, and interpreters are allowed to participate. Family members or friends of the client are not permitted to join these virtual legal visits.

You'll need to verify your identity and credentials before your VAV session. Have your bar card (from any state) or other documentation showing bar membership ready to present before the virtual meeting begins.

Need language support? You can bring in outside interpretation services during the virtual call. This gives you flexibility to arrange interpretation that fits your case.

VAV sessions are confidential, but security protocols still apply. A visitation officer will be stationed outside the confidential room during your session - they're there for safety, not to monitor the conversation.

Coastal Bend also uses video-visitation for other confidential interviews - USCIS appointments, forensic medical evaluations, or child welfare matters. Availability varies, so check with the facility.