What Happens If an Attorney Visit Gets Denied at East Jersey State Prison
A denied contact attorney visit at East Jersey State Prison doesn't mean legal access stops. Here's why denials happen, what the facility should offer instead, and how to keep your case moving.
Contact attorney visits can be restricted based on the incarcerated person's behavior. If the facility administrator (or their designee) determines someone is acting out or poses a heightened danger, EJSP can limit contact visits for safety reasons.
Denials can also stem from the attorney's side. If the facility determines an attorney or attorney representative poses a security threat or could disrupt operations, EJSP can deny contact visitation on those grounds.
Note: If an attorney or attorney representative is on a Departmental “banned” list, they are not permitted to visit EJSP at all. If you think that might be an issue, jump to the banned‑list section below and verify before you travel.
A denied contact visit doesn't mean no visit at all. When EJSP denies contact, the facility must make efforts to provide a non-contact alternative - as long as it's consistent with orderly operations.
Non-contact typically means meeting through a barrier or using a remote option arranged by the facility. You should still have a way to communicate privately. The key: EJSP should work toward an alternative format rather than cutting off access entirely.
- Call or email the attorney-visit contacts - Ask what specifically caused the contact visit to be denied and what non-contact option can be arranged. EJSP lists Karyn Parker-Foreman (Karyn.Parker-Foreman@doc.nj.gov, 732-499-5010 x2613) and Carrie Davis (Carrie.Davis@doc.nj.gov, 732-499-5010 x2701) for attorney visits and video teleconferences.
- Reach out to the VTC coordinator contact - If an in-person option isn’t being offered or time is tight, request videoconferencing through the VTC coordinator channel. EJSP lists Roxanne Riano at 732-499-5010 x2705 and the shared email ejsplegalaccess@doc.nj.gov.
- Confirm what the facility is offering instead of contact - Be clear about whether a non-contact visit is being scheduled, whether videoconferencing is available, and what the next available slot is. If you’re told “no,” ask whether that means “no contact” or “no legal visit at all,” and who made that decision.
- ✓ Date and time the visit was denied
- ✓ Whether the denial was for contact only or for the visit entirely
- ✓ Name and role of the staff member you spoke with (and any extension)
- ✓ Email addresses used and whether you received a reply
- ✓ Whether a non-contact visit was offered, and if so, what format and when
- ✓ Whether you were directed to request a video teleconference (VTC), and what you were told about scheduling
Pivoting to videoconferencing? Plan ahead. Requests must be faxed to the facility videoconferencing coordinator at least 48 hours in advance - that's 2 or more business days before your requested time. If you're working against a court deadline, build in extra buffer so a last-minute contact denial doesn't leave you scrambling.
Attorneys or attorney representatives on any Departmental banned list cannot visit East Jersey State Prison at all. If you're getting repeatedly turned away - not just switched to non-contact, but denied entry entirely - verify your status before making another trip. This is a complete bar on visitation.
Find an Inmate at East Jersey State Prison
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
