How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Lawtey Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lawtey Correctional Institution is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Lawtey Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Lawtey Correctional Institution

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Lawtey Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lawtey Correctional Institution?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Lawtey Correctional Institution?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Lawtey Correctional Institution. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Lawtey Correctional Institution. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Lawtey Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Lawtey Correctional Institution
   22298 NE County Rd 200B
   Lawtey, FL 32058
   Phone: (904) 782-2000

5. What are the visiting hours at Lawtey Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Lawtey Correctional Institution vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (904) 782-2000 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Lawtey Correctional Institution?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Lawtey Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lawtey Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lawtey Correctional Institution through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Lawtey Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lawtey Correctional Institution, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Lawtey Correctional Institution?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Lawtey Correctional Institution for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Lawtey Correctional Institution, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Through comprehensive service delivery designed to address individual needs, Lawtey Correctional Institution focuses on building essential life skills that prepare the population for successful community reintegration. The facility's approach emphasizes personal growth and development through structured programs that target both immediate challenges and long-term goals. This supportive framework recognizes that meaningful change occurs when individuals have access to resources that address educational gaps, vocational skills, and personal barriers to success.

Educational programs form a cornerstone of the institution's offerings, providing the population with opportunities to complete high school equivalency requirements and develop practical job skills. Vocational training typically includes electrical work and painting and decorating programs, which may supply hands-on experience in trades that offer stable employment prospects upon release. These educational initiatives often focus on building both technical competencies and workplace readiness skills that employers value in the community.

Additionally, therapeutic and support services address the complex needs that many individuals face during incarceration and transition periods. Substance abuse treatment programs provide counseling and education designed to help participants understand addiction patterns and develop healthy coping strategies. Work release opportunities may offer eligible individuals the chance to maintain employment connections while completing their sentences, fostering family stability and community ties. Transitional planning services typically assist the population in preparing for release by connecting them with housing resources, employment assistance, and ongoing support networks that can help sustain positive changes beyond their time at the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

Systematic scheduling and established protocols shape every aspect of the experience for the population, creating predictable routines that supply both structure and stability. At present, residents actively participate in daily schedules that typically begin with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programming, or recreational activities. The facility generally operates on a structured timeline that includes designated periods for meals, programming, and personal time, while security procedures maintain order throughout these daily transitions.

Housing units at the facility typically accommodate multiple residents in dormitory-style or cell-based arrangements, depending on the individual's classification level and security requirements. The population generally has access to basic amenities within their living areas, including storage space for approved personal property and items purchased through the commissary system. Additionally, residents usually maintain their living spaces according to established cleanliness standards and may participate in unit-based activities or programming when available.

Work assignments often supply meaningful structure to daily routines, with the population typically participating in various facility operations, maintenance duties, or vocational training programs. Recreation opportunities generally include access to outdoor areas, recreational equipment, and organized activities during designated time periods. While maintaining security protocols, the facility usually provides visitation opportunities for approved family members and friends, along with telephone access and correspondence privileges. Additionally, structured programming schedules may include educational classes, counseling sessions, or skill-building workshops that help residents prepare for eventual reintegration into their communities.