How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

You must be at least 18 to visit. Minors can only come if they are immediate family (spouse, child, or sibling) and are accompanied by an adult.

Each incarcerated person gets at least two visits per week, totaling one hour. That "totaling one hour" part matters. If multiple people want to visit during the week, plan accordingly.

Public visits are recorded. Assume anything you say is not private, and think carefully about what you discuss.

Mail is a reliable way to stay connected, and there are no limits on how much lawful mail an inmate can send or receive. All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband. Legal mail gets opened too, but in the inmate's presence. For regular letters, include your name and a stamped or printed return address (no address labels). Missing either will get your mail returned.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Leave cell phones, cameras, tablets, and any other electronic devices at home or secured elsewhere (they are not permitted in visiting)
• ✓ Do not bring personal items like purses, backpacks, bags, or similar items into visiting
• ✓ If you are bringing someone under 18, confirm they are immediate family and make sure they are accompanied by an adult
• ✓ Plan around the minimum weekly visiting allowance: no fewer than two visits totaling one hour per incarcerated person each week

• ✓ Include the sender’s name and a stamped or printed return address (do not use address labels), or the mail will be returned
• ✓ Expect all incoming mail to be opened and inspected for contraband
• ✓ If you are sending legal mail, know it will be opened and inspected in the inmate’s presence
• ✓ Send as much lawful mail as you want, there is no limit on the amount of lawful mail an inmate may send and receive

Before you go, confirm the current visitation rules with the facility. Ask about the electronics ban, whether visits are recorded, and age requirements (including the immediate-family exception for minors and the adult accompaniment rule). Also ask how the weekly minimum (at least two visits totaling one hour per incarcerated person) works in practice.

Mail rules are straightforward, but confirm the details before sending anything time-sensitive. Double-check the return address requirement (your name plus a stamped or printed address, no labels). If you are sending legal mail, verify how the facility handles opening and inspection in the inmate's presence.

1. Call the facility before you travel. Ask the front desk to confirm the current visiting rules and any day-to-day changes.
2. Check the facility’s official information. Look for the visitation rules and mail rules posted by the agency running the jail.
3. If you are unsure, ask for clarification in writing. A quick confirmation can help if you are planning a long drive or sending legal mail.