Before Your Attorney's First Video Visit: What the Inmate Needs to Know at Northern State Prison
Your first attorney video visit runs smoother when you know what happens before the call starts and how paperwork gets handled during the session. Here's what to expect at Northern State Prison.
Before the video visit, you'll be told that the videoconference is confidential. You'll need to sign an Inmate Consent Form - that's required before the session can proceed. Once the call starts, everything said over the video link between you and your attorney (or other outside agency personnel) is treated as privileged, confidential, and private.
The prison has a timing rule: the videoconferencing post officer must have you in the VTC waiting area at least ten (10) minutes before your scheduled conference. This buffer prevents last-second delays and keeps the appointment on track.
- ✓ Videoconferencing system is on and ready to receive the incoming call
- ✓ Facsimile machine is on and ready to receive incoming documents
- ✓ Equipment is set so the conference can start without delays when the call comes in
Need documents during the video visit? The VTC setup includes a fax machine specifically for this purpose. Your attorney can send documents directly to you during the conference. Staff are responsible for making sure both the video system and fax machine are powered on and ready to receive incoming calls and documents.
Note: All communications over the video link are privileged, confidential, and private. Documents sent through the VTC fax during your conference have the same confidential status as your attorney communications.
- Pick the target date and time - plan around business days, since weekends and holidays don’t count toward the lead time.
- Complete the videoconference request - make sure it’s ready to submit to the correct institution/coordinator.
- Fax the request at least 48 hours in advance - the request must be faxed at least 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) before the requested day.
- ✓ On the VTC request form, indicate “FAX Yes/No” based on whether documents will be faxed to the inmate on the day of the videoconference
- ✓ If you plan to send documents, double-check the fax number used so the documents reach the facility’s VTC fax machine (the one used for direct receipt by the inmate)
On the scheduled day, the attorney or their office initiates the videoconference. If you're coordinating with someone outside, aim for a start time that gives the facility room to follow its procedure - you need to be in the VTC waiting area at least ten minutes early so the call can connect without a scramble.
Find an Inmate at Northern State Prison, NJ
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
