How to Send Money to Facility

You can add funds online with a credit card through Smart Inmate. The vendor charges a fee, so expect to pay more than the deposit amount itself. Online deposits aren't instant. The inmate typically gets access to the money within 72 hours.

If you can go in person, the kiosk in the ADC lobby accepts both cash and credit cards for inmate accounts. There's also a separate money safe in the lobby for money orders and cashier's checks only (no personal checks or cash). When using a money order or cashier's check, make it out to the inmate's full name and include the inmate's number plus your name and address.

After someone is released, the Sheriff's Office mails a check for any remaining account balance seven days after release. If the inmate still owes fees, they'll be billed for that amount seven days after release. Haven't received a refund check within 10 business days? Call 703-246-2100, press option 4, then option 4 again to reach Inmate Finance.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Decide whether to deposit online through Smart Inmate (credit card) or in person in the ADC lobby.
• ✓ If you use the ADC lobby kiosk, you can pay with cash or a credit card.
• ✓ If you use a money order or cashier’s check, use the ADC lobby money safe (no personal checks or cash).
• ✓ Make money orders and cashier’s checks payable to the inmate’s full name, and include the inmate’s number plus your name and address.
• ✓ Do not place a money order or cashier’s check in an envelope, and do not include letters or other correspondence.
• ✓ Expect a vendor fee if you pay online through Smart Inmate.

1. Give online deposits time to post. Funds deposited through Smart Inmate are typically available to the inmate within 72 hours after deposit.
2. Watch for the post-release balance check. Seven days after release, the Sheriff’s Office mails the inmate a check for any remaining account balance.
3. Expect billing if fees are still owed. If the inmate leaves owing fees, they will be billed seven days after release.
4. Call Inmate Finance if the refund is late. If you’re expecting a refund and it has not arrived within 10 business days, call 703-246-2100, press 4, then press 4 again to reach Inmate Finance.

Before submitting an online payment, make sure you're on the current Smart Inmate site and check the vendor fee so you know the full cost upfront.

If you plan to pay in person, confirm the ADC lobby kiosk and the lobby money safe are available when you arrive. Make sure you have the right payment type for each option. For money orders and cashier's checks, double-check the labeling requirements (inmate full name, inmate number, your name and address) and remember: no envelope, no correspondence.

Refund timing is tied to the release date. Keep track of when the inmate was released, then note when seven days and 10 business days have passed. If the refund check hasn't arrived by then, call 703-246-2100, press 4, then 4 again to reach Inmate Finance.