Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

How Virtual Attorney Visits (VAV) Work at Coastal Bend Detention Center

Virtual Attorney Visits (VAV) let attorneys connect with clients at Coastal Bend Detention Center through confidential video calls. If you're trying to set up a legal video visit, here are the rules that matter most.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

ICE detention standards require that noncitizens held in ICE facilities have confidential contact with legal representatives. Coastal Bend Detention Center offers Virtual Attorney Visits (VAV) to make that happen over Zoom. VAV isn't a substitute for in-person legal visits, but it can be a timely, efficient way to speak with your client.

Who Allowed

  • ✓ Legal representatives
  • ✓ Legal assistants
  • ✓ Interpreters
  • ✓ Family or friends of the client are not permitted

Legal representatives must show appropriate identification before the scheduled virtual meeting. Coastal Bend lists a bar card from any state as an example. Other documentation demonstrating bar membership is also accepted.

To schedule a VAV at Coastal Bend or ask questions about the process, call 361-767-3400 or email cbintake@geogroup.com.

Need language assistance? The legal representative can bring in outside interpretation services during the call. VAV is designed to support confidential legal communication, consistent with ICE detention standards requiring confidential access to legal representatives.

No recording allowed. Legal representatives and their staff may not video or audio record during any virtual or in-person visit, or any call with noncitizens at the facility. Violations may result in suspension or permanent revocation of VAV user privileges.

During a VAV session, a visitation officer is stationed outside the confidential room. Their role is to maintain safety and security for detained noncitizens using VAV.

Coastal Bend's video visitation technology is also used for other confidential interviews, including interviews by USCIS or forensic medical evaluators, and for special visitation purposes like child welfare. These uses depend on availability.

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