Sending Mail to Someone in Custody

Phone calls cost money and are recorded. Visiting is limited and scheduled. Mail is the one channel that runs on its own — which makes it valuable, and makes the rules worth reading before the first letter is rejected.

Assume it is read

Non-legal mail is generally opened and inspected, and its contents may be read. That is the starting assumption, and it leads directly to the only rule that really matters: do not discuss the case in a letter. The confidential conversation is with the defence lawyer — see inmate phone calls, where the same logic applies more sharply because calls are recorded and routinely reviewed.

Legal mail is treated differently. Correspondence with an attorney is handled as legal mail, though it may still be inspected for contraband, typically in the person’s presence.

What commonly gets mail rejected

• Anything added to the paper — stickers, tape, glitter, lipstick, drawings in crayon, perfume.
• Layered or padded items — greeting cards with inserts, padded envelopes.
• Metal — staples, paperclips, binding.
• Polaroids and some photographs, which many facilities restrict.
• Missing or incomplete return address, or the wrong inmate details.

Rules vary by facility and change. Confirm with the specific facility — the Intake Release Center, Theo Lacy, the Inmate Reception Center and Century Regional all publish their own requirements.

Address it correctly

Mail generally needs the person’s full committed name and booking number, and the facility’s mailing address in its required format. A nickname or a missing booking number is a common reason mail does not arrive — see find an inmate to confirm both.

Books, money and photos are separate systems

Many facilities accept books only when sent directly from an approved retailer or publisher. Money does not go in an envelope — see sending money to an inmate, and remember that commissary money is not bail and does nothing to shorten custody.

If they are transferred

Mail does not automatically follow. A transfer between facilities — common, because a Temporary Holding facility must move someone within 24 hours — means re-checking the address. See jail transfers.

Related

Local guides: Anaheim, Brea, La Habra, Fullerton, Buena Park, Yorba Linda and Tustin.

Mail is not the only way to reach someone, but it is the one with the fewest requirements. If you are considering a visit instead, see visiting someone in jail.

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Please note: American Freedom Bail Bonds is a licensed bail bond agency, not a law firm. Nothing here is legal advice. Facility rules change and vary — confirm with the facility. California bail license 1841014.