Posted on March 29, 2022 in Criminal Defense
If you have a friend or loved one doing time at the Estrella jail in Phoenix, you may want to schedule a visit to keep in touch. Visitors should be aware that Estrella Jail only offers video visitation if the visit is legal in nature.
Visiting a jail can seem daunting, especially if it’s your first time. However, knowing the guidelines and what to expect can simplify the process. No one wants to visit jail, but your loved one will appreciate your support during the difficult period of incarceration.
Maricopa County Estrella Jail is located on Durango Street in Phoenix, Arizona. It holds around 1000 female inmates. You must be listed on the inmate’s requested visitation sheet to be eligible for visitation. Otherwise, you will not be permitted to visit with the inmate.
Make sure the individual you wish to visit has added you to their list. You can ask them to do this when they call you on the phone. Inmates cannot receive phone calls, but they have access to payphones from 10 am to 10 pm.
If the inmate does not call you, you can request they add you to their visitation list by writing to them. Inmates can only receive standard postcards with messages written in blue or back ink. More detailed guidelines for mail, photos, drawings, and books are available on the jail’s website.
Estrella Jail offers two different forms of video visitation.
Much like a phone call, only an inmate can initiate a remote video visitation. For remote video visitation, you must create an online account on the GettingOut website. This is the video hosting service that inmate video visitation is conducted through.
There is a charge of $0.25 a minute, and these funds must be preloaded to the account. Individuals who want to contact an inmate cannot initiate or schedule a remote video call. Remote visits are available daily from 7 am to 9:30 pm and cannot exceed 20 minutes.
The alternative option is to visit the jail for on-site video visitation. All visitations at the Estrella Jail are conducted via recorded video unless the purpose of the visit is legal in nature, like a meeting with an attorney.
Inmates can receive one free on-site video visitation per week. On-site visitors are also required to create an account through the GettingOut website to access the video service.
On-site video visits are offered at the 4th Avenue and Lower Buckeye jail locations. Visitors can choose the most convenient location and do not need to choose the jail in which the inmate is housed.
On-site video visits at the Estrella Jail come with strict guidelines.
Some individuals do not qualify for on-site video visits. You cannot complete an on-site visit if you:
The jail website recommends that visitors dress conservatively to avoid violating the jail dress code.
Visitors will need to bring a valid form of identification. Children between the ages of 14 and 17 also need to bring a valid ID issued by either a school or the DMV. Children under 14 do not need to provide identification, but all minors must be accompanied by an adult.
No personal items are permitted in the video visitation kiosk. Lockers are available for rent if you bring a cell phone, wallet, or other personal items.
On-site video visits are limited to 20 minutes. They can be scheduled from 9 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, but they are not available on holidays.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.
