Send Inmate Mail — Ask the Inmate
A letter from home arriving at mail call is one of the most powerful moments in an incarcerated person's day. It is proof that someone on the outside is thinking about them, that life is continuing, and that there is something worth coming home to. But sending mail to a correctional facility involves rules that vary by institution and mistakes can mean your letter never arrives. This section covers how to address mail correctly for federal and state facilities, what the mailroom screening process looks like and how long it adds to delivery time, what content is and is not permitted in letters, how to send photos and why sending them through InmateAid's service is more reliable than printing and mailing them yourself, how to send mail from outside the United States, and what the InmateAid return letter service does for inmates who want to write back. The guidance here makes sure every letter you send reaches its destination. See also our sections on Inmate Care Packages, Send Books and Magazines, and Inmate Phone Calls.
Related InmateAid Services
The correspondence rules are similar for all detention centers (jails, prisons, penitentiaries), the letters may be and probably are read by the Correctional Officers. Unless this offender is on some mail restriction for things you should already know about (terrorist-type charges), mail is considered sacred and they don't censor much. You cannot speak of business issues like moving money around, buying/selling real estate, stocks or bonds. You cannot speak of escape or anything conveying surveillance of the institution. And you
Read moreThe mail is sent via US Postal Service and is not sent "certified" or "return receipt requested" - i know it's a smart ass answer but if you ask the inmate, they will tell you they received it. If it comes back for some reason, we investigate and re-send it for you at no charge. The imates can and DO use the InmateAid "Letters from Inmates" Service. It provides a level of security and privacy if you want or need
Read morePostcards are sent immediately upon ordering from our partner in San Francisco. It takes a day or two for it to make it to your inmate's facility. It is a great vaslue and excellent service. Don't forget to check out the Greeting Cards, also only 99 cents, too... never miss a holiday, special event or birthday - let your inmate know you're always thinking of them.
Read moreYes that is not a problem. If you sent one to the county jail from InmateAid, we will resend it at no cost to you if you email us and let us know about the transfer.
Read moreOur advice would be to send sexy pictures without exposing yourself. IF the rules are to NOT send them that way, why are you getting the attorney involved in breaking the rules? Imagine if the attorney gets caught with nude pictures of his client's girl. Just try and resist getting naked, send him something he can actually keep. He can use his imagination until he gets the real thing :)
Read moreNo they do not, the recipient however pays a fee of $1.49 to retrieve the letter that the inmate sent to you, through InmateAid.
Read moreYes, the inmates are able to write back using our return address. Many of our members like the privacy it affords them in not having to share their address with anyone.
Read moreYes, but there are some restictions. The majority of mail rooms have a size limit. The size InmateAid uses in it's Photo Service is a 4" x 6" glossy with the picture printed to the edge, there are no large white borders to shrink the image.
Read moreAll the inmateAID products are prison-approved. The photos in our service are glossy photo stock, 4" x 6" and printed to the edge of the paper. These are not cheesy photo reproductions on cheap, flimsy paper. This is the real deal.
Read moreYes, they are supposed to. Sometimes the mail to medical could be less than everyday if the facility is off the property.
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