Bristol Virginia Jail – Bristol, VA

Bristol Virginia Jail is in Bristol Independent City, VA and is the correctional facility for the area. Know someone in jail at Bristol Virginia Jail? This page tells you info about everything a person needs to know about Bristol Virginia Jail,like: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Booking and intake procedures. Court information and records. And everything else.

The thought of getting arrested and going to jail is a daunting and scary situation, not only for the person who gets locked up, but also their friends and family. This guide is designed to give you all the info that you need to make the process a lot easier. If you have a question, please feel free to ask them, and also any comments or tips that would be a benefit to others would be appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that has gone to jail and need to contact them?

Do you know a family member or friend who has been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

In order to see who’s in jail at Bristol Virginia Jail you will have to navigate to their link and use the inmate lookup.

The Bristol Virginia Jail Inmate Locator is a list of people who were arrested and are now in jail, including custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can find info about anybody arrested and processed or released within the past 24 hours. Jail inmates are shown in alphabetical order by last name. You will be able to get their arrest information quicker if you enter your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or loved one is at another jail you should look here, too: Other County Jails in Virginia

A mugshot, also called a intake photo, is the photograph that the jail takes during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually two photos one full face and a side picture. Your full name and intake number will be on the mugshot, and they are stored.

Mugshots of Bristol Virginia Jail prisoners can be viewed on the Bristol Virginia Jail website, or you can see them at the Bristol Virginia Jail. When you search for mugshots online you have to put in the person’s first and last name, and a booking date, if you know it.

Need to know how to get your mugshot erased from the Bristol Virginia Jail website? This may not be possible, as your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that all of your arrest records would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For a more in-depth article about getting your mugshot removed, the various mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Taken Down

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If you’re in jail, your primary thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail amount will be set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you are required to agree to be there for your court date, and you can’t go out of town.

Typically, prisoners at Bristol Virginia Jail are given an early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while locked up.

If you follow the rules, you might be given work release detail. You will have to stay jail each day when you’re finished working, or you may have the chance to move into a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to be released from jail until your trial. The amount you have to pay depends on how serious your crime is. You will need to pay ten percent of the total that was set in order to be released. If you fail to show up for court, whoever paid your bail won’t get their money back.

You need to call the Bristol Virginia Jail or the County Courthouse. If you’ve got the pertinent information, such as name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know how much their bail is. You can also check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to get someone out of jail is no fun, but in some cases, its very simple to do. To start with, you need to know if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you can’t use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail won’t accept checks. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the person will be discharged. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just don’t have the money, you might need to use a bail bondsman. Bondsmen will usually charge you a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and usually charge a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bail bondsman might require that they use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To find a bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever had to find a bail bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to share your story

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

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The jail intake procedure is made up of the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. If there are a lot of arrests, you will have to wait a while to get processed.
• You will have to answer a bunch of questions, such as your legal name, home address, birthdate and contact person.
• They’ll also ask about your medical and mental history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• All personal property will get taken away from you and will be stored until you are released.
• They will allow you to use the telephone so you can call family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, they will let you keep wearing your own clothes, if not you will be issued a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please share your experience so others can benefit from your story. How long did it take to get processed? How did the guards treat you? Can you tell us things that could help other people that get arrested get through jail intake?

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Once bail has been posted, you will be discharged from jail. Getting discharged takes anywhere from 30 minutes to many hours. In other words the faster bail is posted, the faster you will get let go. Also, how fast you get released will depend on if you’ve been given a cash bond or if a magistrate needs to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For lesser charges, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and have a date of your release, expect to be released anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you must report to start a sentence, you should follow the law and turn yourself in. If it is for a warrant, go to the jail reception area, and tell them that you think there may be an outstanding warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, report at the exact time and date that the sentence order states. Be sure that you are not late to report. Just bring necessary items when you go, like your driver’s license or your ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the copy of the sentencing order.

To have visitors, you must give each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will go into the visitors log for the requesting inmate. All visitors is required to provide acceptable photo identification. Anyone that arrives for visitation late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures can change, so make sure that you visit the official site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are usually more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about 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 every inmate wants to use the phone too, so they can call their family. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s ability to use the phone could be reduced or totally denied.

The Bristol Virginia Jail phone number is: 276-645-7430

All inmate mail is required to be sent using the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of mail or package delivery. You have to write or type the person’s name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t mail anything in a package, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates gets opened and examined by the staff, and will get returned if it can’t be delivered.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Bristol Virginia Jail is:

Bristol Virginia Jail
417 Cumberland Street
Bristol, VA 24201

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Bristol Virginia Jail
417 Cumberland Street
Bristol, VA 24201

The inmate mail policy at Bristol Virginia Jail changes, so we suggest that you double check the official website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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If you have been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, and an important one is your right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so it is important to have a friend or family member find an attorney for you. You may be thinking ‘but do I really need a lawyer’ While you are not required to have one, a criminal defense attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate the complicated legal system that you are now faced with. The quicker you get an attorney working on your charges, the better off you’ll be.

For more information about how to find an attorney, click: How to Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. Also, the Public Defender’s Office has access to independent investigators, crime scene and forensics experts and social case workers. Public Defenders are actual lawyers, admitted to the State Bar and are licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender? Do you think that they did a good job of defending you?

All court records are public records and are available upon request. They have a court case file containing a docket sheet and all documents filed during your court case. You have the ability to access your court records with the internet service, or at the Bristol Independent City Clerk of Court.

The Clerk of Court is an officer of the court who manages access to court records. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All court records from your court case are kept at the Bristol Independent City Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges from your court case, for example filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may get out of having to pay them.

The Bristol Independent City magistrate is the type of judge that presides on your case in court. Magistrates do different functions, such as setting bail amounts, writing arrest warrants, and presiding over preliminary court hearings and detention hearings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared with the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life and history, which the judge will review and take into consideration when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the person on trial, the defendant’s family, and in some cases the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember that you can ask to receive a copy of the report before sentencing, and correct the 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, house arrest, and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you will either be taken into custody, right there in court, or you could get a date that you must to surrender and report to jail to do your time.

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Are you trying to find out if a family member or friend is currently in jail, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty easy to do, simply you should query the jail’s website, and search by:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date.
• and their jail ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you should call the jail get confirmation.

If you think you might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants inquiry on the Bristol Independent City jail website or you are able to call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and inquire at the information desk. Bear in mind that if you do have an outstanding warrant, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, in person, or find out online. An arrest is public record and these records are freely available.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, like warrants. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All convicted sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex offense. You can access this information on the internet, but you should know that you won’t get the precise address, rather the block they live on.

Court Records are public records. They include a case file that includes a court docket and all documents and filings filed in your court case. You are able to access the court records online, or at the Bristol Independent City Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of people’s criminal history. These online databases are all linked so you can track criminal backgrounds from other states. You are able to go to the Bristol Independent City Courthouse and inquire, or you can check online. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and if the crime was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay for a more intensive search.

When you look up a person’s criminal records you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for these crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft.

During a criminal records search, usually won’t find if that person has had:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this kind of information, you will have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? How hard was it? Did you search online or did you make a phone call to the jail? Was it correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your feedback might help other people.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a listing of the Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Bristol Independent City, the Sheriff keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of spending time in the Bristol Independent City jail is quite unpleasant, you will soon get accustomed to the daily routine. You will get an alarm for wake-up each morning at 6:00am, and next you’ll have roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. Following breakfast you will have to work in the program that has been assigned to you. 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 Bristol Virginia 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 Bristol Virginia 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 process for sending funds to inmates changes, so you should double check the official Bristol Virginia Jail site when 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.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Bristol Virginia Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Bristol Virginia 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 Bristol Virginia Jail

Requirements:

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


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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.

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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 tell about all about it

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.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been a prisoner at Bristol Virginia Jail? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited someone in this jail?

If so, then we would like you to write your review about it. Write about your jail experience because other people will know what to expect.

Things you could write in what you write:

• Conditions in Bristol Virginia Jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Commissary and food
• Visitors
• Other Inmates.
• Safety
• Gang activity
• Prisoner programs and activities


Write a Review

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you get locked up? Did you get fair treatment? How was life in jail? Tell us about the other inmates. How has this experience impacted your life?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Are you trying to send a message to an inmate you met while you were incarcerated? Write your message below.

Send a message to people incarcerated at Bristol Virginia Jail


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