Attorney Video Visit Checklist for Edna Mahan: What to Prepare and Expect
Attorney video teleconferences (VTCs) at Edna Mahan go smoothly when you follow the facility's scheduling rules and know who initiates the call. Use this checklist to avoid preventable delays and protect confidentiality.
On the NJDOC VTC request form, select the reason that matches an attorney conference. Look for "Client/Attorney Interview" - that's reason code 25. Choosing the right code helps route your request to the correct team.
At Edna Mahan, the videoconference coordinator team handles VTC scheduling. The published coordinators are Nicole Berberena, Kimberly Hawk, and Debra Magyar. Use their listed phone and email details to schedule, confirm, or troubleshoot a video session.
Scheduling and Timing
- ✓ Fax the videoconference request at least 48 hours in advance (weekends and holidays don’t count toward the 48 hours).
- ✓ Plan around the standard operating window: weekdays, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (no weekends or holidays).
- ✓ Build in extra lead time if you can - requests are scheduled against existing bookings, not slotted “on demand.”
NJDOC facilities maintain a master schedule of upcoming videoconferences, and the liaison checks it before adding new sessions. Your preferred time may already be taken - even if it falls within normal weekday hours. Submit a range of workable options early to improve your chances of landing a slot.
- Initiate the videoconference from your side - the participating (requesting) agency representative is responsible for placing/starting the VTC call.
- Expect the inmate to be staged early - the videoconferencing post officer ensures the correct inmate is in the waiting area at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start.
- Plan for a private booth setup - during the videoconference, the inmate is alone in a specially constructed, sound-dampened videoconferencing booth/room.
Note: When possible, schedule the session to begin no later than one hour before the facility’s closing time.
NJDOC policy is clear: communications over the video link between the inmate and outside agency personnel are privileged and confidential. Treat the VTC like any other legal visit. Choose a secure office location on your end and limit who's in the room.
Before the videoconference begins, state-sentenced inmates must be told the session is confidential and must sign an Inmate Consent Form. If your client says they weren't advised or didn't sign, pause. Ask the facility to confirm the consent process was completed before you continue.
If confidentiality is breached: Notify the participating agency in writing within 48 hours, and notify NJDOC within 48 hours as well.
For attorney-visit questions, Edna Mahan lists two contacts: Samuel Winslow (Samuel.Winslow@doc.nj.gov, 908-735-7111 x3607) and Nancy Nazario (Nancy.Nazario@doc.nj.gov, 908-735-7111 x3647). For videoconference scheduling, reach out to the VTC coordinators: Nicole Berberena (908-735-7111 x3634, nicole.berberena@doc.nj.gov), Kimberly Hawk (908-735-7111 x3611, kimberly.hawk@doc.nj.gov), or Debra Magyar (908-735-3603, debra.magyar@doc.nj.gov).
- ✓ After you fax the request (at least 48 hours ahead, excluding weekends/holidays), confirm the coordinator received it and that your date/time is set.
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