Buena Vista Jail – Buena Vista, VA

Buena Vista Jail is located in Buena Vista Independent City, VA and is the primary correctional facility for the region. Do you know somebody in Buena Vista Jail? This page tells you about everything you might need to know about Buena Vista Jail: Find an inmate at Buena Vista Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Intake procedures. Court records. And much more…

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and daunting situation, not only for the person who goes to jail, but also that person’s family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to give you information and tips you need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have questions, just ask it, and please leave any comments or tips that might be a benefit to other people in the same situation is appreciated.

Do you have a family member or friend that is in jail and want to contact them?

Do you know someone who’s been arrested and you want to locate them?

In order to look up who’s in jail at Buena Vista Jail you will have to go to their link and use the inmate lookup.

The Buena Vista Jail Inmate Locator is an online list of people who have been arrested and are in custody, including status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting hours. You can get information on anybody arrested and booked or released in the last 24 hours. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by their last name. You’ll be able to find the information more quickly if you have your friend or family member’s first and last name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or family member could possibly be in a different jail you will want to look here: Other Jails in Virginia

A mugshot, also known as a jail intake photo, is a photo taken by the police when you are booked into jail. They will take one and one profile photo. Your full name and jail booking number will be in the mugshot, and they’re on file.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested are online, or you can view them at the Buena Vista Jail. When viewing online you need to put in their legal name, and a booking date, if you know it.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to get your mugshot erased from the Buena Vista Jail website? This can be tricky, because the mugshot is a matter of public record. To get your mugshot taken down you must file a Petition to Expunge in court. What this means is that your arrest record would be sealed, so no one will be able to see them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the various mugshot sites, and the mugshot removal services: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Obviously, if you’re in jail, your primary thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through booking, your bail is set either by bail schedule or magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you do bail out you must promise to be in court on your court date, and in the meantime you can’t go out of town.

Usually, prisoners will be given early release in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and area a good inmate while they are in jail.

If you follow the rules, you may be granted work release. You will be required to go back to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you might be allowed to move into a halfway house instead of jail, so it is kind of like an early release.

Your bail is how much money that you are required to pay to be released from jail until your trial. The amount you will be required to pay is dictated by the seriousness of your charges. You or someone you know will have to post 10 percent of the total that was determined before you can be released. If you fail to show up for your court date, whoever paid your bail won’t get the bail money back.

You will have to call the Buena Vista Jail. If know the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will tell you how much their bail is. You can also see the bail amount on the jail website.

Bailing out of jail is never fun, but in some cases, it is easy. To start with, figure out if it is a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If so, you can’t get a Bail Bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – they won’t accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will get released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, you’ll get your money back.

If the bail amount is too high, of if you can’t pay it, you might need to use a bail bondsman. They usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and in most cases with a minimum fee of $100. This money will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If bail is very large, the bondsman will require that they use assets as collateral.

To find a local bail bondsman go to: Bail bondsman

Have you ever used a Bail Bondsman because you or someone you know got arrested? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to tell your story

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

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The intake procedure takes you through each of the following steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. When the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you must answer some simple questions, like what is your full legal name, your address, birthdate and a contact person.
• They’ll also ask you about your medical and psychological history.
• You’ll be given an inmate number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• Any personal property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• They will let you use the phone to talk to a family member, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might get to keep wearing street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, you should share your experience. How long did it take to get processed? What was your treatment like? Do you have any things that will help other people get through jail processing?

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When you finally post bail, you will get released from jail. The discharge process may take anywhere from 10 minutes to hours or even all day long. So, the faster you can post bail, the quicker you will get let go. It also might depend on if you have a cash bond amount or if the magistrate still needs to decide on the amount of bail to be set. For a minor charge, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and know the release date, you should plan to be discharged anywhere between the hours of 9am and 12pm.

issued for your arrest, or if you must begin your sentence in jail, you should do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. If you have a warrant, report to the jail intake center, and tell someone that you think they might have a warrant out for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if they verify that there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. When reporting to serve a sentence, report to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Ensure that you are not late to report. Be sure to only bring approved items with you, like a driver’s license or even your ID, prescription medication, as well as the sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates must give information about each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s information will be entered in the visitation log as an Authorized visit. Each visitor will be required to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Anyone showing up late or without a visiting order will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures can change, so you should check the jail site before you go to visitation.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . These phone calls are typically pricier than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but bear in mind lots of people want to use the phone – so you have to share. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone calls might get reduced or eliminated altogether.

Phone Number: 540-261-8615

All inmate mail must be sent using the actual US Postal Service, and not courier or delivery, or hand delivered. You must not use any other form of mail delivery. You have to write the prisoner’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a box, envelope with padding, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail that you send to inmates will be opened and examined by the jail staff, and will be returned if it can’t be delivered.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Buena Vista Jail:

Buena Vista Jail
2039 Sycamore Avenue
Buena Vista, VA 24416

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Buena Vista Jail
2039 Sycamore Avenue
Buena Vista, VA 24416

The inmate mail policy at Buena Vista Jail is always changing, so we suggest that you double check the site before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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Even if you’ve been arrested, you need to be aware that you still have rights, one of these being that you have the right to request an attorney. You won’t get many phone calls in jail, so make sure to have a friend or family member locate a lawyer when you call. You’re probably asking yourself ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, look after your best interests and help you navigate the legal system that you are now faced with. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

For more information about how to find an attorney, read our guide: How to Find an Attorney in Buena Vista Independent City

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office has access to independent investigators, forensics experts as well as case workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are licensed lawyers that are members of the Virginia State Bar and are fully 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. Court records include a case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the documents and motions that have been filed. You have the ability to access your court case records using the website, or by going to the Clerk’s office of the Court where the case was filed.

The Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court who maintains the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records and documents from your court case are available at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court costs and court fees are the charges and fees associated with your case, such as for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have been assigned a Public Defender, you may not have to pay the fees.

The Buena Vista Independent City magistrate is the person that will preside over your case in court. Magistrate judges do a number of different things, such as setting bail amounts, issuing warrants for arrest, and presiding over first court appearances and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is prepared with information about the defendant’s background and as much detail about the arrestee’s life, which the magistrate judge will take into account when determining the sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the person on trial, his or her family, and in some circumstances the victim in the crime. Don’t forget that you can request to see your own copy of your pre-sentencing report before sentencing, so you can correct any mistakes that it contains.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service to probation, to incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you could get a date that you are supposed to turn yourself into jail to serve out your sentence.

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Want to find out if somebody you know is currently in jail, or has been an inmate in the past?

This is pretty simple to do, just you will have to visit the Buena Vista Independent City jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Their booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you think that they are currently in jail, you can also call the jail get confirmation.

If you have an outstanding warrant, you can find out by checking the arrest warrants on the Buena Vista Independent City jail website or call the jail. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask the officer in charge. You should know that if there is a warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know the person’s first and last name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the Buena Vista Independent City jail, by phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Arrest records are public record and these records are freely available.

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, which can be a court order. You can access civil process orders by getting in touch with the Buena Vista Independent City Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

All convicted sex offenders are registered on both a national and state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to view these listings on the website, but you should know that you won’t find the exact address, just the block they live on.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. They include a court case file containing a docket and all of the filings and documents filed in your case. You are able to access court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.

Each and every state keeps a record of a person’s criminal background. These state databases are all linked so you are able to track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You are able to go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or you can check online. It helps to know the county, and in the event that it was in a completely different state, you might have to pay for a more complete search.

A criminal records search you can find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for any crimes they may have committed, which could include:

• DUI.
• Drug crimes.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Theft.

When you do a criminal history search, usually won’t be able to see if they have had any moving violations, like:

• Speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Any accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find driving histories, you have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it a difficult process? Did you do your search online or did you make a phone call to the courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your story could help other people.

Click here to leave a comment

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI has their list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Buena Vista Independent City, the Buena Vista Independent City Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link

Buena Vista Independent City Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

While the prospect of getting locked up in Buena Vista Jail is quite unpleasant, soon you will get accustomed to the routine that is set for you. Inmates get an alarm to wake up at 6am, and then you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. When you finish breakfast you will 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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 money to inmates at Buena Vista Jail can change, so visit the the Buena Vista Jail website before you send funds to an inmate there.


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 Buena Vista Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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.


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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.

Click here to leave a comment


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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:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims 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.

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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 spent any time at Buena Vista Jail? Do you know someone there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at this jail?

If so, then we would like you to write your review about it. Write about your experience so that other people can find out what to expect.

Things you can include in your review:

• Conditions in Buena Vista Jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Staff and guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Programs and activities


Click here to review Buena Vista Jail

Tell Your Story

Everbody that’s been incarcerated has at least one story to tell about it. Why’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? How was life in jail? What about the other inmates? How has this experience impacted your life?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to send a message to someone from jail? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to people incarcerated at Buena Vista Jail

Links and Resources

Main Buena Vista Jail Website
Buena Vista Jail Inmate Search
View Buena Vista Jail Mugshots
Buena Vista Jail Bail Link

Buena Vista Jail Visitation Policy Link
Buena Vista Jail Mail Policy
Buena Vista Jail Inmate Search
Buena Vista Independent City Warrant Inquiry
Buena Vista Jail Arrest Inquiry
Send Money to an Inmate at Buena Vista Jail
Buena Vista Jail Employment


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