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 Lee State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lee State Prison 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 Lee State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Lee State Prison

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 Lee State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lee State Prison?

   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 Lee State Prison?

   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 Lee State Prison. 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 Lee State Prison. 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 Lee State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Lee State Prison
   153 Pinewood Rd
   Leesburg, GA 31763
   Phone: (229) 759-6453

5. What are the visiting hours at Lee State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Lee State Prison 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 (229) 759-6453 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 Lee State Prison?

   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 Lee State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lee State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lee State Prison 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 Lee State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lee State Prison, 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 Lee State Prison?

   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 Lee State Prison 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 Lee State Prison, 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 its comprehensive educational programming, Lee State Prison emphasizes skill-building and rehabilitation to support successful reentry into the community. The facility provides essential academic services including literacy remedial courses, Adult Basic Education, and General Education Diploma preparation to help individuals complete their educational goals. These foundational programs work alongside vocational training opportunities in automotive repair, carpentry, small engine repair, HVAC systems, food preparation, barbering, laundry operations, and custodial maintenance, giving participants practical skills that may enhance their employment prospects upon release.

The facility's counseling and therapeutic programs address various aspects of personal development and behavioral change. Participants may engage in evidence-based programs such as Thinking for a Change, Motivation for Change, and Re-Entry Skills Building, which focus on developing critical thinking and decision-making abilities. Additional specialized programs include Moral Reconation Therapy, Matrix Early Recovery Skills, Matrix Relapse Prevention, and substance abuse support through Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings. The facility also offers programs addressing family relationships through Active Parenting classes and provides support for long-term residents through its Lifers Group.

Supporting overall wellness and community connection, Lee State Prison typically provides recreational activities and religious services to meet diverse spiritual needs. The facility offers various worship services and faith-based programming, along with general recreational opportunities that may include physical fitness activities and structured leisure time. Basic computer and typing skills training, along with career center services, help prepare individuals for the modern workforce. As a host facility for the Albany Transitional Center, the prison plays a role in supporting the transition process for those preparing to return to their communities, while its work details with local organizations provide opportunities for community service and skill application.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at Lee State Prison wake each morning in dormitory-style housing units, with most sharing rooms containing six beds each across the facility's 11 general population units. The structured environment accommodates 762 individuals within buildings that were constructed in 1978 and renovated in 2002, creating a setting where personal space is limited but daily routines provide stability and purpose.

Family connections remain vital through weekend visitation opportunities, with loved ones able to visit on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. These visits typically provide crucial emotional support and help maintain relationships that may prove essential during the reintegration process. Between visits, residents often participate in various programs designed to build skills for successful community reentry, including academic courses ranging from basic literacy to GED preparation, vocational training in areas like automotive repair and HVAC, and counseling programs such as Thinking for a Change and substance abuse recovery support.

The facility's work program assignments may take residents to various locations including Albany City departments, Georgia State Patrol facilities, or on-site positions at the composting plant or fire station. These work details typically begin early in the morning and provide both structure and practical experience. Evenings often include recreational activities, religious services, or continued participation in educational programs, while some residents may engage in specialized programs like the Active Parenting course or computer training at the career center, all designed to prepare individuals for eventual release and successful community reintegration.