Defendants awaiting trial, or inmates serving a shorter sentence, are likely to spend time at the Atlantic County Jail. If that applies to you, you should know what to expect from your day-to-day life at the Atlantic County Jail.
The Atlantic County Jail primarily acts as a temporary holding facility for those awaiting trial, although some inmates with shorter sentences serve their time at the jail. Friends and family can visit with Atlantic County Jail inmates regularly and add funds to their commissary accounts to make their stay more enjoyable. In addition, inmates at the Atlantic County Jail have access to various educational, vocational, and therapeutic services to improve their quality of life upon release.
If you or a loved one was recently charged with a crime in Atlantic County, it’s crucial to speak with an attorney right away. For a free case evaluation with the Atlantic County criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of John J. Zarych, call today at (609) 616-4956.
What Can Inmates Expect at the Atlantic County Jail?
The Atlantic County jail is largely used as a temporary holding facility for defendants facing trial and, in some cases, serving shorter sentences. If you are currently awaiting trial and are about to spend time at the Atlantic County Jail, you should learn what to expect to prepare yourself.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Atlantic County, New Jersey, you are likely to await your trial at the Atlantic County Jail. The jail’s average population is about 650, comprised of both male and female inmates. The jail population is divided into pods, depending on inmates’ behavior and reason for their stay. While at the Atlantic County Jail, inmates will have access to medical, library, and religious services.
It’s also important to note that inmates have certain rights to basic protections and freedoms. If, for some reason, there is a severe issue concerning your living conditions while at the jail, be sure to inform your Atlantic City criminal defense attorney right away.
What Are the Visiting Hours at the Atlantic County Jail?
During your time at the Atlantic County Jail, you can receive regular visits from your loved ones and attorneys. Like at any jail, the rules regarding visits are strict, so it’s important for your family members to adhere to the guidelines for you to have a successful visit.
Generally, the Atlantic County jail inmates can receive one visit per day unless they have their privileges revoked for behavioral reasons. Inmates can only meet with up to two adults and two children per visit.
Before scheduling a visit with your loved one at the Atlantic County Jail, you must be approved by the jail. Once you are approved, you can go to the Atlantic County Jail’s website and schedule a visit with an inmate.
The days family and friends can visit the Atlantic County Jail will depend on their loved one’s designated pod. You must schedule a visit at least two days beforehand and arrive early, as you need to get checked in ahead of time.
Does the Atlantic County Jail Have a Commissary for Inmates?
During your time at the Atlantic County Jail, you will have access to a commissary. There, inmates can purchase things like food, shoes, and other amenities to make their stay at the Atlantic County Jail more comfortable. Your loved ones can add funds to your commissary account by going online or sending funds to the Atlantic County Jail.
After you get processed at the Atlantic County Jail, your loved ones can start adding funds to your commissary account. Generally, jails use private online portals for family and friends to send money to inmates’ commissary accounts. If your loved ones are having difficulty sending funds online, our Atlantic County criminal defense attorneys can help.
The second method of adding funds to an inmate’s commissary account at the Atlantic County Jail is by sending a certified check, money order, or cash to the jail. If you choose to use this method, be sure to include the correct inmate number on the check or money order. Currently, the Atlantic County Jail is not accepting cash for commissary accounts during in-person visits with inmates.
In addition to sending money for commissary purchases, your loved ones may also add funds to your telephone account. They can do so online, allowing you to speak with your loved ones and your Cape May criminal defense attorney more easily.
Educational and Vocational Services at the Atlantic County Jail
While at the Atlantic County Jail, inmates have access to various services. The goal of these educational and vocational programs is to give inmates the tools they need to thrive after their release. Engaging in such programs can help inmates at the Atlantic County jail reduce their sentences and learn valuable skills.
The Atlantic County jail offers adult basic education courses, pre-general equivalency diploma courses, and general equivalency diploma courses to inmates. These courses allow inmates who did not graduate from high school to earn their G.E.D.’s during their stay at the Atlantic County Jail.
The Atlantic County Jail also offers life skills courses to inmates, teaching parenting skills and job preparation tactics. The jail works closely with the New Jersey Department of Labor to help inmates prepare for future work and find employment after they have served their time.
Additionally, therapeutic services are available to inmates at the Atlantic County Jail struggling with drug addiction and other issues. Engaging in these educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs can be advantageous for inmates. Doing so can help to reduce your sentence and improve your life after you leave the Atlantic County Jail.
Call Our Atlantic County Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
Immediately after being charged with a crime in Atlantic County, you should hire a lawyer to represent your interests. For a free case evaluation with the Ocean City criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of John J. Zarych, call today at (609) 616-4956.
