Travis County Jail: Questions and Answers

If you cannot find a friend or relative and think they may be in Travis County Jail, knowing where to start can ease some of the uncertainty. These answers explain how to look for someone in custody and navigate the county’s jail procedures.

Call (512) 829-3081 for help locating your loved one and reviewing the steps available to seek release.

Where Can I Find Someone Held in Travis County?

Our line is available 24 hours a day. Call (512) 829-3081 and we can help check the inmate records.

When Can Someone Leave Travis County Jail?

After an arrest, jail staff complete booking and the court addresses the applicable bond and release conditions. Release may require a cash deposit, a surety bond or an approved personal bond, together with compliance with any other requirements. The person can leave once release is authorized, any outstanding holds are resolved and jail processing is complete.

Read more about the Travis County booking process. An attorney can help identify the required steps and prepare the appropriate paperwork, but cannot promise how long the court or jail will take.

Where Can I Check an Inmate’s Time in Custody?

Use the Sheriff’s Time in Custody resource to check the available custody information.

How Can Someone in Jail Reach Their Attorney?

The jail provides free local calls to registered attorneys, limited to 20 minutes. Attorneys must complete the required registration for their number to be on the private Do Not Record list. Calls to unregistered numbers may be recorded.

An attorney can leave a message at (512) 854-4666 asking a client to call. The attorney should have the client’s booking number, full name and date of birth. Registered attorneys can also arrange attorney video visits.

Can I Arrange a Face-to-Face Visit?

Check the official visitation rules before making plans. Schedule a face-to-face visit at least 24 hours ahead through Travis County Visitation Scheduling. Arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in and follow the facility’s dress code. Late check-in can result in a canceled visit.

Confirm the person’s visitation eligibility with jail staff, including:

Whether their housing classification allows the requested visit.
Whether a disciplinary restriction or lockdown affects visitation.
Whether a protective order prevents contact with the visitor.

What Are the Options for Video Visitation?

The county offers onsite video visits through kiosks and at-home communication through GettingOut. Onsite video visits are administered at the Travis County Correctional Complex in Del Valle. Check the county’s video visitation information for schedules, registration and current charges before booking.

At-home access and availability depend on the service and the person’s custody restrictions. If an in-person visit is not permitted, ask staff whether a video visit is allowed. A video option does not override a protective order or other contact restriction.

How Can I Speak With an Inmate by Phone?

The Sheriff’s Office lists ViaPath Technologies prepaid calling accounts for communication with people in custody. Review the official phone-account instructions before setting up or funding an account.

Ask the provider whether collect calls to your landline are available and what charges or limits apply.
Confirm the options and call limits for receiving calls on a cellphone.
Check with the facility about commissary phone cards, their current availability and whether any balance can be used after release.

Call options, prices and time limits can change. Confirm the current rules with the provider.

How Can I Add Money to an Inmate’s Account?

Money for a person in custody goes through the Inmate Trust Fund. The Sheriff’s money and commissary instructions explain the current in-person, mail and Western Union options, as well as commissary purchases. Have the person’s identifying information ready and follow the instructions for the method you choose.

How Do I Collect an Inmate’s Belongings?

Property release at both the Travis County Jail and the Travis County Correctional Complex is listed as available seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Special arrangements may be available when property is needed to secure release. Check the current property-release instructions before traveling.

Bring a valid photo ID. The person in custody must designate you and sign the required property-release form before staff can release the belongings.

Can I Bring Medication to Someone in Jail?

Do not take medication to either jail facility unless the jail’s medical staff has contacted you and asked you to do so. During intake, the person should tell staff about prescriptions and medical needs. The jail’s medical team and pharmacy manage treatment and medication.

For questions about prescriptions or permitted over-the-counter products, contact the medical team through the Sheriff’s medical information page.

Help Your Loved One Seek Release

Ken Gibson and his team help clients pursue release and assess their criminal defense options. Depending on the evidence, that work may include seeking reduced charges or dismissal. An arrest does not determine the eventual outcome, and each case requires its own review. Send your information to request a free consultation with no obligation to hire the firm.

Call (512) 829-3081 any time, day or night. Our office is one block from the jail.

Send a Request for Help, 24 Hours a Day

Phone

(512) 829-3081

Address

The Law Office of Ken Gibson
812 San Antonio St #100
Austin, TX 78701