i am new to all of this and this sight is really a god send!! just a couple of quick questions I hope someone out there can answer for me.

how often do inmates get to use the phone?
can they use prepaid calling cards?
generally how long does it tale them to receive mail?
how do you go about starting the visitation process?
i would greatly appreciate any info anyone could pass along to me. i want to be there for my baby as much as possible and am looking for any ideas anyone could pass along!!
Thanks!!!!!

The phone use on DR is crazy, should be able to use it but for some reason they havent had that chance.
They can not use prepaid calling cards. You can set up a prepaid MCI acct
3-4 weeks to start getting mail when they first get there... 7-10 after they have been there depending on where you live
You can not visit untill they send you a visition form, you fill it out return it and the prison has to approve it 6-8 weeks I hear.

yet another question.....with the mail system being so slow and their lack of being able to make phone calls.....do they every have the chance to send or receive e-mail?

They can send it out alot quicker then they can receive it.

Once you receive the visiting form, it's very important that you are very careful when completing it to avoid having it denied due to inaccurate or missing information. You can expect it to take 8-10 weeks for approval depending on what time of year you send your request in.

Depending on what unit the DR inmate is housed will determine whether they are allowed to use the phone. If they are in the AC, they will not be able to use the phone.

Mail is picked up every evening from Sunday through Thursday and is mailed the following day. Generally they won't receive your mail for 7-20 days depending on the time of year and holidays.

If you have any questions I am happy to answer them, I am very familiar with SQ as my husband has been on DR for many years.

B.

Thank you she asked every question I had, & You answered them. This is a new world for me!

I too am quite new to all this, my frind is in the AC unit at San Quentin and I am afraid to ask him why.... I mean how does one end up in that unit in the first place? My friend cannot use the phones and or have contact visits...it sucks.... I deeply want to hug and kiss my friend but as long as he's in the AC I'm asked out.... Do any of you know how one ends up in the AC unit and how do they go about getting out into other blocks?

No internet access, kisers baby girl, so no e-mails,

how often do inmates get to use the phone? They request phone time and schedule it

can they use prepaid calling cards? No

generally how long does it tale them to receive mail? anywhere from 2-6 weeks

how do you go about starting the visitation process? they send you a visiting form and you fill it out and send it in