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Why All Calls from Nottoway Are Recorded (and the One Attorney Exception)

Calls from Nottoway are recorded and monitored. There's one narrow exception: properly verified attorney calls. But it only works when the number is already in the system and a recording block has been requested ahead of time.

• 3 min read • vadoc.virginia.gov
Why All Calls from Nottoway Are Recorded (and the One Attorney Exception)

Nottoway's inmate phone system runs through ConnectNetwork by Global Tel*Link. Under VADOC rules, all calls placed through this system are recorded and monitored. This isn't occasional or unit-dependent - it's standard practice under VADOC Operating Procedure 803.3, which applies across every Virginia Department of Corrections facility.

  • ✓ Calls can only be placed to numbers on the inmate’s approved call list (landlines and cell phone numbers are allowed).
  • ✓ The approved call list is limited to 15 numbers, and it’s up to the inmate to maintain it.
  • ✓ Calls are limited to 20 minutes to help ensure fair access to the phones.
  • ✓ You can refuse (deny) any collect or debit call from an inmate.

VADOC does recognize a specific category of legal calls. An "Attorney Call" means a call placed to an attorney's phone number or the law firm where that attorney works. The exception is tied to the phone number itself - not the topic of conversation.

Here's what matters: only calls to properly verified attorney numbers are exempt from recording and monitoring. If the attorney's number isn't verified in the system, the call doesn't qualify for that exception. Don't assume a call is private just because it's "to a lawyer."

Even with a verified attorney number, the incarcerated person still has to trigger the protection. VADOC defines a "Recording Block" as an electronic block that prevents monitoring and recording of calls to verified attorney numbers - but the inmate must request that block in advance.

Note: The policy requires an advance request for a recording block but doesn't spell out a public, step-by-step process for families or attorneys. Your best bet: coordinate directly with counsel and the facility to make sure the attorney number is verified and the request is handled before the call.

  1. Use the attorney’s correct office number - The exception is for a call placed to an attorney’s number or the law firm where the attorney is employed.
  2. Make sure the number is properly verified as an attorney number - Only calls to properly verified attorney telephone numbers are excepted from monitoring and recording.
  3. Have the inmate request the recording block ahead of time - The policy requires the inmate to request a recording block in advance for calls to a verified attorney number.
  4. Follow up if anything sounds off - If calls appear to be treated like standard recorded calls, revisit verification and the advance recording-block request with the facility.
  • ✓ Don’t assume a “lawyer call” is private by default; only properly verified attorney numbers are excepted from recording/monitoring.
  • ✓ If your loved one says they’re calling an attorney, confirm they’re using the attorney’s actual number (or the law firm’s number), not a personal line.
  • ✓ Remember the call list is capped at 15 numbers, so adding an attorney number may mean removing another.
  • ✓ Keep in mind calls can be placed to landlines and cell phones, but the number still has to be on the approved call list.

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