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 Craggy Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Craggy Correctional Center 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 Craggy Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Craggy Correctional Center

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 Craggy Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Craggy Correctional Center?

   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 Craggy Correctional Center?

   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 Craggy Correctional Center. 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 Craggy Correctional Center. 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 Craggy Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Craggy Correctional Center
   2992 Riverside Dr
   Asheville, NC 28804
   Phone: (828) 645-5315

   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 Craggy Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Craggy Correctional Center 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 (828) 645-5315 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 Craggy Correctional Center?

   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 Craggy Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Craggy Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Craggy Correctional Center 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 Craggy Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Craggy Correctional Center, 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 Craggy Correctional Center?

   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 Craggy Correctional Center 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 Craggy Correctional Center, 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

Personal growth begins behind bars through structured opportunities designed to build essential life skills. Those incarcerated at Craggy Correctional Center may access a range of offerings that emphasize security, safety, and structured development. The facility typically maintains an environment where participants can focus on acquiring practical skills and addressing personal challenges that support successful reintegration.

Educational and vocational offerings form the foundation of skill-building opportunities. Those incarcerated may pursue GED preparation through education services that often include individualized instruction and study materials. Moreover, vocational training opportunities typically focus on practical trades, with automotive repair programs that may furnish hands-on experience with vehicle maintenance and basic mechanical skills. These structured learning environments often emphasize safety protocols and proper tool usage.

Support services address the underlying challenges that many participants face. Substance abuse programs typically provide group sessions and individual counseling designed to help those incarcerated develop coping strategies and maintain sobriety. These therapeutic offerings often include educational components about addiction and recovery, delivered through structured sessions that emphasize personal accountability and positive behavioral changes. The combination of educational, vocational, and therapeutic services may create a comprehensive approach to personal development within a secure facility environment.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building connections with family and the broader community remains a central focus for those incarcerated at Craggy Correctional Center. At present, the facility actively maintains structured routines that furnish opportunities for social interaction and personal development throughout each day. Those incarcerated typically begin their mornings with scheduled counts and meal service, followed by work assignments or programming activities that encourage collaboration and skill-building among residents.

Living accommodations generally consist of dormitory-style housing units where those incarcerated share common areas and develop supportive relationships with their peers. Moreover, the dining arrangements provide regular opportunities for social interaction during designated meal times in communal dining areas. Recreation periods typically include access to outdoor exercise areas, indoor recreational facilities, and organized activities that promote physical wellness and community engagement among residents.

Family connections receive considerable emphasis through established visitation policies that allow regular contact with loved ones during designated visiting hours. Whereas in-person visits provide face-to-face interaction, those incarcerated may also maintain communication through monitored phone calls and correspondence. The facility typically offers various work assignments and structured programming schedules that furnish educational opportunities, vocational training, and life skills development, helping residents prepare for successful reintegration into their communities upon release.