How do I visit an inmate for the first time?

All of the facilities do things differently. To be certain, you might call them to ask what their procedures are. Typically, you will need to go through an NCIC background screening process to gain approval. Felons or co-defendants are usually not allowed for visitation. Unless you are a close family member with a criminal record, you might gain approval by petitioning the warden for a special exemption. The approval process sometimes requires the inmate sending you a form to fill out and mail back. It takes a few days to a few weeks to get an answer, but they do not notify you that you are approved, they notify the inmate and the inmate then informs you. Some places do not require a process so lengthy, you can show up with a valid ID and they screen you for contraband and allow you into visitation. This is why we are recommending you call them first.