Pittsylvania County Jail – Chatham, VA

Pittsylvania County Jail is in Pittsylvania County and is the primary correctional facility for the region. Looking for somebody locked up at Pittsylvania County Jail? This guide will tell you about anything one might want to know about Pittsylvania County Jailsuch as the following: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and bail bondsmen. Pittsylvania County Jail intake procedures. Court information. And much more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary idea, not only for whoever goes to jail, but also that person’s friends and family. This guide is designed to give you information and advice that you’ll need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail easier. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask them, and also any tips or comments that would be a benefit to others would be welcome.

Do you know someone that has gone to jail and want to find out where they are?

Has a friend or family member that’s been arrested and you don’t know how to find out what jail they’re in?

In order to search who is in jail at Pittsylvania County Jail you need to navigate to their link and perform an inmate lookup.

The Pittsylvania County Jail Inmate Search is an online list of persons who are in jail, including custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and visiting schedule. Also, you can get the same information about anyone arrested and booked or released in the past 24-hour period. Prisoners are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You’ll be able to locate their arrest information faster if you have your friend or family member’s name, birth date, or arrest number.

If your friend or loved one could possibly be in another county jail you will want to check the other Virginia county jails in our Virginia County Jail Guide: Virginia County Jails

A mugshot, or booking photo, is a picture that the police take when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is made up of one full face photo and a side photo. Your name and jail booking number will be in the photos, and they will be on file at the jail.

Mugshots of Pittsylvania County Jail prisoners can be found on the Pittsylvania County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Pittsylvania County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will need to input the name, and an arrest date, if you have one.

Want to get your mugshot erased from the Pittsylvania County Jail website? This may not be possible, because your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you have to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that the record of your arrest would be sealed, and unavailable to the public. It is difficult to do this, and you will most likely need the services of a lawyer.

For more information about removing your mugshot, the many different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Of course, if you’re in jail, your only thought is about getting out. After you’ve gone through booking, bail is set by the magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released from jail you must agree to go to your court date, and you won’t be permitted to travel out of the county.

Typically, inmates at Pittsylvania County Jail will earn time off for good behavior if they follow the rules and act right while they’re in jail.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be allowed to do work release. Either you will have to stay the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished at your job, or you might be permitted to sleep in a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail is the amount of money that you are required to pay to get out of jail until your court date. The amount you will have to pay depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. You or someone you know will have to pay 10 percent of the total amount that was set so you are able to get out of jail. If you don’t go to your court date, the person that bailed you out of jail won’t get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail need to call the Pittsylvania County Jail. If know the pertinent information, like name, address and date of birth, they will let you know how much their bail is. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Needing to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but fortunately, it is really easy if you have the money. To start with, figure out if it is a Cash Only Bond. If so, you won’t be able to get a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail can’t accept a check. As soon as you’ve paid the bail bond, the inmate will be released into your care. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you will get this money back.

If the amount of bail set is large, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. Bondsmen generally charge a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and usually charge a minimum of $100. This will not be returned to you and bondsmen usually only accept cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bail bondsman will use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral.

To talk to a bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Pittsylvania County Jail

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

Click here to comment

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

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The jail intake procedure takes you through each of these steps:

• You will be placed in a waiting area or cell. If the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• Firstly, you will answer some questions, like what is your legal name, address, birthdate and contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and psychological history.
• You will be given an inmate ID.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• They will take your mugshot.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get discharged from jail.
• They will let you use the telephone in order to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be able to keep wearing your own clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been booked into jail? If so, please tell your story so other people can learn from your experience. How long did you have to wait? What was your treatment like? Can you share any things that could help others get through jail processing?

Speak Your Mind

When you finally post bail, you will get released from jail. Getting discharged from jail will take from 30 minutes to all day. In simple terms, the quicker you post bail, the quicker you will be freed. Also, it can depend on whether you’ve got a cash bond or if the magistrate must determine how much your bail will be. For minor offenses, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you have completed your jail sentence and are given a release date, expect to get released that morning.

out against you, or if you have to report to start a sentence, you should follow the rules and turn yourself in willingly. If you have a warrant, go down to the jail reception area, and tell them that you think there is a warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if there is one, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. If you are reporting to serve out your sentence, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Make sure that you only bring approved items when you go, for example a driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as the sentencing order.

Inmates must give each visitor’s name and date of birth to the jail in advance of any visit. Your visitor’s names will go in the log as an authorized visitor. All visitors will have to provide proof of identification. Any visitors showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures are always changing, so we suggest that you check the official Pittsylvania County Jail jail site before you go to visitation.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are made through a jail approved pre-paid phone account or phone card . These phone calls are generally more expensive than regular phone calls. Phone calls are restricted on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but bear in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you are under any sort of disciplinary procedure, an inmate’s phone privileges might get reduced or totally denied.

Phone Number: 434-432-7831

All mail must be sent using the actual US Postal Service. You shouldn’t use any other form of delivery. Clearly write the person’s name, inmate number, and the address of the jail on the letter. Don’t mail anything in a box or package, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with metal in it. Any mail sent to inmates gets opened and inspected and read by the jail administration, and the mail will get returned if it can’t be delivered.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Pittsylvania County Jail:

Pittsylvania County Jail
21 N. Main Street
Chatham, VA 24531

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Pittsylvania County Jail
21 N. Main Street
Chatham, VA 24531

The mail policy changes often, so visit the official Pittsylvania County Jail site when you send a letter to an inmate there.

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If you get arrested, you should know you still have rights, the most important of which is that you have the right to request a lawyer. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so it is a good idea to have a friend or family member find an attorney when you call. You might be asking yourself ‘do I really need a lawyer?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a lawyer can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and help you find your way through the criminal justice system in your county. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your criminal case, the better.

For more info on the benefits of and how to hire an attorney, read our guide: Find an Attorney

If you’ve been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender Office is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as case workers. All Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys who are members of the Virginia State Bar and are licensed to practice law as an agent of the court.

Have you or someone you know had to use the services of a Public Defender? Do you think they properly handled your case?

All court records are public records. They are comprised of a file containing a docket sheet and all of the motions, documents, and evidence filed in the course of your case. You are able to access your court case records with the website, or at the Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Pittsylvania County Clerk of Court is a member of the court that manages the records. They also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All records, documents, and evidence related to your court case are kept at Clerk of Court’s office.

Court fees are all costs associated with your court case, which include filing charges, motion and claim fees, and court appearance fees. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

The Pittsylvania County court magistrate is the type of judge who presides over your case in court. They do different functions, which include setting your bail amount, issuing warrants, and overseeing initial court appearances and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is put together to include information about your background and details of the arrestee’s life, which the judge will take into consideration when determining the sentence. Information will be requested from the person on trial, their family, and, if applicable, the victim in the crime. Keep in mind you are allowed to request to have a copy of your pre-sentencing report before sentencing, and correct any mistakes that it contains.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, including community service, house arrest, and probation, to even prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you might get taken into custody, right there in court, or you might be given a date that you are required to report to jail to serve your term.

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Do you want to find out if somebody you know is currently in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

You can just query the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Their booking date if you know it.
• and their jail inmate ID.

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

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you can check arrest warrants online or you are able to call the court. You have to have the person’s first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and inquire at the information desk. You should know that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or look online. Records of arrests are in the public record and the information is accessible by the public.

Civil processes are when you get served with legal papers, like , subpoenas, and arrest warrants. You can find these civil process orders by contacting the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All people registered as sex offenders are registered and listed on the sex offender databases required by the area they live in. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view these offenders on the internet, but you should know that you will not get the exact address, rather the neighborhood block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public records. Court Records include a court case file containing a court docket and all filings and documents filed in the case. You can access your court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court office in the county where the case was filed.

Every state maintains a record of someone’s criminal past. These online databases are all connected so you are able to track criminal convictions from other states. You can go to county courthouse and make an inquiry, or check the website. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if the crime was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you will be able to get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for the following crimes:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Property crimes like theft or larceny.

When you do a criminal history search, in most cases will not find out if someone has had any moving violations, like:

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

To search for driving histories, you have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? How easy was it? Was your search online or did you have to call the courthouse? Was it correct? There are plenty of reasons that folks search for criminal backgrounds and records, and your story may help other people that are in the same situation.

Click here to tell your story

Most Wanted

The FBI has a listing of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Pittsylvania County, 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

Just the thought of getting locked up in Pittsylvania County Jail is no fun, eventually you will settle into the routine that is set for you. You will get an alarm for wake-up each morning at six in the morning, and then you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will get breakfast. Following breakfast you will work in the work program or other activity that you are assigned. 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 Pittsylvania 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 Pittsylvania 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 inmates at Pittsylvania County Jail can change, so we suggest that you check the official Pittsylvania County Jail site before you send money 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 Pittsylvania County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Pittsylvania 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 Pittsylvania County 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.

Tell Your Story


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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 leave 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.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been a prisoner in this jail? Do you know someone that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at Pittsylvania County Jail?

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

Things you can write in what you write:

• Conditions at the jail.
• Jail, yard and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Food and commissary
• Having Visitors
• Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Jail gangs
• Inmate activities and programs


Click here to write your review of Pittsylvania County Jail

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories to tell about the whole experience. How’d you end up in jail? Did you experience fair treatment? What was it like in jail? What were the other inmates like? How has this experience impacted your life?

Click here to tell about all about it

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Are you trying to reconnect with somebody you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to Pittsylvania County Jail


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