Bedford County Jail – Bedford, VA

Bedford County Jail is in Bedford County, VA and is the correctional facility for that region. Looking for someone locked up in Bedford County Jail? This guide tells you all about everything you might need to know about Bedford County Jail,such as: How to locate an inmate at Bedford County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Posting bail. Bedford County Jail intake procedures. Court information. And lots more.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary prospect, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family, friends, and loved ones. This guide is designed to give info you need to make the process less stressful. If you have a question, please feel free to ask them, and any feedback or comments that could be a benefit to others will be appreciated.

Do you know someone that is incarcerated and don’t know how to contact them?

Has somebody who has been arrested and you want to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to look up who is in jail at Bedford County Jail you will have to go to their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Bedford County Jail Inmate List is an online list of persons who are in jail, which includes status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. Also, you can find information about anyone arrested and booked or released within the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to locate the information fast if you have their first and last name, date of birth, or arrest number.

If the person you’re searching for is locked up at a different jail you can look here: Other County Jails in Virginia

A mugshot, or jail processing photograph, is a photograph taken by the police when you get processed at jail intake. They take one frontal photo and a profile picture. Your full name and intake number will appear on the mugshot, and they will be kept on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be viewed on the Bedford County Jail website, or you can see them at the Bedford County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you need to enter the inmate’s full name, and the arrest date, if you have one.

Do you want to have your mugshot erased from the Bedford County Jail site? This will be difficult, since your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you have to file a Petition to Expunge with the court. What this means is that your arrest record will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about getting your mugshot taken down, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

Return To Main Menu

Once you’re locked up, your primary thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, a bail amount is set either by bail schedule or magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released from jail you will have to agree to be in court on your court date, and you are not permitted to leave the area.

In most cases, inmates will be given an early release in exchange for good behavior if they follow the rules and act right while locked up.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be given work release detail. You will have to return to jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you might have the chance to move into a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail until your trial. The amount of bail that is set is dictated by how serious your crime is. You will have to put up 10% of the amount set so you are able to bail out of jail. If you don’t go to your scheduled court date, that person won’t get their money back.

You will have to call the jail or the county courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s info, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll tell you what their bail is set at. Also, you can find out how much their bail is on the Bedford County Jail site.

Having to get someone out of jail is never fun, but in some cases, it’s really easy if you have the money. First of all, find out if they have a Cash Only Bond situation. If so, you can’t use the services of a bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they will not accept a check. Once you have paid the bond, the person will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get your money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the total amount of bail set, and in most cases with a minimum of $100. This is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman will usually use your personal assets as collateral.

If you need a bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

Have you ever used a bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out.

Tell Your Story

• Get Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Get Out on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• Get Out on House Arrest
• Own Recognizance

Return To Main Menu

The intake process takes you through each of these steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you will have to answer some basic questions, like your full name, home address, birth date and a contact person.
• You will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will be allowed to make a telephone call in order to get in touch with family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be able to wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to change into a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did it take? Were you treated fairly? Do you have any secrets that will help other people that get arrested get through the process?

Click here to leave a comment

When you pay your bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process can take between 10 minutes to many hours. In other words the quicker you post bail, the sooner you will be freed. It also will depend on whether or not you have a cash bond or if a magistrate needs to figure out the bail amount. For a minor charge, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a date of your release, expect to be released between 9am and noon.

If the police have a, or if you need to start your sentence, you should follow the law and turn yourself in. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail, and let them know that you think they might have a warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they verify that you have one, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Make sure that you aren’t late. Be sure to only bring allowed items when you go, like a driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, and a sentencing order.

Inmates must provide each visitor’s full name to the jail in advance. This information will be entered into the visitors log for the inmate. Each visitor must provide proof of identification. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or that is not an approved visitor will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures can change, so make sure that you double-check the official jail site before you visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . Calls made in jail are usually more expensive than phone calls made at home. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but you should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the rules, your ability to use the phone might get cut back or cut altogether.

Phone Number: 540-586-4800

All mail is required to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other method of delivery. You should write the prisoner’s name, inmate ID, and jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t mail a package or box, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail received by the jail will be opened and inspected by the jail administration, and the mail will get returned if it can’t be delivered.

If you would like to send a letter to an inmate at Bedford County Jail, use this address:

Bedford County Jail
1345 Falling Creek Road
Bedford, VA 24523

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Bedford County Jail
1345 Falling Creek Road
Bedford, VA 24523

The mail policy is always changing, so it would be best to review the official Bedford County Jail site when you send a letter to an inmate.

Return To Main Menu

Even if you’ve been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these is that you have the right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so make sure you have a friend or relative locate a lawyer when you call them. You may be thinking ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You can represent yourself if you really want to, but, a criminal attorney will make sure you know your rights, protect your interests and help you through the court system. The quicker you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better.

For more info on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, click here: How to Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender is staffed by private investigators, forensics experts as well as social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys, admitted to the Virginia State Bar Association and are legally licensed to handle your case.

Have you or someone you know used the services of a Public Defender? What was your experience?

Bedford County court records are public records. Court records include a file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the motions, documents, and evidence that have been filed in your case. You are able to access court records using the Bedford County website, or at the Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that manages the records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the jury’s verdict. All records, documents, and evidence from your court case are kept at the Bedford County Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges and fees from your case, for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you cannot afford these fees and have a Public Defender, you may not have to pay them.

The magistrate acts as the judge that will preside over your case in court. Magistrates do many different things, such as determining how much your bail will be, issuing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared with information about the arrestee’s background and as much detail about the defendant’s life and public history, which the judge will review and take into account when determining a sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some cases the victim of the crime. Remember that you should request to see a copy of your pre-sentencing report before your sentencing, so you have the opportunity to review it for accuracy and completeness, and correct any mistakes.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are a number of different options, including community service and probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you could be locked up immediately, or you could be given a date that you are supposed to report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.

Return To Main Menu

Want to find out if a family member or friend is currently in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you will have to query the Bedford County jail website, and search using:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Their booking date.
• and their jail inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you can also call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you might have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants online or you can call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask the officer in charge. You should be clear that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, go there in person, or find out online. An arrest is public record and this information is freely available.

Civil processes are when someone has been served with papers, such as warrants. You can find these by going to the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All people registered as sex offenders have to be listed and registered on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to see sex offenders online, but you should know that you will not see the street address, but only the block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a court case file containing a docket sheet and all documents filed in the case. You can access the court records on their website, or at the Bedford County Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of a person’s criminal past. These state databases are all linked and you can track criminal convictions from other states. Go to the Bedford County Courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you can get a report detailing any arrests, charges, or convictions that may be on a person’s record for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Theft.

But, when you do a criminal records check, usually will not be able to find out if they had:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license suspended or revoked.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving records, you will have to do a search for their driving history.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it a difficult process? Did you search online or did you have to make a phone call to the jail? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that folks search for criminal records, and your story could help other people that are in the same situation.

Tell Your Story

Most Wanted

The FBI has a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Bedford County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of serving a jail sentence in the Bedford County jail is something you wish you could avoid, in time you will get used to the daily routine there. You should expect an alarm for wake-up at 6:00 AM, and then roll call. After roll call you will eat breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Bedford County Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

Dress Code

When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Bedford County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The procedure to send funds to someone in jail at Bedford County Jail could change, so it would be best to check the the Bedford County Jail website before you send funds to an inmate.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Bedford County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Bedford County Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

Apply for a Job at Bedford County Jail

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


Return To Main Menu

Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to share your story


Return To Main Menu

Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• You have the right to protection from the accused.
• You have the right to notification.
• You have the right to attend proceedings.
• You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• You have the right to restitution.
• You have the right to a speedy trial.
• You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Click here to post a comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been an inmate at this jail? Do you know anybody that spent time there? Have you ever visited a prisoner at this jail?

If yes, then we would like you to write a review about it. Tell us about your jail experience because other people can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to write in your review:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s ever been arrested and sent to jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why were you locked up? Did you experience fair treatment? How was day to day life at Bedford County Jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How did going to jail affect your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Do you need to get in touch with somebody you met when you were locked up? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to Bedford County Jail


Return To Main Menu
2946