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Video Conference Timing at Northern State Prison: Why Attorney Calls Must Conclude by 4 PM

Scheduling a legal video conference with Northern State Prison? The time window matters. NJDOC videoconferences run on a set weekday schedule, and attorney conferences must wrap up by 4:00 PM unless you've arranged an exception ahead of time.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

NJDOC videoconferencing operates as a weekday service. Standard hours run 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Most scheduling decisions are built around that window. If you're planning an attorney call, assume the conference needs to happen within those hours so the facility can staff it normally.

Reminder: Videoconferencing availability excludes weekends and holidays, so plan your request around regular business days.

Here's the key rule: no videoconference with an NJDOC institution can be scheduled to end later than 4:00 PM. Pick your start time based on how long you expect the consultation to take, not just what looks open on the calendar. If you anticipate a longer conversation, plan for an earlier start or arrange an after-hours exception in advance.

  1. Start with the 4:00 PM end point. Work backward from 4:00 PM so the conference is scheduled to finish before closing.
  2. Choose a start time that leaves a buffer. The NJDOC guidance is to commence no later than one hour prior to closing whenever possible, which helps avoid running into the 4:00 PM cutoff.
  3. If you truly need time past 4:00 PM, plan an exception early. Sessions that go beyond normal hours require mutual agreement and a special arrangement.

NJDOC scheduling guidance recommends starting your videoconference no later than one hour before the 4:00 PM cutoff. That means aiming to begin by 3:00 PM at the latest, especially if the call might run long or hit any delays. Starting earlier gives you a better cushion to finish without getting cut short at end of day.

After-hours videoconferences are possible, but they're not the default. The standard expectation is that conferences end by 4:00 PM. Anything beyond normal hours requires mutual agreement and a special arrangement made in advance through the NJDOC VTC Coordinator. Be prepared to justify the need to the institution's administration. The more notice you give, the smoother this process tends to go.

  • ✓ Send the videoconference request by fax to the facility’s videoconferencing coordinator or designee.
  • ✓ Build in at least 48 hours of lead time (at least 2 or more business days) before the requested conference.
  • ✓ If you are requesting an after-hours session, make clear that you are seeking a mutually agreed special arrangement.

Tip: If you do not arrange an exception ahead of time, expect the conference to be restricted to the 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM window and scheduled to conclude by 4:00 PM.

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