Can You Visit If You Have a Felony Conviction? What Families Need to Know for SMCI Visits

MDOC rules generally prohibit people with felony convictions from visiting anyone incarcerated in their facilities. There's one narrow exception: if you're immediate family, the superintendent can grant written permission. Your relationship to the incarcerated person is what matters here - and approval must be granted. Don't assume you'll be allowed in automatically.

Getting an exception requires two things: immediate family status and the superintendent's written approval. If you qualify, you'll need to bring that written authorization every time you visit. Treat it like a required entry document - not a one-time approval you can leave at home.

Since immediate family status is the key, be ready to prove the relationship however the facility requires during the approval process. Once approved, you'll receive MDOC's written visitation information covering the basics: the institution's address and phone number, visiting days and hours, dress code, ID requirements, what you can bring into the visitation room, and rules for children.

1. Ask your loved one to start the process - In MDOC, the inmate initiates visitation by sending an Application for Visiting Privileges to the people they want to visit.
2. Read the application package carefully - Review it completely before you fill anything out so you don’t miss required sections.
3. Complete every part of the form - The prospective visitor must fill out all parts of the application.
4. Mail it exactly as instructed - Send the completed application to the MDOC address listed in the visitor application package.

• ✓ Bring a picture ID that shows your date of birth if you’re 16 or older.
• ✓ Make sure you’re on the offender’s approved visitation list for the visit.
• ✓ If you’re bringing a child age 15 or under, bring a legible birth certificate; if they don’t have one but do have a photo ID, it must show their date of birth.
• ✓ Confirm what items are authorized in the visitation room before you go.
• ✓ Expect that you (and your vehicle and belongings) may be searched on MDOC property.
• ✓ Do not bring contraband - guns, knives, ammunition, alcohol, drugs, weapons, or any items MDOC declares contraband can be confiscated.

The most common snag is timing. The inmate has to send you the Application for Visiting Privileges first. Then you complete it and mail it to the MDOC address listed in that packet. Delays happen when forms are incomplete or mailed to the wrong place - so take your time, fill out everything, and follow the mailing directions exactly.

For in-person visits, SMCI’s facility address is: 22689 MS Hwy 63 North, Leakesville, MS 39451.