Amherst County Adult Detention Center

Search for an Inmate in Amherst County

Amherst County Adult Detention Center Information

The Amherst County Adult Detention Center is a 692 bed jail in the city of Madison Heights, Amherst County, Virginia. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 434-528-3160.

Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.

You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.

Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Virginia State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 434-528-3160, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Amherst County Adult Detention Center at 434-528-3160 to get it.

Phone: 434-528-3160

Physical Address:
219 S Riverview Road
Madison Heights, VA 24572

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Blue Ridge Regional Jail - Amherst
Inmate Name & Booking Number
PO Box 2966 - PMB 35803
San Antonio, TX 78299-2966

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Amherst County Adult Detention Center?

To search for an inmate in the Amherst County Adult Detention Center, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 434-528-3160 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Amherst County Criminal Court Cases, as well as Virginia Criminal Court cases online for every other county, and daily court dockets for each of the state's courts. If you are not sure what court your inmate is to appear in, this is a list of all the courts in Virginia, broken down by each court circuit.

Amherst County Adult Detention Center Inmate Search

The Amherst County Adult Detention Center maintains an average of 692 offenders in custody on any given day. The Amherst County Adult Detention Center has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Amherst County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 14,800 offenders.

The following charts of Amherst County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the Amherst County Corrections Department, the state of Virginia Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Amherst County.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Amherst County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

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About the Amherst County Adult Detention Center
Madison Heights, VA, is the home of the Amherst County Adult Detention Center. This center was created to house a large number of inmates and is capable of accepting overflow inmates and others from surrounding counties as needed. It is a full service facility that provides for all the basic needs of inmates including laundry, clothing, bedding, food, and programs to help improve education and job opportunities after release. Mental health care is provided for addiction treatments and medical needs are cared for the by local doctors who visit the jail as needed. As part of the rehabilitation process there are several ways for inmates to remain connected to their friends and family. This connection is vital to the mental health of those who are serving a long sentence especially and has been shown to improve the chances of success upon their reintegration to their community after their sentence has been completed. One of the ways that inmates can communicate is through mail via the US Postal Service mailed to the inmate at Central County Jail CA, with the full name and booking number of the inmate, at PO Box 247 Phoenix, MD where each item will be opened and scanned into the electronic delivery system where inmates will be able to access it from kiosks within the housing unit. Changing to this method of mail delivery removes the possibility of contraband making its way into the jail through the mail. In addition, inmates will have access to phone banks each day and will be permitted to call those who are on their approved calling list. Calls can be made collect where the cost is added to the bill of the receiver, or through a prepaid account that can be made and funded through connectnetwork.com. In person visits are available for those who are on the approved visitor list for the inmate. All visitors must have a valid identification with them for the visit and arrive early to go through security, as well as dress appropriately according to the posted dress code. Some items are permitted to be dropped off at visits including prescription eyeglasses, a medic alert bracelet or necklace, prescription medication, hearing aids or dentures, and they will be provided to the inmate for their use. Visiting hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9am until 11am, with work release inmates having their own visitation time on Saturdays from 9am until 11am.
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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Amherst County Adult Detention Center?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Amherst County Adult Detention Center, call the jail’s booking line at 434-528-3160.

There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.

Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.

If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.

Amherst County Adult Detention Center Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Amherst County?

After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Amherst County for booking.

Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.

What is the booking process like at the Amherst County Adult Detention Center?

Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Amherst County and other Virginia and USA jurisdictions.

If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.

It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.

What happens to an offender’s personal property during booking?

During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.

Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.

What happens after booking?

At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.

If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Amherst County Adult Detention Center will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.

Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.

How long does the Amherst County Adult Detention Center Booking process take?

Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.

If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.

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Directions / Map to the Amherst County Adult Detention Center
Inmate Bail and Bonding

What is Bail?

Bail is what the arrested in Amherst County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance. 

The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program. 

Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane. 

If a judge in Amherst County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.  

Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court. 

If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Amherst County Adult Detention Center until the case is resolved or goes to trial. 

Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses. 

What is the difference between Bail and Bond?

Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different. The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions. Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.  

The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Amherst County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.  

The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.  

DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.  

More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.  

Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation. 

Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.  

On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.  

What are the different types of bonds in Amherst County?

Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.

To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid.

Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid.

Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:

You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.

You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front. 

If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you. 

Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.

Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.

You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over. 

The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.

You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value. A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).  

Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.  

There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond. 

You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.  

A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met. 

With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved. 

Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.

Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company.  Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.

(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)

Does Amherst County have bail?  

Yes,  Amherst County recognizes most types of bonds.

What kind of bonds are accepted in Amherst County? 

There are three types of bail available in Amherst County: release on own recognizance, unsecured bail, and secured bail.

Who can set bail in Amherst County?  

Bail is set by a magistrate at the first court date, also known as first appearance. 

When is bail set in Virginia?  

The first court date, or first appearance is generally scheduled within 1-3 days of arrest.

Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Amherst County Virginia? 

Yes, your attorney can file a motion to request a reduction or modification of bail.

In Amherst County Virginia, who can pay bail for me? 

The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back. 

A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Virginia could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.

Can bail be paid online in Amherst County Virginia?  

Virginia counties do not currently offer online bail payments. Contact the jail for specific information on how to pay bail. Go to the Amherst County Adult Detention Center for more information about the jails in Amherst County.

What options are there to pay bail in Amherst County Virginia? 

Cash, check, money order, or surety. Use of a surety may require hiring a bail bond agent. Contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted: Go to the Amherst County Adult Detention Center for more information about posting bail in Amherst County.  

Will I get all my bond money back in Virginia? 

Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount. If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.

Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Amherst County? 

The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.

A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front. 

If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you. 

Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.  A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.

What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Virginia?  

The Amherst County Adult Detention Center or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.

The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Amherst County Adult Detention Center? What is the Schedule?

Amherst County Adult Detention Center ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

219 S Riverview Road
Madison Heights, VA 24572
434-528-3160

  • Visits are 30 minutes.
  • You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
  • The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 434-528-3160 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
  • Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
  • Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
  • Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 434-528-3160 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
MONDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
TUESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
THURSDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
FRIDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
SATURDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM

Amherst County Adult Detention Center uses GettingOut for their Remote Video Visitation and/or Visit Scheduling. 

There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate:

1.  Using the GettingOut/GTL Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut or GTL apps.

How it Works with GettingOut
1.  Register an account.
2. Select Amherst County Adult Detention Center
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.   

  • **NOTE** Friends and Family must have funds in their "Friends & Family Account" to respond to inmate messages. 
  • If you deposit money online in the INMATE ACCOUNT, than they have the freedom to spend the money on visits or phone calls to anyone, or any other communications services available at Amherst County Adult Detention Center.
  • With the FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT, you control all communication services such as phone calls, video visits and messaging. Your inmate can only call the phone number you want.

4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number .
5. Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.

GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.

Customer Service for GettingOut
If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
GettingOut online contact form
Frequently Asked Questions
The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in Amherst County Adult Detention Center?

To visit an inmate in Amherst County, whether by video or in person 'at the jail', follow these steps:

Other than 'at the jail' visits between you and your inmate, which is explained and outlined in detail on our Visit Inmate Page, Amherst County remote video inmate visitation can be done using the services of GettingOut

There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate in Amherst County Adult Detention Center:
1.  Using the GettingOut Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut apps.

To remotely visit an inmate in Amherst County follow these steps:
1.  Start by confirming that Amherst County Adult Detention Center's Video Visitation is working correctly by looking up Amherst County here.

2.  The next step is to create an account here for GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account.
4. Last, select Amherst County Adult Detention Center, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.

Other Amherst County Services provided by GettingOut:
 - Phone Calls & Voicemail 
 - Email, Photo & Video Sharing
-  Inmate Tablet Rental
-  Deposits

Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Amherst County Adult Detention Center Visitation Services you can call them at 866-516-0115.
Frequently Asked Questions

* All the information you need to have complete knowledge about inmate visitation; policies, rules, fees, schedules, tips, dress codes, and children, lawyers and clergy visitation in Amherst County, can be found on our Visit Inmate Page.

Amherst County Adult Detention Center Phone: 434-528-3160

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Amherst County Adult Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 434-528-3160 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Amherst County Adult Detention Center?

Amherst County Adult Detention Center uses GettingOut for their Remote Video Visitation and/or Visit Scheduling. 



There are three ways to remotely visit your inmate:

1.  Using the GettingOut/GTL Kiosk at the jail.
2. Using your computer from home.
3. Using your phone on the GettingOut or GTL apps.

How it Works with GettingOut
1.  Register an account.
2. Select Amherst County Adult Detention Center
3. Choose either an INMATE ACCOUNT or FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT.   

  • **NOTE** Friends and Family must have funds in their "Friends & Family Account" to respond to inmate messages. 
  • If you deposit money online in the INMATE ACCOUNT, than they have the freedom to spend the money on visits or phone calls to anyone, or any other communications services available at Amherst County Adult Detention Center.
  • With the FRIENDS & FAMILY ACCOUNT, you control all communication services such as phone calls, video visits and messaging. Your inmate can only call the phone number you want.

4. You will then receive prompts to validate both your identity and phone number .
5. Again, choose your inmate's facility, then type their name and select your inmate.

GettingOut will then guide you through the steps needed to arrange your remote visit.

Customer Service for GettingOut
If you have any questions, you can call them at 866-516-0115.
GettingOut online contact form
Frequently Asked Questions
The GettingOut App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Amherst County Adult Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 434-528-3160 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Amherst County Adult Detention Center?

There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:

Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail
Bring money to the jail in person. 
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use a Jail ATM self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.

Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Amherst County Adult Detention Center uses Jail ATM to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.

Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union. Call the Amherst County Adult Detention Center first as they may want you to do this online or at the jail kiosk instead.
Make the Money Order out to the inmate's name and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.
219 S Riverview Road
Madison Heights, VA 24572


Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit with Jail ATM over the Phone by calling 877-810-0914
To do this you will need the inmate's offender # (inmate ID #) and full legal name.

How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in Amherst County

To deposit money online for an inmate in Amherst County Adult Detention Center follow these steps:

  • Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, a service that acts as a bank for inmates in Amherst County.
  • After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
  • Choose Virginia, then choose Amherst County Adult Detention Center
  • Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
  • Select your inmate.
  • Input an amount to deposit to your inmate in Amherst County Adult Detention Center, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much money you can send your inmate in Amherst County at any one time.
  • If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914.

For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Amherst County Adult Detention Center, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Amherst County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Amherst County Adult Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 434-528-3160 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Amherst County Adult Detention Center?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Amherst County Adult Detention Center by Phone

Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)

  • Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
  • Pin Debit  -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
  • Voicemail  -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Amherst County Adult Detention Center, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

For full instructions on the Amherst County Adult Detention Center Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Amherst County Adult Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 434-528-3160 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Amherst County Adult Detention Center, and what can I send them?

Postcards
The Amherst County Adult Detention Center allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature.
Envelopes
The Amherst County Adult Detention Center may also allow regular postcards and envelopes to be mailed to inmates as well, however more and more jails are no longer allowing envelopes or paper letters due to concern about paper being dipped into liquefied drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine and then mailed into secure facilities.
To confirm that the Amherst County Adult Detention Center still allows letters in envelopes call 434-528-3160 or view the Inmate Mail Instructions.
Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
Most jails allow books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address above.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Amherst County Adult Detention Center standards will be disposed of.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
To confirm that the Amherst County Adult Detention Center continues to allow books to be mailed by a third party publisher or bookseller, call 434-528-3160.
Care packages
Care packages are pre-chosen items packaged together and sent to the inmate from a third-party vendor. They can include clothing, snacks and seasonal items.
When a jail allows the inmate to receive Care Packages they must come directly from an approved company that specializes in serving the inmates of jails.
Call 434-528-3160 to see if the Amherst County Adult Detention Center participates in a Care Package program and if so, how to purchase one.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Amherst County Adult Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 434-528-3160 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Amherst County Adult Detention Center, and what can I purchase?

Amherst County Adult Detention Center contracts with Oasis Commissary (aka jailcanteen.com) for the online ordering of snacks and other foods, hygiene products, letter writing materials, clothing and reading glasses.



Family members and friends can go to their website, order for their inmate and have it delivered directly to Amherst County Adult Detention Center.

Instructions
1.     Register here first.    
2.    Confirm registration in your email.
3.    Select Virginia, then Amherst County Adult Detention Center, then input your inmate’s name.
4.    Shop… then pay using a Visa, MC or Discover credit or debit card.

Useful Information
1.     Each order incurs a $5.95 processing fee.
2.    Orders are delivered once a week.
3.    There is no limit to the number of orders you can place each week.
4.    You can purchase orders for multiple inmates and/or at multiple jails.
5.    Orders are processed weekly. The cutoff time is on Sunday at 11:59 PM.
6.    Orders are delivered to the jail within ten days.
7.    Returns incur a 20% restocking fee.

Resources
Frequently Asked Questions.  
Check the Status of your order here.  
Online Contact Form.

Oasis is now offering tablets for inmates to use for easy ordering of commissary of products. They can be used for free for 15 minutes at a time.  If an inmate wishes to use on a reguar basis for education, entertainment or programming, they can be rented for a small monthly fee.

Customer Service Contact
Call 800-956-2747 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST. 
Email: [email protected].

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Amherst County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Amherst County Adult Detention Center follow these steps:

  • Select Virginia, then select Amherst County Adult Detention Center, and then select the 'Send a Package Order' option.
  • Register and create an account with My Care Pack, also known as Access Securepak, for Amherst County.
  • Choose the inmate and the products you want shipped to them, and input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Amherst County at any one time.

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Amherst County Adult Detention Center check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Amherst County.

Customer Service Contact
Call 800-956-2747 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST. 
Email: [email protected].

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Amherst County Adult Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 434-528-3160 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Amherst County Adult Detention Center using an Online Messaging Service?

Emailing and Texting Messages, Photos & Videograms

Amherst County Adult Detention Center contracts with GTL GettingOut, the same service that handles Inmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.


If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.

Then use the Facility Finder to:
1.  Select Amherst County Adult Detention Center,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.

How Messaging Works
Watch this video on how to send a message.
1.
  Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.  
2. After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message.  Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.

How Uploading Photos Works
Watch this video on how to upload a photo.
1.
  Select the Photos Tab.
2. Select “Take New Photo” or “Upload New Photo”.
3. Take a new photo with your webcam, or select "Choose File" to upload a photo from your computer.
4. Give your photo a Title or add it to the "Gallery" of your choice.
5. Select the "Share" button.
6. Select your inmate(s) and then select "Share".
7. Once the photo is approved, it will be shared with your inmate(s).

Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call   866-516-0115

How to Communicate with an Amherst County Adult Detention Center Inmate by Mail and by Email

To mail or email an inmate in Amherst County follow these steps:

When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please follow these instructions:

  • All mail sent to an inmate at the Amherst County Adult Detention Center must include the sender's name and mailing address in the top left corner of the envelope or postcard.
  • All mail must include the facility's address, as well as the inmate's name and assigned number.
  • Failure to include your return address will most likely result in your mail NOT being delivered and your letter destroyed.
  • The Amherst County Adult Detention Center has a zero-tolerance policy regarding mail violations. 
  • All the information you need to understand mail and email policies can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.

Emailing Messages & Photos

Facility_name_1} contracts with GTL GettingOut, the same service that handles iInmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
 
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.

Then use the Facility Finder to:
1.  Select Amherst County Adult Detention Center,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.

  • Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.  
  • After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message.  Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.
  • You can also send your Amherst County inmate photos and videos.

Customer Service Questions
'Online' Contact Form, or
Call   866-516-0115

Go here to this FAQ to get answers to how the transition to ViaPath from GTL and gettingout will affect your account.

All the information you need to understand mail and email policies for Amherst County can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Amherst County Adult Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 434-528-3160 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Amherst County Adult Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Amherst County Adult Detention Center allows inmates access to tablets to use for the services provided by 'gettingout'.


The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GettingOut, a GTL / Viapath company.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at Amherst County Adult Detention Center, such as:

  • Music
  • Books
  • Games
  • Education
  • News
  • Radio
  • Television
  • Read mail and messages
  • Video visits

-  Free services are already available for use on the device at Amherst County Adult Detention Center.
-  Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
-  Amherst County Adult Detention Center Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.

What Does a Tablet Cost?

  • Tablet devices include some services and the content is free.
  • The subscription services require additional funding.
  • There may be multiple options such as 7-day or 30-day subscriptions.
  • Costs are dependent upon the available services and what the Amherst County Adult Detention Center charges.

To estimate costs for phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page) or call 866-516-0115 for assistance.

How Inmates Can Use a Tablet to Access Services at Amherst County Adult Detention Center

To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:

1.  First, Register or Sign In to GettingOut/GTL

2.  Purchase the services you want for your Amherst County Adult Detention Center inmate.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.

To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our Tablet Rental Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Amherst County Adult Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 434-528-3160 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Amherst County Adult Detention Center? What does it look like?
Other Jails in Amherst County

What are the other City and County Jails in Amherst County?

Amherst County County Jails
Amherst County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Amherst County?

Amherst Bedford Rockbridge Nelson Appomattox Campbell Lynchburg
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Search for an Inmate in Amherst County

This facility, known as "Amherst County Adult Detention Center" is also known as Amherst County Corrections Division, Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority, Amherst County Jail.