Michigan

It depends on the jail, and some Michigan jails prohibit face-to-face visitation entirely and run visits electronically. One example policy states all visits are conducted electronically via tablets and directs friends and family to set up an account with GettingOut to visit. Always confirm the current visitation type for the specific facility before you go.

Time limits and fees depend on the facility and can change. One example set of rules describes approximately 25 to 26 minute video visit slots and a $2.50 per-visit cost, with one free video visit per week. Check the vendor page for your facility to confirm the current length, price, and any free-visit allowance before you schedule.

In many correctional settings, calls other than properly placed attorney calls may be monitored and recorded. Messaging and photo sharing is often handled through third-party platforms that require you to create an account first, such as SmartInmate.

If the jail uses scanned mail, you usually have to mail letters to the vendor’s processing address, not the jail, and include the person’s full name and Booking/ID number. One Michigan example directs personal mail to Smart Communications at a P.O. box and says mail is opened, scanned, and typically available on tablets within 24 to 72 hours after it arrives at the processing center. Always use the exact format posted by the facility so it routes to the correct account.