Hi,
I'm Shane's mom. I'm located in Northern Virginia, just outside of DC. My son is 22 and was just sentenced to four years (felony drug and weapon charges). He was sentenced almost two months ago and is in the regional jail waiting to go into DOC.
I found this site through a search and just wanted to thank everyone for the great information. This will be our first experience with an adult prison (he went away for a year as a juvenile) and I have no idea what to expect. Any information is greatly appreciated and I look forward to talking to everyone over the next three plus years (hopefully less!)
Thanks again. :)

Hi Shane'smom, I hope your son comes home before you know it!

Welcome to Pto Shanes mom. So glad you found this site. The unknown is the worse and scariest time in my opinion. Hugs going out to you.

:) Hello and welcome to PTO :)

Welcome to PTO.

Welcome! I am sorry your family is going through this, but then, we all are and that is why we are here at PTO! Once he leaves the regional jail, he will go to one of three intake/calssificiation centers. Powhatan, Deep Meadow, or Mecklenburg.

Please ask any and all questions. We were all once new like you are and I know it really helped me to know PTO existed. It is a wealth of information and support.

Glad you found us!

dw

Thanks to everyone for making me feel so welcome. I'm sure I will have lots of questions.

How long are they at the classification center? Do they get visitation while they are there? Thanks.

Usually about 4 to 6 months and yes they get visits. Once they clear medical, which can take a week to a month, you can go visit. You get processed in and get to sit at a table with them and get food from the vending machines. Actual visitation depends on where he goes. I put all this in a thread not too long ago.

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2522775#post2522775

Hi Shane's Mom...first off Welcome to PTO. You will find lots of useful information here as well as tons of helpful people who are in situations similar to yours.

Now to answer your classification questions...my husband was in the county jail for 6 months after sentencing before they sent him to the classification unit. He was sent to Mecklenburg. He was there for 3 months before he was sent to his "permanent" home at Coffeewood for the remainder of his sentence. While he was at Mecklenburg, he was able to receive visits once a week.

Sorry so short, but it's time for me to go home, if you ever have any questions feel free to PM me anytime.
:thumbsup:

Hello and welcome to PTO!! So glad you found this website!! We are all here to listen and help with any advice we can!! I myself love to listen when ppl just want to vent and be happy to pray with!! Hope your son comes home sooner than you think!!
Ashley

Welcome to PTO... so glad you found us.

Welcome to PTO!

Welcome to PTO and our forum. I'm glad you've found what you were looking for. We look forward to hearing more from you! Take Care!
Cindy

Hi to Shane's Mom ... glad you joined us! When I first stumbled upon this website I was extatic! Been here ever since :)