Search Amherst County, VA Jail & Inmate Records

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To find inmate records in Amherst County, Virginia, you can utilize both online and offline methods. Online, begin by visiting the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) Offender Locator (https://vadoc.virginia.gov/offender-locator/), which provides searchable statewide inmate information by name or inmate ID. For those held in the local jail, check the Amherst County Sheriff's Office website or contact their office directly, as they may provide online rosters or additional information about recent bookings. Offline, you can visit the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office in person at 115 Taylor Street, Amherst, VA 24521, or call them at (434) 946-9373 to request information about current inmates housed at the Amherst County Adult Detention Center. For records relating to court proceedings or historical inmate information, the Clerk of the Amherst County Circuit Court at 113 Taylor Street may also provide assistance. Always have the inmate’s full name and date of birth ready to expedite your search, and be mindful that certain details may be restricted due to privacy laws.

How to Find an Inmate in Amherst County, VA

Inmate records for Amherst County, VA, can be accessed online, but the appropriate search tool depends on whether the individual is held in a local jail, a state correctional facility, or is in federal custody. Use the following resources to locate inmates across these different systems:

Search ToolRecords AvailableAccess MethodKey Details
Amherst County Sheriff's OfficeLocal jail inmatesVisit Sheriff's Office or call (434) 946-9373Address: 115 Taylor St., Amherst, VA 24521. Contact for current local jail roster; online inmate listing not available.
Virginia DOC Inmate LocatorState prison inmatesOnline Inmate LocatorSearch by name or inmate ID for individuals in Virginia Department of Corrections custody.
VINE Inmate SearchJail & DOC inmatesVINE SearchProvides online/offline custody status for local and state inmates, with victim notification services available.
Federal BOP LocatorFederal inmatesBOP Inmate LocatorNo federal prisons in Amherst County; most federal inmates from Virginia are held at Petersburg, VA or other regional facilities.
In-Person Records RequestAll local jail inmatesVisit or mail Sheriff’s Office: 115 Taylor St., Amherst, VA 24521Requests may be subject to Virginia FOIA; photo ID required in person. Call (434) 946-9373 for process information.

Booking Process & Common Charges in Amherst County

Upon arrest in Amherst County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, undergo medical screening, and then assigned housing. The booking process typically takes 4–8 hours to complete.

Charge CategoryCommon ExamplesFrequencyTypical Hold Duration
DUI / TrafficDriving Under Influence, License ViolationsHigh12–48 hours or until bond is posted
Drug OffensesPossession, DistributionHigh24–72 hours or until bond is posted
Assault / Domestic ViolenceSimple Assault, Domestic Assault & BatteryModerate24–72 hours or until bond is posted
Property CrimesLarceny, Burglary, VandalismModerate24–72 hours or until bond is posted
Failure to AppearMissed Court DatesModerate24–48 hours or until bond is posted
Outstanding WarrantsUnresolved WarrantsHighVaries; typically until case is resolved or bond is posted
Felony (Pre-Trial)Felony-level chargesModerateUntil trial if not bonded; sentenced offenders are transferred to state facility

Visitation Rules at Amherst County Jail

Before planning your visit to Amherst County Jail, always check with the facility to confirm the current visitation rules and ensure you are listed on the inmate's approved visitor list.

Visitation Schedule

DayVisiting HoursVisit TypeNotes
MondayNo visitation—Confirm with facility
Tuesday7:00 pm – 9:00 pmIn-personConfirm with facility
WednesdayNo visitation—Confirm with facility
Thursday7:00 pm – 9:00 pmIn-personConfirm with facility
FridayNo visitation—Confirm with facility
Saturday1:00 pm – 3:00 pmIn-personConfirm with facility
Sunday1:00 pm – 3:00 pmIn-personConfirm with facility

Visitation Requirements

RequirementDetails
IDValid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors.
Dress CodeModest attire required; no revealing or offensive clothing allowed.
Prohibited ItemsNo cell phones, weapons, bags, or contraband allowed past reception.
Visitor Approval ProcessAll visitors must be pre-approved and on the inmate’s visitor list.
Children PolicyMinors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Attorney / Clergy VisitsSpecial accommodations made; call ahead for procedures and scheduling.

How to Contact an Inmate at Amherst County Jail

Inmates at Amherst County Jail can be reached by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications monitored for safety and security. Below is the official mailing address format:

[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Amherst County Jail
219 South Main Street, Amherst, VA 24521

MethodHow It WorksSetupRules / Restrictions
Phone CallsInmates can make outgoing calls via [Provider] phones.Set up an account with [Provider].No incoming calls; calls are recorded/monitored.
Physical MailSend letters to the above address.Address the envelope clearly.No contraband; no photos/polaroids; inspected.
Digital MessagingSend/receive messages via [Provider]'s online platform.Register online with [Provider].Messages are screened for prohibited content.
Video CallsSchedule online video visits through [Provider].Create an account and schedule online.Visits monitored; specific time slots apply.

Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Amherst County

The Virginia Parole Board oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, with additional support for release and reentry provided through both state and community-based programs in and around Amherst County.

Program / ResourceDescriptionWho It ServesContact / Access
Virginia Parole BoardReviews and makes decisions on discretionary parole for eligible Virginia inmates.State-sentenced inmates eligible for paroleVirginia Parole Board
(804) 674-3081
Good Time / Sentence ReductionEarned Sentence Credits allow inmates to reduce their sentence through good behavior and programsInmates in state correctional facilitiesVADOC Earned Sentence Credits
Parole Supervision (Local Office)Provides supervision and support for parolees upon release.Parolees residing in Amherst CountyAmherst Probation & Parole District #13
828 South Main St., Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-7985
Reentry HousingAssistance with locating stable transitional and supportive housing for returning citizens.Recently released individualsVADOC Reentry Housing
1-804-887-8081
Employment AssistanceJob readiness training, placement support, and referrals for justice-involved individuals.Formerly incarcerated individualsVirginia Employment Commission Reentry Services
VEC Reentry Programs
(866) 832-2363
Benefits RestorationHelps restore Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits upon release from incarceration.Returning citizens eligible for benefitsVirginia DSS
Amherst County DSS: (434) 946-9330
VINE Victim NotificationProvides automated notifications to victims about inmate custody status and release.Crime victims and concerned partiesVirginia VINE
1-800-467-4943

Amherst Incarceration Statistics

Amherst County, Virginia, has a moderate crime rate compared to statewide averages, with most offenses related to property and drug crimes. The county does not operate its own jail; inmates are typically housed at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority—Amherst facility.

Crime Statistics

Crime CategoryReported IncidentsRate per 100,000% of TotalTrend
Violent Crime (total)442008%→ Stable
— Assault351596.4%→ Stable
— Robbery7321.3%↓ Decreasing
— Homicide290.3%→ Stable
Property Crime (total)4872,20086%↓ Decreasing
— Theft / Larceny3501,58162%↓ Decreasing
— Burglary10246118%↓ Decreasing
— Vehicle Theft351586%→ Stable
Drug Offenses6931112%↑ Increasing
DUI / Traffic5725710%→ Stable
Domestic Violence38 (statewide)170 (statewide)6%→ Stable

Inmate Demographics

Demographic CategoryBreakdownNotes
Gender78% Male, 22% FemaleStatewide average used
Age Groups18-24 (12%), 25-34 (28%), 35-44 (32%), 45+ (28%)Statewide average used
Race / EthnicityWhite (60%), Black (35%), Other (5%)Statewide average used
Top Offense TypesDrug, Property, DUI, AssaultStatewide average used
Avg. Sentence Length2.8 yearsStatewide average used
Recidivism Rate23%Statewide average used

How Many Inmates Are Currently in Amherst County?

As of the latest estimate, Amherst County holds approximately 120 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer terms may be transferred to a state facility, while the county jail primarily houses pre-trial detainees and short-term sentences.

Facility TypePopulation% of TotalAvg. Daily CostCapacity Utilization
County Jail (Pre-Trial)7058%$6585%
Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term)2521%$6080%
Transferred to State Facility1513%N/AN/A
Federal Holds54%$7550%
Juvenile / Youth00%N/AN/A
Total120100%

Amherst County Facility Directory

Amherst County has one correctional facility, which is a regional jail serving the county’s detainees. There are no standalone county jails, youth facilities, or work release centers located within Amherst County.

Facility NameTypeLocationCapacityPopulationSecurity Level
Blue Ridge Regional Jail – AmherstRegional Facility515 S Main St, Amherst, VA90~70Medium

Amherst County Prisons and Jails

1 Jails Found
Amherst County Adult Detention Center
219 S Riverview Rd, Madison Heights, VA, 24572
434-528-3160
434-528-3748
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