REGISTRATION

Attorney Questions

  1. How do I register to receive calls from a TDCJ inmate?
    Send a notice, on your letterhead, containing the following information in the body of the letter:
    • Attorney name
    • Attorney phone number (Must match number registered with the state bar association. You may be asked to present a copy of your phone bill.)
    • Attorney phone number must be on the company letterhead
    • Attorney state bar association number, and state of registration
    • If not the Texas bar, the phone number of that bar association
    • A list of the TDCJ number(s) and the inmate first/last name(s)
    • A statement that you have an attorney-client relationship with the listed inmate(s)

  2. How long will I be able to talk to the inmate?
    Calls are limited by TDCJ to a maximum of 30 minutes from the time that the phone call is accepted by someone at the attorney's office. For example, a receptionist answers and accepts the call, but the attorney is on another call, and it takes 4 minutes to connect with the inmate. There will be 26 minutes of conversation time remaining between the inmate and the attorney.

  3. Our office has an automated receptionist system. Will the inmate be able to contact me?
    The inmate will be able to call your office; however, the call must be positively accepted. Typically, automated reception systems do not have any ability to accept a call. Also, the inmate will not be able to dial an extension. In almost all situations, the inmate will not be able to complete the call.

  4. Can the receptionist place the call on hold until the attorney is ready to receive the call, and maintain the entire 30 minute call for communication with the inmate?
    No. The call must be accepted within 60 seconds of it being answered at the attorney's office. After 60 seconds, the call will be timed out and disconnected. The call length timer starts when positive acceptance of the call is made.

  5. If the call is placed on hold, will silence on the line trigger a termination of the call?
    After the call is accepted, silence alone will not disconnect the call. However, it is possible that a “click” or some other line noise during the silence may be seen as a three-way call attempt, and disconnect the call.

  6. Many inmate telephone systems have algorithms to detect the transfer of a call, or patching someone onto a three-way call, which causes the call to terminate. Will this be a problem if the receptionist answers the phone and transfers it to me?
    Your receptionist will be able to transfer the call to one of the extensions within your company, but calls may not be forwarded to outside numbers.

  7. How many minutes per month is allowed per inmate?
    TDCJ now has unlimited minutes per month for each eligible inmate.

  8. How will the calls be billed?
    There are three separate payment methods:
    • Direct-Collect Billed – You accept the call charges when the inmate calls you. You will receive a monthly invoice detailing your calls. This account will be automatically created when you register with the Friends & Family Enrollment Center.
    • Friends & Family Prepaid – Telephone number owner prepays for service. Once the account has been established, anyone can fund the account. Refunds are available for 365 days from date of last activity.
    • Inmate Prepaid Debit – You can fund the Inmate's Prepaid Debit account. You do not need to be on the Inmate Visitor List to fund the account. Funds placed in inmate accounts become the property of the inmate, and can be used to call anyone. Friends & Family members will not be able to request refunds from these accounts.

  9. Will calls be monitored or recorded?
    No

  10. How do I register a cell phone?
    Send in your registration using the suggested attorney registration letter and a copy of your phone bill showing attorney/firm name and phone number. Once it is received, a representative will contact the attorney and facilitate a 3 way call with the wireless provider to determine if the cell phone is a prepaid or postpaid phone and to verify the owner of the cell phone. The attorney has to be present to be on the 3 way call. Other staff cannot participate on this call for the attorney. Note: The cell phone has to be registered with the state bar.

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