Who Can Attend a Virtual Attorney Visit at Karnes County Detention (and Who Can't)
Virtual Attorney Visitation (VAV) can be a faster way for a detainee to speak privately with their attorney, but Karnes County limits who can be on that call. Here's who is allowed to attend, what ID counsel must show, and what families should do instead.
VAV stands for virtual attorney visitation. At Karnes County Detention, it uses Zoom for confidential attorney-client conversations. Think of it as an alternative to meeting in person, not a replacement. Attorneys may still need in-person legal visits depending on the situation.
Only people who are part of the legal team can attend a VAV session at Karnes County. That means attorneys, legal assistants, and interpreters. Family members and friends cannot sit in on VAV sessions, even if the detainee wants them there.
- ✓ Legal representative (attorney): Allowed
- ✓ Legal assistant: Allowed
- ✓ Interpreter: Allowed
- ✓ Family and friends: Not permitted
Before the scheduled VAV, the legal representative must show appropriate identification. Karnes County lists a bar card from any state as an example, or other documentation proving bar membership. If you're coordinating with an attorney, remind them to have their bar ID ready so the visit isn't delayed.
Recording is strictly prohibited. Karnes County does not allow legal representatives or their staff to audio or video record any virtual or in-person visit, including calls with detainees. Violating this rule can result in suspended VAV privileges or permanent revocation of access.
Warning: Do not record any part of a virtual or in-person legal visit. Recording can lead to suspension or permanent loss of VAV privileges.
If you're a family member looking for information about a detainee (not a legal visit), you can call the facility at (830) 254-2000. The line is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
Attorneys schedule standard VAV appointments online through ICE's Detention Facility Appointment Scheduler using an ERO eFile account. Karnes County asks that routine virtual appointments go through ERO eFile, so if you're relaying information to counsel, that's the usual starting point.
- Use email for urgent scheduling - If there is an exigent circumstance, legal representatives can request a VAV appointment by emailing kccdc-bailiff@geogroup.com.
- Call and ask for the courtroom officer - Counsel can also call (830) 254-2500 and ask for the courtroom officer responsible for scheduling.
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