Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ) – Suffolk, VA

Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ) is located in Western Tidewater Regional Area, VA and is the main jail for that county. Looking for someone in jail at Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ)? This site tells you information about anything you might need to know about Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ)such as the following: Learn how to locate an inmate. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. How to post bail. Intake procedures. Western Tidewater Regional Area court information. And much more…

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The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary and stressful idea, not only for the person who gets arrested, but also their family and friends. This guide is designed to give info that you’ll need to make helping someone get out of jail a little less stressful. If you have a question, just ask it in the comment section below, and also any feedback or comments that would be a benefit to other people in the same situation would be much appreciated.

General Information

Address

Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ)
2402 Godwin Blvd.
Suffolk, VA 23434

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone: 757-539-3119
Fax:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that has gone to jail and want to find out where they are?

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

In order to look up who’s in jail at Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ) you will need to visit their website and do an inmate search.

Inmate Lookup

The Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ) Inmate List has information on persons who were arrested and are now in jail, which includes status, bail amount, and times you can visit. Also, you can get info for anybody booked or released within the past 24-hour period. Inmates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can locate their inmate information fast if you enter your friend or family member’s first and last name, date of birth, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for might be in a different jail you should check the other Virginia county jails in our Virginia County Jail Guide: Virginia County Jails Directory


Mugshots

A mugshot, or jail booking photo, is a photo that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is actually two photos one and a profile photo. Your full name and booking number will be on the mugshot, and they’re kept on file at the jail.

View Mugshots

Mugshots can be searched on the Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ) website, or you can view them at the Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ). When you search for mugshots on the website you will need to enter the inmate’s first and last name, and a booking date.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Need to know how to get your mugshot removed from the Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ) website? This may not be possible, as the mugshot is a matter of public record. You must file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, and will not be available to the public. 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 taken down, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal services: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Of course, if you are arrested and put in jail, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve gone through the booking process, your bail will be determined either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you don’t get released while you wait for your court date.

If you are released you must agree to be there for your court date, and until then you are not permitted to go out of town.

Usually, inmates will earn time off for good behavior if they respect the rules and don’t cause any problems while in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you might be allowed to participate in work release. Either you will have to stay the jail each day when you’re finished working, or you may be allowed to move into a halfway house instead of living at the jail.

Bail

Your bail is money that you have to pay to the courts in order to be released from jail until your court date. Your bail amount is determined by how serious your crime is. You will need to pay to the courts 10% of the amount that was set in order to be released. If you fail to show up for your court date, whoever put up your bail money won’t get their money back.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

To find out someone’s bail amount you will need to call the jail. If you have all the pertinent information, including name, address and date of birth, they will let you know the bail amount. You can also see the bail amount on the Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ) site.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Needing to bail someone out of jail is no fun, but thankfully, its very simple to do. First of all, you need to know if their bail is a “Cash Bond Only”. If this is the case, you can’t use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – they won’t accept a check. When you’ve paid bail, the prisoner will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

Bail Bondsman

If their bail has been set too high, or you can’t afford it, you should use a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen will usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set, and in most cases with a minimum of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman is non-refundable and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman may use your personal assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

You can find a local bail bondsman click here: Find a Bail Bondsman in Western Tidewater Regional Area

Have you ever hired a Bail Bondsman either for yourself, a family member or friend? If you have, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

Tell Your Story

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

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


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The jail intake process includes these 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.
  • The first step is that you have to answer some basic questions, such as what is your full name, address, birth date and contact person.
  • They’ll also ask about your psychological and medical history.
  • You will be given an inmate number.
  • Your fingerprints will be taken.
  • You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
  • All of your personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get released from jail.
  • You will be allowed to make a telephone call to contact a member of your family, friend, or bondsman to arrange bail.
  • If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, they will let you wear your own clothes, otherwise you will be given a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please tell your story. How long did you have to wait? Were you treated fairly? Do you have any tips that might help other people get through jail intake?

Click here to comment

Discharge Procedures

When you post bail, you will be discharged from jail. This process will take from 30 minutes to hours or even all day long. Or, simply, the quicker bail is posted, the quicker you can get out of jail. Also, it depends on whether or not you’ve got a bond amount or if the judge must determine how much your bail will be. For minor charges, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you have served your sentence and know the date of your release, you should plan to be released in the morning.

How To Turn Yourself In

If there is a, or if you must start a jail sentence, it is highly advisable that you do the right thing and go down to the jail and turn yourself in. For a warrant, go down to the jail intake area, and tell the intake officer that you think there may be a warrant for your arrest. A record check will be run, and if they find one, you will be taken into jail custody. If it is for a jail sentence, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order requires you to. Ensure that you get don’t get there late, or they may decide to arrest you. Only bring approved items when you go to jail, for example your driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, and a copy of the sentencing order.

Visitation Procedures

To have visitors, you have to list information about each visitor to the jail in advance. This information will be entered into the visitation log for the requesting inmate. Every visitor must provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Visitors that arrives for visitation late or that is not on the visitation list will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ) are always changing, so you should check the jail site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Calls made in jail are usually more expensive than phone calls made at home. Phone calls are restricted on when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you are disciplined for an infraction, your ability to use the phone could be reduced or eliminated completely.

Phone Number: 757-539-3119

Sending Mail to Inmates

Any mail that you send to an inmate must be sent via the actual US Postal Service. You must not use any other form of mail or package delivery. You have to write or type the person’s name, inmate ID, and jail address on the letter that you send. Don’t mail anything in a package or box, padded envelope, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope with metal in it. All mail gets opened and reviewed by the jail administration, and the mail will be returned if they decide it is inappropriate.

Mailing Address

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ):

Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ)
2402 Godwin Blvd.
Suffolk, VA 23434

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ)
2402 Godwin Blvd.
Suffolk, VA 23434


The Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ) mail policy is always changing, so double check the official website before you send a letter to an inmate there.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

If you get arrested, you should know you still have rights, one of these being that you have the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is important to get a friend or family member to locate a lawyer when you talk to them. You might be asking yourself ‘why do I need a lawyer?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, a criminal attorney will advise you about your rights, help protect your best interests and help you navigate through the complicated court system in Western Tidewater Regional Area. The faster you get a lawyer involved with your situation, the better off you’ll be.

For more info on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, visit: How to Find a Lawyer

Public Defender

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford an attorney, a Public Defender will be assigned to you. In addition, the Public Defender Office is staffed by private investigators, crime scene and forensics experts as well as social workers. You should be reassured that Public Defenders are full-fledged lawyers, members of the State Bar and are licensed to represent you in court and practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Court Records

Western Tidewater Regional Area court records are a matter of public record. Court records have a case file with a docket sheet and every motions, documents, and evidence in your case. You are able to access court records via the website, or at the Clerk of Court’s office.

Clerk of Court

The Western Tidewater Regional Area Clerk of Court is an officer of the court that manages court records. They also administer the oath when court is in session, and also read the court verdict when the jury has finished deliberations. All court records related to your court case are kept and available to you at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Fees

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

Magistrate

A Magistrate acts as the judge that will preside on your case. Magistrates are judges that do different tasks, like setting bail amounts, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Pre-Sentencing

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include background information and information about the defendant’s life and public history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into consideration when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be solicited from the person on trial, his or her family members, and in some circumstances the victim. Bear in mind you are able to ask to have your own copy of your pre-sentencing report prior to sentencing, so you have the opportunity to review it and correct any mistakes.

Sentencing

After being convicted of a crime, you will then get sentenced. There are several different options for sentencing, ranging from community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on how serious your crime was, you may be immediately taken into custody, or you could receive a date to report to jail to serve your jail time according to your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Are you trying to find out if somebody you know is locked up, or has ever been in jail?

To do this, you will have to visit the Western Tidewater Regional Area jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

  • Name.
  • Birth date.
  • Their approximate booking date.
  • or inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you should call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

Warrant Inquiry

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you are able to check the arrest warrants inquiry on the Western Tidewater Regional Area court website or you are able to call the jail directly. You have to have their first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person 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.

Arrest Inquiry

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as the date of their arrest, contact the jail, either by phone, in person, or find out online. Records of arrests are public record and these records are freely available.

Civil Inquiry

A Civil Process is when you get served with legal papers, which can be court orders. You can access civil process orders by contacting the Western Tidewater Regional Area Sheriff’s office, either by phone or through their website.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All convicted sex offenders are registered and listed on both a national and state sex offender database. The people listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex crime. You can access sex offenders online, but you should know that you can’t get the precise address, but rather the neighborhood block that they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a court case file that contains a docket and any of the documents filed in your case. You can access the court records online, or at the Western Tidewater Regional Area Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each and every state maintains a record of a person’s criminal history. These state databases are all connected so you can track criminal backgrounds from another state. Go to county courthouse and inquire in person, or you can check the website. You must know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

When you look up someone’s criminal record you will get a listing of all the arrests, charges, or convictions for the following crimes:

  • DWI or DUI.
  • Drug offenses such as possession or trafficking.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Rape or other sexual assault.
  • Violent crimes like assault or murder.
  • Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

If you do a criminal records check, you will not find if they have had any:

  • Speeding.
  • Drivers license suspended or revoked.
  • Any accidents.
  • Other moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To get this kind of information, you must do a driving records search.

    Have you ever searched for criminal records? Was it easy? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the jail? Was it correct? There are many reasons that people search for criminal records, and your account may help other people.

    Click here to post a comment

    Most Wanted

    For Federal crimes, the FBI has a list of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Western Tidewater Regional Area,The Sheriff’s Department maintains their own list of the top most wanted criminals in the county.

    FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    Just the thought of being incarcerated in the Western Tidewater Regional Area jail is no fun, eventually you will get accustomed to the daily routine there. Inmates get an alarm to wake up at six in the morning, and then roll call. Then you will eat breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will have to 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 Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ), 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 Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ) 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 people in jail might change, so be sure to visit the official Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ) site 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 Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ)

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ), 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 Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ)

    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.

    Speak Your Mind


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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 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.


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    Reviews

    Reviews of this Jail

    Have you ever been locked up at this jail? Do you know anybody there? Have you ever been to visit a prisoner at Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ)?

    If so, then we would like you to tell us about it. Write about what you experienced so that other people will know what to expect.

    Things you might want to put in your comment:

    • Conditions at the jail.
    • Jail and pod facility and layout
    • Guards and jail staff
    • Jail food and commissary
    • Visitors
    • The other inmates.
    • Inmate safety
    • Gang activity
    • Inmate activities and programs


    Speak Your Mind

    Tell Your Story

    Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? What happened to you while you were locked up? Were the other inmates cool? How has this experience impacted your life?

    Tell your story about when you did time at Western Tidewater Regional Jail (WTRJ)

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Make some good friends in jail? Need to say wassup to somebody you met when you were locked up? Write your message below.

    Say Hello


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