Visiting in person and attorney visits: rules and what to bring
Visitation in Louisiana follows a mix of statewide DOC policy and facility-level rules. DOC policy supports authorized visitation at each institution and aims for consistency, but each facility's layout and security needs shape how visiting actually works day to day. At the parish level, facilities can deny, revoke, or limit visits when safety, security, or good order is at risk, or when visitation rules aren't followed.
- ✓ Bring valid identification (some facilities can deny entry if you lack ID or falsify ID)
- ✓ Expect possible searches of your person or items
- ✓ Do not attempt to bring contraband
- ✓ Dress appropriately (some facilities deny entry for suggestive or revealing clothing)
- ✓ Do not arrive under the influence (some facilities deny entry if you appear under the influence or have the odor of alcohol)
- ✓ If you were incarcerated within the last six months, you may be denied visiting privileges in some parish facilities (with an exclusion for relatives)
- ✓ If you must carry prescribed, life-saving or life-sustaining medication, limit it to what’s needed for the visit and tell staff at the visiting desk
- Email your request at least 24 hours ahead. One published parish procedure requires attorneys to email a list of clients and the requested visit date and time at least 24 hours prior.
- Include a call-back number. The request email should include a contact number for the attorney.
- Bring the required credentials. At arrival, one parish policy requires a Bar Card and a valid state driver’s license.
Common Questions
Q
Can I use video visitation or schedule a video visit from home?
Yes, some Louisiana facilities use web-based video systems that let you schedule and join a video session from anywhere you have internet access. Examples include Securus Video Connect, and at least one facility lists video visitation through City Tele Coin. Always check the facility’s vendor and scheduling rules before you plan a visit.
Q
Can I bring medication or electronic devices when I visit?
Louisiana DOC policy allows only prescribed medication that is life-saving or life-sustaining, limited to what you need for the visit, and you must tell staff at the visiting desk that you have it. DOC rules also list telecommunications equipment and related items (like cell phones, SIM cards, chargers, and cameras/recording devices) as contraband. At the facility level, visitors may be searched and can be denied entry for contraband or appearing under the influence.
Q
Can a visit be refused or revoked, and why?
Yes. One parish jail policy says visits may be denied, revoked, or limited if they threaten safety, security, or good order, or if visitation rules are not followed, and it also lists reasons someone can be denied entry (like contraband, inappropriate clothing, appearing under the influence, or lack of ID). That same policy also says people incarcerated within the last six months can be denied visiting privileges, with an exclusion for relatives.
Q
If I am an attorney, how do I schedule a visit with my client at some parish jails?
At least one parish jail requires attorneys to email a list of clients and the requested visit date and time at least 24 hours in advance, and the email should include a contact number for the attorney. That same procedure says attorneys must present a Bar Card and a valid state driver’s license at the visit.
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