How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Tuolumne County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Tuolumne County Jail is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Tuolumne County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Tuolumne County Jail

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Tuolumne County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Tuolumne County Jail?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Tuolumne County Jail?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Tuolumne County Jail. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Tuolumne County Jail. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Tuolumne County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Tuolumne County Jail
   12915 Justice Ctr Dr
   Sonora, CA 95370
   Phone: (209) 533-7200

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Tuolumne County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Tuolumne County Jail vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (209) 533-7200 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Tuolumne County Jail?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Tuolumne County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Tuolumne County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Tuolumne County Jail through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Tuolumne County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Tuolumne County Jail, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Tuolumne County Jail?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Tuolumne County Jail for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Tuolumne County Jail, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Recognizing that meaningful change requires multiple pathways for growth, Tuolumne County Jail typically provides a comprehensive array of opportunities designed to address the diverse needs of individuals in custody. The facility's approach emphasizes skill-building and personal development through structured programming that spans educational, vocational, and therapeutic domains. These opportunities often focus on preparing individuals for successful reintegration into their communities while addressing underlying factors that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Educational initiatives at the facility may include basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities that help individuals advance their academic credentials. Also available are vocational training programs that typically provide hands-on experience in practical trades, with small engine repair being one area where individuals can develop marketable technical skills. These educational and vocational opportunities often emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing participants to build confidence while acquiring credentials that may enhance their employment prospects upon release.

The facility's support services typically encompass rehabilitation programs that address substance abuse, anger management, and life skills development through evidence-based approaches. Creative writing opportunities may also be available, providing individuals with constructive outlets for self-expression and reflection. Also offered are work release programs that allow eligible participants to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences, helping to preserve family connections and financial stability during this transitional period.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of breakfast trays being distributed typically marks the beginning of each day for individuals housed at Tuolumne County Jail. The facility currently operates on a structured schedule that continues throughout the day, with regular meal times, count procedures, and designated periods for various activities. Generally, individuals wake early for the morning meal, followed by scheduled programming or work assignments that may include kitchen duties, laundry services, or facility maintenance tasks. The routine also includes designated recreation periods and time for personal hygiene, creating a predictable framework that helps maintain order within the facility.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared housing units where individuals are assigned based on various classification factors. The jail generally provides basic bedding, personal hygiene items, and storage space for approved personal property. However, the amount of personal items individuals may keep remains limited, with most personal belongings stored until release. Also, the facility operates a commissary system that allows individuals to purchase additional food items, hygiene products, and other approved goods, often funded through money deposited by family members or earned through work assignments.

Programming opportunities may offer structure beyond the basic daily routine, though availability often depends on facility resources and security levels. Recreation time usually includes access to outdoor areas when weather permits, along with indoor activities such as television viewing or reading materials from the facility library. Also, visitation policies typically allow for scheduled visits from family members and approved contacts, while phone access continues to be an important way for individuals to maintain connections with their support systems. However, all communication and visitation remains subject to security protocols and scheduling limitations that help ensure facility safety and order.