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 Lewis County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lewis County Jail 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 Lewis County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Lewis County Jail

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 Lewis County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lewis County Jail?

   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 Lewis County Jail?

   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 Lewis County Jail. 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 Lewis County Jail. 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 Lewis County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Lewis County Jail
   28 SW Chehalis Ave
   Chehalis, WA 98532
   Phone: (360) 748-9241

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Lewis County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Lewis County Jail 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 (360) 748-9241 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 Lewis County Jail?

   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 Lewis County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lewis County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lewis County Jail 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 Lewis County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lewis County Jail, 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 Lewis County Jail?

   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 Lewis County Jail 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 Lewis County Jail, 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

The breadth of developmental opportunities within Lewis County Jail reflects a multifaceted approach to individual growth and community reintegration. Rather than adopting a singular focus, the facility typically embraces a comprehensive framework that addresses the diverse educational, vocational, and therapeutic needs of its population. This holistic philosophy recognizes that meaningful transformation often emerges through varied pathways, allowing individuals to engage with multiple forms of personal development simultaneously.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility's comprehensive offerings, with adult basic education services providing foundational academic support for individuals seeking to strengthen their literacy and numeracy skills. High school diploma programs may offer structured pathways for those who wish to complete their secondary education, while broader education services often encompass various learning opportunities tailored to different academic levels and interests. Also available are vocational opportunities, with carpentry programs typically providing hands-on training that develops marketable skills and fosters practical problem-solving abilities.

Complementing these educational and vocational pathways are robust support services designed to address both immediate needs and long-term stability. Work programs may offer structured environments where individuals can develop professional habits and contribute meaningfully to facility operations, while broader vocational programs often extend beyond specific trades to encompass career readiness and workplace preparation. Also integral to this comprehensive approach are therapeutic opportunities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which typically provides individuals with evidence-based tools for addressing thought patterns and behaviors that may have contributed to their current circumstances.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of meal trays being distributed often marks the beginning of structured activity periods at Lewis County Jail, as individuals prepare for another day within the facility's regulated environment. Today's routine typically begins with early morning counts and personal hygiene time, followed by breakfast service in designated dining areas or housing units. Throughout the day, individuals generally follow a consistent schedule that includes meal times, programming opportunities, and periods for personal activities, with staff conducting regular security checks to maintain facility safety and order.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where individuals may be housed with one or more roommates depending on classification levels and available space. Each housing area usually provides basic furnishings including beds, storage areas for personal belongings, and access to restroom facilities, while common areas often feature tables, seating, and television viewing spaces. However, the specific housing assignment for each individual generally depends on factors such as security classification, length of stay, and behavioral considerations, with staff working to maintain appropriate supervision levels throughout different areas of the facility.

Programming opportunities may offer structure through educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or religious services, helping individuals use their time constructively while addressing personal development goals. Recreation periods typically provide access to indoor exercise areas, outdoor yards when weather permits, and various recreational activities that promote physical fitness and social interaction. Also important to daily life are communication opportunities with family members through scheduled visitation sessions, telephone access during designated hours, and correspondence privileges that help maintain important relationships and support systems during incarceration.