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Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)

James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit

One mile north of downtown Huntsville on FM 247 in Walker County

21 FM 247, Huntsville, TX 77320

(936) 295-5768

Facility overview

Unit type: Correctional Institutions Division - Prison (Diagnostic Intake Facility)

Gender: Male

Capacity: 1,341

Custody levels: G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, NR Transient, MH, State Jail, SK, II, MD, DP, PR, IT, OT, FT, Security Detention

Common questions

What are the visiting hours at Byrd Unit?

Visits at James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit must be scheduled in advance through TDCJ's online Unit Visitation Scheduler at visitation.tdcj.texas.gov. General visitation runs 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at most TDCJ units (a few high-volume units run 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.); the exact day and time session assigned to a specific offender depends on their housing area and visitor list, and visits typically last up to two hours. Confirm James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit's current schedule and book through the official scheduler before traveling — hours can change without notice.

Verified 2026-08-06 by Aaron Mitchom

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How do I find out if someone is being held at Byrd Unit?

To find out if someone is being held at James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit or elsewhere in TDCJ, use the free TDCJ Inmate Search tool (you'll need the person's last name plus first initial, or their TDCJ/SID number). Records are refreshed on business days and can be up to 24 hours old. You can also call the TDCJ Inmate Locator / General Information line at (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283.

Verified 2026-08-06 by Aaron Mitchom

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What is the phone number for Byrd Unit?

James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit's main phone number is (936) 295-5768.

Verified 2026-08-06 by Aaron Mitchom

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What is the mailing address for Byrd Unit?

Personal mail (letters, cards, photos) for an inmate at James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit should be addressed with the inmate's full committed name and TDCJ number and sent to TDCJ's Digital Mail Processing Center at PO Box 660400, Dallas, TX 75266-0400 — TDCJ scans incoming personal mail and uploads it to the inmate's tablet rather than delivering paper mail to the unit. Legal mail, and books/publications sent directly from a publisher, go to the unit's physical address instead: James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit, 21 FM 247, Huntsville, TX 77320.

Verified 2026-08-06 by Aaron Mitchom

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How do I send money to an inmate at Byrd Unit?

You can deposit money into an inmate's Trust Fund account at James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit by money order or cashier's check made payable to 'Inmate Trust Fund for [Offender Name and TDCJ Number]' and mailed to Inmate Trust Fund, PO Box 60, Huntsville, TX 77342-0060, or online/by phone through TDCJ's approved vendors (Access Corrections, TouchPay, or eCommDirect). Only people on the inmate's approved visitor list or telephone list are allowed to deposit funds.

Verified 2026-08-06 by Aaron Mitchom

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How do I send mail to an inmate at Byrd Unit?

To send mail to an inmate at James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit, write the inmate's full committed name and TDCJ number on the envelope and mail it to TDCJ's Digital Mail Processing Center, PO Box 660400, Dallas, TX 75266-0400; personal mail is scanned and uploaded to the inmate's tablet, usually within about three business days. Legal mail, media correspondence, and publisher-sent books/magazines should be mailed directly to the unit at 21 FM 247, Huntsville, TX 77320 instead. Mail without the inmate's full name and TDCJ number will be returned to sender.

Verified 2026-08-06 by Aaron Mitchom

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What is the dress code for visiting Byrd Unit?

Visitors to James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit must follow TDCJ's statewide visitation dress code: shirts and shoes are required, and clothing may not be tight-fitting, revealing, or made of see-through fabric. Sleeveless tops are allowed but must cover the shoulders, and dresses/skirts must be no more than three inches above the middle of the knee. Visitors must bring photo ID, may not bring cash beyond $35 in coins, and cannot bring tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or cell phones past the secure perimeter.

Verified 2026-08-06 by Aaron Mitchom

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How do I check parole or release information for an inmate at Byrd Unit?

Parole review status and release information for an offender at James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit can be checked online through the TDCJ Inmate Search / Parole Review Information tool, or by calling the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles status line at (844) 512-0461 with the offender's name, TDCJ number, and/or date of birth. Online status information is refreshed on business days and may be up to 24 hours old.

Verified 2026-08-06 by Aaron Mitchom

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Where is Byrd Unit located?

James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit is located at 21 FM 247, Huntsville, TX 77320 — One mile north of downtown Huntsville on FM 247 in Walker County.

Verified 2026-08-06 by Aaron Mitchom

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Who do I contact for legal help regarding Byrd Unit?

For legal help related to a case or conditions at James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit, contact the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral and Information Service at (800) 252-9690, or reach out to Texas RioGrande Legal Aid or the Texas Legal Services Center for free or low-cost civil legal aid. TDCJ's Access to Courts program also provides law library access so inmates can prepare their own filings.

Verified 2026-08-06 by Aaron Mitchom

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What security level is Byrd Unit (minimum, medium, maximum, or death row)?

James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit houses offenders at the following custody levels: G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, NR Transient, MH, State Jail, SK, II, MD, DP, PR, IT, OT, FT, Security Detention.

Verified 2026-08-06 by Aaron Mitchom

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What type of TDCJ unit is Byrd Unit (state jail, transfer facility, etc.)?

James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit is a state prison unit that also serves as TDCJ's diagnostic intake facility, where newly received male offenders are processed and classified.

Verified 2026-08-06 by Aaron Mitchom

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How many inmates does Byrd Unit hold?

James "Jay" H. Byrd Unit has an operating capacity of approximately 1,341 offenders.

Verified 2026-08-06 by Aaron Mitchom

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