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How to Write to Someone Who is in Jail 

Having someone in jail is very hard, especially when you are used to having them by your side and talking to them regularly. Seeing them go through the jail booking process and behind bars is a lot to take hold of. Writing letters to your loved one may not be the same as having them by your side, but it helps when you are mourning for or missing them. Letters are also an excellent keepsake for memories. Because jail and prison are two different things, we will talk about them both to help you know how to write to your loved one if they are in either of them. We hope that these steps will help you at your best convenience.  


Mailing a Letter via Email (Jail)

If you are writing a letter via email, you should know that the inmate you are writing to will most likely be reading your email on a printed paper rather than over the internet and will not be able to email you back but instead, be sending you a handwritten letter. 

Step #1 

Go to the jail's website that your loved one is contained in. The jail's website will have all the information you need to email prisoners. Such as the physical address, inmate database, and the jail's mailing rules. 


Step #2

Look up the inmate database instructions for sending an email. You may even be able to find the inmate's name and just click on an email symbol. You can then begin to write your letter. 

Step #3 

Read through your letter and make sure you haven't included any information that could be used against your loved one. Remember that the jail officers will read all messages. So do not include any restricted pictures or other information. 

Mailing a Letter via Postage (Jail)

Step #1 

Go to the jail's website that your loved one is contained in. The jail's website will have all the information you need to email prisoners. Such as the physical address, inmate database, and the jail's mailing rules. 

Step #2 

Gather inmates booking number and name. You will need both of these on the envelope for it to make it to the right place. 

Step #3

Write addresses on the envelope. You will need to include the jails address, booking number, and their name and locate them in the center of the envelope. On the first line in the center, you will need to write the inmates name and booking number. On the second line, you should be the address of the jail. On the third line, you will need to write the city, state, and zip code. In the top right corner of the envelope, you will need to include your name and the address you wish the mail to be returned to. The top line will need to include your first and last name. On the second line, you will write your street address. On the last line, you will write your city, state, and zip code. 

Step #4

Read through your letter and make sure you haven't included any information that could be used against your loved one. Remember that all your messages will be read by the jail officers. Do not include any restricted pictures or other information. Most content within the letter is acceptable, so if you wish to write romantic or personal letters that is okay as long as you know that the jail agency will read all letters. Do not include private pictures or imagery. Sexual images are not acceptable and cannot be sent through the mail to the jail. Food, candy, cash, checks, hardback books, leatherback books, and other items are not permitted and should not be sent with your mail.

Step #5 

Leave the rest of the envelope blank. Jails sometimes prohibit any stickers, unusual stains, and the smell of perfume. Please refrain from putting any of these on your envelope. 

Step #6

Mail your letter by taking it to the post office or by depositing it. Make sure not to use a delivery service or your delivery might be rejected. Remember to include the precise quantity of postage for the weight of the envelope.


Mailing a letter via postage (Prison)

When sending a letter to someone in prison, you will be following the same steps via postage as you would for jail. Except when you are searching for an inmate, you may want to go to the state's Department of Correction before you navigate to the precise regional facility that the prisoner remains at. If you would like to send your mail through a courier or delivery service you will need to verify that the prison accepts deliveries other than from the U.S Post Office.


 If you wish to send something via email, you can follow the steps below.

To write to a prisoner via email, follow these steps. An inmate that is held in prison will usually use a program called TRULINCS that gives email access to inmates through a curriculum called CorrLinks, which is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons

Mailing a letter via email (Prison) 

Step #1 

Send your email to the prisoner you wish to write to, and they will be able to apply your name to their contact list. Your name and information will then be given to the prison staff to be reviewed and approved. 

Step #2 

Once you've been approved, you will be notified by the CorrLinks. In the message, you will be asked if you would like to accept or block future messages. Respond that you would like to continue sending messages. 


Step #3 

You will then receive the inmate's email address and be able to send them letters through email from then on. 


Thank you for reading “How to write to someone who is in jail.” If you or a loved one needs help getting out of jail Sportsmans Bail Bonds is here for you. We do our best to get families back together and safe at home. You can call us at 801-623-6877 or contact us online.