Can You Qualify for a Special or Confidential Visit at Roanoke County/Salem Jail?
Trying to arrange a confidential or special visit? Understanding who qualifies—and what the jail requires—makes the process easier. Here's what Roanoke County/Salem Jail allows for confidential visits and when special visits may be granted.
Every inmate at Roanoke County/Salem Jail has the right to a confidential visit with an attorney. These legal visits are handled differently than regular social visits - privacy protections ensure the inmate and attorney can speak openly about the case.
Confidential visits aren't just for lawyers. Inmates can also meet confidentially with a bondsman - helpful if you're sorting out bond questions or paperwork while someone is still in custody.
Doctors are included too. If a medical professional needs to meet with an inmate, that conversation qualifies as a confidential visit at this facility.
Spiritual care counts as well. Any inmate can have a confidential visit with a minister, priest, or rabbi at Roanoke County/Salem Jail.
The confidential-visit list also includes probation officers, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. Visits in any of these professional roles are treated as confidential for all inmates.
A "special visit" at Roanoke County/Salem Jail takes place in the visitation area using the jail's video visitation system. It's not a contact visit - you'll communicate by video from the designated visitation space.
One way to qualify for a special visit: the inmate has been sentenced on all pending charges and has been at Roanoke County/Salem Jail for at least 30 days. The jail lists this as a specific eligibility threshold.
Time in custody is another path. An inmate may qualify for a special visit after being incarcerated for 6 months.
Transitional situations matter too. If an inmate is awaiting transfer to a state facility, that status can qualify them for a special visit.
Out-of-state pickup situations also qualify. If an inmate is being picked up by officers from another state, they may be granted a special visit.
Travel distance can be a factor. Roanoke County/Salem Jail says special visits may be granted - under certain conditions - when visitors come from out of town. If that's your situation, the key is getting approval ahead of time.
For out-of-town special visits, prior approval is required when the inmate knows the visit is coming. Don't assume it will be automatically allowed. Plan ahead and contact the jail in advance so the inmate can obtain the required approval.
Note: The jail's posted information doesn't specify the exact steps or who to contact for prior approval. You'll need to get those details directly from the facility.
Practical Tips Video Visits
- ✓ Test your audio and video setup ahead of time, since special visits use the video visitation system.
- ✓ Be ready early for your scheduled visit time, because the special visit takes place in the visitation area through video.
Since special visits use video, ask the jail how scheduling works and whether you need a specific vendor account. The video visitation page referenced online returned a "File not found" error, so confirming the current process directly with the facility is your best bet.
- Figure out whether you’re asking for a special visit - for example, if you’re traveling from out-of-town or the inmate meets one of the listed eligibility conditions.
- Request prior approval as early as possible - if the inmate knows the out-of-town visit is forthcoming, the jail requires prior approval.
- Confirm the video-visit logistics - ask how the visit is scheduled and what you need to do on your end to use the video visitation system.
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