SW VA Regional Jail-Abingdon is a county detention facility at 15205 Joe Derting Dr, operated by the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Most people here are awaiting trial or serving a sentence under one year. This is not a prison - stays are typically days or months, not years. Information on this page was last verified August 2026.
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If you are not certain they are there, the fastest way to confirm is the Washington County inmate search or InmateAid's inmate locator, which searches by name across Virginia facilities.
Booking takes time - sometimes several hours after arrest. If the search comes back empty, wait a few hours and try again before assuming they are somewhere else. You can also pull their arrest record and booking details to confirm the charges and facility assignment. For the most direct answer, call SW VA Regional Jail-Abingdon at 276-739-3520.
Most people booked at SW VA Regional Jail-Abingdon appear before a judge within 24 to 48 hours. At that first appearance the judge sets bail - or denies it - based on the charges, history, and flight risk.
If bail is set, your family member can be released by paying the full amount or through a bail bondsman who typically charges 10 percent as a non-refundable fee. If bail is denied or unaffordable, they remain at SW VA Regional Jail-Abingdon until the case resolves. InmateAid's bail and bond guide covers every option including what to do when you cannot afford a bondsman.
Right after arrest your family member goes through intake - identity verification, medical screening, property inventory, and classification. Classification places them in a housing unit based on charges, prior record, and intake behavior. It is not a punishment. It is how the facility manages a population that ranges from people on minor warrants to individuals facing serious charges.
Phone access and visitation are typically unavailable during the first 24 to 48 hours while booking completes. Once they are assigned to a housing unit those channels open. InmateAid's what happens in jail guide walks through the full intake process step by step.
Your family member calls you - you cannot call them.
Calls from SW VA Regional Jail-Abingdon go through the facility's contracted phone provider. Visit InmateAid's jail calls page to find the current provider for this facility and get your account set up before the first call.
Phone contact is more important than most people realize going into this. A regular call - even a short one - makes a measurable difference in how someone holds up inside.
Visitation at SW VA Regional Jail-Abingdon is subject to the facility's current schedule, which can change without notice. Before making the trip, call 276-739-3520 to confirm current hours, any registration requirements, and what you can bring. Showing up without confirming first is the most common mistake families make - it results in a wasted trip and a missed visit.
General rules across most Virginia county jails: dress conservatively, avoid colors that resemble inmate uniforms, leave your phone in your car, bring valid government-issued ID. Children may be permitted with specific requirements. Read InmateAid's visitation guide for a full pre-visit checklist.
Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority - Abingdon - Visitation
All visitors must register and be approved by SWVRJA prior to scheduling a visit.
- For instructions go to ICSVideoVisit.com.
- To register, go to Vizvox.
Video Visitation Customer Assistance
Assistance is available to all visitors for help with registering and/or scheduling.
- Customer service phone are in all SWVRJA facility lobbies and will allow you to connect by dialing 888-646-9437.
- Visitor can also call: 888-646-9437.
Jail Lobby Video Visitation Hours
Onsite video visitation sessions are held 7 days a week from Monday through Sunday and during the hours listed on the right.
Remote Video Visitation Hours
Remote video visitation sessions are held 7 days a week from Monday through Sunday and during the hours listed on the right.
Jail Lobby Video Visitation Hours |
Remote Video Visitation Hours |
| 8:00AM to 10:30AM | 8:00AM to 10:30AM |
| 1:00PM to 4:30PM | 1:00PM to 4:30PM |
| 7:00PM to 10:00PM | 7:00PM to 10:00PM |
VIDEO VISITATION RULES
Please read all of the rules completely prior to moving forward. Not knowing the rules will not be accepted as an excuse for not following them. Disobeying any rule may result in the visitor being banned from visiting inmates and/or criminal charges being pursued when applicable.
- All video visitation sessions are subject to monitoring and recording.
- All video visitation sessions must be scheduled 24 hours prior to the appointment or up to 2 weeks in advance.
- Onsite video visitation sessions are limited to 1 visit per inmate every week.
- The length of each onsite video visitation session is 15 minutes. There is no charge for onsite video visitation sessions.
- Onsite visitors should arrive at the facility 10 to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled video visitation session to check in.
- The length of each remote video visitation session is 15 minutes.
- Remote video visitation sessions are not limited; however, visitors should speak with the inmate to confirm inmate’s availability for visitation, inculding lock down schedules to ensure he or she is out during desired visitation time. .
- To schedule a remote video visitation session, a pre-paid account will need to be established with ICSolutions. The minimum amount allowed in a pre-paid account is $7.50. To set-up or fund a pre-paid account with ICSolutions, please go to www.icsolutions.com or call 888-506-8407.
- The cost of the remote video visitation session will be applied to the pre-paid account as soon as a remote video visitation session is scheduled.
- If the remote video visitation session is cancelled by the facility, $7.50 will be returned to the visitor’s prepaid account.
- Please be advised if an inmate is in ANY program (at court, on trustee assignments, CRP programs, attorney visits, etc.), they are NOT eligible to receive the video visitation session at that time. Video visitation sessions must be scheduled around inmate programs.
- Remote visitors should test their connection prior to scheduling a video visitation session. Please go to www.icsvideovisit.com for instructions.
- Remote visitors should connect 15 to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled video visitation session to check in.
- Video visitation sessions will not connect until after the scheduled start time.
- If a visitor does not show up for a scheduled video visitation session, no refund will be issued.
- If a visitor loses internet connection during the video visitation session, the visitor will not be allowed to reconnect and no refund will be issued. The Authority has no control over the visitor’s internet connection.
- All visitors must utilize a valid type of identification to register and shall be one of the following:
- Driver’s License (current or expired);
- Military or Government ID;
- Passports;
- Schools ID (picture-type only);
- Immigration Card (Mica);
- Any picture ID issued by a City, County, State or Government Agency.
- All visitors must be 18 years of age or older. If under 18 years of age, visitor must be accompanied by an adult and must present valid identification (children under 5 are not required to provide a photo ID).
- All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list to conduct a video visitation session.
- Maximum of four (4) people (combination of adults and children – one (1) adult minimum) may participate in a video visitation session at one time.
- Visitors may also be asked to provide proof of relationship to the inmate. This can be done with a birth certificate, marriage license, adoption papers, or other legal documents.
- All visitors are expected to be fully dressed in appropriate conventional clothing. The following types of clothing are prohibited:
- Clothing made of sheer transparent, net or mesh materials;
- Clothing that unduly exposes the stomach, back, shoulders, chest, midriff or underarms;
- Clothing designed/intended to be worn tightly to accent the body (for example spandex leggings, tank tops, bodysuits, etc.);
- Dresses, skirts, jumpers or culottes no more than four (4) inches above the knee;
- Shorts – except for minor children;
- Hats or head gear-except religiously recognized and approved;
- Clothing with gang, obscene or distracting messages, shapes or designs;
- Clothing resembling security uniforms or inmate clothing.
- All visitors and inmates must remain seated at all times during the video visitation session. Small children, five (5) years old and younger, must remain on the visitors lap at all times.
- Any inappropriate activity will result in termination of the video visitation session with the possibility of being banned from visits permanently..
- Visitors involved in the following will be placed on permanent visiting restrictions:
- Visitors that create a disturbance or disruption of the visiting process.
- Visitors under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Visitors that refuse to show sufficient identification.
- The visitation schedule may be cancelled or altered on the facility’s appointed holidays or for safety / security reasons.
- Staff can deny, change, or cancel a video visitation session at any time at their discretion.
- After the video visitation session has ended, the connection will be terminated.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Detailed instructions for visitors to register and schedule video visitation visits can be found via internet web browser at icsvideovisit.com.
- Once at this website, visitors will need to select the agency, “SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA REGIONAL JAIL AUTHORITY,” which will take them to a web page that includes the Authority’s rules for video visitation as well as drop-down tabs with step-by-step instructions for “HOW TO VISIT FROM HOME,” and “HOW TO VISIT FROM THE JAIL LOBBY.”
-
HOW TO VISIT FROM HOME instructions include:
- Step 1 – How to test your computer connection speed.
- Step 2 – How to register a new VizVox account.
- Step 3 – How to set-up your system for an AT HOME (remote) visit.
- Step 4 – How to add funds to your pre-paid account.
- Visitors can use the same pre-paid account as used for the SWVRJA inmate telephone system.
- Go to icsolutions.com or call 888.506.8407 to set up or fund a pre-paid account.
- Remote visits are limited based on the inmate’s location (1, 2 or 3 per week) within the facility and cost $7.50 for a 15 minute visit.
- Step 5 – How to schedule a remote visit.
- Step 6 – How to conduct a remote visit.
- Visitors from home MUST download the VizVox phone and complete a test call prior to scheduling a visit.
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HOW TO VISIT FROM THE JAIL LOBBY instructions include:
- Step 1 – How to register a VizVox account.
- Step 2 – How to schedule a visit.
- Onsite visitors will need to make a note of the assigned visitation station so they know which station to sit at when they arrive onsite for their visit.
- Onsite visits from the jail lobby are limited to 1 visit per inmate every other week at no charge to the visitor.
SCHEDULING A VISIT
- The VizVox website where visitors will schedule remote and onsite visits is: http://virginia.seevizvox.com/vizvox.visitor/Login.
- Visitors will need the username and password set-up at registration to log-on to schedule visits.
- Visits can be scheduled a minimum of 24 hours in advance or as far out as 2 weeks.
- Daily visitation hours for all onsite and remote video visitation visits is as follows:
- 8:00 am to 10:30 am
- 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm
- 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
CUSTOMER SERVICE
- VizVox customer service for troubleshooting issues or assistance in testing their computers for video visitation: 888.646.9437 or 210.572.9611.
- VizVox customer service hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 7:00 pm CST
- Saturday/Sunday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm CST
- Closed holidays.
- Visitors can contact ICSolutions customer service outside of the VizVox available hours: 888.506.8407.
- VizVox customer service hours:
Money on the books - also called the commissary or trust account - gives your family member access to hygiene items, snacks, phone time, and postage. It directly affects their daily comfort and ability to stay connected.
Steps to send money to SW VA Regional Jail-Abingdon:
1. Go to InmateAid's send money page to find the approved deposit method for this facility
2. Have your family member's full legal name and booking number ready
3. Choose online deposit, phone deposit, or facility kiosk
4. Use the name and number exactly as they appear in the jail's system - any error will delay or reject the deposit
A letter or a printed photo costs almost nothing to send and means far more than most people on the outside appreciate.
SW VA Regional Jail-Abingdon accepts mail addressed to your family member at 15205 Joe Derting Dr. Include their full legal name and booking number on every piece. Standard rules at most Virginia county jails: plain white paper only, no staples, no glitter, no stickers, no colored ink. Standard print-size photos only, nothing written on the back. Mail that does not meet the facility's standards will be rejected - and they may not notify you. Keep it simple.
InmateAid's send mail service prints and mails on approved stock from your phone or computer. Formatting rejection is not a risk.
Books and magazines must be ordered new from the publisher or an online retailer - not shipped from your home address. Order through Amazon or directly from the publisher. Anything from a personal address will be rejected.
Visitation rules, phone access, bail processes, inmate search tools, and what happens at release all vary by state. InmateAid's Virginia prison resources hub covers all of it - written specifically for families navigating the Virginia system.
Have a specific question from someone who has been through it? Browse questions and answers at InmateAid Virginia Q&A.
Frequently Asked Questions about SW VA Regional Jail-Abingdon
How long does county jail booking take?
Booking at a county jail typically takes between 2 and 8 hours depending on how many people are being processed at the same time. During that window your family member may not appear in the inmate search system and phone and visitation access will not yet be available.
What is the difference between county jail and state prison?
County jails are short-term facilities operated by the county sheriff, holding people awaiting trial or serving sentences under one year. State prisons are operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections for sentences of one year or more. SW VA Regional Jail-Abingdon is a county jail - your family member may not have been convicted yet and could be released before trial if bail is posted.
Can I receive calls from someone in county jail?
No. Calls from county jail are outbound only - your family member calls you from the facility phone. You cannot call them directly. Set up an account with the phone provider before the first call so it connects immediately.
How long can someone be held in county jail without being charged?
In most states police have 48 to 72 hours to formally charge someone or they must be released. After charges are filed your family member remains in custody until bail is posted or the case resolves. Timelines vary by state and charge - InmateAid's bail and bond guide has state-specific information.
What can I bring when visiting someone in county jail?
Most county jails permit only valid government-issued photo ID for visitors. Leave your phone, wallet, keys, and personal items in your car or facility lockers. Call SW VA Regional Jail-Abingdon at 276-739-3520 before your visit to confirm current rules - they vary by facility and change without notice.
County jail time is hard in a specific way. The uncertainty - not knowing how long, not knowing what comes next - is its own kind of weight. What you can control is the connection. Calls, letters, visits, money on the books. Every one of those things tells your family member that someone out here is paying attention and is not going anywhere.
InmateAid was built for exactly this moment. Use us.