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1. What items are prohibited in the Roanoke City Courthouse?

Any electronic devices (i.e., phones, cameras, laptops, tablets, MP3 players,smart watches, etc.) and anything that may be considered a weapon and/or considered a security risk (i.e., guns, knives, stun devices, handcuff keys, pepper spray, etc.).

2. What are the operating hours of the Roanoke City Courthouse?

The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:45 P.M.

3. Can you be asked to leave the Roanoke City Courthouse for inappropriate dress?

Yes. All person entering any courtroom must dress and act in a respectful and appropriate manner indicative of the dignity of court proceedings. Each court determines appropriate dress and action for that court. Find more information about the jail online.

4. What are the visiting hours for inmates housed at the Roanoke City Jail?

Adult visitors are admitted Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 7:30PM-11 PM. Children ages 13 and under are permitted on Saturdays from 8AM-11 AM. Approved visitors will be permitted to visit for approximately 20 minutes and visit only once during a 7 day period. Currently in person visits have been suspended due to COVID-19.

online.

5. How can I leave money on an inmate's account?

Cash, certified checks or money orders may be mailed to the individual in care of the Roanoke City Jail. Also, secure drop boxes are located in the visitation lobby at 324 Campbell Avenue, the Jail Annex lobby and also in the Roanoke City Jail Administrative Office lobby at 317 Church Avenue.

Certified checks and money orders must be made out to the order of the Roanoke City Jail Inmate Fund and put the inmate’s name in the memo section. There is also a kiosk in the main jail lobby that accepts cash ($5 or more) or credit/debit cards. Money posted to an inmate's account using the kiosk will be available for use immediately. There is a fee to use this service which is deducted at the time of the deposit. In order for someone to leave money on an inmate's account using this system, the person must have either the inmate's ID number or the inmate's NAME and DATE OF BIRTH. The person must also have a valid government issued ID with a 2D bar code or magnetic strip. Money may also be deposited via the internet. Persons may visit the following: govpaynow.com, mycropay.com or MoneyGram (Walmart) to make online deposits.

6. How can someone write to an inmate being held at the Roanoke City Jail?

The mailing address for inmates is:

Smart Communications - Roanoke City Jail 

Inmate Name - ID Number

3735 Franklin RD SW #275

Roanoke, Va 24016

The inmate's name and ID number must be clearly printed on the outside of the envelope or postcard to ensure the mail is posted correctly. Mail not containing the inmate ID Number and name will be "Return to Sender."

Cash is no longer accepted through postal mail. Please mail envelopes containing a money order and a blank cover page to the following address:

Roanoke City Jail

Attention: Inmate Accounts

324 Campbell Ave SW

Roanoke, VA 24016

Make Money orders payable to:

Roanoke City Jail Inmate Fund c/o "Inmate's Full Legal Name"

* In the memo line: Inmate ID Number

Please include your contact information if there is a discrepancy. 

7. Can I make a phone call to someone being held at the Roanoke City Jail?

No. Inmates are only permitted to make outgoing calls. They are not limited as to the number of calls made during normal operating hours, however, the phone system will only limit calls to approximately 30 minutes in length. There is a charge to the person receiving the collect call from the inmate.

If someone does not wish to receive calls from an inmate or inmates, they can contact Securus Technologies directly at 1-800-844-6541 or have a "block" placed on their phone number online.

8. I've heard that inmates at the Roanoke City Jail have to pay for their own medicine and medical care. Is that true?

Yes. The Roanoke City Jail operates a Medical Co-Payment Program under the authority of the Code of Virginia. Inmates pay a co-payment for various medical services such as dental visits, sick call, jail/other doctor visits and prescription handling fees.

However, medical care is never refused to an inmate because of inability to pay. These co-payments are utilized as a source to help off-set the rising costs of medical care.

9. What is the "dollar a day" program?

Inmates are charged $1 per day for each day they serve at the Roanoke City Jail to help offset the cost of their incarceration. Different rules apply for those inmates serving weekends, work release program participants, federal prisoners and those inmates who work as trustees.

10. I'm reporting to jail to serve weekends or a deferred sentence. What items am I allowed to bring with me?

Only cash and prescription medication in original packaging (subject to approval from the medical staff) are allowed. No other items will be permitted.