Virtual Attorney Visits (VAV) at Karnes County: Who Can Attend, How They're Scheduled, and Recording Rules

Virtual Attorney Visits at Karnes County use Zoom for confidential attorney-client conversations. It gives legal representatives a secure way to meet with clients remotely when in-person visits aren't possible or practical.

VAV helps with access and timing, but it doesn't replace in-person legal visits. Think of it as an additional option - not a substitute for meeting face-to-face when that's needed.

VAV sessions are limited to the legal team and people supporting the legal conversation. Only legal representatives, legal assistants, and interpreters can participate. Family members and friends cannot join - even if you're trying to help coordinate communication or support your loved one.

ID Verification

• ✓ Appropriate identification before the scheduled VAV (for example, a bar card from any state)
• ✓ Other available documentation that demonstrates bar membership

For standard VAV appointments, legal representatives schedule online through an ERO eFile account using ICE's Detention Facility Appointment Scheduler. The attorney or their office handles the booking through this official system.

Need a VAV appointment outside the standard route due to urgent circumstances? Legal representatives can email kccdc-bailiff@geogroup.com to request one.

For urgent situations, legal representatives can also call (830) 254-2500 and ask for the courtroom officer who handles scheduling.

1. Schedule standard VAV through ERO eFile - Use an ERO eFile account and ICE’s Detention Facility Appointment Scheduler for routine appointments.
2. Email for exigent circumstances - Send a request to kccdc-bailiff@geogroup.com.
3. Call for exigent circumstances - Call (830) 254-2500 and ask for the courtroom officer responsible for scheduling.

Break the recording rule, and Karnes County may suspend VAV access or permanently revoke VAV privileges. This is a hard line - the consequences can affect long-term access.

For families, the main takeaway: VAV isn't a way for you to visit or join a call. These sessions are for confidential attorney-client communication via Zoom, limited to legal representatives, legal assistants, and interpreters. If you want updates or need to help with communication, coordinate with your loved one's attorney - they're the ones who can schedule and attend VAV sessions.

• ✓ Confirm the person representing your loved one is a legal representative who can meet the facility’s ID/bar membership requirements
• ✓ Ask the attorney’s office to schedule standard VAV appointments through ERO eFile using ICE’s Detention Facility Appointment Scheduler